1964 Triumph Spitfire Tires

A 1964 Triumph Spitfire uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the Spitfire Base and both are intended for 13-inch wheels, so the main fitment decision is not wheel diameter but which construction and sizing system you want to use on the car.

That choice affects both appearance and wheel compatibility. A 560-13 keeps the car in a traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 155R13 follows a Euro-metric radial format. Before selecting either one, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure any previous wheel or suspension changes have not altered the fitment requirements.

The 1964 Triumph Spitfire uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 560-13 and 155R13. The tire size itself carries the 13-inch designation, and the available products for both constructions are built around that same rim diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Bias-ply and radial options for this Spitfire also have different rim-width recommendations, so it is important to check the actual wheel width before choosing a tire. That becomes especially important if the car has replacement steel wheels, aftermarket wheels, or a wheel set that differs from its earlier setup.

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1964 Triumph Spitfire, that size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment path and is available in classic whitewall presentations from brands such as BFGoodrich and Firestone.

This older sizing format is different from a modern metric radial code, so it helps to treat it as its own fitment family rather than assuming a metric tire with a similar width is identical. Owners considering a change away from 560-13 should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before moving to a radial equivalent.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 Triumph Spitfire. It uses the older numeric sizing format common on small sports cars of the period, and the available products in this size are bias-ply designs offered in classic sidewall styles including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That matters because a bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional construction type and visual character. A buyer choosing 560-13 should still verify wheel width, since the available products are built for relatively narrow 13-inch rims. If the Spitfire has later replacement wheels, checking width before ordering becomes just as important as choosing the correct diameter.

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 sizes provide three distinct radial comparison paths for the 1964 Triumph Spitfire while staying within the 13-inch wheel family.

Each of those equivalents should be treated as an alternative, not as an automatic replacement. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalent fitment path is 4 to 5 inches, and it is smart to compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before converting. On a small sports car like the Spitfire, even modest fitment differences are worth checking carefully.

The 1964 Triumph Spitfire supports both approaches, with 560-13 as the bias-ply size and 155R13 as the radial size. Bias-ply appeals to owners who want a more traditional period-style presentation, while radial fitment is often chosen by owners who prefer a later construction format while remaining on a 13-inch wheel.

The right choice depends on how the car is being used and what look you want it to have. A restoration-oriented Spitfire may lean toward the bias-ply route, while a road-driven car may prompt closer interest in radial sizing. Either way, check the actual wheel width and overall setup first rather than assuming every 13-inch wheel is suitable.

Start with construction, wheel width, and appearance. A 560-13 tire for a 1964 Triumph Spitfire is a bias-ply fitment, and the available choices vary by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment. BFGoodrich options appear in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, while Firestone offers a Classic Bias Ply alternative in the same size.

The next step is deciding how you want the car to present visually. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are both available, so the look can change even within the same size. Rim-width compatibility also differs across products, making wheel measurement worthwhile before choosing between otherwise similar 560-13 bias-ply options.

The 1964 Triumph Spitfire has both blackwall and whitewall choices depending on tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are offered as blackwalls, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. That creates a clear visual distinction between the radial and bias-ply product groups.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall presentation in mind, not treated as a minor cosmetic detail. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner later-style look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more vintage presentation. Once the appearance direction is set, compare the remaining product details such as brand, tire series, and wheel-width suitability.

Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all offer tire choices for the 1964 Triumph Spitfire across its two primary sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply fitment with classic-style offerings.

The brand decision should follow the fitment decision, not replace it. Choose the proper size and construction first, then compare the available brands within that fitment path. On this Spitfire, the radial and bias-ply options serve different goals, so the most useful comparison is often between construction types, sidewall styles, and tire series rather than brand name alone.

For a period-style 1964 Triumph Spitfire, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It uses the traditional numeric format and is available in classic bias-ply series from BFGoodrich and Firestone. That makes it the stronger choice when the goal is to preserve the small British sports car's vintage tire character and overall visual balance.

The final choice within that size comes down to sidewall treatment and wheel compatibility. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are available, but appearance preference should be matched to the specific look of the car. If exact originality matters, marque references and restoration photography are useful next checks before settling on a particular sidewall style.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1964 Triumph Spitfire more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the car in an earlier-style tire format, while a 155R13 radial gives the Spitfire a more modern visual treatment. The difference is not only technical; it also affects how the car sits and how authentic the overall presentation feels.

Construction choice also influences which sidewall styles are available. The radial options are blackwalls, while the bias-ply options include narrow and wide whitewall designs. For a restoration-oriented car, that means tire selection should be considered alongside wheel finish, ride height, and the era-specific appearance you want the finished Spitfire to convey.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Triumph Spitfire even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offsets, suspension work, or body clearance differences can all influence whether a 560-13 or 155R13 setup works as expected on the car.

A small sports car leaves less room for assumptions, so it helps to inspect the actual setup before selecting tires. Measure wheel width, verify rim diameter, and look closely at fender and steering clearance. That is especially important when comparing bias-ply and radial choices, since a construction change can bring different wheel-width requirements into the decision.

Before driving a 1964 Triumph Spitfire on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and general clearance around the front suspension and fenders. Confirm that the chosen 13-inch tires match the actual wheel width on the car, and make sure there is no interference at full steering lock or under normal suspension movement.

It also pays to check the rest of the car's road-readiness rather than focusing on the tires alone. Verify tire pressure, look over the braking system, and examine suspension and steering components for looseness or wear. On a lightly driven collector car, a cautious short test drive is a smart way to confirm proper seating, balance, and clearance.

Collector-car tires on a 1964 Triumph Spitfire should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is on 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, pay attention to tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any signs of slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently.

Long periods of sitting can age a tire without adding much mileage, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Keep the Spitfire away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources during storage, and inspect the tires before each outing. A brief walk-around before a drive is often enough to catch pressure loss or visible damage early.