The 1961 Lloyd LT comes from a period when small European cars emphasized economy, compact dimensions, and light, efficient road manners. For owners keeping one of these uncommon postwar imports on the road, tire choice has a big influence on both appearance and how authentically the car presents. This model uses either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial, both on a 13-inch rim. That opens the door to traditional whitewall bias-ply styles as well as blackwall radial options from well-known European-oriented tire lines. The right choice depends on whether the priority is restoration-minded appearance, road-use character, or a careful move from vintage construction to a radial equivalent.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 Lloyd LT
The 1961 Lloyd LT uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is mainly construction rather than wheel diameter since both fit a 13-inch rim. The first step is deciding whether the car is being kept on its 560-13 bias-ply fitment or fitted with a 155R13 radial, then confirming that the wheel width and overall setup match the tire being considered.
In 155R13, the 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. For a 1961 Lloyd LT, this size represents the radial fitment on a 13-inch rim and gives the buyer a more modern sizing convention than the older numeric bias-ply format. Available choices center on blackwall radial designs from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. It is the size to evaluate when the goal is a radial setup with period-appropriate European character rather than a traditional whitewall bias-ply look.
In 560-13, the 560 identifies the tire's nominal section width in vintage bias-ply sizing, roughly corresponding to 5.60 inches, while 13 indicates the wheel diameter. On the 1961 Lloyd LT, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and speaks directly to owners who want a more vintage tire presentation. Available versions include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles from BFGoodrich, along with a wide whitewall Firestone option in classic bias-ply series. This size is the natural starting point for a restoration-oriented look, but the wheel width and any interest in radial alternatives should still be checked before choosing.
Fitment for the covered 1961 Lloyd LT sub-model is straightforward, since the LT 600 uses the same two tire-size paths already associated with the model. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because it confirms that the car belongs in this fitment group before choosing between bias-ply appearance and radial construction.
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1961 Lloyd LT 600
The 1961 Lloyd LT 600 uses the same 13-inch tire fitment choices, with 560-13 in bias-ply form and 155R13 in radial form. That gives the owner a clear decision between a more traditional whitewall bias-ply presentation and a blackwall radial setup that follows a later metric sizing convention.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1961 Lloyd LT
For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative and P155/70R13 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series option. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than serving as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the radial-equivalent comparison, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1961 Lloyd LT Tires for Sale
Available 1961 Lloyd LT tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 155R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. The product grid lets buyers compare classic bias-ply series, European-style radial series, and narrow or wide whitewall treatments.
Owners researching 1961 Lloyd LT tires usually need to sort out the difference between 560-13 and 155R13, confirm the 13-inch rim fitment, and decide whether a bias-ply or radial setup better suits the car's appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 Lloyd LT?
The 1961 Lloyd LT uses two fitment paths on a 13-inch rim: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Those are the meaningful sizes to focus on for this model, and the LT 600 falls within the same fitment group.
The main decision is not simply tire size, but whether the car is staying with its vintage numeric bias-ply format or moving to a radial size. Wheel width, vehicle setup, and the intended look of the car should all be confirmed before choosing between the two.
What size rim does a 1961 Lloyd LT use?
The 1961 Lloyd LT uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment and the 155R13 radial fitment, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems are different.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small vintage car. The next step is checking wheel width, because the bias-ply and radial options do not share the same width requirements, and that can influence whether a particular tire is a sensible match for the wheel already on the car.
What does 560-13 mean on a 1961 Lloyd LT?
A 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 represents the tire's nominal section width in the older bias-ply sizing system, roughly 5.60 inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
Understanding that older format matters because it points to a traditional bias-ply tire rather than a metric radial. On a 1961 Lloyd LT, choosing 560-13 usually means aiming for a more vintage presentation, often with whitewall styling, while also making sure the wheel width matches the requirements of the specific bias-ply tire selected.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1961 Lloyd LT?
For the 1961 Lloyd LT, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered here in classic bias-ply construction, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles that suit a traditional vintage presentation.
That matters because a bias-ply setup influences both appearance and tire selection. Anyone comparing 560-13 against a radial alternative should verify wheel width and overall vehicle setup instead of assuming the same wheel works equally well with every construction type available for the car.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. No bias-look radial equivalent is identified for this size.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to those radial-equivalent comparisons. That makes wheel width one of the first things to verify, followed by tire dimensions and vehicle clearance, since an equivalent size is a useful alternative reference point rather than an automatic one-for-one replacement.
What should I check before converting my 1961 Lloyd LT from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width, since the 1961 Lloyd LT keeps a 13-inch rim but radial choices such as 155R13 or other listed equivalents may call for different width compatibility than a 560-13 bias-ply tire. Tire dimensions and load suitability also need attention.
The rest of the inspection should focus on real-world fitment. Check fender and steering clearance, look for suspension wear, and make sure the car has not been altered with different wheels or chassis changes over the years. On a lightly used collector car, age and condition of the existing wheels also deserve a close look.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1961 Lloyd LT?
Choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1961 Lloyd LT starts with the fact that it is a bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch rim. From there, the key differences are sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility within the available bias-ply options.
A buyer focused on vintage presentation may compare narrow whitewall versus wide whitewall styling first, then look at BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in their respective classic bias-ply series. Wheel width should still be verified carefully, because some 560-13 choices are intended for slightly different rim-width ranges.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 Lloyd LT tires?
The 1961 Lloyd LT has several sidewall treatments available depending on tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial choices are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.
That split makes sidewall style part of the larger decision about how the car should look. A blackwall radial leans toward a later metric radial presentation, while whitewall bias-ply tires deliver a more traditional small-car appearance. Once the desired look is settled, the next checks are construction, wheel width, and size compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1961 Lloyd LT?
Tires for the 1961 Lloyd LT are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply choices with vintage whitewall styling.
Brand should be considered alongside construction type, sidewall appearance, and tire series rather than in isolation. The right comparison is whether the tire supports the kind of car you are building or driving, whether that means a restoration-minded bias-ply look or a radial setup with a more modern metric format.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 Lloyd LT?
For a period-style 1961 Lloyd LT, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural place to start. It uses the vintage numeric size associated with the car and is available in traditional whitewall presentations that suit a restoration-oriented appearance better than a later-style metric radial look.
The final choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual effect is desired. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options create noticeably different presentations, so buyers concerned with exact historical appearance should compare the tire against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1961 Lloyd LT?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1961 Lloyd LT as much as it changes the sizing language on the sidewall. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional small-car stance and allows whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial presents a later metric radial appearance in blackwall form.
That visual difference matters on a compact European car where the tire is a noticeable part of the overall proportion. Owners restoring for shows, photos, or a distinctly vintage look often start with bias-ply construction, while those prioritizing radial fitment should accept that the car will present with a different visual character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 Lloyd LT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Lloyd LT even when the nominal tire size stays within the normal range. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body repairs can all influence whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial setup remains appropriate.
A careful check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fender and steering components. On an older imported car, even small changes can matter, so it is wise to inspect the actual vehicle rather than assuming it still matches original wheel and suspension dimensions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 Lloyd LT on new tires?
Before driving a 1961 Lloyd LT on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tires are mounted on the correct rim size and width, and make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock. Tire pressure, visible defects, and secure valve hardware should also be checked.
A brief road test is best done only after confirming the rest of the car is ready for use. Pay attention to suspension condition, steering response, and any signs of contact or vibration. On a collector vehicle that has seen long storage, recheck air pressure and fasteners again after the first short drive.
How should 560-13 tires on a collector 1961 Lloyd LT be maintained?
560-13 tires on a collector 1961 Lloyd LT should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and routine review of how the tires are aging over time. Low annual mileage does not prevent deterioration on an older collector car.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before each driving season rather than assuming they are ready because tread still looks good. Any persistent air loss or sidewall damage deserves immediate attention.
