1965 Triumph Sports Six Tires

The 1965 Triumph Sports Six uses two primary 13-inch tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Those are the two fitment paths for this model, so the correct starting point is determining which construction type matches the way the car is currently set up or the way you want it to drive and present.

Since both sizes fit a 13-inch wheel, the decision is not just about wheel diameter. Wheel width matters, and so does the intended character of the car, because a narrow bias-ply and a classic radial do not make the Sports Six look or feel quite the same. If the car has replacement wheels, confirm width and clearance before choosing either size.

The 1965 Triumph Sports Six uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 560-13 and 155R13. That keeps wheel diameter simple, but it does not mean every 13-inch wheel is equally suitable for both constructions, since the available tires use different rim-width ranges depending on the exact product.

A radial such as 155R13 can call for a different wheel-width window than a 560-13 bias-ply tire. Before choosing a tire, measure the wheels actually on the car rather than assuming they are original. That is especially important on older British sports cars, where replacement steel wheels and aftermarket wheel changes are common over time.

Yes. The 1965 Triumph Sports Six Base uses the same two primary sizes associated with this model: 560-13 in bias-ply form and 155R13 in radial form. The fitment question for the Base model is therefore not a trim-specific size difference, but which of those two constructions is appropriate for the car's current wheel and appearance goals.

That makes selection more straightforward, but it still helps to inspect the actual wheels before ordering tires. A car restored around a traditional bias-ply look may be using a narrower wheel than one fitted with radial tires. Verifying wheel width and checking fender and steering clearance will help keep the final choice consistent with the setup already on the car.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1965 Triumph Sports Six. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, and it represents the more traditional construction choice for this model. Available 560-13 products also lean toward a classic look, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions offered in bias-ply tire lines.

That matters because staying with 560-13 keeps the car in its traditional sizing language and construction type. Buyers who want a period-style appearance often start there, while owners looking for a radial alternative usually shift to a different size format instead of searching for a radial version of 560-13. Wheel width should still be confirmed before selecting a specific tire.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial. Those are equivalent-size options for buyers moving from the original numeric bias-ply format into radial sizing while keeping the Sports Six in a 13-inch wheel diameter.

The practical difference is that these options use different sizing conventions and profile families, so they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the radial equivalents, and the car should be checked for wheel compatibility and clearance before making the change from a 560-13 bias-ply setup.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car, then compare that to the radial size you are considering. On the 1965 Triumph Sports Six, the common move away from 560-13 bias-ply centers on radial equivalents such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, all of which still need to match the wheel correctly.

The next checks are steering clearance, fender clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. A radial conversion can also change the car's look compared with a traditional bias-ply tire, so appearance matters as much as dimensions for many owners. That combination of wheel match, clearance, and presentation is what should guide the final decision.

The main decision is whether the car should use the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size. From there, compare wheel-width compatibility, construction type, sidewall appearance, and the intended use of the car. A restoration-oriented Sports Six often points buyers toward the bias-ply side, while a driver-focused setup may lead them toward the radial fitment.

Once the correct size path is clear, the remaining choices are more specific. Look at brand, tire series, whitewall or blackwall treatment, and any meaningful differences in load capacity or tire weight where available. Matching the tire to the car's wheels and to the owner's visual goal usually matters more here than chasing minor specification differences in isolation.

Sidewall choices for the 1965 Triumph Sports Six depend on the tire size and construction you choose. The 155R13 radial options are available as blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That creates a clear split between a more understated radial presentation and a more visibly vintage bias-ply look.

Selecting a sidewall style should follow the broader fitment decision, not replace it. Whitewalls can strongly influence the car's visual character, but they still need to be chosen within the correct size and wheel range. If the goal is a period-style appearance, compare the whitewall treatments carefully; if the goal is a cleaner sporting look, the blackwall radial options may be more appropriate.

Tires for the 1965 Triumph Sports Six are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply choices. That brand spread is useful because it follows the two fitment paths rather than giving several brands all in the same construction and appearance style.

The practical way to use that brand variety is to narrow the decision by size and construction first. After that, compare tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility within the relevant group. A buyer deciding between whitewall bias-ply products is making a different kind of comparison than someone choosing between blackwall radial offerings for regular road use.

For a period-style 1965 Triumph Sports Six, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. That keeps the car in its traditional numeric sizing format and opens the door to classic-looking bias-ply tire lines. Within that size, there are whitewall options that can shape the finished presentation of the car without moving into a modern radial look.

The right choice depends on whether the goal is a broadly vintage appearance or a restoration that aims for exact historical detail. Tire size and construction are only part of that conversation, so owners pursuing strict originality should compare the car against marque references, period photos, and other vehicle-specific documentation. Appearance should still be balanced against wheel compatibility and planned road use.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling on a restored 1965 Triumph Sports Six; it also changes how the car sits visually. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially when paired with a whitewall treatment. A 155R13 radial moves the look toward a later, more modernized road-car appearance with blackwall styling.

That visual difference matters on a compact British sports car because the tire has a strong effect on overall stance. Buyers restoring for shows, weekend cruising, or historically sympathetic presentation often focus on construction before brand. Owners who want the car to remain visually close to its era usually weigh that appearance change just as carefully as they weigh the practical advantages of switching to radials.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1965 Triumph Sports Six even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels may alter width, and suspension or ride-height changes can affect clearance around the fenders and steering components. Those changes become especially important when deciding between the narrower 560-13 bias-ply format and the radial alternatives.

A Sports Six that has been lowered, fitted with replacement wheels, or rebuilt with nonstock suspension parts should be measured before tire selection. Check wheel width, inspect lock-to-lock steering clearance, and make sure the tire does not crowd the wheel opening. Small sports cars leave less room for assumptions, so a quick physical inspection can prevent fitment surprises.

Before driving a 1965 Triumph Sports Six on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm that lug hardware and wheel seating surfaces are in good condition, and verify that the tires have adequate clearance at the fenders and steering stops. It also helps to check alignment and make sure the suspension and steering components are not worn.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the first road test should be cautious even with fresh tires installed. Recheck tire pressure after the initial drive, look for any rubbing marks, and pay attention to vibration or pull. A sound tire installation works best when the rest of the chassis is ready for road use as well.

Collector-car tires on a 1965 Triumph Sports Six should be checked regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear, whether the car runs 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials. Low-mileage use does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a car that spends much of its time parked.

Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to inspect them before any longer outing rather than assuming they are fine because the car was driven only occasionally. Regular pressure checks and visual inspections go a long way on lightly used classic cars.