The 1979 Triumph TR7 came from an era when British sports cars were adapting to changing safety, emissions, and market expectations while still delivering the low-slung, driver-focused character enthusiasts wanted. Its wedge-shaped styling gives it a distinctly late-1970s identity, and tire choice plays a big role in preserving that look and road feel. For this exact model year, the TR7 uses radial tires in two 13-inch fitment sizes: 185/70R13 and 185R13. That opens the door to blackwall touring and performance-style options, along with restoration-oriented choices such as redline or wide whitewall in the shorter metric size. The key is matching the right size to the car’s setup and the appearance you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Triumph TR7
The 1979 Triumph TR7 uses two primary radial tire sizes, and both fit 13-inch wheels. The first step is confirming which size is on the car now, since the choice is less about wheel diameter and more about whether your TR7 is set up for the lower-profile 185/70R13 or the taller Euro-metric 185R13. Once that is clear, the decision shifts to brand, tire series, sidewall style, and the kind of road use or restoration presentation you want.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1979 Triumph TR7, it represents a modern metric radial fitment with a lower-profile look than a Euro-metric 185R13. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations across series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, SP Sport Aquajet, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to examine if you want the broadest product selection in a 13-inch TR7 fitment.
185R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This format does not state an aspect ratio in the size itself and is commonly associated with an 80-series profile. For the 1979 Triumph TR7, it offers a more classic metric radial presentation than 185/70R13, and Michelin XAS-FF is available in this fitment as a blackwall option. It is worth considering when the car is being kept closer to a traditional European sports-car tire look on 13-inch wheels.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered TR7 sub-model shares the same two radial tire sizes on 13-inch wheels. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the bigger question is which of the two sizes matches the car’s current wheel-and-tire setup and intended appearance.
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1979 Triumph TR7 Base
The 1979 Triumph TR7 Base uses the same two radial fitment paths found on this page, both built around a 13-inch rim. That means tire selection comes down to confirming whether the car is running the lower-profile 185/70R13 or the more traditional 185R13, then choosing the brand, series, and sidewall treatment that suits the car.
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:
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 1979 Triumph TR7 Tires for Sale
Available 1979 Triumph TR7 tire choices center on 185/70R13 and 185R13 radials from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The strongest variety is in 185/70R13, where series, blackwall versus redline or wide whitewall styling, load figures, weights, and rim-width compatibility all create meaningful points of comparison.
These 1979 Triumph TR7 FAQs focus on the two 13-inch radial fitments, how to interpret each size, what changes between available tire lines, and what to inspect before road use on a classic British sports car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Triumph TR7?
The 1979 Triumph TR7 uses two primary radial tire sizes: 185/70R13 and 185R13. Both are 13-inch fitments, but they are not the same size format. The 185/70R13 is a stated-aspect-ratio metric radial, while 185R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that does not print the aspect ratio in the code.
The practical choice starts with checking what is already mounted on the car, since wheel diameter alone does not settle the question. Look at the sidewall markings, confirm the actual wheel setup, and compare the car’s stance and clearance before changing from one size format to the other.
What size rim does a 1979 Triumph TR7 use?
The tire fitments covered for the 1979 Triumph TR7 use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 185/70R13 and 185R13, so the final number in each tire size points to the same wheel diameter even though the overall tire format differs.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still important to confirm wheel width before selecting a specific tire. Some 185/70R13 products include stated rim-width ranges, and that can matter if the car has replacement wheels or has been altered from its earlier wheel-and-tire setup.
What does 185R13 mean on a 1979 Triumph TR7?
On a 1979 Triumph TR7, 185R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 185 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike 185/70R13, this size does not print an aspect ratio in the sidewall code.
That difference matters because 185R13 and 185/70R13 should not be treated as identical just because they share the same wheel diameter. If the goal is to keep a more traditional European tire presentation, 185R13 can be appealing, but the car’s wheel width, clearance, and current setup should be checked first.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1979 Triumph TR7?
Start with the fact that 185/70R13 has the broadest product choice for the 1979 Triumph TR7. Available options span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles and several distinct tire series aimed at different looks within the same size.
After confirming size, compare the tire’s intended presentation and wheel compatibility. Some products publish rim-width ranges such as 4.5 to 6.5 inches or 5.00 to 6.50 inches, and load or weight figures also vary. That makes this size especially suitable for owners balancing road use, appearance, and the exact wheel setup on the car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Triumph TR7 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1979 Triumph TR7 include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and series. The widest appearance variety appears in 185/70R13, where blackwall performance and touring-style options sit alongside BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions with redline or 2-inch whitewall styling.
That gives the TR7 owner room to shape the car’s presentation without changing the basic wheel diameter. A blackwall usually supports a more understated or sporting look, while redline or wide whitewall adds a stronger period-style visual statement. The right choice depends on whether the car is being kept understated, personalized, or restoration-oriented.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Triumph TR7?
Tires for the 1979 Triumph TR7 are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Most of that variety is concentrated in 185/70R13, while 185R13 is represented here by Michelin. The available series include Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, XDX-B, Sprint Classic, and XAS-FF.
Brand choice should be treated as part of the overall fitment decision rather than the starting point. It makes more sense to choose the correct size first, then compare which brands offer the sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-compatibility details that suit the way your TR7 is set up and used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Triumph TR7?
A period-style 1979 Triumph TR7 tire choice starts with the correct fitment size on the car: either 185/70R13 or 185R13. For a more traditional European radial presentation, 185R13 is a natural place to look. For owners who want more visible styling options, 185/70R13 offers blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall variations.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how closely the car is being restored and how it will be driven. When originality matters at a very detailed level, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth consulting. For many owners, the best result is a tire that respects the TR7’s era while still matching the actual wheel-and-tire setup.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Triumph TR7?
On the 1979 Triumph TR7, the primary fitments covered here are radial tires, so construction choice is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about which radial format best suits the car’s visual character. A 185R13 Euro-metric radial presents differently from a lower-profile 185/70R13, even though both mount on 13-inch wheels.
That means the tire’s size format and sidewall treatment often shape appearance more than the basic construction label. Blackwall keeps the look restrained and sporting, while redline or wide whitewall creates a more stylized period impression. Wheel width and the car’s stance should still be checked so the finished look matches the way the TR7 sits on the road.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Triumph TR7?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Triumph TR7 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork variations can all change how a 185/70R13 or 185R13 tire sits in the wheel opening and steers at full lock.
That is why the actual car should be checked before changing tire size format or moving to a different tire line. Confirm wheel diameter and width, inspect clearance to fenders and suspension parts, and look for signs of rubbing. Small setup changes on a compact sports car can affect fitment more than the tire code alone suggests.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Triumph TR7 on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Triumph TR7 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, verify that the tires are seated properly, and set inflation to the tire maker’s specifications for that tire and application. It also helps to check for any visible interference around suspension parts, steering travel, and the inner fenders.
A classic car that has seen limited use deserves a broader once-over as well. Look at wheel hardware, brakes, shocks, bushings, and alignment condition, because fresh tires can highlight old chassis issues quickly. A short initial drive followed by a recheck of pressure and any rubbing marks is a sensible way to confirm the setup.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Triumph TR7 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Triumph TR7 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread wear. A low-mileage classic can still develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, or gradual air loss, especially if it spends long periods parked indoors or outdoors.
Storage habits matter almost as much as driving habits. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and moving the car periodically can reduce stress from sitting in one position. Before any longer drive, inspect the full tread and sidewall area rather than relying on appearance alone.
