1972 Triumph GT6 Tires

The 1972 Triumph GT6 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, but they represent different sizing systems and different approaches to how the car is equipped.

Choosing between them starts with the wheel setup already on the car and the type of tire presentation you want. A GT6 kept closer to traditional bias-ply appearance may stay with 560-13, while a radial-equipped car may use 155R13. On a car that has been modified over the years, wheel width and tire clearance should be confirmed before making the final selection.

The tire fitments used on the 1972 Triumph GT6 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 155R13 radial size and the 560-13 bias-ply size, so the wheel diameter itself stays consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing the available radial and bias-ply products, because the product range is not identical across both sizes. A 13-inch wheel that is too wide or too narrow for the intended tire can change how the tire sits and may affect clearance or overall fitment.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 refers to the nominal section width in inches, while 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1972 Triumph GT6, it is the traditional bias-ply fitment and differs from the metric-style 155R13 radial size.

That difference matters because 560-13 is not just another way of writing the same modern size. It points to an older bias-ply sizing convention and a different tire construction. Anyone moving away from 560-13 should compare radial equivalents carefully and verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming any 13-inch radial is automatically suitable.

On the 1972 Triumph GT6, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is offered here in classic bias-ply products from BFGoodrich and Firestone, including whitewall sidewall treatments that suit a traditional presentation.

That makes 560-13 the right place to look when the goal is preserving a more vintage tire profile and appearance. It also means a buyer should not confuse it with the separate 155R13 radial fitment. Even though both use a 13-inch rim, construction, approved wheel widths, and the overall driving character can differ enough to justify a careful setup check.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those cover an 80-series metric radial format, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a lower-profile P-metric 70-series radial, giving the 1972 Triumph GT6 owner several radial comparison points rather than a single substitute.

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not an automatic replacement. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalents, and that should be matched against the actual wheel on the car. Overall dimensions, steering travel, suspension clearance, and the car’s intended use all deserve a quick review before changing from the original bias-ply size.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the GT6’s current 560-13 bias-ply setup. For this car, the relevant radial alternatives tied to 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, all of which should be evaluated against the actual wheel and vehicle setup.

Construction changes can also affect how the car sits and how close the tire runs to suspension or bodywork. A careful owner should check clearance at full steering lock and normal suspension movement, especially if the GT6 has replacement wheels, altered ride height, or older suspension components. That approach keeps the conversion focused on fitment accuracy rather than assumption.

The first decision is whether the car should use the 560-13 bias-ply fitment or the 155R13 radial fitment. From there, the important details are wheel compatibility, the style of sidewall you want, and whether the car is being kept close to a restoration-oriented presentation or prepared for more regular road use.

Product differences matter once the size and construction are settled. The available tires vary by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and approved rim-width range, so the comparison is not only about diameter. Looking at those factors together usually leads to a better choice than focusing on appearance alone or choosing a radial simply because it shares the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

The available sidewall styles for a 1972 Triumph GT6 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears in the 155R13 radial choices, while the 560-13 bias-ply range includes both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options from the applicable classic tire lines.

That makes sidewall styling an important part of the buying decision because it changes the car’s visual character even when the wheel diameter stays the same. A blackwall radial gives the GT6 a cleaner sporting look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional presentation. Appearance should still be balanced with construction choice and the wheel dimensions already on the car.

Tires for the 1972 Triumph GT6 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side, while BFGoodrich and Firestone provide 560-13 bias-ply options in classic series with whitewall variations.

Brand choice should be considered alongside construction, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. A Michelin or Dunlop radial serves a different purpose than a BFGoodrich or Firestone bias-ply tire, even though all are tied to the same car. The most useful comparison is how each option supports the GT6’s intended look and actual wheel setup.

A period-style 1972 Triumph GT6 usually starts with the 560-13 bias-ply size, since it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional construction associated with older small sports cars. BFGoodrich and Firestone choices in that size also bring whitewall variations that create a distinctly classic visual presentation.

That said, period-style does not automatically mean one exact sidewall or brand is historically correct for every car. If precise restoration accuracy matters, the tire choice should be checked against marque literature, surviving original examples, or club guidance specific to the vehicle. For many owners, the practical decision is selecting the bias-ply size and sidewall treatment that best matches the car’s restoration direction.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1972 Triumph GT6; it also changes the car’s visual impression. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more vintage presentation, while the 155R13 radial fitment delivers a later-style blackwall look that feels more in line with modern replacement practice.

That difference becomes especially noticeable on a small sports car where tire shape and sidewall styling are easy to see. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented appearance often start by deciding whether the car should present as bias-ply traditional or radial updated. After that, whitewall versus blackwall treatment becomes a secondary appearance choice within the chosen construction.

Yes. Modifications can change how either 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radial tires sit on a 1972 Triumph GT6, even though both are 13-inch fitments. Wheel width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all affect clearance and the suitability of a given tire choice.

That is why a modified GT6 should be checked as an actual running setup rather than treated like a stock car on paper. Tire-to-fender room, steering-lock clearance, and suspension travel are all worth reviewing before mounting a new set. Small sports cars leave less room for assumption, so even modest changes can influence what works comfortably.

Before driving a 1972 Triumph GT6 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, and the basic mounting fit on the rim. It is also wise to check that the tires clear the body and suspension through normal steering movement, especially if the car has changed wheels or is switching between bias-ply and radial construction.

A short follow-up inspection after the first drive is equally helpful. Look for any signs of rubbing, unexpected air loss, or uneven seating, and confirm that the car tracks normally. On a collector vehicle that may have spent long periods parked, this is also a good time to look over suspension bushings and steering components that can influence tire behavior on the road.

Collector-car tires on a 1972 Triumph GT6 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is using 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so sidewalls, tread surfaces, and any signs of cracking or bulging deserve routine attention.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the GT6 away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Before a longer outing, inspect for air loss and look over the contact patch for flat spotting or age-related hardening, particularly on a car that spends much of its life parked.