The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine sits squarely in the early 1960s British sports-car tradition, blending light roadster character with crisp styling and a compact footprint that rewards careful tire choice. For collectors and drivers alike, the Alpine’s appeal is closely tied to how it looks and feels on narrow 13-inch wheels. Tire fitment for this model year spans both period-style bias-ply sizes, 560-13 and 600-13, and radial sizes, 155R13 and 165R13, depending on sub-model. That opens the door to blackwall radials or whitewall bias-ply options in several series. The key is matching the correct size to the exact Alpine configuration and deciding whether appearance, driving character, or a restoration-minded presentation matters most.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on identifying the exact sub-model. All of them fit 13-inch rims, but fitment differs between Base and Coupe versions and also spans both bias-ply and radial construction. That means the real first step is confirming the car’s configuration, then choosing between a period-style bias-ply presentation and a radial setup within the correct size range.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, this size gives the buyer a radial option on a 13-inch rim rather than a period-style bias-ply layout. Available choices are centered on blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, including Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series offerings. This size is worth considering when the goal is to stay with the Base model’s radial fitment and compare tire series, rim-width compatibility, and overall presentation.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 560 designation representing a nominal 5.60-inch section width and 13 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, it serves as a period-style bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch wheel and preserves the traditional look many restoration-minded owners want. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with classic bias-ply series available. This size makes sense when the car is being kept closer to its vintage tire character and the wheel width matches the bias-ply requirements.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 165 referring to nominal section width in millimeters, R for radial construction, and 13 for the wheel diameter. On the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, this is the larger radial fitment used on the Coupe, still mounted on a 13-inch rim. Blackwall options are available from Michelin and Dunlop, with Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and SP Sport Aquajet series represented in this size. This size should be evaluated when the car is a Coupe and the goal is to retain the correct radial fitment while comparing brand, series, and wheel-width suitability.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 600 denotes an approximate 6.00-inch section width and 13 designates the wheel diameter. For the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe, it represents the period-style bias-ply choice on the same 13-inch rim diameter used across the model range. Available products focus on BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is the one to review when a Coupe owner wants a traditional appearance and needs to confirm that wheel width and overall vehicle setup suit a bias-ply tire.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine because the Base and Coupe do not share the same tire sizes. Both use 13-inch wheels, but each version has its own bias-ply and radial size pair, so confirming the exact sub-model comes before choosing construction, sidewall style, or tire series.
1
1962 Sunbeam Alpine Base
The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Base uses the smaller of the two fitment groups, with 155R13 in radial form and 560-13 in bias-ply form. That gives Base owners a clear choice between blackwall radial products and whitewall bias-ply tires, depending on whether road use or period-style appearance is the higher priority.
The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe uses the larger fitment group, pairing 165R13 as the radial size with 600-13 as the bias-ply size. That makes Coupe tire selection less about sorting through every Alpine size and more about deciding whether to stay with the Coupe’s radial fitment or pursue a more traditional bias-ply look.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
For the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, 560-13 and 600-13 each have three radial-equivalent options. For 560-13, the equivalents 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 equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in the same progression. These choices move from classic Euro-metric sizing to lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and the suggested rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel width and clearance should be checked before changing sizes.
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 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Tires for Sale
Available 1962 Sunbeam Alpine tires cover both radial and bias-ply construction across Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone lines. Buyers can compare blackwall radial series such as Michelin XAS and SP Sport Aquajet against bias-ply whitewall options in narrow and wide whitewall form.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, how Base and Coupe fitment differs, and how to sort through bias-ply, radial, sidewall, and road-use considerations before making a final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine uses more than one tire size. 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 around a 13-inch rim diameter.
The practical decision starts with identifying whether the car is a Base or Coupe. After that, the next step is choosing between the radial size tied to that sub-model and the corresponding bias-ply size, then confirming that the wheel width and the car’s current setup still match the tire being considered.
What size rim does a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine use?
The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine uses a 13-inch rim diameter across its covered tire sizes. That is true for the Base model’s 155R13 and 560-13 fitments as well as the Coupe’s 165R13 and 600-13 fitments, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizes differ by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing narrow bias-ply tires with radial alternatives, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel on the car before ordering tires if the Alpine has had wheels changed or updated at some point in its life.
Do all 1962 Sunbeam Alpine sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Base and Coupe do not use the same tire sizes. The Base uses 155R13 or 560-13, while the Coupe uses 165R13 or 600-13. Each sub-model has its own radial and bias-ply pairing, even though all four sizes are intended for 13-inch wheels.
That difference means a buyer should not choose a tire by year, make, and model alone. Confirming whether the car is a Base or Coupe narrows the fitment immediately, and from there the choice becomes one of construction, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability rather than guessing between unrelated Alpine sizes.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
A 1962 Sunbeam Alpine can be set up with either bias-ply or radial tires, but the correct size depends on the sub-model. The Base uses 560-13 as its bias-ply size and 155R13 as its radial size, while the Coupe uses 600-13 in bias-ply form and 165R13 in radial form.
The choice usually comes down to how the car is being used and how period-oriented the presentation needs to be. Bias-ply tires preserve a more traditional look, while radials follow a more modern sizing convention, so wheel width, clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering should be reviewed before changing construction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13 on a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
For 560-13, the radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. In each case, the first option is an 80-series metric radial, followed by a 75-series P-metric radial and then a 70-series P-metric radial.
Those equivalents are useful comparison points, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. A move from one sizing convention to another should be checked against the actual wheel width, the tire’s intended rim range, and the clearance available at the fenders and steering components on the specific Alpine being fitted.
What should I check before converting my 1962 Sunbeam Alpine from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the car’s sub-model, because the Base and Coupe use different size pairings when moving from bias-ply to radial. A Base conversion centers on 560-13 to 155R13, while a Coupe conversion centers on 600-13 to 165R13, with additional P-metric equivalents also available for each bias-ply size.
Wheel width is an important checkpoint, since the suggested radial-equivalent rim-width range for both bias-ply sizes is 4 to 5 inches. It is also smart to inspect steering and fender clearance, verify that the wheels are truly 13-inch rims, and account for any suspension or wheel changes the Alpine may have received over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine tire?
The first consideration is the exact sub-model, because a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Base uses different tire sizes than a Coupe. After that, the main decision is whether the car should stay with its radial size or use the corresponding bias-ply size, since both construction types are part of the Alpine’s fitment picture.
Once size and construction are settled, compare practical details such as wheel-width suitability, sidewall style, and the tire series available in that size. A blackwall radial gives a different visual character than a narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply, so the right choice depends on how the car is driven and presented.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Sunbeam Alpine tires?
Sidewall choice depends on the tire size and construction selected for the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. The radial sizes, 155R13 and 165R13, are offered as blackwall tires, while the bias-ply sizes, 560-13 and 600-13, are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments depending on the product.
That makes sidewall style part of the overall character of the car, not just a cosmetic afterthought. Buyers pursuing a cleaner sporting look often focus on blackwall radials, while those restoring for a more traditional early-1960s presentation may prefer one of the whitewall bias-ply options in the correct sub-model size.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial side in 155R13 and 165R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply sizes, with BFGoodrich represented in both 560-13 and 600-13 and Firestone available in 560-13.
Brand choice should be filtered through the correct sub-model size first, because not every brand appears in every Alpine fitment. After that, compare the construction type, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability within that exact size rather than choosing a brand name before the fitment is narrowed down.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
A period-style 1962 Sunbeam Alpine usually starts with the bias-ply size tied to the car’s sub-model. That means 560-13 for the Base or 600-13 for the Coupe, both on 13-inch rims. Those sizes preserve the vintage sizing format and are available in whitewall variations that suit a traditional presentation.
The final choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual character is desired. A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall create noticeably different appearances, so owners concerned with exact historical authenticity should compare the car against marque literature, period photography, or club guidance before selecting a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1962 Sunbeam Alpine in a noticeable way. Bias-ply sizes such as 560-13 and 600-13 carry the traditional vintage sizing format and can be paired with narrow or wide whitewalls, while radial choices such as 155R13 and 165R13 are offered as blackwalls.
That means construction is not only about driving feel but also about how the car sits and presents itself visually. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented look often begin with the bias-ply size assigned to their sub-model, while those prioritizing a cleaner sporting appearance may lean toward the blackwall radial alternatives.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine even when the tire size itself is correct for the model and sub-model. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all change how a 13-inch tire sits in relation to the car.
That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial construction, since wheel-width suitability can differ by size. A quick check of the actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the Alpine on paper but conflicts with the way the specific car is currently set up.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter, confirm the wheel width suits the tire chosen, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, especially on a car that has spent long periods in storage.
Collector cars often need more than just fresh rubber to be road-ready. A careful pre-drive check should also include looking for rubbing at full steering lock, verifying there are no cuts or bulges from handling damage, and confirming that all four tires match the intended size and construction for that specific Alpine setup.
How should tires on a collector 1962 Sunbeam Alpine be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 Sunbeam Alpine should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition rather than tread depth alone. Whether the car wears 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, or 600-13, low annual mileage does not prevent cracking, flat-spotting, or general rubber deterioration.
Storage conditions matter just as much as road use. Keeping the Alpine away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and occasional inspections for air loss, sidewall splitting, or uneven wear can catch problems early before a short local drive or a longer outing becomes risky.
