The 1961 Nissan SPL sits in the early postwar sports-car era, when compact Japanese roadsters were carving out a place with simple mechanicals, light weight, and distinctly European-influenced proportions. For owners today, tire choice is tied closely to the exact SPL variant, because this model appears with both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments and with both bias-ply and radial size paths. That means the decision is not just about replacing an old tire, but about matching the correct size, construction, and overall look to the specific car. Available choices range from traditional whitewall bias-ply options to blackwall radials, with a modern radial equivalent also available for the 560-13 size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 Nissan SPL
The 1961 Nissan SPL uses four primary tire sizes across two distinct sub-model fitments, and the first step is confirming whether the car is an SPL 213 or an SPL 310. Wheel diameter matters just as much, because these fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch rims and include both period bias-ply sizing and radial alternatives. Once the exact sub-model and wheel setup are confirmed, the decision becomes whether to stay with the original-style construction or evaluate a radial option in the correct size family.
145R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1961 Nissan SPL, this size represents a modern radial-style fitment for the 14-inch setup rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply format. Available tires in this size include blackwall offerings from Firestone and Camac in radial series such as F560 Radial and BN313 Radial. It is the right size family to evaluate when the car has the 14-inch wheel fitment and a radial construction is being considered.
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 520 designation refers to nominal section width in the older inch-based system, while 14 identifies the wheel diameter. This is the traditional bias-ply fitment associated with the 14-inch wheel setup on the 1961 Nissan SPL, making it especially relevant for owners preserving an early period-style tire presentation. In this size, the available choices center on Premium Sport Lowrider bias-ply tires with narrow whitewall treatments in different widths. It is the size to focus on when maintaining a vintage look on the SPL 213 and confirming compatibility with the car's narrower original-style wheels.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size where 155 denotes nominal section width in millimeters, the R marks radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. For the 1961 Nissan SPL, this size serves the 13-inch wheel setup in a radial format, giving owners a blackwall radial path for cars built around the smaller wheel diameter. Product choices include Michelin and Dunlop, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size deserves consideration when the car is an SPL 310 and the goal is to keep the proper 13-inch fitment while selecting among established radial offerings.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 560 indicates nominal section width in the vintage inch-based system and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1961 Nissan SPL, it is the bias-ply fitment for the 13-inch setup and is especially important for owners after a more traditional small-car profile. This size is available in period-style bias-ply lines from BFGoodrich and Firestone, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations. It is also the primary size on this vehicle with clearly defined modern radial equivalents, so it is often the key decision point for an SPL 310 owner balancing appearance and road use.
Sub-model fitment on the 1961 Nissan SPL is not interchangeable, because the covered variants split between 14-inch and 13-inch wheel setups and between different primary tire sizes. Checking the exact SPL designation matters before selecting either a bias-ply replacement or a radial alternative.
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1961 Nissan SPL 213
The 1961 Nissan SPL 213 uses the 14-inch fitment family, with 520-14 as the bias-ply size and 145R14 as the radial size path. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing between a traditional whitewall bias-ply look and a blackwall radial presentation.
The 1961 Nissan SPL 310 uses the 13-inch fitment family, pairing 560-13 in bias-ply form with 155R13 as the radial size path. Tire selection here often centers on whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented style or shifted toward a modern radial alternative within the same general fitment family.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1961 Nissan SPL
For the original 560-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to later P-metric profiles rather than offering a bias-look radial in this case. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall fit, and clearance should still be checked before making the switch.
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 Nissan SPL Tires for Sale
Available 1961 Nissan SPL tires include radial blackwall choices from Firestone, Camac, Michelin, and Dunlop, along with bias-ply whitewall options from Premium Sport, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. The main comparisons are size, construction, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability across the 13-inch and 14-inch fitments.
Common questions for the 1961 Nissan SPL center on the correct size for each SPL variant, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for 560-13, and what to inspect before putting a lightly used vintage roadster back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 Nissan SPL?
The 1961 Nissan SPL does not use one universal tire size across every version. SPL 213 fitments use 520-14 in bias-ply form or 145R14 in radial form, while SPL 310 fitments use 560-13 in bias-ply form or 155R13 in radial form.
That means the first job is identifying the exact SPL sub-model and confirming whether the car is on 13-inch or 14-inch wheels. On a vintage sports car like this, many examples have seen wheel or tire changes over the years, so checking the actual wheel diameter before selecting a replacement tire is just as important as knowing the year and model.
What size rim does a 1961 Nissan SPL use?
A 1961 Nissan SPL can use either a 14-inch or a 13-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire-size family. The SPL 213 uses the 14-inch fitment family tied to 520-14 and 145R14, while the SPL 310 uses the 13-inch fitment family tied to 560-13 and 155R13.
Rim diameter needs to be confirmed before comparing any bias-ply or radial option, because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel and vice versa. Measuring the wheel, checking the existing tire markings, and verifying wheel width on an older car can prevent ordering a correct-looking tire in the wrong diameter.
Why does the 1961 Nissan SPL have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears because the 1961 Nissan SPL includes different sub-model fitments and two construction paths. The SPL 213 uses the 14-inch family with 520-14 bias-ply or 145R14 radial, while the SPL 310 uses the 13-inch family with 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial.
Those are not interchangeable choices for every car carrying the SPL name. The practical takeaway is to match the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel setup first, then decide whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply appearance or a radial in the correct diameter and general size family.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1961 Nissan SPL?
560-13 is the bias-ply size used on the 1961 Nissan SPL 310. It is part of the older numeric sizing system and belongs to the 13-inch fitment family, while 155R13 represents the radial size path associated with that same wheel diameter.
That distinction matters because a buyer may be choosing between preserving a traditional small-car appearance and moving to a radial format. Before changing construction, it helps to confirm wheel width, compare the intended tire to the actual wheel on the car, and make sure there is adequate clearance around the suspension and body.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents.
Those sizes offer different sizing conventions and profile families rather than one automatic replacement. The owner should compare the intended equivalent against the car's actual wheel width, confirm that the vehicle still has the proper 13-inch setup, and check steering and fender clearance before substituting a radial for the original numeric bias-ply size.
What should I check before converting my 1961 Nissan SPL from bias-ply to radial tires?
The main checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the exact size family used by the car. On the 1961 Nissan SPL, conversion choices depend on whether the car is an SPL 213 using the 14-inch family or an SPL 310 using the 13-inch family, and radial options should stay within the appropriate fitment group.
A careful conversion also includes looking at suspension condition, steering travel, and clearance at the fenders and inner wheelhouses. Cars that have been modified or fitted with non-original wheels deserve extra attention, since an equivalent radial may be appropriate in principle but still needs to be checked against the actual setup on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1961 Nissan SPL?
Start with the exact SPL sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1961 Nissan SPL uses both 13-inch and 14-inch fitment families. After that, the choice usually comes down to construction type, with bias-ply tires serving a more traditional presentation and radial tires offering a modern size format within the proper wheel diameter.
Once the correct size family is confirmed, compare details that affect the end result on the car, such as sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width suitability. A roadster kept for shows and restoration-oriented use may call for a different tire character than one driven regularly, even when both remain within the correct fitment range.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 Nissan SPL tires?
The 1961 Nissan SPL has both blackwall and whitewall tire choices, depending on size and construction. The radial sizes are offered in blackwall form, while the bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, particularly in the 520-14 and 560-13 vintage sizes.
Sidewall style shapes the car's visual character as much as the tire size itself. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner, more understated sports-car look, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more traditional period-style presentation, so the right choice depends on whether the goal is road use, restoration flavor, or a particular appearance theme.
What brands offer tires for the 1961 Nissan SPL?
Tires for the 1961 Nissan SPL are available from Firestone, Camac, Michelin, Dunlop, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich across the applicable 13-inch and 14-inch sizes. Brand availability changes with the size itself, since some brands appear only in radial fitments while others appear only in the vintage bias-ply sizes.
That makes size confirmation the first step before comparing brands. After that, it is more useful to look at what each brand offers in the correct fitment family, such as blackwall versus whitewall appearance, the specific tire series, and the wheel-width range tied to the product being considered.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 Nissan SPL?
A period-style 1961 Nissan SPL usually starts with the original bias-ply size family for the correct sub-model, which means 520-14 for an SPL 213 or 560-13 for an SPL 310. Those sizes preserve the older numeric format and are the closest match to the vintage tire character associated with an early 1960s roadster.
The final choice still depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual impression is desired. Owners chasing exact historical accuracy should compare the tire against marque references and period documentation, while owners focused on a restoration-oriented look may choose among the available whitewall styles within the proper size family.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1961 Nissan SPL?
Tire construction changes both the stance and the visual language of a restored 1961 Nissan SPL. A bias-ply tire in 520-14 or 560-13 keeps the older numeric sizing style and supports a more traditional presentation, while radial choices such as 145R14 or 155R13 give the car a later blackwall radial look.
That visual difference matters on a small sports car where the tires are easy to notice against the body and wheel openings. Buyers restoring for driving enjoyment may welcome the radial appearance, but those pursuing a more era-specific result often begin with the correct bias-ply size family and then refine the sidewall treatment from there.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 Nissan SPL?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Nissan SPL even when the tire size itself is appropriate for the model family. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, or suspension repairs can all influence how a 13-inch or 14-inch tire sits in the car's wheel openings.
A vintage roadster should be checked for actual wheel diameter and width before ordering tires, especially if its history is not fully known. Clearance during steering travel, space at the fender edges, and the condition of suspension bushings and springs all deserve attention when the car no longer sits exactly as it did when new.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 Nissan SPL on new tires?
Before driving a 1961 Nissan SPL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion and confirm that the tire size matches the car's 13-inch or 14-inch setup. It is also wise to check for rubbing points, verify inflation, and make sure the valve stems and any related mounting components are in sound condition.
A short shakedown drive should follow any tire change on an older sports car. Pay attention to steering feel, unusual vibration, and any sign of contact under turning or suspension movement, then recheck inflation and visual clearance after the first few miles so small fitment issues can be corrected early.
How should tires on a collector 1961 Nissan SPL be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1961 Nissan SPL should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and gradual air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a lightly used vintage roadster.
Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, and periodic pressure checks are important because an underinflated tire can suffer damage long before a weekend drive reveals that anything is wrong.
