1967 Austin-Healey Sprite Tires

The 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both sizes fit a 13-inch wheel, but they represent different sizing systems and different approaches to how the car is set up for appearance and road use.

That means the first step is not choosing wheel diameter, but deciding whether the Sprite is staying with the traditional bias-ply fitment or using the radial size. After that, compare the actual wheel width, the tire's construction, and the intended look of the car before making a final selection.

The tire sizes associated with the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 520-13 bias-ply fitment and the 145R13 radial fitment are built around that same 13-inch wheel size, so the basic rim diameter remains consistent across the covered fitments.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, because wheel width still matters when choosing among available tires or considering a radial equivalent. It is smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car, especially if they may have been changed during restoration or long-term ownership.

520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.20 portion refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, while 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite, that size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial designation.

Buyers often compare 520-13 to radial alternatives, but the two formats should not be treated as identical just because the wheel diameter matches. The better approach is to confirm wheel width, review any radial-equivalent options carefully, and decide whether preserving bias-ply construction or moving to a radial better suits the car's intended use.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. It uses the older numeric sizing system and appears in bias-ply product choices, while the Sprite's radial fitment is represented separately by the 145R13 size.

That distinction matters because a buyer is choosing more than just a sidewall marking. Bias-ply and radial tires can change the car's look and the way the setup is approached, so it helps to confirm the current wheel width, the condition of the suspension, and whether the goal is period-style presentation or a radial alternative.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those are the equivalent sizes associated with the Sprite's 520-13 bias-ply fitment.

Each equivalent uses the same general 13-inch wheel family, but they should be evaluated as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent comparison, and checking wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance remains important before making the switch.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size to the Sprite's existing setup. For a 520-13 bias-ply fitment, the recognized radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent comparison uses a 4 to 5 inch rim-width range.

The next step is a full fitment check around steering movement, fender clearance, and general suspension condition, especially on a lightly used collector car. A conversion can also change the visual character of the car, so the decision should consider both road use and whether a more traditional appearance still matters.

Choosing a 520-13 tire starts with confirming that the Sprite is staying with the bias-ply fitment rather than using the radial 145R13 size. From there, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and the wheel-width details attached to certain products.

A buyer looking for a traditional presentation may focus on Firestone Classic Bias Ply or Premium Sport Lowrider offerings, while another owner may care more about blackwall versus whitewall appearance. It also helps to compare load figures and rim-width compatibility when those details are shown, especially on a small car where proportions matter.

Available sidewall styles for 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears in the 145R13 radial choices and also in one 520-13 bias-ply option, while whitewall treatments are offered within the 520-13 bias-ply range.

That gives the Sprite owner a meaningful appearance choice without changing the basic 13-inch fitment family. A blackwall usually suits a more understated sports-car look, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a different visual emphasis, so the sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall restoration direction and wheel presentation in mind.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires for the 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport cover the 520-13 bias-ply side of the fitment.

Brand choice works best when considered alongside construction, tire series, and sidewall style rather than by name alone. A buyer comparing options should first settle on 145R13 versus 520-13, then review whether the available product better matches a traditional bias-ply appearance, a blackwall radial setup, or a whitewall-focused presentation.

For a period-style 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite, the 520-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it retains the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction. That size is available in blackwall as well as narrow and wide whitewall presentations, depending on the look being pursued.

A restoration-oriented choice should balance size, construction, and sidewall appearance instead of focusing on one detail by itself. When exact historical accuracy matters, marque-club references, period photography, and vehicle-specific documentation are the right tools for narrowing down which sidewall treatment best suits the particular Sprite being restored.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite because the 520-13 bias-ply and 145R13 radial represent two different eras of tire presentation. The bias-ply size carries a more traditional small-sports-car look, while the radial size introduces a later-style metric designation and a different visual impression.

That does not mean one choice is automatically right for every restoration. A Sprite intended to emphasize period-style character may lean toward the bias-ply size, while one built for regular road use may lead the owner to examine radial options more closely, provided wheel compatibility and clearance are checked carefully.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body and fender changes can all influence how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits and clears the car.

A Sprite that no longer has its original wheel and suspension setup should be checked carefully before new tires are installed. Turning clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel dimensions matter more once modifications are involved, especially if the owner is moving between the bias-ply and radial fitment paths.

Before driving a 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm that each tire is seated properly and inflated appropriately for the application. It also helps to check for adequate clearance at the fenders and through the steering range.

Beyond the tires themselves, a collector-era Sprite benefits from a quick look at suspension wear, wheel fastener condition, and any signs of rubbing after installation. A short, careful road test can reveal vibration, interference, or air loss early, which is especially useful on a car that may not be driven regularly.

520-13 tires on a collector 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite should be inspected regularly for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Because collector cars are often driven less frequently, the condition of the tire matters just as much as the remaining tread.

Storage also plays a major role in tire life on a lightly used Sprite. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, extreme heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic pressure checks are important even when the car is parked for long stretches between drives.