1966 Ford Cortina Tires

The 1966 Ford Cortina uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the Cortina on a 13-inch rim, so the size decision is tied more to construction type and tire style than to a change in wheel diameter.

That means the next step is deciding whether the car should keep a period-style bias-ply look or move to a radial-format tire. Wheel width still matters, and any Cortina with replacement wheels or prior modifications should have the actual wheel setup checked before a tire is chosen.

The 1966 Ford Cortina uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The 155R13 radial and the 560-13 bias-ply are both built around that same rim diameter, so confirming a 13-inch wheel is the starting point before comparing constructions or sidewall styles.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older car that may no longer have its original wheels. It is worth checking wheel width as well, since the available radial and bias-ply products do not all share the same rim-width range.

The covered 1966 Ford Cortina sub-models share the same tire-size choices. Both the Base and GT can use 155R13 radial tires or 560-13 bias-ply tires, which keeps the basic fitment consistent across the range rather than assigning a separate size to each sub-model.

That consistency makes sub-model selection easier, but it does not remove the need to verify the wheel currently on the car. A Cortina that has been changed over to different wheels, a different stance, or other suspension parts should be measured before settling on one construction or equivalent path.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1966 Ford Cortina. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the size code describing a traditional section-width-based sizing system rather than the modern metric radial format used by 155R13.

That makes 560-13 the size to consider when a period-style construction and appearance are part of the goal. Buyers comparing it with a radial should remember that the construction change can also affect wheel-width suitability and the way the tire presents on the car, even though the rim diameter remains 13 inches.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. In that group, 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the 75-series P-metric equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the 70-series P-metric equivalent.

Those sizes give a Cortina owner several ways to compare radial-format alternatives without changing away from a 13-inch rim. The recommended rim width range tied to the equivalent comparison is 4 to 5 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the car’s wheel width, overall dimensions, and available clearance.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the 1966 Ford Cortina, then compare the radial size being considered against the car’s existing setup. A 560-13 bias-ply can be compared with radial equivalents such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, but the equivalent designation does not remove the need for fitment checks.

Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the car’s intended road use all matter before making the switch. A Cortina with aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or suspension wear should be inspected carefully so the radial conversion is evaluated against the real vehicle rather than an assumed stock setup.

Start with the two core fitment paths: 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, both on 13-inch rims. From there, the most useful comparisons are construction type, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the car is being set up for restoration-oriented presentation or regular road use.

A buyer comparing products should also look at practical details such as load figures where available and whether the current wheel setup matches the tire’s rim-width range. On an older Cortina, that extra step matters because a visually similar 13-inch wheel may still differ enough in width to influence the best choice.

The available sidewall styles for 1966 Ford Cortina tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears with the 155R13 radial choices, while the 560-13 bias-ply products bring in traditional whitewall treatments that can change the car’s overall presentation quite a bit.

That makes sidewall selection an appearance decision as much as a fitment decision. A buyer aiming for a restrained European look may prefer blackwall, while a restoration-oriented or custom presentation may lean toward narrow or wide whitewall, provided the tire’s construction and wheel-width requirements also suit the car.

Brands available for the 1966 Ford Cortina include Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brand choices also separate into different tire series and sidewall treatments rather than offering one uniform look across all products.

Because the brand split follows size and construction, the first decision is still whether the Cortina should run radial or bias-ply tires. Once that is settled, the buyer can compare the available series, sidewall style, and wheel-width suitability inside the correct size instead of trying to compare unlike fitment paths.

For a period-style 1966 Ford Cortina, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural place to start because it preserves the traditional construction and opens the door to classic bias-ply series. That approach tends to suit owners who want the tire itself to contribute to an older visual character rather than a more modern radial presentation.

The final choice still depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what overall appearance is desired. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and historical vehicle documentation are worth consulting, since a period-style tire can be visually appropriate without necessarily proving the exact brand or sidewall treatment originally used.

Tire construction changes more than the internal build of a 1966 Ford Cortina tire; it also influences the visual character of the car. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the presentation closer to a traditional mid-1960s look, while a 155R13 radial generally gives the car a more modern tire format even when the wheel diameter stays the same.

That difference is why construction choice should be made alongside sidewall style rather than treated as a separate technical decision. Blackwall radial options create one look, while narrow whitewall or wide whitewall bias-ply options create another, so the right answer depends on whether the Cortina is being preserved, restored, or tailored for regular driving.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Ford Cortina even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, suspension changes, or bodywork differences can all influence how a 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply sits within the available space.

That is why an older Cortina should be treated as the car in front of you, not simply as a catalog description. Checking wheel dimensions, steering movement, and visible clearance at the fender and suspension helps prevent choosing a tire solely by size code when the actual vehicle setup has changed.

Before driving a 1966 Ford Cortina on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also smart to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being paired with worn parts that can affect tracking or clearance.

A short test drive should be followed by another visual inspection for rubbing, uneven seating, or air loss. Collector cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention because age, storage conditions, and old hardware can matter just as much as the condition of the new tires themselves.

Maintain 560-13 or 155R13 tires on a collector 1966 Ford Cortina by checking air pressure regularly, watching for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and inspecting the tires closely before each road outing. A low-use vintage car can age its tires slowly in mileage terms while still exposing them to time, storage, and environmental stress.

Storage habits matter just as much as inspection habits. Keeping the Cortina away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and any tire showing visible deterioration or persistent air loss should be evaluated by a qualified tire professional before road use.