The 1970 Lotus Elan sits in the sweet spot of British lightweight sports-car design, prized for its compact dimensions, sharp responses, and delicately balanced character. Tire choice matters on a car like this because even small changes can influence both appearance and the feel that makes an Elan so rewarding on the road. Fitment for the 1970 Lotus Elan spans both bias-ply and radial 13-inch sizes, with sizing differences between the Base and Sprint models and the longer Plus 2. That opens the door to traditional whitewall bias-ply options, blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop, and radial-equivalent paths for bias-ply owners. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model and the kind of driving or restoration result you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Lotus Elan
The 1970 Lotus Elan uses four primary tire sizes across its covered sub-models, and the correct choice depends first on whether the car is a Base, Plus 2, or Sprint. All of these sizes mount on 13-inch rims, but they differ by construction and by the specific configuration they serve, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing bias-ply versus radial choices.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1970 Lotus Elan, this size suits the lighter, more modernized radial fitment path used on the Base and Sprint models. Available choices center on blackwall radial products from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet series. This size makes sense for owners who want a radial-format tire while staying with the proper 13-inch wheel diameter for those specific Elan configurations.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 5.60 represents the tire's nominal section-width class in inches and 13 identifies the rim diameter. Its bias-ply construction delivers the traditional sizing language and period-style presentation associated with many vintage small sports cars. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, with classic bias-ply series available in this size. This is the size to evaluate for a Base or Sprint model when preserving a more traditional tire look matters as much as matching the covered fitment.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch wheel diameter. On the 1970 Lotus Elan, this radial size belongs with the Plus 2, distinguishing it from the smaller Base and Sprint fitments. Blackwall radial choices are available from Michelin and Dunlop, including Michelin XAS and XAS-FF variations alongside the SP Sport Aquajet series. This size is the right starting point for Plus 2 owners who want the proper 13-inch radial fitment before narrowing the choice by brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 describes the nominal width class and 13 corresponds to the wheel diameter in inches. Its larger bias-ply format aligns with the Plus 2 and provides the more traditional construction option for that sub-model. Available products focus on BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is worth considering on a Plus 2 when the goal is a restoration-oriented look or when keeping the car in a bias-ply format is part of the intended presentation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1970 Lotus Elan because the Base and Sprint share one pair of sizes while the Plus 2 uses a larger pair. Every version stays on a 13-inch rim, but choosing the wrong sub-model can lead to the wrong tire size and the wrong construction path.
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1970 Lotus Elan Base
The 1970 Lotus Elan Base uses the same fitment pattern as the Sprint, with a radial option and a numeric bias-ply alternative on 13-inch wheels. That gives Base owners a clear choice between a blackwall radial presentation and a more traditional bias-ply look, depending on road use and restoration priorities.
The 1970 Lotus Elan Plus 2 uses the larger of the two Elan fitment groups, with its own radial and bias-ply size choices on 13-inch rims. Plus 2 owners should start by matching that larger sub-model-specific sizing before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or a radial-equivalent path from the bias-ply option.
The 1970 Lotus Elan Sprint shares its tire fitment pattern with the Base model, again offering both a radial and a numeric bias-ply choice on 13-inch wheels. That makes the decision less about size variation and more about whether the car is being set up for traditional appearance, radial road manners, or a careful balance of both.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1970 Lotus Elan
The 1970 Lotus Elan has radial-equivalent choices for two primary bias-ply sizes. For 560-13, the available equivalents 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 options move from Euro-metric to lower-profile P-metric sizing, with a recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches that should still be checked against wheel width and vehicle clearance.
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 1970 Lotus Elan Tires for Sale
Available 1970 Lotus Elan tires include radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop plus bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Buyers can compare tire series, construction, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility across the four covered 13-inch sizes.
Owners usually start with three questions on a 1970 Lotus Elan: which size fits the exact sub-model, whether to stay with bias-ply or move to a radial equivalent, and how sidewall style or tire series affects the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Lotus Elan?
A 1970 Lotus Elan does not use one universal size across every covered version. The Base and Sprint use 155R13 as the radial fitment and 560-13 as the bias-ply fitment, while the Plus 2 uses 165R13 as the radial fitment and 600-13 as the bias-ply fitment. All four sizes are built around a 13-inch rim.
That means the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base, Plus 2, or Sprint before comparing individual tires. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the primary bias-ply style, use the primary radial size, or evaluate one of the radial equivalents associated with the bias-ply fitment.
What size rim does a 1970 Lotus Elan use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1970 Lotus Elan all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That includes the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 as well as the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13. Rim diameter stays consistent even though the Plus 2 uses a larger tire size group than the Base and Sprint.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment, because wheel width also matters when comparing products or considering a radial equivalent. A car that has changed wheels over the years should have both diameter and wheel width checked before selection, especially if the goal is to move from a narrow bias-ply setup to a radial tire.
Do all 1970 Lotus Elan sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1970 Lotus Elan Base and 1970 Lotus Elan Sprint share the same size pair, using 155R13 in radial form or 560-13 in bias-ply form. The 1970 Lotus Elan Plus 2 uses a different pair, with 165R13 as the radial fitment and 600-13 as the bias-ply fitment.
That distinction matters because it affects more than the size code on the sidewall. It also changes the range of products available, the rim-width compatibility you may need to compare, and which radial-equivalent path applies if the car currently wears a bias-ply tire and the owner is considering a change in construction.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 Lotus Elan?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1970 Lotus Elan. It is one of the primary fitments used on the Base and Sprint, while 155R13 is the radial size associated with those same sub-models. The two sizes share the same 13-inch rim diameter but represent different construction types and sizing conventions.
That gives owners a clear choice between a traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial-format alternative. Before changing from 560-13 to a radial option, it helps to confirm the actual wheel width on the car and compare the intended replacement against the wheel setup, clearance, and the look you want the finished car to retain.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13?
For 560-13, the radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. For 600-13, the radial equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. In each case, the first is an 80-series metric radial, the second is a 75-series P-metric radial, and the third is a 70-series P-metric radial.
Those options give a useful progression from a more traditional Euro-metric radial format to lower-profile P-metric alternatives. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalent paths is 4-5 inches, but any conversion still deserves a check of wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance before final selection.
What should I check before converting my 1970 Lotus Elan from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the radial equivalent to the correct original bias-ply size for the sub-model. A Base or Sprint using 560-13 can be compared against 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, while a Plus 2 using 600-13 can be compared against 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13.
Wheel width is the next major checkpoint, since the equivalent paths call for a 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range. It is also wise to inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the actual wheel setup on the car, particularly if it has been modified or if the existing wheels are not original-style dimensions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1970 Lotus Elan tire?
The right starting point is the exact sub-model and its primary size group. Base and Sprint models use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Plus 2 uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply. From there, the main decisions are construction type, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility.
A buyer focused on traditional presentation may lean toward the bias-ply choices, especially where whitewall styles are part of the look. Someone prioritizing a radial-format setup may instead compare the Michelin and Dunlop blackwall options, while also checking the wheel dimensions on the car so the selected tire aligns with both fitment and intended use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Lotus Elan tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size and construction chosen for the 1970 Lotus Elan. The radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 are available in blackwall form, while the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 are offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That creates a clear visual difference between radial and bias-ply product groups.
The sidewall choice should match the presentation you want from the car rather than being treated as a universal default. A whitewall bias-ply can give a more vintage look, while a blackwall radial keeps the appearance cleaner and more understated, so it helps to consider the car’s restoration theme before narrowing the selection.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 Lotus Elan?
Tires for the 1970 Lotus Elan are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across the covered fitment sizes. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the radial blackwall options, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply selections. The available series include Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.
That brand spread gives buyers a useful way to compare not just names, but also construction type, period-style appearance, and wheel-width specifications. The best approach is to start with the correct sub-model size, then compare the available series and sidewall treatments within that size instead of jumping between brands before fitment is settled.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Lotus Elan?
A period-style 1970 Lotus Elan usually starts with the proper primary size for the specific sub-model and then follows the intended construction. That often means 560-13 for a Base or Sprint in bias-ply form, or 600-13 for a Plus 2 in bias-ply form, rather than beginning with a modern P-metric radial alternative.
Construction makes a visible difference, and so does sidewall treatment. Buyers aiming for a restoration-oriented appearance should compare the available narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply options, then verify that the chosen look aligns with the car’s era, personal presentation goals, and any marque-specific historical references being used for the project.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Lotus Elan?
Tire construction changes both the stance and the visual character of a restored 1970 Lotus Elan. A bias-ply tire such as 560-13 or 600-13 gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially when paired with narrow or wide whitewall styling. A radial like 155R13 or 165R13 presents a more modern blackwall appearance.
That difference matters on a lightweight sports car where wheel and tire proportions are easy to notice. Owners trying to preserve a restoration-oriented look should decide early whether the goal is historical flavor, more contemporary road-going presentation, or a compromise that keeps the proper size family while changing the tire construction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Lotus Elan?
Yes. Even though the covered tire sizes for a 1970 Lotus Elan all use 13-inch rims, modifications can still change what works comfortably on the car. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, or body and fender work can all affect clearance when using either the primary fitment sizes or a radial equivalent.
That is especially important on a compact sports car where room around the tire can be limited. A modified Elan should have wheel width, steering travel, and visible clearance checked before final tire selection, rather than assuming that the original size code alone settles the issue on a car that no longer matches stock wheel and suspension dimensions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Lotus Elan on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm that the selected tires match the car’s sub-model fitment, and make sure there is no interference at full steering lock. It also helps to verify inflation, valve condition, and whether the tires seat properly on the rims being used.
A low-use collector car deserves a broader walkaround before a serious drive. Look for suspension issues, uneven ride height, rubbing marks, air loss, and any signs that the car has wheel or alignment changes that could affect the new tires. A short shakedown drive followed by a second inspection is a sensible final check.
How should 560-13, 600-13, 155R13, and 165R13 tires on a collector 1970 Lotus Elan be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1970 Lotus Elan should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, cracking, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss before road use. That applies to both the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 and the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13, especially if the car spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used Elan. Tires last better when the car is kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and when the tires are examined periodically instead of only before driving season. Regular inspection is the best defense against age-related surprises on the road.
