1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A Tires

The 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A uses two primary tire sizes: 165R15 in radial construction and 590-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 15-inch wheels, but they represent different sizing systems and different approaches to how the car looks and drives.

Choosing between them starts with confirming the wheel setup already on the car and deciding whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial configuration. If the Triumph has been restored, modified, or converted in the past, it is worth checking the tire and wheel combination currently installed before selecting a replacement.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes the 165R15 radial and the 590-15 bias-ply, so the key fitment question is not wheel diameter alone but whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered.

That matters because the radial and bias-ply options do not share the same rim-width range across every product. A quick check of the wheel width helps narrow the choice, especially if the car has replacement steel wheels, wire wheels, or another wheel setup that may differ from what the car carried earlier in its life.

590-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 590 indicates a nominal section width of about 5.90 inches, while the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A, it is the bias-ply fitment rather than a modern radial size.

That distinction is important because a 590-15 purchase is usually about maintaining a traditional tire construction and appearance. Buyers should also check wheel width and compare the car's current setup carefully if a previous owner changed wheels or switched the car to radial tires at some point.

590-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and is offered in bias-ply construction, including blackwall and wide whitewall versions that suit a more traditional sports-car presentation.

That makes it a useful choice for owners who want the car to retain an earlier tire look and a period-style setup. Before replacing a radial-equipped car with 590-15 tires, it helps to confirm wheel width and the current suspension and steering condition so the vehicle setup matches the construction being chosen.

Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those sizes provide several radial-format alternatives while staying in the same general fitment conversation for this Triumph application.

Each equivalent should still be checked against the car's wheel width, overall wheel-and-tire package, and clearance around the fenders and steering components. A 4- to 5-inch recommended rim-width range is associated with the equivalents, so that wheel measurement is one of the first items to verify.

The answer depends on what matters most in the finished car. A 590-15 bias-ply keeps the Triumph in a more traditional vintage format, while 165R15 gives the car a radial tire size that suits owners looking for a period-friendly radial approach on a 15-inch wheel.

Appearance goals, wheel width, and how the car is actually driven should guide the decision. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward bias-ply style, while a car used more frequently on the road may be evaluated in radial form. Either way, the existing wheel setup should be confirmed before changing construction.

Start with the correct primary size and construction for the way the car is set up now. The 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A can use either a 165R15 radial or a 590-15 bias-ply, so the first decision is whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply arrangement or a radial configuration.

From there, compare wheel width compatibility, sidewall style, and the type of driving the car sees. A road-focused driver may evaluate the radial choices closely, while a restoration-oriented owner may prefer the bias-ply look. It also helps to compare load figures and other product details within the same size rather than across unrelated sizes.

Sidewall choices for the 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and series. The 165R15 radial selection offers the broadest appearance range, while 590-15 bias-ply choices include blackwall and wide whitewall options.

That gives the car noticeably different visual personalities without changing the basic 15-inch fitment. Owners pursuing a restrained sports-car look often focus on blackwall, while whitewall options create a more stylized or restoration-oriented presentation. The right choice depends on the desired appearance and the construction style already chosen.

Tires for the 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. Brand availability varies by size, with the radial 165R15 range offering the broadest spread of manufacturers and series.

That variety matters because different brands also bring different tire lines, sidewall treatments, and rim-width specifications into the comparison. Instead of choosing by brand name alone, it makes more sense to narrow the field by size, construction, and appearance first, then compare the product details that actually affect fitment and presentation.

For a period-style 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A, the 590-15 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point because it keeps the car in a vintage numeric bias-ply format. That choice supports a more classic sports-car presentation than a modern P-metric-style substitute.

A buyer focused on exact restoration details should still compare the car's historical documentation, old photos, and marque-specific references before settling on a final tire style. If the goal is period flavor without committing fully to bias-ply construction, 165R15 radial options can still provide a traditional-looking overall presentation.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A even when both choices fit a 15-inch wheel. A 590-15 bias-ply presents the car in a more traditional vintage format, while a 165R15 radial gives a later-style radial look in a classic metric size.

Sidewall treatment affects the final result just as much as construction. Blackwall keeps the appearance simple and sporting, while narrow or wide whitewalls push the car toward a different period impression. Matching the tire's look to the restoration goal usually produces a more satisfying result than selecting by size alone.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A even when the nominal tire size remains 165R15 or 590-15. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, and bodywork repairs can all affect how much room the tire has in actual use.

That is why a modified car should be measured rather than assumed to match a stock setup. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space before choosing a replacement tire helps avoid selecting a size or construction that suits the catalog fitment but conflicts with the car as it sits today.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, verify that the tires are seated properly, and set pressure to the tire or vehicle requirement being followed. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, wheel hardware, and visible suspension and steering components.

A collector-era Triumph deserves a short, careful shakedown before a longer outing. During that first drive, watch for rubbing in turns, unusual vibration, pull, or air loss after the car has been parked again. Early checks like these help confirm that the new tire and the existing chassis setup are working together properly.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. On a 1967 Triumph TR3, TR4 & TR4A, that means watching 165R15 or 590-15 tires for cracking, flat spotting, tread wear, cuts, bulges, or slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use British sports car. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. A quick inspection before every outing is a good habit, since age and inactivity can affect collector tires differently than daily-driver tires.