1971 Lotus Elan Tires

A 1971 Lotus Elan uses more than one tire size, and the correct fitment depends on the sub-model. Base and Sprint models use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires, while the Plus 2 uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply tires. All of these sizes are built around a 13-inch rim.

The key is matching the tire to the exact version of the car before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with the traditional bias-ply construction or select a radial option that suits the car's appearance goals and wheel setup.

The 1971 Lotus Elan uses a 13-inch rim diameter across its covered tire sizes. That applies to 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13, so the diameter remains consistent even though the car uses different sizes and construction types depending on the sub-model.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small sports car where wheel width can matter just as much. Before changing from one size family to another, it helps to confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the tire choice matches both the sub-model and the existing wheel setup.

No. The 1971 Lotus Elan Base and Sprint share the same pair of sizes, 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply, while the Lotus Elan Plus 2 uses 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply. The difference is tied to the sub-model, not just to whether the tire is bias-ply or radial.

That distinction matters because choosing by model name alone can put the car in the wrong size family. A Base or Sprint owner should not assume Plus 2 sizing applies, and a Plus 2 owner should verify that the wheel and body setup still match the larger listed sizes if the car has been modified over time.

A 1971 Lotus Elan can be fitted with either bias-ply or radial tires, depending on the sub-model and the owner's goals. Base and Sprint models use 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sizes, while the Plus 2 uses 600-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial sizes. Both constructions are part of the proper fitment picture for this model year.

The decision usually comes down to whether the car is being kept in a more traditional period-style presentation or driven with a preference for radial sizing. It is smart to confirm wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before changing construction, especially if the Elan has replacement wheels, suspension changes, or a long history of previous modifications.

For a 1971 Lotus Elan, the 560-13 bias-ply size has radial equivalents in 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. The 600-13 bias-ply size has radial equivalents in 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial format along with 75-series and 70-series P-metric alternatives.

Each of those equivalents can be considered as an alternative, but they are not automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range for those bias-ply equivalents is 4-5 inches, so the actual wheel width should be checked along with vehicle clearance and the car's intended use before moving from a bias-ply size to a radial equivalent.

Start by confirming the car's exact sub-model and original size family, because the Base and Sprint use different primary sizes from the Plus 2. Then compare the intended radial size against the 13-inch wheel diameter, the wheel width on the car, and the radial-equivalent options tied to the correct bias-ply size.

An Elan's compact wheel openings and light chassis make details important, so the check should include steering clearance, suspension condition, and any signs of non-original wheels or ride-height changes. A careful conversion also means looking at how the car will be used, since appearance priorities and road-use expectations often shape whether a bias-ply or radial setup makes more sense.

The most important step is confirming whether the car is a Base, Plus 2, or Sprint, because the 1971 Lotus Elan does not use one universal size. After that, the main choices are construction type, radial versus bias-ply, and then the specific size family that matches the sub-model's 13-inch wheel fitment.

Beyond basic fitment, think about how the car is being used and how you want it to look. A restoration-oriented owner may focus on traditional bias-ply styling and whitewall options, while another owner may prefer blackwall radial offerings from Michelin or Dunlop. Wheel width should also be part of the comparison before making a final selection.

Sidewall style depends on the size and construction you choose. The radial options for the 1971 Lotus Elan are available as blackwall tires, while the bias-ply selections include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That creates a clear appearance difference between the radial and bias-ply product groups.

Sidewall style can change the character of a small British sports car more than many owners expect, so it is worth deciding whether the goal is a clean sporting look or a more traditional vintage presentation. Once that visual direction is set, the remaining questions are matching the correct size to the sub-model and verifying the wheel specifications already on the car.

Tires for the 1971 Lotus Elan are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial side of the fitment in sizes such as 155R13 and 165R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply 560-13 and 600-13 size families.

Brand choice should be compared within the correct size and construction rather than treated as a separate decision. Once the fitment is narrowed to the right sub-model, buyers can look at factors such as sidewall treatment, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility to decide which offering best matches the Elan's intended appearance and use.

A period-style 1971 Lotus Elan usually starts with the correct size family for the exact sub-model, then a decision between bias-ply and radial construction. Base and Sprint models center on 560-13 or 155R13, while the Plus 2 centers on 600-13 or 165R13. Bias-ply tires tend to support the most traditional vintage sizing presentation.

Appearance goals matter, but they should be balanced with how the car will actually be driven. An owner focused on show presentation may lean toward the bias-ply options and their whitewall treatments, while another owner may prefer a blackwall radial with a period European look. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque references when that level of detail matters.

On a restored 1971 Lotus Elan, tire construction changes the visual impression as much as the driving setup. Bias-ply options use vintage numeric sizing and are offered with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, while the radial offerings use Euro-metric sizing and appear as blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop.

That means construction choice is also an appearance choice, not just a technical one. A restoration-oriented buyer should first match the correct sub-model size, then decide whether the car should present with a more traditional bias-ply look or a cleaner period-style radial look. Wheel width and overall stance should still be checked before any change in tire type.

Yes. A 1971 Lotus Elan may have replacement wheels, altered suspension, or bodywork changes from decades of ownership, and any of those can affect how a tire size works on the car. Even though the listed fitments all use a 13-inch rim, width, clearance, and construction changes can still alter the fitment outcome.

That is why the actual wheel diameter and width should be confirmed on the car before changing sizes or moving from bias-ply to radial tires. It also helps to inspect steering clearance and fender space at full lock and full suspension movement, especially on a compact sports car where small differences can matter.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires match the car's sub-model, and check for proper seating and inflation. It is also smart to look over suspension and steering components, since worn bushings or alignment issues can affect how a lightweight car responds even with the right tire size installed.

A final walkaround should include checking for sidewall contact, adequate fender clearance, and consistent appearance from side to side. After the first short drive, recheck pressure and look for any rubbing marks or unusual behavior. Collector cars that sit for long periods benefit from these follow-up checks because old issues often appear only once the car is back on the road.

Tires on a 1971 Lotus Elan should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and signs of air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Both bias-ply and radial tires benefit from routine pressure checks and visual inspection, since collector cars often age their tires through time and storage as much as through mileage.

Storage conditions matter too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. A longer trip is a good reason to inspect the spare setup, verify that all four tires are in consistent condition, and make sure the car's wheel and suspension hardware remain secure.