The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine arrived as a light British sports car with crisp roadster proportions and the kind of nimble character that still draws enthusiasts to early import classics. Its appeal today often lies in balancing authentic small-car feel with practical road use. Tire fitment on the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine centers on 13-inch wheels, with both bias-ply and radial sizes appearing across the Base and Coupe sub-models. That creates meaningful choice between traditional whitewall bias-ply styling and blackwall radial options from Michelin and Dunlop. The key is matching the correct size to the exact sub-model, then deciding whether period-style appearance or modern radial driving manners matters more to the car's intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine uses four primary tire sizes across its covered configurations, and the first step is identifying whether the car is a Base model or a Coupe. All of the sizes fit 13-inch rims, but the fitment differs by sub-model and by construction, with bias-ply and radial choices representing different approaches to appearance, road feel, and restoration direction.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, this size serves buyers who want a radial tire on the appropriate 13-inch wheel setup. Available choices are blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. This size is worth considering when the car is set up for the Base model fitment and the goal is a more modern radial format rather than a traditional bias-ply presentation.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 560 designation reflects a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, while 13 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment associated with the Base configuration and keeps the tire in a period-style sizing system. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in classic bias-ply series. This size makes sense when maintaining a more vintage visual character matters and the wheel dimensions remain appropriate for bias-ply fitment.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, this size applies to the Coupe radial fitment and gives buyers access to several blackwall radial choices on the same basic wheel diameter. Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet options create useful variation in series and specification within the size. This is the size to evaluate when the car is a Coupe and the goal is to stay with the radial fitment rather than shift toward the narrower-looking bias-ply alternative.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 600 indicates a nominal section width of roughly 6.00 inches and 13 denotes the wheel diameter. On the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, this is the bias-ply counterpart for the Coupe fitment, preserving a traditional construction and classic sidewall presentation on a 13-inch wheel. BFGoodrich offers this size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. It is the right size to review when the car is a Coupe and the priority is a vintage look and bias-ply construction rather than a blackwall radial setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine because the Base and Coupe do not share the same tire sizes. Both use 13-inch rims, but each sub-model has its own bias-ply and radial pair, so confirming the exact version of the car comes before choosing construction or sidewall style.
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1961 Sunbeam Alpine Base
The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Base uses the smaller of the two fitment groups, with a choice between a radial and a bias-ply size on 13-inch wheels. That makes the next decision less about rim diameter and more about whether the car is being kept in a traditional period-style presentation or moved toward radial road use.
The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe uses the larger 13-inch fitment pair, again split between radial and bias-ply construction. Tire selection here comes down to confirming the Coupe setup first, then choosing between blackwall radial options or whitewall bias-ply tires that better suit a restoration-oriented appearance.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine
For the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, the 560-13 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options, and the 600-13 bias-ply size has three as well. For 560-13, the available alternatives are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 600-13, the choices are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in the same format progression. Recommended rim width for these equivalent paths is 4 to 5 inches, and any change should be checked against wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance.
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)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
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 Sunbeam Alpine Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch choices for the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine include Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone products across radial and bias-ply construction. The product grid shows blackwall radial sport-touring styles alongside narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply options in classic series.
These FAQs focus on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine tire size differences between Base and Coupe models, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for 560-13 and 600-13, and practical checks before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
A 1961 Sunbeam Alpine does not use just one tire size across all covered configurations. The Base model uses 155R13 in radial form or 560-13 in bias-ply form, while the Coupe uses 165R13 in radial form or 600-13 in bias-ply form. All of these sizes are built for 13-inch rims.
The practical first step is confirming whether the car is a Base or a Coupe, then deciding whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup. That choice affects not only the size itself, but also the available brands, sidewall styles, and tire series you can consider.
What size rim does a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine use?
The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine uses a 13-inch rim diameter across its covered tire fitments. That applies to the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 as well as the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a small sports car. Wheel width still matters when comparing bias-ply and radial options, so it is worth checking the actual wheels on the car before choosing a tire, particularly if the car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels.
Do all 1961 Sunbeam Alpine sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Base and Coupe use different tire-size groups even though both are built around 13-inch rims. The Base uses 155R13 or 560-13, while the Coupe uses 165R13 or 600-13, so tire choice depends on the exact sub-model rather than the model name alone.
That difference matters because moving from one size group to another changes more than the number on the sidewall. It also changes the available products, the rim-width ranges tied to some options, and the balance between traditional bias-ply appearance and radial construction for regular road use.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Base. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing format, where the leading number reflects nominal section width and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On this car, it represents the traditional-construction choice rather than the radial option.
That matters because a 560-13 bias-ply tire brings a different look and fitment approach than a radial alternative. Buyers comparing it to 155R13 or other equivalent radial sizes should confirm wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before changing construction, especially on a car that may not still have its original wheel setup.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13?
For a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, 560-13 corresponds to three radial-equivalent sizes: 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The 600-13 size has its own three radial-equivalent options: 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13.
Those options give you several radial sizing formats rather than one automatic substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with those equivalency paths, but wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance around the fenders and suspension still need to be verified before any conversion is finalized.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
That depends on how the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine is being used and presented. Bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 keep the car in a traditional sizing and construction format, while 155R13 and 165R13 place it in radial form. Both types appear within the covered fitments for this model year and model family.
Bias-ply usually appeals to owners focused on vintage appearance, especially with narrow or wide whitewall options, while radial choices suit buyers looking for a more modern tire format in blackwall designs. The decision should be made after confirming the car's exact sub-model, wheel dimensions, and how closely the finished look needs to follow a period-style presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine tire?
Start with the exact sub-model, because a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Base and Coupe do not use the same size group. After that, decide whether the car should stay with a bias-ply size such as 560-13 or 600-13, or use a radial size such as 155R13 or 165R13 on the proper 13-inch wheel setup.
Once the correct size and construction are settled, compare the available tire character within that size. The choices here vary by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specification, so the right selection depends on whether the car is being finished for period-style appearance, occasional touring, or more regular road driving.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 Sunbeam Alpine tires?
Sidewall styling on 1961 Sunbeam Alpine tires varies by size and construction. The radial options in 155R13 and 165R13 are available in blackwall form, while the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 are offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That creates a clear visual split between radial and bias-ply choices.
The sidewall you choose has a strong effect on the car's finished look, especially on a compact early-1960s sports car. Whitewalls tend to support a more traditional restoration-oriented presentation, while blackwalls keep the look simpler and more sporting. The best choice depends on the sub-model, the correct size, and the appearance you want once the car is on its wheels.
What brands offer tires for the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
Tires for the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, depending on the size and construction chosen. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 in blackwall form, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply sizes with whitewall styling options.
Brand choice should come after the correct sub-model and tire size are established, because not every brand appears in every fitment. It also helps to compare the tire series within each size, since the available lines include Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
A period-style 1961 Sunbeam Alpine usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the car's sub-model: 560-13 for the Base or 600-13 for the Coupe. Those sizes keep the car in a traditional numeric bias-ply format and open the door to narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, depending on the exact tire selected.
That approach supports a more vintage presentation, but exact originality can vary by individual car and restoration goal. Buyers chasing a highly specific historical result should compare the intended tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a brand, whitewall width, or construction type.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
On a restored 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, tire construction changes the visual character as much as the sidewall treatment does. Bias-ply tires in 560-13 or 600-13 carry a more traditional small-car look, especially with narrow or wide whitewalls, while 155R13 and 165R13 radials present the car in a more modern blackwall radial format.
That visual difference matters because the Alpine's scale and proportions make the tire a very visible part of the finished restoration. Buyers who want a more vintage stance and presentation often stay with bias-ply, while owners building a road-driven car may prefer radial construction and accept the more contemporary appearance that comes with it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine?
Yes. Even though the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can change how well a given size works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, changed offset, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all affect clearance and the relationship between the tire and the wheel.
That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial options or evaluating one of the radial-equivalent sizes for 560-13 or 600-13. A car that no longer sits or steers like a stock example should have its actual wheel dimensions and clearance checked at the front and rear before new tires are chosen.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires?
Before driving a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and confirm that nothing rubs at steering lock or through suspension travel. It also helps to verify valve stems, wheel condition, and inflation.
A collector car deserves a broader check than tire fitment alone. Look over the suspension, steering, and brake condition, then examine each tire for proper seating, visible damage, or air loss after installation. A cautious first drive is wise so any vibration, pull, or clearance issue can be caught early rather than after a longer trip.
How should 560-13 or 600-13 tires on a collector 1961 Sunbeam Alpine be maintained?
560-13 and 600-13 tires on a collector 1961 Sunbeam Alpine should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the tread and sidewalls, and careful storage habits when the car is not driven often. Bias-ply tires especially deserve routine attention because many collector cars spend long periods parked between outings.
A good habit is to inspect for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, or slow air loss before each drive, not just during annual service. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and moving the car occasionally can reduce stress from sitting in one position for extended periods.
