The 1968 Ford Cortina sits squarely in the compact family-car tradition that made British and European sedans of the era so easy to live with and so appealing to collectors today. Its straightforward packaging and light-footed character make tire choice especially important, because the right size has a noticeable effect on stance, ride, and appearance. For this model year, fitment can mean either a 155R13 radial or a period-style 560-13 or 600-13 bias-ply on a 13-inch rim, depending on the exact version. That opens the door to blackwall radial choices, traditional whitewall bias-ply options, and modern radial equivalents for certain bias sizes. The key is matching the tire to the sub-model, wheel setup, and the kind of restoration or road use planned.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Ford Cortina
Three tire sizes apply to the 1968 Ford Cortina, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. All of them use a 13-inch rim, but fitment varies between radial and bias-ply constructions, with the Wagon using a different bias-ply size than the Base and GT. The first step is confirming whether the car is a Base, GT, or Wagon before comparing tire style, construction, or radial-equivalent options.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1968 Ford Cortina, this size suits versions that use a radial fitment and gives the buyer a more modern sizing convention than the period numeric bias-ply options. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth considering when the car already uses a radial setup and the goal is a road-oriented vintage radial presentation.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 5.60 designation referring to nominal section width in inches and the 13 indicating a 13-inch wheel. On the 1968 Ford Cortina, it represents a traditional bias-ply fitment used on certain sub-models, making it especially relevant for owners who want period-style construction and appearance. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in classic bias-ply series. This size deserves a close look when retaining the original-style visual character matters as much as the basic fitment itself.
600-13 is another numeric bias-ply size, where 6.00 refers to nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1968 Ford Cortina, this is not just a variation of 560-13 but a separate primary fitment used on the Wagon, so it should be chosen only for the proper configuration. Available products center on BFGoodrich bias-ply tires with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall appearances in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. This size matters when the vehicle needs the Wagon-specific fitment and a traditional whitewall presentation is part of the plan.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1968 Ford Cortina because tire fitment is not uniform across the range. Base and GT models share the same fitment choices, while the Wagon moves to a different primary bias-ply size, so the right tire starts with confirming the exact body style or trim.
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1968 Ford Cortina Base
The 1968 Ford Cortina Base uses either the 155R13 radial or the 560-13 bias-ply fitment on a 13-inch rim. That gives the owner a clear choice between a vintage radial-style road setup and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, with sidewall appearance becoming part of the decision.
The 1968 Ford Cortina GT shares the same tire-fitment path as the Base, using either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires. Tire selection here comes down to keeping a period-style construction or evaluating a radial-oriented setup while still confirming the actual wheel and vehicle configuration.
The 1968 Ford Cortina Wagon uses the 600-13 bias-ply size rather than the smaller 560-13 fitment seen on other sub-models. That makes wheel and sub-model confirmation especially important before ordering, and it also shifts the decision toward whitewall style and possible radial-equivalent comparison.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Ford Cortina
The 1968 Ford Cortina has radial-equivalent options for two primary bias-ply sizes: 560-13 and 600-13. For 560-13, the available alternatives are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in the same progression. These choices differ by sizing convention and profile, and the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches, so wheel compatibility and vehicle clearance should be checked before changing formats.
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)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
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 1968 Ford Cortina Tires for Sale
Available 1968 Ford Cortina tire choices span Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with both radial and bias-ply constructions represented. Buyers can compare blackwall radial options alongside narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires across series such as Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply.
These 1968 Ford Cortina tire FAQs focus on the exact size for each sub-model, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, radial equivalents for numeric sizes, and the checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Ford Cortina?
The 1968 Ford Cortina uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, and 600-13 bias-ply. The Base and GT use either 155R13 or 560-13, while the Wagon uses 600-13. All of these fitments are built around a 13-inch wheel diameter.
The practical step is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. A Base or GT owner may be deciding between radial and bias-ply construction, while a Wagon owner needs to stay focused on the 600-13 fitment and then compare sidewall style, brand, and wheel compatibility.
What size rim does a 1968 Ford Cortina use?
Every primary tire size used on the 1968 Ford Cortina in this fitment group is built for a 13-inch rim. That includes the 155R13 radial, the 560-13 bias-ply, and the 600-13 bias-ply. Even though the tire sizes vary, the wheel diameter stays the same across these applications.
Rim diameter is only part of the check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a numeric bias-ply size with a radial alternative, so the buyer should confirm the actual wheel on the car before making a change in construction or equivalent size.
Do all 1968 Ford Cortina sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1968 Ford Cortina Base and GT share 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitment choices, but the Wagon uses 600-13 bias-ply. That means the range is not uniform even though every version in this group uses a 13-inch rim.
That difference matters because 560-13 and 600-13 are separate primary sizes, not interchangeable labels for the same tire. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the car is a Base, GT, or Wagon, then compare the available construction, sidewall, and rim-width details that apply to that setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 Ford Cortina?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1968 Ford Cortina. It is one of the primary fitments used on the Base and GT, and it follows the older numeric sizing format rather than a modern metric radial format. Available examples in this size are traditional bias-ply products with whitewall styling.
That matters because switching away from 560-13 changes more than the lettering on the sidewall. Construction type, wheel-width suitability, and the overall character of the tire choice all come into play, so any move to a radial equivalent should be checked against the actual wheels and the car's clearance.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13?
For 560-13, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. For 600-13, radial equivalents include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. These cover an 80-series metric radial option along with 75-series and 70-series P-metric alternatives for each primary bias-ply size.
Those equivalents are useful comparison points, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range shown for both bias-ply sizes is 4 to 5 inches, and the buyer should also confirm wheel diameter, installed wheel width, and clearance before converting from one size format to another.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1968 Ford Cortina?
That depends on the exact sub-model and the goal for the car. A Base or GT can be set up with either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon's primary fitment is 600-13 bias-ply with radial-equivalent sizes available for comparison. The basic choice is between staying with a traditional bias-ply presentation or moving toward a radial format.
Appearance, driving expectations, and wheel specifications should guide the decision. Owners focused on period-style construction may stay with the original-type bias-ply sizing, while those exploring radial options should confirm the wheel width, check body and steering clearance, and compare the chosen equivalent against the car's actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1968 Ford Cortina tire?
Start with the exact fitment the car uses: 155R13 or 560-13 for the Base and GT, and 600-13 for the Wagon. After size, the next decisions are construction, sidewall appearance, and brand or tire series. On this car, those choices can noticeably affect both the look and the character of the finished setup.
A buyer comparing options should also confirm wheel width, especially when moving between radial and bias-ply formats. Once the fitment is narrowed correctly, the useful points of comparison become blackwall versus whitewall presentation, the intended restoration style, and whether the car is meant for display, occasional touring, or more regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Ford Cortina tires?
The 1968 Ford Cortina has several sidewall presentations available across its applicable tires. The 155R13 radial choices are blackwall, while the 560-13 and 600-13 bias-ply selections include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options. That gives the buyer a clear visual choice tied to both construction and overall appearance.
Sidewall style should be matched to the look the car is meant to carry, not chosen in isolation from size and fitment. A Base or GT owner can compare blackwall radial styling with whitewall bias-ply options, while a Wagon owner choosing 600-13 can focus on the whitewall width that best suits the vehicle's presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Ford Cortina?
Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all appear in the available 1968 Ford Cortina fitments. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the numeric bias-ply sizes. The mix gives buyers a useful spread of vintage-style product character without leaving the correct fitment range.
Brand should be considered alongside size, construction, and sidewall treatment rather than as a shortcut to the final choice. Once the correct Cortina sub-model and tire size are confirmed, the meaningful comparison becomes which brand offers the appearance, series, and wheel-width compatibility that best matches the intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Ford Cortina?
A period-style 1968 Ford Cortina usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, then stays close to the traditional construction used for that fitment. That points Base and GT owners toward 560-13 bias-ply if they want a more vintage presentation, while Wagon owners would remain focused on the 600-13 bias-ply size.
From there, sidewall treatment becomes part of the visual decision. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options are available in the applicable bias-ply sizes, but exact originality can vary by market, trim, and prior restoration choices, so highly exact restorations should also be checked against marque-specific historical references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Ford Cortina?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1968 Ford Cortina as much as the ride setup does. The numeric 560-13 and 600-13 bias-ply tires deliver a more traditional small-car appearance, especially with whitewall sidewalls, while the 155R13 radial choices present a more modern blackwall look within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
That means restoration goals should be settled before the tire order is placed. A buyer after a period-style finish may prefer the bias-ply presentation, while someone prioritizing a vintage radial look can stay with 155R13, so long as the chosen tire still matches the car's exact fitment and wheel setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Ford Cortina?
Yes. Even though the 1968 Ford Cortina uses 13-inch fitments in this group, modifications can still change what works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork can affect width tolerance and clearance, especially when moving between bias-ply sizing and radial-equivalent formats.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel, not judged only by the catalog size. Measuring the installed wheel width, confirming the wheel diameter, and inspecting clearance at full steering lock and suspension movement can prevent selecting a tire that is right on paper but not right for the actual car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Ford Cortina on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 Ford Cortina on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and general condition, then confirm that the tires are inflated properly and seated correctly. It also makes sense to check for any visible interference at the fenders, suspension, and steering components once the car is back on the ground.
A collector car deserves a broader inspection at the same time. Look for cracking on older tires being replaced, verify that the spare and valve hardware are in good condition, and take the first drive gently so any rubbing, pull, or unusual vibration can be caught before a longer trip.
How should tires on a collector 1968 Ford Cortina be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1968 Ford Cortina should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign of slow air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked need this attention even more, because low annual mileage does not prevent age-related tire deterioration.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the Cortina away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and routine visual inspections before each outing are a smart habit whether the car runs period-style bias-ply tires or later radial fitment.
