1962 Fairthorpe Electrina Tires

The 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina uses two recognized tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are tied to a 13-inch rim, so the fitment decision is centered more on construction and wheel width than on wheel diameter alone.

That means the next step is confirming how the car is equipped and what type of driving or presentation is desired. A traditional bias-ply setup keeps the vintage numeric size format, while the radial option uses a classic Euro-metric layout. On a small specialty car like the Electrina, it is especially important to verify wheel width and clearance before changing from one construction style to the other.

The 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina uses a 13-inch rim diameter for both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is running the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size, so tire selection stays within the same basic wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. The available tires are built around different rim-width ranges, and that matters when choosing between the bias-ply and radial options. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is a smart step, especially on a low-production collector vehicle where wheels may have been changed over time.

On a 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 560 portion refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, while the 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. It is a traditional vintage sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.

Understanding that format helps separate appearance and construction choices. A 560-13 tire keeps the car in a period-style bias-ply presentation, and the available products include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. Before choosing it, check that the wheel width matches the intended tire and that the overall setup still provides suitable clearance around the body and suspension.

For the 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to vintage fitments and is offered here in classic bias-ply construction rather than as a radial primary fitment.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the look of the car and the type of options available. In this size, the buyer can choose among traditional whitewall presentations and classic bias-ply series from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Anyone considering a move away from 560-13 should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and the car’s available clearance instead of assuming every radial alternative will behave the same.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 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. These are the recognized radial alternatives associated with the original 560-13 bias-ply size.

Each one represents a different sizing convention and profile family, so the choice is not simply about picking any 13-inch radial. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent route, and the final decision should also take wheel compatibility, body clearance, and the car’s current setup into account before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

Before converting a 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina from 560-13 bias-ply tires to a radial alternative, confirm the actual wheel width, the 13-inch rim diameter, and the specific radial size under consideration. The recognized radial-equivalent path includes 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended 4- to 5-inch rim-width range tied to that conversion path.

After that, inspect the car itself rather than focusing only on the tire code. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and any previous wheel changes all matter on a compact specialty car. It is also wise to think about the intended outcome, since switching to a radial may change the visual character of the car even when the rim diameter remains the same.

Start with the two core decisions: whether the car should stay with the 560-13 bias-ply format or move to the 155R13 radial format, and whether the actual wheel width supports that choice. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, but the available products differ in construction, sidewall presentation, and rim-width specifications.

From there, match the tire to the way the Electrina is being finished and driven. Bias-ply options lean toward a traditional visual presentation with whitewall choices, while the radial options are blackwall designs from Michelin and Dunlop. Looking at series, load figures where stated, and wheel compatibility will help narrow the decision without turning a style preference into a fitment assumption.

The 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina has two distinct sidewall directions available in its current tire choices. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.

That sidewall difference can have as much visual impact as the size or construction itself on a small-bodied early-1960s specialty car. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner, more understated presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply choices create a more traditional vintage look. The best approach is to choose the sidewall treatment that suits the car’s finish and era feel while still confirming wheel compatibility for the selected construction.

Tires for the 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina 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 options.

Those brand differences matter mainly because they separate the vehicle’s available tire styles and construction paths. The Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet lines keep the radial fitment in a blackwall presentation, while the BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply offerings bring traditional whitewall styling into the decision. The best comparison is not brand versus brand alone, but brand, construction, sidewall style, and wheel-width requirements together.

For a period-style 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vehicle’s traditional numeric size format and opens the door to vintage-style whitewall presentations. That makes it especially relevant when visual authenticity and early-1960s character are central to the project.

Within that size, the real choice becomes how traditional the finished car should look. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are both available, but appearance preferences should be checked against period photos, marque-club guidance, or restoration references if exact historical presentation matters. The final selection should still respect the wheel width actually on the car, especially if it has been changed during past restoration work.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina; it also changes the car’s visual language. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the vintage numeric sizing format and allows whitewall styling, while the 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires in a later metric-style size format.

That contrast can shift the car from a more traditional restoration-oriented presentation to a cleaner, more modernized classic look. Neither direction is automatically right or wrong, but the choice should be made intentionally. Owners focused on a historically sympathetic finish usually start with the bias-ply path, while those prioritizing a radial format should still make sure the look remains balanced with the car’s compact proportions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina even when the tire still appears to be the right nominal size. Changes to wheels, wheel width, suspension height, spring condition, or body clearance can all influence whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial remains a sensible choice.

That is especially important on a compact specialty vehicle, where small changes can have a noticeable effect on steering and fender clearance. If the car has aftermarket wheels or altered suspension components, measure the wheel and inspect the available space before selecting a tire. A 13-inch rim alone is not enough to confirm suitability when the rest of the setup has changed.

Before driving a 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm the tires are mounted in the intended size, and check that there is no interference at full steering lock or normal suspension movement. Tire pressure, valve condition, and general wheel condition should also be reviewed.

A short shakedown drive is wise after installation, particularly on a collector car that may sit for long periods. Pay attention to air retention, any rubbing, and how the car tracks and steers. It also helps to recheck lug hardware and visually inspect the sidewalls after the first miles, since early fitment issues often show up quickly on lightly used vintage vehicles.

Collector-car tires on a 1962 Fairthorpe Electrina should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread depth. Whether the car is on 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss before road use.

Storage conditions matter too, since low-mileage classics often age their tires more through time than through distance. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber. It is also smart to inspect the tires before every longer outing, because a specialty car that sees infrequent use can develop condition issues that are easy to miss between drives.