1968 Triumph Spitfire Tires

The 1968 Triumph Spitfire is associated with two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which tire construction and sizing system matches the car's current setup.

Choosing between them starts with confirming whether the Spitfire is being kept in a period-style bias-ply configuration or has been set up for radial tires. Wheel width matters here as well, because the bias-ply and radial offerings use different rim-width ranges, and that should be checked before selecting a tire.

The tire fitments associated with the 1968 Triumph Spitfire use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, so a buyer does not need to sort between different rim diameters for these primary tire options.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, though. Before ordering tires, it is smart to confirm the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the Spitfire has changed hands over the years or has been updated with different wheels, since radial and bias-ply options do not share the same width requirements.

The 1968 Triumph Spitfire Base is associated with the same two primary sizes used on this page: 560-13 in bias-ply form and 155R13 in radial form. That means the Base model does not introduce a separate rim diameter or a unique tire size outside those two established fitments.

The practical question for a Base owner is deciding which construction belongs on the car today. A period-style restoration may point toward the 560-13 bias-ply size, while a car already running radial-compatible wheels may be better suited to the 155R13 radial format after wheel width and overall clearance are confirmed.

For the 1968 Triumph Spitfire, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to many vintage cars, and in this application it represents the traditional fitment choice for owners who want a more vintage construction and appearance.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both presentation and wheel requirements. The available 560-13 products also lean toward classic styling with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, so this size is usually chosen by owners focused on restoration-minded looks rather than simply moving to a modern radial format.

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 are radial alternatives tied to the 560-13 size, but they represent different sizing conventions rather than one identical modern format.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with those radial equivalents, which makes wheel measurement an important step before any conversion. Clearance around the fenders and suspension should also be checked, since an equivalent size can be a useful alternative without being treated as an automatic interchange.

That depends on what matters most for the car. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the Spitfire in a more traditional format and supports a distinctly vintage appearance, while the 155R13 radial fitment uses a more modern construction on the same 13-inch rim diameter.

The better choice is the one that matches the car's wheel setup, intended use, and visual goal. A restoration-oriented Spitfire may lean toward bias-ply, while a driver already configured for radial tires may suit the radial option better. Confirm wheel width and general clearance before changing construction so the decision stays fitment-first.

Start by confirming that the car is staying with the 560-13 bias-ply fitment rather than moving to a radial alternative. Within 560-13, the main choices are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility, with BFGoodrich and Firestone options available in classic bias-ply lines.

Appearance plays a major role in this size because the available products include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. Rim width should be checked carefully as well, since some 560-13 options are intended for narrower wheels than others, and that can influence which tire makes the most sense for the Spitfire's actual wheel setup.

The available sidewall styles for 1968 Triumph Spitfire tires include blackwall in the 155R13 radial fitment, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. That gives the car a fairly wide appearance range, from a sporting blackwall look to a more decorative period-style whitewall presentation.

The right sidewall choice depends on how the Spitfire is being finished and driven. Blackwall radial tires suit owners who want a restrained sports-car appearance, while whitewall bias-ply tires can better support a restoration-minded visual theme. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size and construction have already been settled.

Tires for the 1968 Triumph Spitfire are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply size with classic-style offerings and whitewall sidewall treatments.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and appearance rather than by brand name alone. A buyer comparing these options should pay attention to whether the goal is radial or bias-ply construction, whether blackwall or whitewall styling is preferred, and whether the wheel width matches the tire's intended rim range.

For a period-style 1968 Triumph Spitfire, the 560-13 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional tire construction associated with the car's era. Available options include classic bias-ply series from BFGoodrich and Firestone with whitewall sidewall treatments.

The final decision depends on how authentic-looking the finished car needs to be and what visual effect suits the restoration. A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall create different presentations, and neither should be assumed to be exact for every car. Owners pursuing strict originality should compare tire appearance against marque-specific references.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Triumph Spitfire more than many buyers expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire delivers a distinctly vintage look through its older sizing format and available whitewall presentations, while a 155R13 radial tends to give the car a cleaner, more modern blackwall sports-car appearance.

That visual difference is one reason construction choice should be made early in a restoration. A car aimed at period-style presentation may look more cohesive on bias-ply tires, while a road-driven Spitfire may be set up around radial use. Matching the tire's look to the wheel style and stance usually produces the best overall result.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Triumph Spitfire even when the tire size itself is otherwise appropriate. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension alterations, or body and fender work can all influence whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial setup remains suitable.

A Spitfire with altered wheels or ride height should be checked carefully before a tire is chosen. Wheel width is especially important here because the available radial and bias-ply options do not share the same width ranges, and steering or fender clearance should also be verified with the car at normal ride height.

Before driving a 1968 Triumph Spitfire on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm that the tires seat properly, and check inflation carefully. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, since worn bushings, alignment issues, or loose front-end parts can affect how the car feels on fresh tires.

A short, careful road test helps confirm that nothing rubs and that the car tracks normally. Recheck tire pressure after the first drive and keep an eye on any signs of uneven clearance or unusual wear. On a lightly used collector car, this first inspection is just as important as the tire choice itself.

Collector-car tires on a 1968 Triumph Spitfire should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss, especially on cars that spend long periods parked.

Storage conditions matter because heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can shorten tire life even when tread wear is minimal. Moving the car occasionally, keeping pressures stable, and inspecting the tires before longer drives can help catch age-related issues early. Low annual mileage does not remove the need for regular tire attention.