1979 Lotus Elite Tires

The 1979 Lotus Elite uses two different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Base uses 205/60R14, while the Sprint uses 185/70R13. Both are modern metric radial formats, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not interchangeable just because they belong to the same model line.

The first step is identifying whether the car is a Base or a Sprint, then confirming the wheels currently on the car. Many collector vehicles have seen wheel changes over time, so the actual rim diameter matters just as much as the sub-model badge before choosing a replacement tire.

Rim size depends on the exact 1979 Lotus Elite sub-model. The Base uses a 14-inch rim with its 205/60R14 tire, while the Sprint uses a 13-inch rim with its 185/70R13 tire. That difference is central to proper tire selection because each tire size is built around its matching wheel diameter.

Wheel diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires, especially on a car that may have been restored, modified, or fitted with aftermarket wheels. Checking wheel width is also worthwhile, since some tire options within the correct size have specific rim-width ranges that should match the wheel already on the car.

The 1979 Lotus Elite has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The Base uses 205/60R14, while the Sprint uses 185/70R13. Those are distinct primary fitments rather than alternate replacements for the same configuration, and each one matches a different wheel diameter.

That means tire selection starts with the exact version of the car, not just the year, make, and model. A buyer should confirm the sub-model name and inspect the wheels actually installed, since an incorrect assumption about wheel diameter can send the search in the wrong direction immediately.

A 185/70R13 tire on a 1979 Lotus Elite Sprint should be chosen around correct size first, then around tire character and appearance. Available options include several radial series from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles depending on the product.

After confirming size, compare the wheel on the car with the rim-width ranges shown on applicable tires, and look at details such as load capacity and intended presentation. A blackwall tire may suit a more understated European look, while a redline or wide whitewall changes the visual tone considerably.

For the 1979 Lotus Elite Sprint's 185/70R13 size, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears across several sport-oriented radial choices, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial is available in both redline and 2-inch wide whitewall versions within the same basic size.

Sidewall choice has a strong effect on how the car presents, even when the size remains correct. A buyer trying to preserve a restrained road-car appearance may lean toward blackwall, while someone building around a more distinctive period-style look may want the visual accent of a stripe or whitewall.

The 1979 Lotus Elite Sprint's 185/70R13 size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover a range of radial tire series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, Michelin XDX-B, and Sprint Classic.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. Two tires may share the same size but differ in visual treatment, rim-width range, weight, or load specification, which can matter on a carefully sorted collector car.

A period-style 1979 Lotus Elite starts with using the correct tire size for the exact sub-model: 205/60R14 for the Base or 185/70R13 for the Sprint. From there, the choice depends on whether the goal is a more understated European blackwall look or a more expressive vintage presentation within the available options.

For Sprint owners, the 185/70R13 range offers blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall treatments, so appearance can be tailored without leaving the proper size. If exact restoration authenticity matters beyond general period style, marque-specific references and historical vehicle documentation remain the safest guide.

Tire construction is straightforward on the 1979 Lotus Elite because both primary fitments are radial. That means the visual difference in a restored car comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the tire's sidewall treatment, tread presentation, and overall size relationship to the wheel.

On a Sprint with 185/70R13 tires, blackwall options keep a cleaner, more restrained look, while redline or wide whitewall versions create a much more noticeable period-style statement. The best visual result usually comes from combining the correct sub-model size with a sidewall style that matches the build's intent.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1979 Lotus Elite. If the car has aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, body changes, or different wheel widths than standard for its sub-model, the original 205/60R14 or 185/70R13 fitment may no longer be the only factor in choosing a tire.

A careful check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components. Even when the nominal tire size is correct for the Base or Sprint, an altered setup can change what works comfortably once the car is back on the road.

Before driving a 1979 Lotus Elite on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct diameter, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires clear suspension and bodywork through normal steering travel. It is also smart to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel mounting surfaces.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis deserves attention too. Brake function, wheel bearing condition, alignment behavior, and any signs of rubbing should be checked early, because a new tire can only perform properly when the surrounding mechanical condition is sound.

Tires on a collector 1979 Lotus Elite should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic use that keeps the car from sitting in one position for too long. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss are all worth catching early on a low-mileage car.

Storage conditions matter nearly as much as miles driven. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the car or adjusting its resting position occasionally can reduce flat-spotting during longer periods off the road.