The 1964 Ford Consul sits squarely in the compact European Ford tradition, with simple proportions, light dimensions, and a strong following among owners who appreciate period driving character as much as styling. On this car, tire choice matters because fitment varies between Capri and Cortina sub-models, and both bias-ply and radial options are part of the picture. Depending on the version, the primary fitment centers on 13-inch sizes such as 560-13, 520-13, 155R13, or 145R13. That opens the door to choices in traditional whitewall bias-ply tires, blackwall radials, and modern radial equivalents for certain bias-ply sizes. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model, then balances appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Ford Consul
The 1964 Ford Consul uses four primary tire sizes across its covered sub-models, all on 13-inch rims. The first step is identifying whether the car is a Capri, Capri GT, or Cortina, because tire size and construction vary by sub-model. Once that is confirmed, the decision becomes whether to stay with the period-style bias-ply fitment or choose the radial size associated with that version of the car.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 Ford Consul, this radial size applies to Capri and Capri GT models and gives those cars a period European radial fitment on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is the one to evaluate when the goal is radial construction while keeping the car aligned with its proper Capri-family fitment.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 representing the nominal section width in inches and 13 indicating the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Ford Consul Capri and Capri GT, it provides the traditional bias-ply fitment and a distinctly period-style look and stance on a 13-inch wheel. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across classic bias-ply series. This size makes sense when preserving a more traditional presentation is as important as matching the correct Capri-family tire format.
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 145-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1964 Ford Consul, this is the radial size associated with the Cortina, making it a different fitment path from the Capri-based models. Blackwall options are available from Michelin and Firestone in series including Michelin XAS-FF and F560 Radial. This is the size to focus on when selecting a radial tire for a Cortina and confirming the car is not running a Capri wheel-and-tire setup.
520-13 is a numeric bias-ply designation where 5.20 reflects the nominal section width in inches and 13 is the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Ford Consul Cortina, it represents the period-style bias-ply fitment and keeps the car in its proper small-section 13-inch tire category. Available choices span Firestone and Premium Sport, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments in series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Premium Sport Lowrider. This size deserves close attention when the car is a Cortina and the owner wants to retain a traditional bias-ply look rather than move to a radial alternative.
Tire fitment on the 1964 Ford Consul depends on the exact sub-model rather than following one size across the whole range. Capri and Capri GT share one fitment pattern, while the Cortina uses a different set of 13-inch tire sizes, so confirming the specific version is essential before choosing a tire.
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1964 Ford Consul Capri & Capri GT
The 1964 Ford Consul Capri and Capri GT use either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply tire, both on 13-inch rims. That gives owners a clear choice between a radial setup and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, along with brand and whitewall-style differences within the available products.
The 1964 Ford Consul Cortina uses either a 145R13 radial or a 520-13 bias-ply tire on a 13-inch rim. That makes the Cortina distinct from Capri-based models, so selecting the right tire starts with confirming the car's exact sub-model before comparing construction type and sidewall style.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Ford Consul
For the original 560-13 and 520-13 bias-ply sizes, three radial-equivalent options are available for each size. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the 75-series P-metric radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the 70-series P-metric radial alternative. These options move from classic Euro-metric sizing to lower-profile P-metric formats. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, and any change should still be checked against wheel width, overall setup, 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)
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (520-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (520-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (520-13)
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 1964 Ford Consul Tires for Sale
Available 13-inch choices for the 1964 Ford Consul include radial offerings from Michelin, Dunlop, and Firestone, plus bias-ply options from BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several series depending on the exact sub-model and tire size.
These 1964 Ford Consul tire FAQs focus on the sub-model-specific sizes, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, available radial equivalents, and the practical checks that matter before putting a classic Consul back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Ford Consul?
The 1964 Ford Consul uses different tire sizes depending on the sub-model. Capri and Capri GT use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires, while the Cortina uses either 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply tires. All of those sizes are built around a 13-inch wheel.
The practical step is confirming which Consul version is in front of you before choosing a tire. A Capri-family car and a Cortina do not share the same size set, so tire selection should start with the exact sub-model, then move to construction type, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.
What size rim does a 1964 Ford Consul use?
The covered 1964 Ford Consul tire sizes all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies whether the car is using radial sizes such as 155R13 or 145R13, or bias-ply sizes such as 560-13 or 520-13.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small vintage car. Wheel width still matters, and that becomes more important when comparing original-style bias-ply tires with radial alternatives or checking a car that may have had its wheels changed over the years.
Why does the 1964 Ford Consul have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 1964 Ford Consul range includes different sub-models with different fitments. Capri and Capri GT use 155R13 or 560-13, while the Cortina uses 145R13 or 520-13. The page also includes both radial and bias-ply constructions within those sub-model groupings.
That means the right tire is not chosen by year and make alone. Identifying the sub-model first prevents mixing Capri-family sizes with Cortina sizes, and it also helps narrow the decision between preserving a period-style bias-ply setup or selecting the radial size associated with that version of the car.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Ford Consul?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 Ford Consul Capri and Capri GT. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment, while 155R13 is the radial size associated with those same sub-models.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply 560-13 and a radial 155R13 do not present the same buying decision. Owners usually choose between keeping the period-style bias-ply look, often with whitewall options, or moving toward a radial tire format after confirming wheel width, clearance, and the car's overall setup.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric radial. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches accompanies those equivalent sizes.
Those options give different sizing conventions rather than one automatic substitute. The 155R13 stays in the Euro-metric format, while the two P-metric choices shift to lower-profile alternatives, so the final decision should include wheel width, vehicle clearance, and whether the goal is a traditional appearance or a more modern radial presentation.
What should I check before converting my 1964 Ford Consul from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the conversion to the correct original bias-ply size and sub-model. A Capri or Capri GT using 560-13 can be compared with 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, while a Cortina using 520-13 can be compared with those same radial-equivalent sizes.
Wheel width is an important checkpoint, and the recommended range for those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches. It also helps to verify clearance at the fenders and steering, inspect suspension condition, and confirm that the car is still running the wheel and ride-height setup intended for that tire size family.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1964 Ford Consul tire?
The biggest factor is choosing the tire that matches the correct sub-model. Capri and Capri GT use 155R13 or 560-13, while the Cortina uses 145R13 or 520-13, so the first choice is fitment, followed by whether the car should stay with bias-ply construction or use the radial size associated with that version.
Once the size is settled, compare the available tire styles and specifications that affect how the car looks and sits. Sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and the difference between a traditional bias-ply presentation and a blackwall radial all shape the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Ford Consul tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1964 Ford Consul include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The radial sizes in this fitment group are offered as blackwalls, while the bias-ply sizes introduce the whitewall options that many owners want for a more traditional appearance.
The sidewall decision is usually tied to the look the car is meant to have rather than simple fitment alone. A blackwall radial tends to suit a more understated road-use setup, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires can shift the Consul toward a stronger restoration-oriented or period-style presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Ford Consul?
Tire choices for the 1964 Ford Consul include Michelin, Dunlop, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Premium Sport, depending on the size selected. The radial sizes are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and Firestone, while the bias-ply offerings bring in BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport.
Brand choice should be considered within the correct tire size rather than as a separate decision. After the sub-model and construction are confirmed, compare each brand's available series, sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and stated load information where applicable to find the option that best matches the car's intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Ford Consul?
A period-style 1964 Ford Consul usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the sub-model: 560-13 for Capri and Capri GT, or 520-13 for Cortina. Those sizes preserve the traditional numeric bias-ply format and open the door to whitewall treatments that can strongly influence the car's finished look.
The next step is deciding how formal or understated the presentation should be. Narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall bias-ply choices create different visual effects, and owners seeking exact originality should compare their selection with marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific restoration documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Ford Consul?
Tire construction changes the overall character of a restored 1964 Ford Consul as much as the size itself. Bias-ply tires keep the car in a traditional vintage format, while the radial sizes associated with these sub-models present a more modern tire construction and, in this fitment group, a blackwall-only appearance.
That makes construction choice part of the restoration conversation, not just a driving decision. Owners who want a more period-style visual result often stay with the correct bias-ply size, while owners prioritizing radial construction should still consider how the tire's shape and sidewall treatment affect the finished appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford Consul?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford Consul even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, suspension height, or body clearance can alter how a 13-inch tire sits and whether it clears steering and fender areas properly.
That is especially important on a compact vintage car where the margin around the tire can be modest. A Consul with aftermarket wheels or altered ride height should be checked carefully before moving between bias-ply and radial constructions or before choosing one of the radial-equivalent sizes tied to the original bias-ply fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Ford Consul on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the basic condition of the suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the tire size matches the car's exact sub-model and that each tire is mounted on an appropriate 13-inch wheel with suitable width for that specific tire.
A final walkaround should include tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, and clearance at full steering lock if there is any question about the wheel setup. On a collector car that may sit for long periods, it is also wise to watch for air loss, cracking, cuts, bulges, or other age-related issues before a longer outing.
How should 1964 Ford Consul tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tires on a 1964 Ford Consul should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, cracking, tread wear, and any bulges or cuts that can develop over time. That applies whether the car is using a bias-ply size such as 560-13 or 520-13, or one of the 13-inch radial fitments.
Storage conditions matter because many classic cars spend more time parked than driven. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires, and periodic inspections remain important even when tread wear is minimal because age and storage can matter as much as mileage.
