1972 Triumph Spitfire Tires

A 1972 Triumph Spitfire uses either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply tire. Both sizes are associated with the Spitfire and both mount on a 13-inch rim, so the main difference is construction type and tire style rather than wheel diameter.

That means the first decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use a radial-format tire. Once that direction is clear, compare the specific tire's rim-width range, sidewall style, and overall appearance so the choice suits the car's wheels, intended driving use, and restoration goals.

The 1972 Triumph Spitfire uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply sizes are both built around that same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter straightforward even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still deserves attention before selecting a tire. A Spitfire that still has original-style wheels may support one path more naturally than another, while a car with replacement wheels should have both diameter and width confirmed before a new tire is chosen.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 designates the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1972 Triumph Spitfire, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial size.

That older size format matters because it points the buyer toward period-style tire construction and appearance. Anyone moving away from 560-13 should compare the intended radial equivalent carefully, paying attention to wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming every 13-inch radial alternative behaves the same way on the car.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1972 Triumph Spitfire. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered in classic bias-ply construction, giving the car a more traditional sidewall shape and vintage presentation than the radial 155R13 option.

Choosing 560-13 usually comes down to appearance goals and whether the Spitfire is being kept close to a period-style setup. Before selecting it, confirm the wheel width being used and decide whether the car's purpose favors traditional construction or a radial-format alternative that still stays within the correct 13-inch wheel diameter.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 on a 1972 Triumph Spitfire include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those cover an 80-series metric radial option, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving several ways to compare a radial-format alternative to the original bias-ply size.

The recommended rim-width range for those equivalent paths is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel measurement an important step before conversion. It also helps to compare the car's actual wheel setup and available clearance, especially if the Spitfire has non-original wheels, suspension changes, or bodywork that could affect tire space.

Either choice can make sense on a 1972 Triumph Spitfire because both a primary radial size and a primary bias-ply size are associated with the car. The 560-13 keeps a traditional bias-ply format, while 155R13 gives a radial fitment on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

The better choice depends on how the car is used and how closely the owner wants to preserve a vintage tire look. A restoration-oriented Spitfire may favor bias-ply appearance, while a driver-focused car may lead toward radial construction, provided wheel width, dimensions, and clearance are confirmed before making the switch.

Start with the correct size and construction for the way the 1972 Triumph Spitfire is meant to be used. The main decision is between 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply, since both fit a 13-inch rim but create different visual and fitment paths for the car.

After size and construction are settled, compare sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and load information where it is available. A car being restored for period style may call for a different choice than one driven regularly, so the best comparison is the one that matches the wheel setup and intended character of the Spitfire.

Available sidewall styles for the 1972 Triumph Spitfire include blackwall in the radial 155R13 size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices in the 560-13 bias-ply size. That gives owners a clear visual split between a sporting blackwall radial look and a more traditional whitewall presentation.

Sidewall choice changes the car's overall appearance even when wheel diameter stays the same. A buyer focused on roadgoing radial use may naturally lean toward blackwall, while someone seeking a restoration-oriented or period-style presentation may spend more time comparing the whitewall options within the correct 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

Michelin and Dunlop offer radial choices for the 1972 Triumph Spitfire in 155R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer bias-ply options in 560-13. Those brands cover both construction paths associated with the car, rather than forcing every owner into the same style of replacement.

Brand comparison is most useful after the correct size has been chosen, because the available products differ by construction, tire series, and sidewall treatment. A Spitfire owner should compare those details in the context of the car's actual wheels and intended use instead of selecting by brand name alone.

A period-style 1972 Triumph Spitfire usually starts with the 560-13 bias-ply size, since that construction and sizing format deliver the most traditional presentation among the available fitments. Within that size, narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are available, giving different vintage visual treatments.

The right appearance choice depends on how the car is being interpreted, because period style and exact originality are not always the same thing. When historical precision matters, compare the tire selection against marque references or restoration records, then confirm the wheel width so the chosen bias-ply option suits the car mechanically as well as visually.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1972 Triumph Spitfire in noticeable ways. A 560-13 bias-ply gives a more traditional vintage look, especially in whitewall form, while a 155R13 radial creates a more modern blackwall presentation even though the rim diameter remains 13 inches.

That difference matters because the tire is one of the first details seen at curb level on a small British sports car. Owners balancing restoration appearance with road use often compare whether they want classic bias-ply styling, a cleaner sporting radial look, or a radial equivalent path that still stays close to the original visual proportions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Triumph Spitfire even when the tire size itself is appropriate for the model. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can alter how a 155R13 or 560-13 tire sits and moves within the available space.

That is especially important on a compact sports car where clearances can be tight at full steering lock or through suspension travel. Any Spitfire with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes should have actual wheel dimensions and clearances checked before a new tire is chosen, particularly when moving between bias-ply and radial construction.

Before driving a 1972 Triumph Spitfire on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, then check valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition. It also helps to confirm that the tires are seated properly and that there is no interference with fenders, suspension parts, or steering components.

A collector car deserves a broader once-over before road use, especially if it has been stored for long periods. Tire pressure, alignment behavior, brake operation, and any signs of rubbing during low-speed turns should be reviewed early, since the first few miles often reveal clearance or setup issues that were not obvious while stationary.

560-13 and 155R13 tires on a collector 1972 Triumph Spitfire should be kept at proper inflation and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss. Because many Spitfires are driven seasonally, tire condition matters at least as much as tread depth when deciding whether the car is ready for the road.

Storage conditions also make a difference over time. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and occasional checks of pressure and sidewall condition prevent surprises after long idle periods. Before a touring drive, a fresh inspection is wise even if the tires have seen very few miles.