1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 Tires

The 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 uses two recognized tire sizes: 600-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the Tiger 260 V8 and both use a 13-inch rim diameter, so the main fitment difference is construction type rather than wheel diameter.

That means the decision is less about finding a different wheel size and more about choosing the tire format that suits the car. A 600-13 bias-ply tire supports a more traditional presentation, while 165R13 moves into a radial format. It is still smart to confirm actual wheel width and check for any aftermarket changes before making the switch.

The 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its recognized tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with a 600-13 bias-ply tire or a 165R13 radial, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the construction and sizing format change.

Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, though. The available 600-13 bias-ply products suit a narrower rim-width range than the 165R13 radial products, so wheel width should be confirmed before choosing between them. That is especially important on a collector car that may have had wheel changes over time.

600-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 600 indicates an approximate nominal section width of 6.00 inches, while 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260, it represents a traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial size.

That older sizing style matters because it affects both appearance and replacement strategy. A buyer looking at 600-13 should focus on period-style bias-ply options or carefully review stated radial equivalents instead of assuming a modern metric size is automatically the same. Wheel width and vehicle clearance still need to be part of that comparison.

On the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing format and is offered here in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form, which keeps the car in a more traditional vintage-style tire construction.

Choosing 600-13 keeps the Tiger closer to an older tire presentation, including whitewall appearance options. A buyer considering a change to radial construction should not assume every 13-inch tire is equivalent just because the wheel diameter matches. Rim width, overall dimensions, and the car's intended use should all be checked before moving away from the bias-ply setup.

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P165/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric radial. These give the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 owner several radial-format alternatives tied to the original 600-13 size.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction but also about how modern or traditional the replacement format appears. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, and the final check should still include wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the condition of the overall suspension and steering setup.

Either can be appropriate on a 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 because both 600-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial fitments are recognized for the model. The right choice depends on whether the goal is a more traditional vintage presentation or a radial-format setup that aligns with how the car is driven and maintained.

Bias-ply tires are often chosen for restoration-oriented appearance, while radial choices may appeal to owners who want a different road-use character. The important step is to evaluate the actual wheels on the car and avoid mixing assumptions across size systems. Any change in construction should be reviewed with attention to wheel width, clearance, and the car's present mechanical condition.

Start with the fact that 600-13 is a bias-ply size for the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260, so the main considerations are construction style, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility. Available choices in this size come in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That makes the selection more about presentation and proper setup than brand comparison. The available 600-13 products suit a 4.00 to 4.50 inch rim width and carry a maximum load capacity of 1010 at 32 psi, so those details should be matched to the wheel and the car's intended use before settling on a specific tire.

The available sidewall styles for the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 include blackwall in the 165R13 radial choices, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in the 600-13 bias-ply choices. That gives the car two very different visual directions depending on whether the owner wants a sporting blackwall look or a more traditional whitewall presentation.

Sidewall style should be chosen alongside the correct size and construction, not as a separate cosmetic decision. Whitewall options are tied to the 600-13 bias-ply products, while the radial offerings are blackwall only. Matching the sidewall treatment to the car's restoration style, wheel setup, and overall look usually leads to a more coherent result.

Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all offer applicable tires for the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side with XAS, XAS-FF, and SP Sport Aquajet offerings, while BFGoodrich supplies the 600-13 bias-ply options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice here is really tied to size and construction choice. Buyers looking at radial fitment will be comparing blackwall Michelin and Dunlop products, while buyers staying with 600-13 bias-ply will be looking at BFGoodrich whitewall options. The smarter comparison is among size, construction, series, and wheel compatibility rather than choosing by brand name alone.

For a period-style 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260, the 600-13 bias-ply size is the most natural place to start because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and a traditional tire profile. The available bias-ply options are offered in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with whitewall variations that can support a restoration-oriented appearance.

Appearance goals should still be balanced against how the car will actually be used. Some owners prefer the period-style look of a bias-ply tire, while others choose 165R13 radial fitment for a different road-use character. When exact originality matters, the final decision should be checked against marque-specific historical references for the individual car.

Tire construction has a noticeable effect on the look of a restored 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 because the car can be fitted with either a 600-13 bias-ply or a 165R13 radial. A bias-ply tire keeps the older numeric size format and is available with whitewall styling, while the radial choices are blackwall and read as a later-looking format.

That difference influences the car's visual character even before it affects road behavior. A restoration-minded owner should consider how the sidewall treatment, tread-era impression, and sizing format work with the wheels and overall finish of the car. Construction choice is often one of the details that makes a restored Tiger look intentionally period-style or more road-focused.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can all influence how a 600-13 or 165R13 tire sits and clears the car.

A Tiger that has been changed over the years should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Wheel diameter may still be 13 inches, but width and offset matter, and those details can affect both bias-ply and radial choices. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension condition are all worth confirming before committing to a set.

Before driving a 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the intended size and construction, and verify that inflation pressure is set appropriately for the tire being used. A basic visual check should also include clearance at the fenders and steering components.

Beyond the tires themselves, a collector car benefits from a quick review of suspension and steering condition before road use. Uneven wear, loose components, and old alignment issues can affect how new tires behave. It is also wise to recheck pressure after initial use and watch for any signs of rubbing or unusual wear once the car is back on the road.

Tires on a collector 1966 Sunbeam Tiger 260 should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars can age their tires out before they wear them out, so condition matters just as much as visible tread depth.

Storage also plays a major role in tire life. Keeping the Tiger away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. Pressure should be checked before drives, and any tire that shows age-related deterioration or repeated pressure loss deserves closer inspection before the car is used on the road.