1967 Lotus Elan Tires

The 1967 Lotus Elan is associated with two primary tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction style suits the car and its current setup.

That choice affects both appearance and how the car presents on the road. A car kept close to a period-style setup may stay with 520-13, while a 145R13 radial can appeal to owners who want a radial format in the same wheel diameter. Wheel width and vehicle clearance should still be confirmed before changing construction.

The tire sizes associated with the 1967 Lotus Elan both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 145R13 radial and the 520-13 bias-ply fitments, so the car stays within one wheel diameter even though it has two different tire-size formats.

Rim diameter is only the first check, especially on a compact sports car. Wheel width also matters, particularly if the car has had aftermarket wheels installed over the years. Before selecting a tire, confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car and compare them with the tire's rim-width guidance where that specification is available.

The 1967 Lotus Elan Base is associated with the same two fitment paths found on this vehicle page: 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply. In practical terms, the Base does not introduce a separate third size or a different rim diameter to sort out.

That makes selection more straightforward, but it does not remove the need to inspect the car itself. A restored or modified Elan may be wearing different wheels than expected, and a long-stored car may have old tires that should not be treated as a fitment reference. Confirm the wheel setup first, then choose the construction and appearance that match the car's intended use.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1967 Lotus Elan. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing format, where the first number reflects nominal section width and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter.

That matters because a bias-ply setup gives the Elan a more traditional tire presentation than a modern radial format. Owners comparing 520-13 with 145R13 or with radial equivalents should treat construction as part of the fitment decision, not just the size code. Wheel width, clearance, and the car's intended driving use should be checked before converting.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. A bias-look radial equivalent is not present here, so the available alternatives are all modern radial sizing formats.

These equivalents offer different ways to move from a numeric bias-ply size into radial sizing, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with the equivalents, and the owner should also compare wheel compatibility, tire dimensions, and clearance at the front suspension and fender openings.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size with the original 520-13 fitment. For this Elan, radial-equivalent choices include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, all of which need to be evaluated against the current wheel and chassis setup.

A small sports car can be sensitive to changes in tire shape and wheel compatibility, so clearance should be checked with the steering turned and the suspension loaded. It is also worth inspecting suspension bushings, alignment condition, and ride height before making the change. Those steps help separate a sound radial conversion from one that simply matches the rim diameter.

Begin with the two primary fitment paths: 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply, both for a 13-inch rim. The main decision is whether the car should retain a traditional bias-ply presentation or move toward a radial setup, then narrow the choice by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility.

That choice should reflect how the Elan will actually be used. A restoration-oriented car may prioritize the look of a period-style bias-ply tire, while a regularly driven car may lean toward the radial format. After that, compare available rim-width guidance, load figures where stated, and the overall appearance you want the finished car to have.

Available sidewall styles for the 1967 Lotus Elan include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall depending on the tire size and series selected. The 145R13 radial offerings are blackwall, while the 520-13 bias-ply options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations.

That gives the car a wide appearance range even within correct 13-inch fitment. Blackwall keeps the look restrained and sporting, while whitewall variations create a more styled or restoration-oriented presentation. Since sidewall treatment can change the character of the car visually, choose it after confirming the correct size and construction rather than treating it as a separate fitment decision.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer applicable tires for the 1967 Lotus Elan. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport provide options in the 520-13 bias-ply size across different series and sidewall styles.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. It helps more to look at which size each brand supports, whether the tire is radial or bias-ply, how the sidewall is styled, and whether rim-width or load details are stated for the specific product. Those details have more impact on the final selection than the brand name alone.

A period-style 1967 Lotus Elan usually starts with the 520-13 bias-ply fitment, since that size preserves the older numeric sizing format and traditional construction style. Within that size, available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, which let the owner shape the car's presentation without leaving the basic bias-ply path.

Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car will be driven. A lightly used show car may stay close to the traditional bias-ply look, while a road-driven Elan may push the decision toward a radial format. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice with marque references and period vehicle documentation before settling on a sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1967 Lotus Elan as much as it changes the technical setup. A 520-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional small-sports-car presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a more modern tire format even though it stays on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

The sidewall treatment deepens that effect. Blackwall keeps the look simple and sporting, while narrow or wide whitewalls shift the car toward a more styled presentation. Since not every restored Elan is aiming for the same result, it helps to decide first whether the project is focused on period-style appearance, regular road use, or a compromise between the two.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Lotus Elan even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how a 145R13, 520-13, or a radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

A car with any non-stock wheel or chassis change deserves a careful clearance check before new tires are installed. Turn the steering through its full range, inspect inner-fender and suspension clearance, and confirm that the wheel dimensions match the tire being considered. That is especially important when moving from a bias-ply size to one of the radial-equivalent options.

Inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and sound condition, then verify inflation, valve stems, and basic tire seating before taking the 1967 Lotus Elan out on the road. It is also wise to look over alignment-related wear points, suspension condition, and any signs that the tire may contact body or chassis parts under steering or suspension movement.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual pull or vibration, and recheck pressure once the tires have settled. On a compact vintage sports car, small setup issues can show up quickly, so catching them early helps protect both the new tires and the car's handling character.

Tires on a collector 1967 Lotus Elan should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Vintage and collector cars often spend long periods parked, which makes pressure checks and visual condition checks just as important as tread depth.

Storage conditions matter as well. Keep the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible, and move it periodically so the tires are not carrying the same load in one spot for months at a time. Before any longer drive, confirm pressure and give each tire a fresh inspection rather than relying on appearance alone.