The 1967 Triumph Spitfire sits squarely in the era of lightweight British sports cars that made simple open-top motoring feel lively and accessible. Its compact proportions and nimble character mean tire choice has an outsized effect on both appearance and road manners. For this exact model year, the Spitfire uses either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial, both built for 13-inch wheels. That gives owners a meaningful choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial fitment from brands such as Michelin and Dunlop. The right decision depends on whether the goal is restoration-oriented style, familiar road use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Triumph Spitfire
The 1967 Triumph Spitfire uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice is tied mainly to construction rather than wheel diameter because both fit a 13-inch rim. One is a traditional 560-13 bias-ply size and the other is a 155R13 radial, so the first step is deciding whether to keep a period-style bias-ply setup or move to a radial tire while confirming that the wheel width matches the tire being considered.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 560 refers to the tire's nominal section-width class and 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. That makes it a traditional small-car bias-ply fitment that preserves the period character many vintage British sports-car owners want to see on a 1967 Triumph Spitfire. In this size, BFGoodrich and Firestone offer options within classic bias-ply series, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the size to evaluate when traditional construction and a distinctly vintage presentation matter as much as the vehicle's driving feel.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1967 Triumph Spitfire sub-model because the same two primary tire sizes appear across it. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire decision stays focused on the correct wheel and construction choice rather than assumptions from other Triumph applications.
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1967 Triumph Spitfire Base
The 1967 Triumph Spitfire Base uses the same two 13-inch tire fitments found at the model level: a 560-13 bias-ply and a 155R13 radial. That means the main decision is not sub-model variation, but whether the car is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply style or set up around a radial tire.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1967 Triumph Spitfire
For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial alternative. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than by wheel diameter, and no bias-look radial equivalent is present here. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalent fitment, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1967 Triumph Spitfire Tires for Sale
Available 1967 Triumph Spitfire tires span both radial and bias-ply construction, with Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radial choices in 155R13 and BFGoodrich or Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. Buyers can compare tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size.
Common 1967 Triumph Spitfire tire questions usually come down to choosing between 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial fitments, understanding 13-inch wheel compatibility, and sorting out sidewall, brand, restoration, and road-use considerations.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
The 1967 Triumph Spitfire uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the size decision is really tied to tire type and wheel-width compatibility rather than changing wheel diameter.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply 560-13 and a radial 155R13 do not carry the same visual character or always share the same ideal wheel-width range. Before choosing one, confirm which wheels are on the car now and whether the goal is a more traditional period-style look or a radial-based road setup.
What size rim does a 1967 Triumph Spitfire use?
The 1967 Triumph Spitfire uses 13-inch rims with both of its primary tire fitments. The radial 155R13 and the bias-ply 560-13 are both built around the same 13-inch wheel diameter, so rim diameter stays consistent across the available sizes.
Diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though, because wheel width still needs to match the tire being considered. A radial and a bias-ply in this application can call for different width ranges, so checking the actual wheel dimensions on the car is important before making a final selection.
Does the 1967 Triumph Spitfire Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1967 Triumph Spitfire Base uses the same two fitments associated with this model year: 560-13 in bias-ply form and 155R13 in radial form. There is no separate tire-size split here that changes the decision around a different wheel diameter.
That makes the Base model easier to shop for, because the focus shifts from trim-level fitment differences to construction choice, appearance, and wheel suitability. It is still smart to inspect the car for wheel changes or older aftermarket replacements before assuming the current setup matches the intended tire size.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
On the 1967 Triumph Spitfire, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric fitment for this application, and available products in that size use bias-ply construction rather than radial construction.
Choosing 560-13 usually means staying closer to a vintage tire presentation and selecting among classic sidewall treatments such as narrow whitewall or wide whitewall. Because the tire is built for a 13-inch wheel but uses its own wheel-width requirements, it is wise to confirm the wheel before moving ahead.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 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. These sizes give a buyer more than one radial comparison point while staying in the same general fitment conversation.
The practical difference is that the choices use different sizing systems and profile families, so they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. A 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range is tied to the equivalent fitment, and wheel width, vehicle clearance, and overall setup should be checked before any conversion.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
That depends on what matters most for the car. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the Spitfire in a traditional vintage fitment, while a 155R13 radial keeps the same 13-inch wheel diameter but moves the car to a radial construction more familiar to many drivers.
The better choice comes down to priorities such as period-style appearance, the way the car is driven, and the wheels currently on the vehicle. Matching the tire to the wheel width is just as important as choosing the construction, especially if the car has been changed from its earlier setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
Start with the fact that 560-13 is a bias-ply fitment for the 1967 Triumph Spitfire, so the main selection factors are sidewall appearance, brand, and wheel-width compatibility. In this size, BFGoodrich and Firestone options appear in classic bias-ply series with whitewall variations.
That means the decision is less about finding a different size and more about matching the tire's look and wheel requirements to the car you have. A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall create different visual results, and the actual wheel width on the Spitfire should be confirmed before choosing between available products.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Triumph Spitfire tires?
The 1967 Triumph Spitfire has both blackwall and whitewall choices depending on tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial offerings are blackwall tires, while 560-13 bias-ply products include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.
That gives the car noticeably different visual directions without changing the model year or wheel diameter. Blackwall radials tend to suit a cleaner sporting look, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean more toward a traditional vintage presentation, so the best choice depends on how the Spitfire is being finished and used.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all offer tires for the 1967 Triumph Spitfire across its two primary sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply size.
Brand selection only helps once the correct size and construction have been narrowed down. A buyer comparing these options should also pay attention to tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility, since those details shape whether the tire suits a restoration-oriented look or a radial road-going setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
For a period-style 1967 Triumph Spitfire, the 560-13 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point because it keeps the car in a traditional vintage size and construction. That approach is often the best match when the goal is to preserve older sports-car character rather than emphasize a radial conversion.
Within that size, the appearance still changes depending on whether the car wears a narrow whitewall or a wide whitewall. Buyers focused on exact restoration standards should compare the finished look against marque references or period photos, since a period-style fitment is not the same thing as a verified factory-delivery tire specification.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
Tire construction changes more than just the way the car drives; it also changes the visual tone of a restored 1967 Triumph Spitfire. A 560-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional small-sports-car presentation, while a 155R13 radial creates a later, more modernized look even though both use 13-inch wheels.
Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision, especially since the radial offerings are blackwall and the bias-ply choices include whitewall versions. For a restoration-oriented build, the tire should support the overall era and finish of the car rather than being chosen only by size code.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Triumph Spitfire?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Triumph Spitfire even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension alterations, or body and ride-height changes can all influence how a 560-13 or 155R13 tire sits and clears the car.
That is why the actual vehicle should be checked before selecting a tire only by size code. Steering clearance, fender space, and wheel dimensions are especially important on a compact car like the Spitfire, where small changes in wheel or suspension setup can have a noticeable fitment effect.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Triumph Spitfire on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Triumph Spitfire on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated. It also helps to check for suspension looseness, brake drag, and any interference at full steering lock.
A short, careful shakedown drive is a smart next step because collector cars can reveal rubbing, vibration, or alignment issues only once they are moving. Recheck tire pressure after the first drive and keep an eye on sidewall condition and air retention as the car settles into regular use.
How should 560-13 or 155R13 tires on a collector 1967 Triumph Spitfire be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1967 Triumph Spitfire should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. That advice applies whether the car is on 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radial tires.
Storage habits matter as much as mileage on a lightly used sports car. Keeping the Spitfire away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and periodic pressure checks are important because an infrequently driven car can develop problems long before the tread is worn out.