1963 Triumph Sports Six Tires

The 1963 Triumph Sports Six uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch wheels, so the main fitment decision is not wheel diameter but which construction style and sizing system matches the car's current setup and your intended use.

A car preserved with vintage-style wheels and appearance goals may point toward 560-13, while a radial-based setup may lead toward 155R13. Before choosing either size, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and check that previous owners have not changed the wheels or suspension in a way that alters the most suitable tire choice.

The tire fitments used on a 1963 Triumph Sports Six both center on a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, so there is no split between different wheel diameters at the basic fitment level for this model.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, because wheel width still affects which tire is appropriate. Some 560-13 bias-ply options are intended for narrower wheels than the radial choices, so measuring the wheel before ordering is worthwhile, especially on a car that may have been updated, restored, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years.

Yes. The 1963 Triumph Sports Six Base uses the same two fitment paths found at the model level: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. The shared 13-inch rim diameter keeps fitment straightforward, but the construction difference still makes the tire decision an important one.

That means the Base model does not require a unique tire size search, but it does benefit from choosing the right style of tire for the car's current condition and purpose. A restoration-minded car may favor the bias-ply route, while a driver-oriented setup may lead toward the radial size after checking wheel width and overall clearance.

On the 1963 Triumph Sports Six, 560-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format, and available products in this size are classic bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich and Firestone. The radial fitment for this car is handled separately through the 155R13 size.

That distinction matters because a 560-13 bias-ply setup is not simply a radial described differently. If the car is currently on 560-13 tires and a radial change is being considered, wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should be reviewed carefully rather than assuming any radial marked for a 13-inch rim will suit the same setup.

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 options give the 1963 Triumph Sports Six owner several radial comparison points without changing wheel diameter from the original 13-inch format.

The recommended rim width range associated with that equivalent path is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel measurement especially important before a conversion. Even when an equivalent is available, final suitability still depends on the actual wheel on the car, tire dimensions, steering clearance, and the overall condition and setup of the suspension.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width actually on the car. A 560-13 bias-ply Triumph Sports Six can be evaluated against radial equivalents such as 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, but those sizes should be treated as alternatives to compare rather than automatic swaps.

Look closely at tire-to-fender and steering clearance, especially if the car has replacement wheels, altered ride height, or older suspension components. It also helps to inspect the wheels themselves for condition and make sure the car's intended use matches the change, since some owners prioritize vintage appearance while others are building around a radial driving setup.

The biggest decision is whether the car should stay with the 560-13 bias-ply fitment or use the 155R13 radial fitment. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they differ in construction, appearance, and the types of products available. That makes the right choice as much about the vehicle's setup and goals as the size itself.

Once the fitment path is clear, compare wheel width, sidewall style, and the look you want the car to carry. A period-style restoration may lean toward classic bias-ply whitewalls, while a driver-oriented setup may favor the blackwall radial options. Product weight and load figures can also help separate otherwise similar choices within the same size.

The available sidewall styles for a 1963 Triumph Sports Six include blackwall in the 155R13 radial size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options in the 560-13 bias-ply size. That gives the car noticeably different visual directions even before construction type, brand, or tire series are considered.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the overall character of the car in mind rather than as a standalone detail. A blackwall radial tends to suit a cleaner sporting presentation, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more vintage visual impression. Matching sidewall treatment to wheel design and restoration goals usually produces a more cohesive result.

Michelin and Dunlop offer radial choices for the 1963 Triumph Sports Six in 155R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer bias-ply choices in 560-13. Those brands also reflect the split between the car's two fitment directions: modern-style radial options on one side and traditional bias-ply products on the other.

The practical next step is comparing each brand within the correct size rather than trying to choose a brand first. Tire series, sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being restored or regularly driven matter more than the name on the sidewall alone when narrowing down the best match for the vehicle.

For a period-style 1963 Triumph Sports Six, the 560-13 bias-ply size is usually the most natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing format and traditional construction. Available options include BFGoodrich and Firestone classic bias-ply tires, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall variations that can change the car's visual character.

The best appearance choice depends on how strictly the restoration is being interpreted and what wheel setup the car currently uses. When exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references and restoration documentation are worth checking before settling on a particular brand or whitewall treatment. That extra step helps separate general period style from exact historical detail.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1963 Triumph Sports Six; it also changes how the car presents visually. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps a more traditional small-sports-car look, especially when paired with whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial blackwall gives the car a later, more modern tire appearance.

That visual difference is often as important as the mechanical one on a collector British car. Owners trying to preserve a distinctly early-1960s feel usually start with the bias-ply format, while owners prioritizing regular road use may accept the radial look. In either case, the wheel dimensions should support the tire choice so appearance and fitment stay aligned.

Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits on a 1963 Triumph Sports Six even when the size itself is appropriate on paper. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, and body or fender work can all influence whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial remains the best practical choice.

A modified car should be measured, not assumed. Check wheel width, tire clearance at full steering lock, and space around the fenders and suspension before selecting a replacement. Those checks become especially important when comparing bias-ply and radial setups, because the car may no longer reflect the wheel and stance it had when originally built.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the car's setup. It is also wise to check for any interference around suspension parts, inner fenders, and steering components once the new tires are installed.

A collector-era British sports car also benefits from a broader inspection before a meaningful drive. Look at tire pressure, lug hardware, visible sidewall condition, and any signs of rubbing after a short test roll. The goal is not just to have new tires on the car, but to confirm the entire wheel-and-tire package is working cleanly and safely.

Collector-car tires on a 1963 Triumph Sports Six should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. That applies whether the car is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials. Low annual mileage does not eliminate aging, so appearance and condition both deserve attention.

Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage sports car. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and check pressures before driving after long periods of inactivity. Regular inspection helps catch age-related problems early and keeps the car more road-ready when driving opportunities arise.