1964 Ford Cortina Tires

A 1964 Ford Cortina uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with this model, and both the Base and GT share those same fitment choices on 13-inch wheels.

That means the key decision is not just size, but also construction and appearance. A bias-ply 560-13 keeps a more traditional presentation, while 155R13 gives the Cortina a radial-format option. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years.

The 1964 Ford Cortina uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent across the basic fitment choices.

Rim diameter is only part of the check, though. Bias-ply and radial products can call for different rim-width ranges, so it helps to measure the wheels actually on the car before selecting a tire. That becomes especially important on a Cortina that has aftermarket wheels or has been restored with non-original wheel hardware.

Yes. Both the 1964 Ford Cortina Base and 1964 Ford Cortina GT use the same two tire-size options: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. There is no separate size split between those covered sub-models.

That shared fitment keeps the tire search simpler, but it does not remove the need to inspect the car itself. A Cortina that has had wheel swaps, suspension changes, or a long restoration history may not still be on its expected setup. Confirming the wheel dimensions and the tire type already mounted helps avoid ordering by sub-model name alone.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 Ford Cortina. It uses the older numeric sizing system, and the available products in this size are classic bias-ply designs rather than radial tires.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the car’s appearance and the kind of product choices available, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Owners considering a switch away from 560-13 should compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming every radial alternative will behave the same on the car.

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 equivalent uses the same 13-inch rim diameter, but the sizing convention changes as you move from the original numeric bias-ply format to metric and P-metric radial formats. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, so the wheel itself and the car’s clearance should be checked before making the change.

That choice depends on how the 1964 Ford Cortina is being used and presented. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional sizing format, while 155R13 gives it a radial option that still stays within the established 13-inch fitment family.

Appearance usually drives the decision for restoration-minded owners, especially when whitewall styling matters. Road-use priorities may point toward a radial-format tire instead. Either way, the wheel width, the car’s current setup, and the owner’s expectations for presentation versus driving feel should be reviewed before changing construction.

A 560-13 tire for a 1964 Ford Cortina should first be chosen as a bias-ply fitment on the correct 13-inch wheel. After that, the most meaningful differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility, since available products include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

BFGoodrich and Firestone both appear in this size, but the decision is less about ranking brands and more about matching the tire to the car’s presentation and wheel setup. Check the actual wheel width on the Cortina, then decide whether a traditional whitewall treatment or a different classic look better suits the car.

The available sidewall styles for 1964 Ford Cortina tires include blackwall in 155R13 radial products, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in 560-13 bias-ply products. That gives the car a meaningful spread of appearance choices while staying inside the known fitment range.

Sidewall style can noticeably change the car’s overall look, especially on a compact 1960s sedan with relatively small wheels. A blackwall radial tends to present a cleaner, more understated look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional visual statement. The right choice depends on whether the goal is subtle road use or a stronger vintage impression.

Tires for the 1964 Ford Cortina 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.

That brand spread is useful because it separates the decision into two paths. Radial buyers can compare blackwall offerings in different series, while bias-ply buyers can focus on classic whitewall presentation and wheel-width compatibility. Start by confirming whether the Cortina is staying with bias-ply construction or moving toward a radial-format tire before narrowing the brand choice.

For a period-style 1964 Ford Cortina, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it keeps the car in its vintage numeric tire format. Available bias-ply choices also include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, which can strongly influence the car’s final presentation.

The best visual match depends on how the Cortina is being restored and what look the owner wants to emphasize. A traditional bias-ply shape and whitewall treatment can support a more restoration-oriented appearance, but exact originality claims should be checked against marque references, historic photos, or model-specific documentation before settling on a final sidewall style.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1964 Ford Cortina more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the car in its traditional vintage format, while a 155R13 radial introduces a later-style radial presentation even though it still fits the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That difference matters visually at the sidewall and tread profile level, especially on a compact car where the tire is a prominent part of the overall stance. Owners aiming for a more restoration-oriented look often start with the bias-ply format, while those prioritizing road use may accept a more modern radial appearance within the established size range.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford Cortina even when the intended tire size is one of the known 13-inch options. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can all influence how a 560-13 or 155R13 tire sits and clears.

That is why the car itself should be checked before treating any size as automatic. Measure the installed wheel diameter and width, then look at steering clearance, inner-fender space, and overall tire position. A Cortina that has been modified over the years may need more careful verification than a car still on a stock-style wheel setup.

Before driving a 1964 Ford Cortina on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires seat properly, and check inflation carefully. It also helps to look over the suspension, steering components, and brake hardware so the new tires are not masking another issue.

A short, careful test drive is a smart next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the tires have settled in. On a collector-era car that may not see daily use, it is also worth confirming that the spare and any long-stored wheel hardware remain serviceable.

Collector-car tires on a 1964 Ford Cortina should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage practices. Whether the car is on 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.

Long-term care matters as much as mileage on a low-use Cortina. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, and ozone sources when possible, and inspect the tires before each road outing rather than relying on tread depth alone. A lightly driven collector car can still age its tires out before it wears them out.