1966 Singer Gazelle Tires

The 1966 Singer Gazelle uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 600-13 and 650-13. Both sizes are built for 13-inch rims, and both are associated with the Gazelle IV, V, and VI range rather than being split into separate sub-model-only fitments.

That means the right choice depends on the actual wheel-and-tire setup currently on the car, not simply the model name on the badge. Checking the size already mounted, confirming wheel width, and deciding whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply replacement or a radial alternative will narrow the decision quickly.

The primary tire fitments for a 1966 Singer Gazelle are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 600-13 and 650-13 use that same rim diameter, so the key wheel measurement is consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in nominal section width.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question. It still helps to verify the wheel width before choosing a replacement tire, especially if the car has been changed over the years. A 13-inch wheel with a different width or an aftermarket design can affect which of the two primary sizes makes the most sense.

Both are vintage numeric bias-ply tire sizes. In this format, the first number is the tire's nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, so 600 means about 6.00 inches wide and 650 means about 6.50 inches wide. The 13 identifies the rim diameter.

For a 1966 Singer Gazelle, those size codes point to two period-style 13-inch bias-ply fitments rather than modern metric radials. Understanding the format helps when comparing replacement tires, because the main difference is not wheel diameter but the broader or narrower overall tire family that the car is set up to use.

Both 600-13 and 650-13 are primary bias-ply tire sizes for the 1966 Singer Gazelle. Those vintage numeric sizes belong to the original-style construction family rather than being modern radial designations, which is why they appear in classic bias-ply product lines and traditional whitewall treatments.

That matters because a buyer is choosing between staying with the period-style construction or evaluating a radial equivalent separately. Keeping bias-ply maintains the original-era look and construction style, while moving to a radial calls for checking wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance instead of assuming the change is automatic.

For 600-13, radial equivalents include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. For 650-13, the radial equivalents are 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13, with 650R13 serving as the bias-look radial option in that size family.

These alternatives span Euro-metric and P-metric formats, along with a more traditional-looking radial for the wider size. The recommended rim-width ranges are 4-5 inches for 600-13 equivalents and 4-6 inches for 650-13 equivalents, so the wheel setup should be confirmed before switching away from the original bias-ply sizing.

Start with the current tire size, wheel diameter, and wheel width on the car. A 1966 Singer Gazelle may be set up around either 600-13 or 650-13, so the correct radial equivalent depends on which primary size the car uses and whether the wheel falls within the appropriate rim-width range.

After that, compare the proposed radial's construction and dimensions against the car's actual setup. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the presence of aftermarket wheels all matter on a compact vintage saloon. A careful conversion is about matching the car's existing hardware, not simply choosing any 13-inch radial.

Begin with the correct primary size, because the 1966 Singer Gazelle uses either 600-13 or 650-13 rather than one universal fitment. Both are 13-inch bias-ply sizes, but they represent different nominal widths, so the car's current wheel-and-tire setup needs to be confirmed before selecting a replacement.

Once the size is settled, the decision shifts to appearance and specification. Whitewall style, brand, tire series, and rim-width compatibility all become relevant, especially on a restoration-minded car. Buyers also need to decide whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply presentation or a carefully checked radial-equivalent alternative.

The available sidewall styles for 1966 Singer Gazelle tire sizes include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall designs. In 600-13, the choices center on BFGoodrich offerings with either a 2.00-inch whitewall or a 1.00-inch whitewall. In 650-13, both Coker Classic and US Royal offer wide and narrow whitewall versions.

Sidewall treatment changes the car's visual character even when the size and construction stay the same. A wider whitewall gives a more formal, distinctly mid-century presentation, while a narrower whitewall looks more restrained. The right choice usually comes down to the look you want on the car rather than a mechanical fitment difference.

The 1966 Singer Gazelle tire sizes are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and US Royal. BFGoodrich appears in 600-13 through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, while 650-13 includes Coker Classic Bias Ply and US Royal Classic Bias Ply options in more than one whitewall style.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact size, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specification rather than on name alone. A buyer comparing these products is really deciding between available presentations within the correct fitment family, especially when appearance and the character of a period-style restoration both matter.

A period-style 1966 Singer Gazelle usually starts with one of its original fitment families, 600-13 or 650-13, in bias-ply construction. That keeps the sizing format and construction in step with the car's era, which is important when the goal is an authentic-looking small British saloon rather than a modernized presentation.

The next choice is the visual treatment within that correct size family. Whitewall width, brand, and tire series all influence how formal or understated the car looks. When exact originality matters, period photos, marque references, or restoration records can help narrow the appearance choice without turning style preference into guesswork.

Construction affects more than ride behavior on a restored 1966 Singer Gazelle; it also changes the car's visual character. A bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing language and traditional profile associated with the period, while a modern radial usually gives the car a more contemporary tire presentation even in a similar overall size.

That difference matters most on a carefully restored car with visible whitewall styling. Staying with 600-13 or 650-13 bias-ply tires supports a stronger period-style look, while a radial equivalent may suit a driver-focused car better. The right choice depends on whether appearance or modern road manners has the higher priority.

Yes. A 1966 Singer Gazelle may originally use 600-13 or 650-13 on 13-inch rims, but aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension alterations, or body modifications can affect what still works on the car. Even when the rim diameter remains 13 inches, fitment can change in meaningful ways.

That is why the actual setup should be checked before replacing tires. Wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and ride height all influence whether the narrower or wider primary size remains the better match. On an older car, previous modifications are common enough that a visual inspection is always worthwhile.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the tire size and construction match the car's setup, and verify inflation against the tire's intended use. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, especially on a collector-era British car that may spend long periods parked.

A second pass should focus on practical roadworthiness: make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock, no obvious air loss, and no signs of interference at the fenders or inner body. A short, careful test drive is a sensible final check after installation, particularly if the car has changed sizes or construction type.

Collector-car tires benefit from regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits, even when the car is driven only occasionally. On a 1966 Singer Gazelle, owners should watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss in either 600-13 or 650-13 tires.

Low annual mileage does not eliminate tire aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and rolling or driving the car periodically can help avoid long-term flat spotting during extended storage.