1962 Triumph Sports Six Tires

The 1962 Triumph Sports Six uses two 13-inch tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the Sports Six Base, so the fitment question is less about trim differences and more about which construction type matches the car's current setup and the owner's goals.

That means the next step is confirming the actual wheel width and deciding whether the car is being kept in a period-style bias-ply format or moved to a radial-size alternative. Cars with replacement wheels, suspension changes, or long-ago conversions deserve a careful measurement before a tire is selected.

The 1962 Triumph Sports Six uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its tire sizes. That applies whether the car is using a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial tire, so the wheel diameter itself remains consistent across the fitment options found for this model.

Rim diameter is only part of the check, though. Wheel width still matters, especially because the available bias-ply and radial products are built around different rim-width ranges. Before choosing a tire, inspect the actual wheels on the car and confirm that their width suits the size and construction being considered.

On a 1962 Triumph Sports Six, 560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates an approximate nominal section width of 5.60 inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is a traditional bias-ply format rather than a modern metric radial size.

That size interpretation matters because a 560-13 tire is chosen differently than a metric radial. Buyers usually compare sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width suitability within that bias-ply size, then decide whether to stay with the original-style construction or evaluate one of the radial equivalents tied to 560-13.

For the 1962 Triumph Sports Six, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the vintage numeric fitment on a 13-inch rim and is available in classic bias-ply series from BFGoodrich and Firestone, including whitewall sidewall treatments that suit a traditional presentation.

That matters because a bias-ply tire is not the same thing as a radial equivalent, even when both are used on the same rim diameter. Owners choosing 560-13 usually prioritize period-style appearance and original-type construction, while those considering a change should verify wheel width and overall fit before converting to a radial alternative.

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. These all keep the 13-inch rim diameter, but they represent different sizing systems and profile families rather than one identical radial format.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with those equivalents, which makes wheel measurement especially important. Even when the rim diameter matches, the buyer should still compare wheel width, actual tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering before treating one of these radial sizes as a suitable alternative.

Start by confirming the car's current wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare those measurements against the radial size being considered for the 1962 Triumph Sports Six. For a 560-13 bias-ply conversion, the available radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, all intended for 13-inch rims.

Beyond size labels, inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the overall state of the wheels themselves. A Sports Six that has seen aftermarket wheel changes or suspension work may not behave like a stock car. Taking those checks seriously helps avoid selecting a radial that is dimensionally reasonable on paper but awkward on the actual vehicle.

Choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1962 Triumph Sports Six starts with staying in the correct bias-ply size and confirming that the wheel width matches the product being considered. From there, the main distinctions are brand, tire series, and sidewall style, with BFGoodrich and Firestone options available in classic bias-ply construction.

Appearance plays a large role in this size because narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are both offered. Wheel-width specifications differ as well, so the same size code does not remove the need to check the rim. That combination of fitment and visual choice makes 560-13 selection more nuanced than simply matching the number.

Sidewall styles for the 1962 Triumph Sports Six include blackwall in the radial 155R13 range and narrow whitewall or wide whitewall in the 560-13 bias-ply range. Those choices create a clear visual split between a more understated radial presentation and a more traditional vintage sidewall look.

The right choice depends on how the car is being used and presented. A buyer focused on a cleaner road-going radial setup may lean toward blackwall, while a restoration-oriented owner may want the visual character of a whitewall bias-ply. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size, construction, and wheel compatibility are confirmed.

Tire options for the 1962 Triumph Sports Six come from Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, and from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. The available product lines include Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.

Brand choice should be treated as one part of a broader fitment decision rather than the starting point. The more important first step is deciding whether the car is staying with bias-ply construction or using a radial-size alternative. Once that is settled, sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and overall appearance become easier to compare within the proper group.

A period-style 1962 Triumph Sports Six usually starts with the 560-13 bias-ply size rather than the 155R13 radial. That keeps the car in the vintage numeric sizing format and opens up classic bias-ply tire series from BFGoodrich and Firestone, along with whitewall sidewall treatments that suit an early 1960s presentation.

The exact visual target still matters, because narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices can change the car's overall look. For owners pursuing strict historical accuracy, marque literature, period photos, and club guidance are the right places to confirm what best matches the car. For many restorations, though, 560-13 bias-ply is the natural starting point.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1962 Triumph Sports Six because the 560-13 bias-ply fitment carries a distinctly vintage presentation, while the 155R13 radial brings in a more modern sizing format and blackwall appearance. Even on the same 13-inch rim diameter, those two directions create a noticeably different visual impression.

That makes construction choice part of the restoration plan, not just a driving decision. Owners preserving an early 1960s feel often stay with bias-ply sizing and traditional sidewall treatments, while drivers who expect more regular road use may accept a more modern look. The best choice depends on whether authenticity of appearance or radial-style usability leads the project.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Triumph Sports Six even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels may change width, and suspension or ride-height changes can alter clearance at the fenders, steering, or inner wheelhouse. Those differences matter with both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial setups.

A car that has been changed over the years should be measured rather than assumed to match original geometry. Checking wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and steering movement from lock to lock helps prevent interference. That is especially important before moving from one construction type to another or trying one of the radial equivalents for 560-13.

Before driving a 1962 Triumph Sports Six on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension throughout the steering range. It is also worth checking for loose wheel hardware, uneven suspension wear, and any signs that the old tires were rubbing.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so a basic road-use inspection should include brakes, steering response, and the general condition of shocks, bushings, and wheel bearings. A short, careful test drive after installation can reveal vibration, pulling, or clearance issues early, before the car is taken on a longer outing.

560-13 tires on a collector 1962 Triumph Sports Six should be kept at the correct inflation and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Because collector vehicles are often driven less frequently, age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth when judging the condition of a bias-ply tire.

Storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls over time. The car should also be checked before each driving season, especially if it has been sitting. A careful visual inspection and pressure check are simple habits that help preserve both tire life and confidence on the road.