By 1964, Vauxhall was building compact and mid-size British cars that balanced practical family transportation with a touch of European road manners, from the small Viva to the larger Victor and the more upscale VX 4/90. That makes tire choice on 1964 Vauxhall vehicles more varied than the badge alone might suggest. Across three model groups, six tire sizes appear, and they separate not only by model but also by construction, with radial and bias-ply options on the 13-inch Victor family while the Viva stays with 12-inch bias-ply sizes. The first step is confirming your exact model, then deciding whether originality or driving character matters most in your tire choice.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1964 Vauxhall
Six tire sizes are used across 1964 Vauxhall vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether you have a 12-inch Viva or a 13-inch Victor family car, then choosing between radial and bias-ply construction where both types apply. Understanding that difference before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the right car and use.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Victor|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters and a 13-inch rim diameter, with the unstated profile conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This size is specific to the Victor, and it is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form; tube status varies by product, and H-rated versions appear with a 130 mph ceiling. It suits owners who want a radial construction for more modern road feel while staying in a period-appropriate European size for the Victor.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Victor|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 590 denotes the nominal section-width class and the 13 denotes a 13-inch rim. This size is specific to the Victor, and it is available from BFGoodrich with a wide whitewall sidewall and a load figure of 970 pounds at 32 psi. It is the right direction for a Victor owner pursuing a more traditional 1960s look and bias-ply driving character.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Victor & VX 4/90|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and a 13-inch rim diameter, again following the conventional 80-series profile used by this format. This size is specific to the Victor & VX 4/90, and it comes from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form; tube status varies by product, and the available H speed rating carries a 130 mph ceiling. It is a sensible choice for owners who want a radial tire in the slimmer size used on those 13-inch Vauxhall models.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Victor & VX 4/90|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 560 identifying the nominal section-width class and 13 indicating a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the Victor & VX 4/90, and it is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options; load figures reach 850 pounds at 30 psi. It fits buyers who want a more era-authentic sidewall presentation and bias-ply construction on these Vauxhall models.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Viva|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.50-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.50 identifying the nominal section width and 12 showing the 12-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the Viva, and its buyer focus is straightforward because the Viva uses a smaller 12-inch wheel package than the larger Vauxhall models covered here. It is the kind of size to pursue when preserving the compact, period-correct tire profile associated with an early Viva.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Viva|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal section width of 5.60 inches and a 12-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the Viva as well, and it remains within the same smaller-wheel bias-ply family rather than crossing over to the 13-inch Victor sizes. It is best considered by Viva owners confirming which of the two 12-inch bias-ply sizes matches their car before moving on to a specific product.
Three 1964 Vauxhall model groups are covered here: the Victor, the Victor & VX 4/90, and the Viva. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; the Viva uses 12-inch bias-ply sizes, while the Victor family uses 13-inch tires with either radial or bias-ply choices depending on the model group. Select your model below to narrow fitment history, size choices, and tire options.
1964 Vauxhall Victor
The 1964 Vauxhall Victor sat in the brand's mainstream family-car role, offering more room and road presence than the smaller Viva while keeping a distinctly British character. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and its fitment range includes both a radial and a bias-ply path depending on how the car is being restored or driven.
The Victor & VX 4/90 grouping reflects Vauxhall's larger mid-size platform, with the VX 4/90 generally positioned as the more upscale and sporting branch of the range. These models use 13-inch wheels and share one radial size and one bias-ply size, giving owners a clear choice between later-feeling road manners and traditional presentation.
The 1964 Vauxhall Viva was Vauxhall's compact entry, designed around economy, maneuverability, and a smaller footprint than the Victor line. Its tires mount on 12-inch wheels, and both applicable sizes are bias-ply, keeping the tire choice centered on correct size confirmation rather than a radial-versus-bias decision.
Nine products are available across six tire sizes for 1964 Vauxhall vehicles. The 165R13 has three radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop, the 590-13 has one bias-ply wide whitewall from BFGoodrich, the 155R13 has two radial blackwalls from Michelin and Dunlop, and the 560-13 has three bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow and wide whitewall styles. Confirm your model, size, and construction preference first, since tube status can vary within the radial sizes.
These answers sort out the key differences across 1964 Vauxhall tire sizing, including model-specific 12-inch versus 13-inch fitments, radial versus bias-ply choices on the Victor family, whitewall availability, and collector-car storage and road-use concerns.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1964 Vauxhall vehicles?
1964 Vauxhall vehicles use six sizes across three model groups. The Victor uses 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply, the Victor & VX 4/90 use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, and the Viva uses 5.50-12 or 5.60-12 bias-ply. The Victor family sizes mount on 13-inch rims, while the Viva sizes mount on 12-inch rims. Rim-width guidance is available for the 13-inch product lines: 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 590-13 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, and 560-13 fits either 3.50 to 4.00 or 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the product.
That means year and make are only the starting point for a 1964 Vauxhall. The first sorting step is model identification, because a Viva does not share tire diameter or rim diameter with a Victor or VX 4/90. After that, owners of the 13-inch cars can narrow the choice further by deciding whether they want a radial construction or a bias-ply construction, while Viva owners need to verify which of the two 12-inch bias-ply sizes matches the car before choosing a specific tire.
What does 165R13 mean on a 1964 Vauxhall tire?
On a 1964 Vauxhall, 165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R denotes radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this older metric format, the aspect ratio is not written out, and it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. For 1964 Vauxhall use, this size applies to the Victor and is offered in blackwall form with H speed ratings, which carry a 130 mph ceiling.
That code matters because it signals a very different tire character from a same-era numeric bias-ply size. A 165R13 Victor owner is looking at a radial-format tire intended for a 13-inch wheel, so the next checks are the actual wheel width and whether the product is marked tubeless or requires a tube arrangement. If your goal is to keep the car closer to later-1960s European road feel, this is the modern-format side of the Victor's tire choice.
Do all 1964 Vauxhall models use the same tire size?
No, 1964 Vauxhall models do not all use the same tire size. The Viva uses 12-inch bias-ply sizes, either 5.50-12 or 5.60-12, while the larger Victor-based cars use 13-inch tires. Within the 13-inch group, the Victor uses 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply, and the Victor & VX 4/90 use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. That split means there is no single year-make tire size that fits every 1964 Vauxhall covered here.
For a buyer, the practical takeaway is simple: identify the model before narrowing the tire. A Viva owner should stay focused on the smaller 12-inch sizes, while Victor-family owners should first verify whether their car takes the Victor sizing set or the Victor & VX 4/90 sizing set. Once that is settled, the construction choice becomes easier to frame, especially on the 13-inch cars where radial and bias-ply alternatives both exist.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R13 or the 590-13 for my 1964 Vauxhall?
For a 1964 Vauxhall Victor, the choice between 165R13 and 590-13 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 165R13 is a radial blackwall size offered by Michelin and Dunlop, while the 590-13 is a bias-ply size offered with a wide whitewall from BFGoodrich. Both fit the Victor, but they do not represent the same construction philosophy or sidewall presentation.
A Victor owner restoring for an older, more traditional appearance will usually lean toward the 590-13 bias-ply. An owner who plans regular road use and wants a tire built in a metric radial format may prefer the 165R13 instead. The best approach is to look at the car's existing wheel width, the look you want under the fender, and whether you want the steering and ride behavior associated with bias-ply or radial construction before selecting a specific product.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Vauxhall tires?
1964 Vauxhall tires are available in both blackwall and whitewall styles, but the sidewall options depend on the size. The radial sizes 165R13 and 155R13 are available in blackwall only. The 590-13 bias-ply size comes in a wide whitewall, and the 560-13 bias-ply size is available in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That creates a clear visual split between the radial offerings and the 13-inch bias-ply whitewall offerings.
Sidewall style can matter as much as size when you are trying to match a car's period look. On a 1964 British family car, blackwalls often suit a cleaner European presentation, while whitewalls can give a stronger period accessory look on restored Victor-family cars. If appearance matters for show judging or faithful restoration, confirm the style that fits your market and build theme before settling on a tire, especially on the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply options.
What brands make tires for 1964 Vauxhall vehicles?
1964 Vauxhall tire coverage includes Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, depending on the size. The 165R13 radial is available from Michelin and Dunlop, the 155R13 radial is also available from Michelin and Dunlop, the 590-13 bias-ply is available from BFGoodrich, and the 560-13 bias-ply comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Brand choice is therefore tied closely to both model and construction.
For many Vauxhall owners, the most sensible way to compare brands is by starting with the correct size and then looking at the presentation and construction type that fit the car's purpose. Michelin and Dunlop align naturally with the European-style radial side of the Victor-family options, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the whitewall bias-ply choices. Once the size is settled, details such as sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and load figures become the better comparison points.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1964 Vauxhall tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1964 Vauxhall tires varies by size. The 165R13 radial fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, the 155R13 radial fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, and the 590-13 bias-ply fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. For 560-13, BFGoodrich bias-ply versions fit 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, while the Firestone version fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. Those ranges all apply to 13-inch Victor-family wheels, while the Viva's 12-inch sizes still need wheel verification against the actual car.
That spread is why wheel width should be checked before assuming one 13-inch tire can replace another. A radial-compatible wheel can call for a wider rim than a same-diameter bias-ply option, and even within 560-13 there is variation by product. Measuring the wheel on the car, or confirming the original wheel specification from a workshop manual or marque specialist, is the cleanest way to avoid mismatch before moving ahead.
Do 1964 Vauxhall tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1964 Vauxhall tires depend on the size and the specific product. The 165R13 and 155R13 radial offerings vary by product, with some marked TL for tubeless use while others are not marked that way. The bias-ply product markings shown for 590-13 and 560-13 do not use a TL designation, so tube planning deserves extra attention on those older-style fitments, especially if the wheel itself was originally intended for tube-type service.
The safest approach is to check both the tire marking and the wheel design before final assembly. Older wheels can have bead-seat or rim-condition issues that affect whether tubeless use is advisable, even if a tire itself is marked for it. If you are restoring a Victor, VX 4/90, or Viva with original steel wheels, pairing the tire decision with a wheel inspection and fresh valve hardware is a smart part of the setup process.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1964 Vauxhall when the tires are fitted?
A 1964 Vauxhall should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so the same contact patch does not sit in one spot for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 590-13, 560-13, 5.50-12, and 5.60-12 are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than radial sizes such as 165R13 and 155R13.
If the car will be parked for a season, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged load on the tires. A breathable car cover and a clean floor also help, but the tire's real enemies are heat, UV exposure, and ozone. Good storage habits matter as much on a lightly used show car as they do on a regularly driven one, because age and environment can shorten tire life even when tread wear is minimal.
How long do tires on a 1964 Vauxhall typically last?
Tires on a 1964 Vauxhall are best judged by age and condition rather than mileage alone. A collector-car tire should generally be evaluated closely once it reaches the five-to-seven-year range, and around ten years is the point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the fastest way to confirm age, and that matters on both radial and bias-ply constructions.
Many vintage Vauxhall cars spend more time parked than driven, so they can age out before they wear out. Sidewall checking, hardening of the rubber, irregular pressure loss, or any sign of structural change should move the conversation toward replacement sooner. If the car's history is uncertain, treating tire age as a maintenance baseline is wise before planning road use, especially if the car still carries older restoration-era rubber.
How often should tires on a 1964 Vauxhall be inspected?
Tires on a 1964 Vauxhall should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended trip. Look for sidewall cracking, weathering, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and signs that the tire is losing air between uses. On cars using tube-type-style fitments or older wheel hardware, it is also worth paying attention to valve stems, tube condition, and any movement at the bead or rim edge.
Frequent inspection matters because classic cars often sit long enough for age-related issues to develop quietly. A short local outing may not reveal the same weakness that appears after heat builds on a longer drive. Making tire inspection part of your normal pre-drive walkaround helps catch problems before they become roadside failures, and it also gives you a chance to verify inflation pressure while the tires are still cold.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1964 Vauxhall Victor?
For a 1964 Vauxhall Victor, the historically correct construction for many original-market applications would center on bias-ply, since radial adoption was still a transition-period issue in the mid-1960s and varied by market, trim, and owner preference. Within the sizes used on the Victor family here, the Victor itself is associated with 590-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial. That means either size can appear in a restoration conversation, but they do not represent the same era feel or presentation.
If authenticity is the goal, treat the specific car's market, sales literature, and surviving wheel setup as your guide rather than assuming all 1964 Victors were delivered the same way. Marque clubs, factory handbooks, and period road tests can help confirm whether your car should wear a bias-ply or radial-style fitment. Once that is settled, choosing the sidewall style and construction becomes much more straightforward for a historically convincing result.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1964 Vauxhall?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1964 Vauxhall, especially in originality-focused classes. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size, construction type, and sidewall style look appropriate for the model and period. A Viva wearing the wrong diameter tire, or a Victor-family car wearing a sidewall presentation that clashes with the intended restoration theme, can stand out quickly even if the rest of the car is well finished.
For a local driver-quality show, the standard may be relaxed, but concours-level events can be much stricter about what appears under the car. That is where details such as blackwall versus whitewall, radial versus bias-ply, and the correct 12-inch or 13-inch wheel diameter become part of the score. Before finalizing a show build, it is smart to compare your tire plan with marque-club guidance and the judging expectations of the event you plan to enter.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 560-13 tires for the 1964 Vauxhall?
For the 1964 Vauxhall Victor & VX 4/90, BFGoodrich and Firestone both cover the 560-13 bias-ply size, but they differ in presentation and wheel-width range. BFGoodrich offers both a narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall, each with a 3.50 to 4.00-inch rim-width range and a load figure of 850 pounds at 30 psi. Firestone offers a wide whitewall in the same 560-13 size, also rated at 850 pounds at 30 psi, but on a 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim-width range.
That makes the choice partly visual and partly dimensional. If your wheel falls into the narrower rim range, the BFGoodrich options may align more naturally, and they also allow a narrower whitewall look that Firestone does not cover in this size. If your wheel is at the wider end of the range and you want a wide whitewall presentation, the Firestone version becomes especially relevant. Confirming the wheel width first is the key step before comparing appearance.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1964 Vauxhall tires safe for highway driving?
1964 Vauxhall tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, properly inflated, and used within their design limits. The radial 165R13 and 155R13 options include H speed ratings, which carry a 130 mph ceiling, while the 590-13 bias-ply size carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. Those figures are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, but tire condition and age matter more on a collector car than the raw speed letter alone.
The larger safety picture also includes the car itself. A mid-1960s Vauxhall has period brakes, suspension, steering, and crash standards, so a prudent touring pace is wise even when the tire's speed symbol looks generous on paper. Before regular highway use, evaluate the full package: tire age, wheel condition, alignment, bearings, brakes, and steering components. The tire can only perform as well as the rest of the car allows.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1964 Vauxhall tires?
Inflation pressure for 1964 Vauxhall tires should be matched to the exact size and product, not borrowed from a different size in the range. Among the sizes with published load and pressure figures, 590-13 carries 970 pounds at 32 psi, while 560-13 carries 850 pounds at 30 psi. Those are tire rating figures rather than blanket factory inflation settings for every Vauxhall model. Radial sizes such as 165R13 and 155R13 should be set by the vehicle requirement and the tire maker's guidance for that specific product.
The best routine is to start with the original owner's manual or factory placard for the car, then compare that with the tire manufacturer's recommendations for the reproduction or radial tire you are using. Pressure should always be checked cold, and it should be revisited after any wheel, tire, or loading change. On an older Vauxhall, even a few pounds can noticeably affect ride, steering feel, and tread wear, so guessing is not a great strategy.
What should I check before taking a 1964 Vauxhall on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1964 Vauxhall on a longer drive, inspect all five tires if the spare is present, not just the four on the car. Check for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, proper cold inflation, and secure valve stems, and pay special attention to any older bias-ply tires that have sat for long periods. If your setup uses tube-type-style fitments, make sure there are no signs of seepage, stem damage, or rim issues that could affect sealing or retention.
That tire check should sit inside a broader pre-trip routine that suits a mid-1960s car: brakes, fluid levels, cooling system, fan belt, lights, and wheel-bearing or steering play all deserve attention. Longer drives generate more heat and sustained load than local use, so small problems become more obvious. A careful once-over before departure is one of the easiest ways to keep a vintage Vauxhall enjoyable instead of eventful.
