1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 Tires

The 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 600-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the main distinction is not wheel diameter but the tire type and sizing system attached to the car.

That means the right choice depends on the wheel setup and the character you want from the car. A Tiger kept in a more period-style presentation may stay with 600-13 bias-ply, while a car set up around radial tires may use 165R13. Checking wheel width before choosing between those two paths is an important step.

The tire fitments for the 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 165R13 radial and the 600-13 bias-ply are built around that same wheel diameter, so the car does not switch rim diameter between these two primary tire sizes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. The radial and bias-ply options do not share the same rim-width range, so a 13-inch wheel still needs to be checked for width before selecting a tire. That becomes especially important on cars that may have had wheels changed at some point in their lives.

A 600-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 refers to a nominal section width class of about 6.00 inches, and the 13 refers to the rim diameter in inches. On the 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260, it is the traditional bias-ply fitment option.

That older sizing format matters because it points you toward bias-ply construction, different wheel-width needs, and a more vintage visual character than a metric radial. On this car, 600-13 is available in whitewall variations, so owners often weigh appearance just as carefully as fitment when choosing that size.

On the 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260, 600-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system associated with vintage bias-ply construction, and it is distinct from the car's 165R13 radial fitment option.

Choosing 600-13 usually means preserving a more traditional tire look and staying with a wheel setup suited to that construction. The available BFGoodrich options also focus on whitewall presentation, which can matter on a restoration-oriented car. A switch away from 600-13 should include a check of wheel width, overall tire dimensions, 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 owners considering a radial alternative to the original numeric bias-ply fitment.

Each of those options should still be evaluated against the Tiger's actual wheel and vehicle setup before making a change. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and it is smart to verify wheel width, section clearance, and how the tire's profile will suit the car's intended use and appearance.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size with the Tiger's current bias-ply fitment. For a 600-13 bias-ply setup, the radial-equivalent choices include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, all of which should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutions.

The practical checks include wheel compatibility, suspension and steering clearance, and the condition of any older components that may react differently once the tire construction changes. It also helps to decide whether the goal is period-style appearance or more modern radial road manners, because that choice often determines whether conversion makes sense at all.

The first decision is whether the car should stay with 600-13 bias-ply construction or use the 165R13 radial fitment. Both share a 13-inch rim diameter, but they differ in sizing format, wheel-width requirements, available sidewall treatments, and the overall look they give the car.

After size and construction, compare the details that affect how the Tiger will be used. A restoration-oriented owner may focus on the visual character of a bias-ply whitewall, while a driver may prefer the radial offerings from Michelin or Dunlop. Wheel width, tire series, and the intended balance between appearance and road use should guide the choice.

The available sidewall styles for the 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 include blackwall in the 165R13 radial fitment, along with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in the 600-13 bias-ply fitment. Those sidewall treatments create noticeably different visual impressions even before construction differences are considered.

Blackwall radial tires tend to suit an owner looking for a more understated sports-car presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply options lean more toward traditional vintage styling. Sidewall choice should still follow the correct size and wheel setup first, since appearance only helps after the tire's dimensions and construction suit the car properly.

Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all offer tires for the 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 across its applicable sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 600-13 bias-ply side in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

That mix gives buyers a useful spread of choices without changing the basic fitment rules. The more important comparison is not brand prestige but how each offering aligns with your size, wheel width, construction preference, and desired appearance. Once those points are settled, brand and series become easier to compare in a meaningful way.

For a period-style 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260, the 600-13 bias-ply tire is the most natural starting point because it keeps the car in an older sizing and construction format. BFGoodrich offers that size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

The right choice still depends on how strictly the car is being restored and how it will be used. A period-style presentation does not automatically mean every whitewall treatment matches every Tiger build, so owners pursuing exact originality should compare against authoritative historical references. Wheel width also needs to match the bias-ply tire's requirements.

Tire construction changes the visual stance of a restored 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 as much as it changes the driving feel. A 600-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 165R13 radial brings in a later-looking metric size format and blackwall-only product choices.

That difference matters because many restorations are judged as much by overall impression as by part numbers. Owners who want a more authentic-era look often start with the bias-ply path, while those building a driver may accept the radial look more readily. The wheel itself should be checked before choosing either construction for appearance reasons alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 even when the tire size itself appears correct. Wheel width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, and body or steering modifications can all influence how a 165R13 or 600-13 tire sits and clears the car.

That is why a fitment check should go beyond the size marked on the sidewall. Measure the actual wheel, look at clearance through the full steering range, and inspect the space around fenders and suspension components. A Tiger that has been modified over the years may need closer verification than one that remains near stock.

Before driving a 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, then confirm the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for the application. It is also wise to look over the suspension, steering, and brake components on a low-use collector car before heading onto the road.

A careful visual check should include sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, and any signs of rubbing once the car is on the ground. After installation, turn the steering from lock to lock and recheck clearance. A short initial drive followed by another inspection can catch issues before they become more serious.

Tires on a collector 1967 Sunbeam Tiger 260 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age even if the tread still looks good. Collector cars often accumulate fewer miles, so cracking, flat-spotting, air loss, and age-related deterioration can matter more than simple tread wear.

Storage conditions make a real difference on a car like this. Keeping the Tiger away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically and inspect for cuts, bulges, or sidewall changes before taking it out for a longer run.