1967 Sunbeam Alpine Tires

A 1967 Sunbeam Alpine uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 13-inch wheels, so the main fitment distinction is the tire's sizing system and construction rather than a change in wheel diameter.

Choosing between them depends on how the car is equipped and what kind of result you want. A radial setup keeps the same rim diameter while moving to a more modern tire format, while 600-13 preserves the vintage numeric bias-ply format. Wheel width, clearance, and the car's current tire-and-wheel combination should be confirmed before changing from one construction style to the other.

The 1967 Sunbeam Alpine uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The 165R13 radial and the 600-13 bias-ply are both intended for 13-inch wheels, which simplifies the first step of confirming basic wheel diameter on the car.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a vintage sports car. Radial and bias-ply options can call for different rim-width ranges, and that can affect tire profile and fit on the wheel. Checking the actual wheel width on the car is worthwhile before selecting a tire, particularly if the Alpine has replacement wheels or an older restoration.

The 1967 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe uses the same overall fitment choices as the model core: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch tire sizes, so Coupe owners are choosing between construction type and appearance rather than a unique sub-model-only size.

That makes the decision more about how the car is meant to look and drive. A 600-13 bias-ply keeps a more traditional presentation, especially with whitewall choices, while 165R13 opens the door to period-appropriate blackwall radial options. It still helps to inspect the wheels already on the car, since vintage vehicles are often updated during past ownership or restoration work.

On the 1967 Sunbeam Alpine, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to many vintage vehicles, and in this application it represents the traditional construction choice compared with the 165R13 radial alternative.

That matters because bias-ply and radial tires differ in both look and setup. The available 600-13 options also use a narrower rim-width range than the radial products offered in 165R13. Anyone moving from one construction to the other should verify the wheel width already on the car and make sure the overall tire dimensions still work with the Alpine's suspension and body clearance.

Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are comparison sizes for a radial alternative to the original numeric bias-ply format.

The three options use different sizing conventions and profiles, so they should not be treated as automatic swaps. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, which makes wheel measurement especially important before changing sizes. Clearance at full steering lock and around the fender openings should also be checked on the actual car.

Either choice can make sense on a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine because both 600-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial fitments are used on the car. The bias-ply path favors a more traditional visual presentation, while the radial path keeps the 13-inch format but moves to a later-style construction.

The better choice depends on what matters most in the finished setup. A restoration-oriented Alpine may lean toward the vintage numeric bias-ply look, especially with whitewall styling, while a regularly driven car may lead an owner toward radial construction. Matching all four tires, confirming wheel width, and checking for suspension or wheel changes are sensible steps before settling on either direction.

Start with the car's present wheel-and-tire setup, because the 1967 Sunbeam Alpine can use either 600-13 bias-ply tires or 165R13 radial tires on 13-inch rims. The choice is not only about size, but also about construction, sidewall appearance, and how closely you want the finished car to reflect a traditional vintage presentation.

After confirming the size direction, compare the details that actually separate the available tires. For this Alpine, that includes blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop versus BFGoodrich bias-ply options with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling. Rim-width compatibility should be part of the decision, especially if the car no longer wears its original wheels.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size and construction you choose for a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine. The available 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 600-13 bias-ply choices are offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

That difference has a strong effect on the car's overall presentation. Blackwall radials suit an understated sports-car look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more vintage visual statement. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size and construction are settled, since appearance alone should not override wheel compatibility or the fitment needs of the actual car.

The 1967 Sunbeam Alpine has available tire choices from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply fitment through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the size and construction you plan to run. In practice, the first decision is whether the car will stay with a traditional 600-13 bias-ply format or use the 165R13 radial format. Once that is settled, comparing sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and the overall look of each tire becomes much more useful than comparing brand names alone.

For a period-style 1967 Sunbeam Alpine, the 600-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional construction style associated with older sports cars. Available BFGoodrich options in this size also offer whitewall treatments that create a distinctly classic visual effect.

Appearance goals should still be balanced against the car's actual wheel setup and intended use. A restoration-minded driver may prefer the bias-ply route, while a car aimed at more regular road use may still be considered with 165R13 radial options. If exact originality matters, marque-specific references and restoration records remain the best guide for final appearance details.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1967 Sunbeam Alpine in obvious ways. A 600-13 bias-ply keeps the older numeric size format and is available with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while the 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires with a more modern-looking sizing convention.

That means construction choice influences both the car's stance and its visual character, even before driving differences are considered. Owners pursuing a traditional restoration-style finish often start with the bias-ply option, while those wanting a subtler sporting look may prefer the blackwall radial presentation. The final decision should also respect wheel width and the Alpine's present ride-height and clearance setup.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine even when the tire size itself is appropriate. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply sits in the wheel opening.

That is why an older sports car should be checked as it exists today, not only as it left the factory decades ago. Wheel diameter may still be 13 inches, but width and offset can vary from car to car. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and tire-to-suspension space should all be inspected before settling on a replacement size or changing construction type.

Before driving a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and general tire seating on the rims. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, even tread contact, and any visible interference around the fenders, suspension, or steering components once the car is back on the ground.

A short initial drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit on collector vehicles. Recheck air pressure, look for scuffing that could signal clearance trouble, and pay attention to any pull, vibration, or rubbing as the steering moves lock to lock. Vintage cars that have sat for long periods also deserve a close look at brakes and suspension before regular road use.

Tires on a collector 1967 Sunbeam Alpine should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Even low-mileage tires can age, so tread depth alone is not enough. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss all deserve attention on a lightly used vintage car.

Storage conditions matter just as much as miles driven. Keeping the Alpine away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car occasionally or adjust its storage method so one area of the tire is not under load for too long, especially if the car is parked seasonally.