1968 Lotus Elan Tires

A 1968 Lotus Elan can use four primary tire sizes, depending on the sub-model and construction choice. The Base uses 145R13 in radial form or 520-13 in bias-ply form, while the Plus 2 uses 165R13 in radial form or 600-13 in bias-ply form. Every one of those fitments uses a 13-inch rim.

The first step is confirming whether the car is a Base model or a Plus 2, because the two do not share the same tire sizes. After that, the decision becomes whether to stay with the bias-ply format associated with the car’s period look or choose the radial size tied to that same configuration.

The covered tire fitments for the 1968 Lotus Elan all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That remains true across both sub-model groupings here, including the Base sizes 145R13 and 520-13 and the Plus 2 sizes 165R13 and 600-13.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking actual wheel width before choosing a tire, especially if the car has been changed from its original wheel setup. That matters even more when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or comparing different product specifications within the same size.

No. The 1968 Lotus Elan Base and 1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2 use different tire sizes, even though both stay with 13-inch rims. The Base uses 145R13 or 520-13, while the Plus 2 uses 165R13 or 600-13.

That means tire shopping should begin with the exact sub-model, not just the year and model name. A Base owner choosing a Plus 2 tire size, or the reverse, could end up with the wrong section width and the wrong overall fitment direction for the car’s intended setup.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1968 Lotus Elan Base. It is the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment in that sub-model’s size range, while 145R13 is the radial option associated with the same Base configuration.

Keeping 520-13 preserves a more traditional tire format and opens up choices that lean toward period-style appearance, including blackwall and whitewall bias-ply options. A switch to a radial alternative should be treated as a fitment change, so the wheel width, clearance, and overall tire proportions deserve a careful check before making the move.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 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. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalent choices.

Those options give a Base owner several ways to move from a numeric bias-ply size into modern radial sizing conventions. The choice should still be checked against the actual wheel on the car, along with tire clearance and the overall look being pursued, since an equivalent is a comparison point rather than an automatic one-step substitution.

Start by confirming the car’s exact sub-model and original bias-ply size, because the Base and Plus 2 use different radial equivalents. For 520-13, the comparable radial options are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. For 600-13, the comparable choices are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13.

After identifying the size family, check the wheel width, actual rim diameter, and available clearance at the fenders and steering components. It also helps to inspect suspension condition before changing construction, since a collector car with worn bushings, altered ride height, or aftermarket wheels may respond differently than one still on a stock-type setup.

Start with the exact sub-model, because a 1968 Lotus Elan Base uses 145R13 or 520-13, while a Plus 2 uses 165R13 or 600-13. From there, the main decision is construction: radial for a classic European road-tire format, or bias-ply for a more traditional vintage presentation.

Once size and construction are settled, compare the details that shape the final choice, including brand, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and load specification where stated. That approach keeps the decision centered on correct fitment first, then lets appearance and intended use guide which product makes the most sense.

1968 Lotus Elan tire options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. The radial sizes in this fitment group are offered as blackwalls, while the bias-ply choices add whitewall variations, including narrow and wide treatments depending on the specific size and tire series.

That sidewall difference makes appearance a meaningful part of the buying decision, especially on a restoration-oriented car. A blackwall radial keeps a restrained sports-car look, while a whitewall bias-ply option creates a more stylized period presentation. The right choice depends on the car’s intended visual direction rather than a single universal answer.

The 1968 Lotus Elan fitments here are represented by Michelin, Firestone, Dunlop, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich. Brand availability depends on the tire size, with Michelin and Dunlop appearing in the radial 13-inch sizes and Firestone, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich covering the bias-ply choices.

Brand matters most after the correct size and construction are confirmed. At that point, it helps to compare each product’s series, sidewall style, rim-width specification where stated, and overall presentation. That keeps the selection grounded in how the tire suits the specific Elan configuration rather than choosing a brand name first.

A period-style 1968 Lotus Elan usually starts with the bias-ply size associated with the specific sub-model: 520-13 for the Base or 600-13 for the Plus 2. Those sizes preserve the vintage numeric format and open the door to traditional sidewall presentations that suit a restoration-oriented look.

The final choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual character is desired. If exact historical authenticity matters, it is worth checking marque references or restoration documentation before settling on a brand or whitewall treatment, since a period-style tire is not automatically the same thing as an exact original match.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Lotus Elan as much as it changes the fitment format. A bias-ply size such as 520-13 or 600-13 keeps the car in a distinctly vintage tire style, while 145R13 and 165R13 give it a classic small radial presentation.

Sidewall treatment also plays into that decision. Blackwall radials create a cleaner, understated sports-car look, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires shift the car toward a more decorative period appearance. Matching the construction to the restoration goal helps the finished car look intentional instead of visually mixed.

Yes. A 1968 Lotus Elan may no longer match its original wheel or suspension setup, and changes like aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or body modifications can affect how a 13-inch tire fits. That matters with both Base and Plus 2 sizes because each sub-model already starts from a different width range.

Any modified car should have its actual wheel diameter and width checked before a new tire is chosen. It also helps to verify steering and fender clearance through the full range of motion, especially when moving from a bias-ply size to a radial equivalent or when using a tire with a different sidewall profile.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and check inflation, tread, and sidewalls. On a lightly used collector car, it is also smart to look over valve stems, wheel fasteners, and any signs of prior rubbing or uneven wear.

A short test drive should be followed by another inspection to make sure the tires are clearing the body and steering components correctly. Watching for vibration, pulling, or visible contact marks can catch fitment issues early, especially on a car that has sat for long periods or has had suspension work in the past.

Collector-car tires on a 1968 Lotus Elan should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread depth.

Storage plays a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both radial and bias-ply tires. Periodic inspection of the wheel and suspension setup is also worthwhile, since alignment or component wear can shorten tire life long before the tread looks worn out.