1970 Triumph GT6 Tires

The 1970 Triumph GT6 occupies a distinctive place among compact British sports cars, pairing crisp coupe styling with the quick, mechanical character enthusiasts expect from a small-displacement grand touring machine of the era. That personality makes tire choice especially important, because the GT6 appears with both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial fitments on 13-inch wheels. Buyers can stay with a traditional bias-ply look, move toward a radial setup, or compare blackwall touring-style radials with whitewall bias-ply offerings from brands such as Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. The right selection depends on whether appearance, road feel, and wheel compatibility matter most for the way the car will be used.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Triumph GT6

The 1970 Triumph GT6 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit a 13-inch rim. The first step is confirming whether your car is set up for the 560-13 bias-ply fitment or the 155R13 radial fitment, because that choice shapes not only appearance but also the range of brands, sidewall treatments, and equivalent radial options worth considering.

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155R13Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Base
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1970 Triumph GT6, this size represents the radial fitment and gives buyers a more modern sizing convention than the vintage numeric alternative. Available choices include blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth evaluating if the car is already running radial-compatible wheels and the goal is a road-oriented setup with a traditional European radial appearance.

Explore 155R13 Tires
2
560-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, where 560 indicates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1970 Triumph GT6, this is the vintage-style bias-ply fitment and it carries a distinctly traditional tire profile and presentation. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles in classic bias-ply series. This size makes the most sense when preserving an earlier visual character is part of the plan, while still requiring the usual checks for wheel width, overall setup, and intended road use.

Explore 560-13 Tires

1970 Triumph GT6 Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward here because the covered sub-model shares the same two primary tire-size paths for the 1970 model year. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the real decision is whether the car is being kept on the 560-13 bias-ply setup or the 155R13 radial setup.

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1970 Triumph GT6 Base

The 1970 Triumph GT6 Base uses the same two main fitment directions found across this page: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. That means the buying decision centers less on trim variation and more on choosing the construction, sidewall style, and overall tire character that suits the car’s current wheel setup and restoration goals.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1970 Triumph GT6

For the original 560-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices span a traditional Euro-metric radial format and two P-metric profile alternatives. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent path, and any change should be checked against wheel dimensions, tire clearance, and the car’s overall setup before conversion.

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)

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 Triumph GT6 Tires for Sale

Available 1970 Triumph GT6 tires include radial and bias-ply choices across Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Buyers can compare blackwall radial series against narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply options, along with differing rim-width specifications and classic tire-series character.

Showing 5 of 5
80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS | 155HR13

Michelin - Michelin XAS-FF

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet | 155HR13

Dunlop - SP Sport Aquajet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD937 lbs
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common 1970 Triumph GT6 tire questions usually come down to the difference between 560-13 and 155R13, when a radial equivalent makes sense, and how sidewall style, wheel fitment, and overall condition affect a collector-era sports car before road use.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1970 Triumph GT6?

A 1970 Triumph GT6 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the GT6 Base and both use a 13-inch rim, so the main difference is the tire’s sizing system and construction rather than wheel diameter.

That means the first step is confirming how the car is currently set up. A GT6 kept in a more traditional bias-ply presentation may stay with 560-13, while a car set up around radial use may point toward 155R13. Wheel width, clearance, and any prior changes to the car should be checked before treating one fitment path as interchangeable with the other.

What size rim does a 1970 Triumph GT6 use?

The 1970 Triumph GT6 uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, so rim diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small British sports car. Bias-ply and radial products in these sizes can call for different rim-width ranges, so measuring the actual wheel matters before choosing a tire. That is especially important if the car has replacement wheels, older restorations, or changes made long ago that are easy to overlook.

Does the 1970 Triumph GT6 Base use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1970 Triumph GT6 Base is associated with the same two primary sizes found on this page: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate sub-model tire-size split here that forces a different selection path.

The practical question is not trim-level variation but which construction your particular car is using now. A GT6 that already runs radial tires and radial-suitable wheels may lead you toward 155R13, while a more restoration-oriented setup may remain with 560-13. Looking at the current wheels and the overall stance of the car helps keep the next tire choice consistent with the setup already in place.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 Triumph GT6?

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size associated with the 1970 Triumph GT6. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the first number refers to nominal section width and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter. In this application, it is the traditional construction choice rather than the radial one.

Choosing 560-13 keeps the car in a vintage tire format, and the available products lean toward classic whitewall presentations. That makes it attractive for buyers who want a more traditional visual character. Before staying with or returning to this size, it is worth confirming wheel width and making sure the car’s current suspension, steering clearance, and driving use still suit a bias-ply setup.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. These are equivalent-size alternatives tied specifically to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment path.

The equivalent choices use the same basic rim-diameter family but different sizing conventions and profiles, so they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalent path. Comparing the actual wheel, checking available clearance, and considering the car’s present stance are all smart steps before making the change.

What should I check before converting my 1970 Triumph GT6 from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width, then compare the radial size you are considering against the GT6’s existing setup. For a 560-13 car, the radial-equivalent path includes 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. The conversion question is not just about size naming, but about matching the wheel and tire combination sensibly.

A close look at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and ride height is worthwhile before making the switch. The car may also have older replacement wheels or past modifications that change the fitment picture. Keeping all four tires in the same construction is typically the cleaner approach, and a qualified tire professional can help verify compatibility if the current setup is uncertain.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 or 155R13 tire for a 1970 Triumph GT6?

Begin with the correct primary size for the car’s present setup, because 560-13 and 155R13 represent different construction paths. The 560-13 route is bias-ply and visually traditional, while 155R13 is the radial fitment. After size and construction, the useful comparisons are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.

The right choice depends on how the GT6 is being used and how closely you want the tire to support the car’s visual character. A driver-focused setup may point you toward the radial path, while a restoration-oriented look may keep the car on bias-ply tires. Looking at wheel measurements and the current stance helps narrow the choice before comparing individual products.

What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Triumph GT6 tires?

Sidewall style depends on the size and construction you choose for a 1970 Triumph GT6. The 155R13 radial offerings are available as blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. That gives the GT6 a meaningful appearance choice even before comparing brands.

A blackwall radial tends to suit a more understated sporting presentation, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional vintage look. Sidewall style should still be chosen within the correct size and wheel compatibility range rather than by appearance alone. Keeping the tire’s visual treatment aligned with the car’s overall restoration direction usually produces the most satisfying result.

What brands offer tires for the 1970 Triumph GT6?

Tires for the 1970 Triumph GT6 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. Those brands also bring different tire-series identities and sidewall presentations into the comparison.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It is more useful to first narrow the choice by correct size and construction, then compare the specific product’s sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width specification. On a car like the GT6, those practical and visual details usually matter more than chasing a single name without regard to the fitment path.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Triumph GT6?

For a period-style 1970 Triumph GT6, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the most traditional starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and classic construction style associated with older small-car tire presentations. Available options in that size include BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply products with whitewall treatments.

A restoration-oriented choice still depends on how authentic or how road-oriented you want the finished car to be. Some owners prefer the appearance of a bias-ply tire, while others want a radial setup that keeps the 13-inch fitment but changes the tire type. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references and marque-club guidance are worth consulting before finalizing the look.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Triumph GT6?

Tire construction changes more than just how the 1970 Triumph GT6 drives; it also changes how the car looks. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially in narrow whitewall or wide whitewall form, while a 155R13 radial in blackwall form creates a more modernized sporting appearance.

That visual difference matters on a compact coupe with small 13-inch wheels, where sidewall character is easy to notice. Choosing construction should therefore support the overall direction of the restoration rather than being treated as a separate decision. Matching the tire’s profile, sidewall style, and wheel setup to the car’s intended era feel usually leads to a more cohesive finished result.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Triumph GT6?

Yes. Modifications can change the tire-fitment picture on a 1970 Triumph GT6 even when the car remains within the same 13-inch wheel diameter. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body work can all affect whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial setup still makes sense.

A careful check of actual wheel dimensions and tire clearance is worthwhile before selecting a replacement set. Even subtle differences in stance or wheel choice can matter on a smaller sports car. Looking at clearance through the steering range and under suspension movement helps avoid choosing a tire based only on size code without confirming how the car is configured today.

What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Triumph GT6 on new tires?

Before driving a 1970 Triumph GT6 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size and construction, and confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It is also smart to look over the car’s suspension, steering components, and alignment condition.

A short collector-car test drive is safest when it begins with basic checks for rubbing, unusual vibration, pulling, or air loss. Tires should also be reviewed for any contact at full steering lock and over normal suspension movement. On an older sports car, the surrounding mechanical condition often matters just as much as the tire itself once the car goes back on the road.

How should 560-13 or 155R13 tires on a collector 1970 Triumph GT6 be maintained?

Collector-car tires on a 1970 Triumph GT6 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if the car is driven only occasionally. Whether the car uses 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or persistent air loss.

Storage conditions matter on a low-use GT6 because long idle periods can be harder on tires than steady use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire over time. A quick inspection before each outing, plus a more thorough check before a longer drive, is a sensible routine for an older collector vehicle.