In 1966, Vauxhall balanced practical family transportation with a distinctly British sense of size, packaging, and road manners. The make’s lineup ranged from the compact Viva to the larger Victor and the more upscale Victor & VX 4/90, so tire choice was not one-size-fits-all across the range. Six tire sizes appear across three model groups, with some models offering a choice between period-style bias-ply sizing and later-style radial fitments, while the Viva stays in smaller 12-inch bias-ply sizes of its own. Before choosing tires for a 1966 Vauxhall, the first step is to confirm your exact model, then decide whether originality or more modern radial road behavior matters more to your plans.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1966 Vauxhall
Six tire sizes are used across 1966 Vauxhall vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole make. The key decision is to identify whether you have a Victor, a Victor & VX 4/90, or a Viva first, then choose between bias-ply and radial construction where both exist for that model group. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car and the way you plan to use it.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Victor|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a radial size that uses a 165-millimeter nominal section width and fits a 13-inch wheel, with the missing aspect ratio conventionally understood as an 80-series metric radial. This Victor-specific size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, and its products carry H speed ratings with a 130 mph ceiling; tube status varies by product because some are marked TL while others are not. It suits owners who want a radial tire for regular road use while keeping the car on the correct 13-inch rim diameter.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Victor|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.90 represents the nominal section width and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This Victor-specific size is available from BFGoodrich with a wide whitewall sidewall style, and load capacity reaches 970 pounds at 32 psi. It is the more traditional choice for owners aiming to preserve an unmistakably mid-1960s appearance and bias-ply feel on a Victor.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Victor & VX 4/90|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a radial size that uses a 155-millimeter nominal section width and fits a 13-inch wheel, with the unstated profile conventionally treated as an 80-series metric radial. This size is specific to the Victor & VX 4/90 and comes from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, with H speed ratings carrying a 130 mph ceiling; tube status varies by product because one version is marked TL and another is not. It makes sense for drivers who want a radial setup on these models without stepping outside the proper 13-inch rim diameter.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Victor & VX 4/90|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 represents the nominal section width and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This Victor & VX 4/90-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options, and load capacity reaches 850 pounds at 30 psi. It is the period-oriented choice for these cars, especially when sidewall style matters as much as basic fitment.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Viva|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.50-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.50 represents the nominal section width and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. The size is specific to the Viva and uses a smaller 12-inch rim than the Victor-based models. It is the right direction for a Viva owner focused on maintaining the compact car’s original-style bias-ply fitment and proportions.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Viva|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 represents the nominal section width and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is also specific to the Viva and remains within the same 12-inch wheel family used on that model. It is best treated as a Viva-only bias-ply option for owners who are verifying the exact size fitted to their individual car before moving to a product choice.
Three 1966 Vauxhall model groups are covered here, and they do not all use the same tire size. That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire choice, because the Viva uses its own 12-inch bias-ply sizes while the Victor-based cars use 13-inch tires with bias-ply or radial alternatives depending on model. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire choices that match it.
1966 Vauxhall Victor
The 1966 Vauxhall Victor was a mainstream British family car with transatlantic styling influences and a broad appeal in its home market. Its tires mount on 13-inch rims, and this model can be approached either from a period-style bias-ply direction or with a radial option that keeps the same basic wheel diameter while changing the driving character.
The Victor & VX 4/90 pairing represents the standard Victor platform and its more upscale, driver-oriented companion, with the VX 4/90 carrying a sportier image within the Vauxhall range. These models use 13-inch rims, and the tire decision centers on whether you want a more original bias-ply presentation or a radial setup within the correct diameter family.
The 1966 Vauxhall Viva was Vauxhall’s compact offering, sized and positioned below the Victor for buyers who wanted economy and tidy dimensions. Its tires mount on 12-inch rims rather than the 13-inch wheels used by the larger Vauxhall models here, so confirming that model distinction is especially important before choosing a size.
Nine products are available across six tire sizes for 1966 Vauxhall vehicles. 165R13 has three radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop, 590-13 has one BFGoodrich bias-ply wide whitewall, 155R13 has two radial blackwalls from Michelin and Dunlop, and 560-13 has three bias-ply whitewall choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Confirm your model, size, and construction preference first, since tube markings and speed details can vary by product.
These answers sort out the model-by-model size split across 1966 Vauxhall vehicles, the choice between radial and bias-ply on Victor-based cars, available whitewall or blackwall styles, and the maintenance habits that matter on a lightly used collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1966 Vauxhall vehicles?
1966 Vauxhall vehicles use six sizes across three model groups. The Victor uses 165R13 or 590-13, the Victor & VX 4/90 uses 155R13 or 560-13, and the Viva uses 5.50-12 or 5.60-12. The Victor-based sizes all mount on 13-inch rims, while the Viva sizes mount on 12-inch rims. Rim-width guidance appears on several of the 13-inch products: 165R13 suits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 155R13 suits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 590-13 suits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, and 560-13 suits either 3.50 to 4.00-inch or 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the tire.
The practical takeaway is that a 1966 Vauxhall owner needs to identify the model first, then confirm which of the two sizes on that model is appropriate for the car’s wheels and intended use. Victor and Victor & VX 4/90 owners also need to decide whether they want a radial or bias-ply tire, while Viva owners are choosing between two bias-ply 12-inch sizes that should be checked against the actual car before moving ahead.
What does 165R13 mean on a 1966 Vauxhall tire?
On a 1966 Vauxhall, 165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 165 refers to a nominal section width of 165 millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In period-style metric sizing like this, the aspect ratio is not written into the code, and it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. Products in this size for the Victor carry H speed ratings, which correspond to a 130 mph ceiling.
That size points you toward a later-style radial fitment rather than a traditional numeric bias-ply tire. For a 1966 Vauxhall Victor, it is the route to take if your goal is radial construction on the correct 13-inch wheel diameter. It also helps separate the Victor from the Victor & VX 4/90, which uses the narrower 155R13 radial instead of 165R13.
Do all 1966 Vauxhall models use the same tire size?
No, 1966 Vauxhall models do not share one universal tire size. The Viva uses 12-inch bias-ply sizes, while the Victor and Victor & VX 4/90 use 13-inch tires and each has its own pair of sizes. Even within the 13-inch group, the radial and bias-ply options differ between the Victor and the Victor & VX 4/90 rather than crossing over as one common fitment.
That difference matters because year and make alone can send you to the wrong wheel diameter or the wrong width range. A Viva owner needs to stay within the 12-inch family, while a Victor owner should not assume a Victor & VX 4/90 radial or bias-ply size is interchangeable. Confirming the model badge and the size already on the car is the cleanest first step before choosing a replacement tire.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R13 or the 590-13 for my 1966 Vauxhall Victor?
For a 1966 Vauxhall Victor, the choice between 165R13 and 590-13 is primarily a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 165R13 is a radial blackwall on a 13-inch rim, while the 590-13 is a numeric bias-ply on the same rim diameter and is available as a wide whitewall. That means the difference is not just the code on the sidewall, but also the construction style and visual character of the tire.
Choose 590-13 when the goal is a more period-correct appearance and traditional mid-1960s presentation. Choose 165R13 when you want the Victor to remain on the proper 13-inch diameter while moving to a radial tire family. The right answer depends on whether the car is being judged for originality, displayed as a restoration, or driven in a way that makes a radial tire more appealing to you.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Vauxhall tires?
1966 Vauxhall tires are available in both blackwall and whitewall styles, depending on size. The radial sizes 165R13 and 155R13 are blackwall only, while the bias-ply 590-13 comes as a wide whitewall and 560-13 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms. That gives Victor-based cars the broadest visual choice, especially if they are staying with bias-ply construction.
Sidewall style often matters as much as raw fitment on a 1966 Vauxhall restoration. Blackwalls usually suit a cleaner, more understated appearance, while whitewalls push the car further toward a period showroom look that many owners want on 1960s British sedans. If appearance is a major factor, settle the sidewall style before narrowing down brand or series, since not every size offers the same visual options.
What brands make tires for 1966 Vauxhall vehicles?
Three brands cover 1966 Vauxhall fitments here: Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with brand choice varying by size. The radial 165R13 comes from Michelin and Dunlop, the radial 155R13 also comes from Michelin and Dunlop, the 590-13 bias-ply comes from BFGoodrich, and the 560-13 bias-ply comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone. Brand choice is strongest in the Victor-based 13-inch sizes and is tied closely to whether you want a radial blackwall or a bias-ply whitewall.
That means the brand conversation starts after you identify the correct model and size family. A Victor owner looking at 165R13 is really comparing Michelin and Dunlop radial approaches, while a Victor & VX 4/90 owner staying with 560-13 is comparing BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply whitewall options. Brand heritage can be part of the appeal, but the first filter should always be the correct size and construction for the car.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1966 Vauxhall tires require?
Several 1966 Vauxhall tire sizes have clear rim-width guidance. The 165R13 radial suits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, the 155R13 radial suits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, the 590-13 bias-ply suits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, and the 560-13 bias-ply suits either 3.50 to 4.00-inch or 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the tire. All of those fitments stay within the correct 13-inch rim diameter for the Victor-based models.
Rim width matters because it affects how the tire sits on the wheel and whether the size is appropriate for the wheel already on the car. A 1966 Vauxhall owner should verify the actual wheel before choosing between a radial and a bias-ply option, especially on a car that may have had wheel changes during its life. That check is just as important as confirming the sidewall size itself.
Do 1966 Vauxhall tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements vary across 1966 Vauxhall tire choices. The Michelin versions of 165R13 and 155R13 are marked TL, which indicates tubeless construction, while other radial offerings in those sizes do not carry the same marking in the size description. The bias-ply sizes here do not carry TL markings in their size codes, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and the wheel condition rather than assumed from size alone.
That makes wheel condition part of the decision, especially on older original rims. A sound wheel and a clearly marked tubeless tire may allow a tubeless setup, but many collector-car owners still confirm the tire’s sidewall marking and the wheel’s suitability before mounting. Treat the individual tire’s construction and marking as the final word, particularly on a 1966 Vauxhall that has seen decades of repairs or refinishing.
Can the original 1966 Vauxhall wheels be used with both tire sizes on the Victor and Victor & VX 4/90?
The Victor and Victor & VX 4/90 size pairs each share the same 13-inch rim diameter, so both tires within each model group belong to the same wheel-diameter family. For the Victor, that means 165R13 and 590-13 both fit 13-inch wheels. For the Victor & VX 4/90, 155R13 and 560-13 also fit 13-inch wheels. The remaining question is rim width, because the acceptable width range differs between the radial and bias-ply options.
That is why original wheels can often stay in place when moving between the two size families on a given model, but only after checking the wheel width against the tire you intend to use. A narrow wheel that suits a bias-ply may not match the same rim-width target as a radial. On a 1966 Vauxhall with replacement wheels or uncertain history, that verification should happen before tire mounting, not after.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1966 Vauxhall when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1966 Vauxhall should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors and battery chargers, and on a clean, dry surface. Tire pressures should be maintained during storage, and the car should be rolled periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term static loading if it will sit for extended periods. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to flat-spotting during long static storage than radials, so that matters especially on a Viva or a Victor-based car kept on bias-ply rubber.
Good storage habits preserve both appearance and road manners. A collector car that sits too long on underinflated tires can develop flat spots, sidewall stress, and age-related cracking that may not show up until the next drive. If your 1966 Vauxhall spends much of its life in storage, a regular routine of pressure checks, occasional movement, and protection from heat and ozone is just as important as the tire brand you choose.
How long do tires on a 1966 Vauxhall typically last?
On a 1966 Vauxhall, tire life should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out, so it is wise to begin evaluating them closely around the five- to seven-year mark and to treat ten years as a serious replacement point even if the tread still looks good. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, and sidewall condition matters as much as remaining tread depth.
That approach is especially important on a low-use classic because age damage can hide behind light mileage and garage storage. A 1966 Vauxhall that only sees occasional drives may still need replacement tires long before the tread is exhausted. If the car’s age history is unclear, checking the date code and overall condition is a better guide than relying on how often the car has been driven.
How often should tires on a 1966 Vauxhall be inspected?
Tires on a 1966 Vauxhall should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any loss of pressure, and do not forget the spare if you plan to travel any distance. If your tire setup uses or may use tubes, the valve stem area deserves extra attention because leaks and age issues can develop there as well as in the casing itself.
Short local drives can hide problems that become much more serious at sustained speed or after the tires warm up. A simple walk-around inspection gives you a chance to catch weather checking, tread separation signs, or a slow leak before the car is out on the road. On a 1966 Vauxhall, that habit is one of the easiest and most valuable parts of preventive maintenance.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1966 Vauxhall Victor?
For a 1966 Vauxhall Victor, bias-ply construction was still the traditional period fitment, and the model’s numeric 590-13 size reflects that era-correct approach. The presence of a 165R13 radial option also fits the mid-1960s moment, when radial tires were becoming increasingly relevant in European applications. The exact tire originally delivered on an individual car could vary by market, equipment level, and dealer practice, so confirming those finer points may require owner literature or a Vauxhall marque specialist.
For restoration purposes, the main authenticity decision is usually construction type first and sidewall appearance second. A 590-13 bias-ply wide whitewall will read very differently at a show than a blackwall 165R13 radial, even though both belong to the Victor’s 13-inch wheel family. If your car will be judged, verify what your event expects before finalizing a tire style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1966 Vauxhall?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1966 Vauxhall because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size family, construction type, and sidewall style immediately. A Viva wearing a tire from the larger Victor family, or a show-focused Victor wearing a modern-looking radial when originality is the priority, can look out of step with the rest of the restoration. Whitewall width can also change the visual period feel of a car even when the basic size is correct.
The level of scrutiny depends on the event, but tires are rarely an afterthought on a well-finished restoration. If the car is being prepared for concours or marque judging, match the tire not just to the wheel diameter but to the era-correct presentation your class expects. Club experts and factory literature are the best places to verify the finer points when appearance needs to be exact.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 560-13 tires for the 1966 Vauxhall Victor & VX 4/90?
For the 1966 Vauxhall Victor & VX 4/90, both BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply tires, but they differ in sidewall presentation and wheel-width suitability. BFGoodrich offers narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, each rated to 850 pounds at 30 psi and suited to 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. Firestone offers a wide whitewall version with the same 850-pound-at-30-psi rating, but its rim-width range is 4.00 to 4.50 inches.
That means the choice is not only visual. If your wheel is on the narrower side, the BFGoodrich fitment range may line up more naturally; if your wheel is slightly wider, the Firestone option may be the better match. For a restoration, this is a good example of why wheel measurement and sidewall style should be considered together rather than treating every 560-13 tire as interchangeable.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1966 Vauxhall tires safe for highway driving?
1966 Vauxhall tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in good condition, and used within their design limits. The radial 165R13 and 155R13 products here carry H speed ratings, which correspond to a 130 mph ceiling, while the 590-13 bias-ply carries an S rating, which corresponds to 112 mph. Those figures are well above ordinary highway speeds, but a mid-1960s Vauxhall’s braking, suspension, and overall mechanical condition remain just as important to real-world road safety as the tire’s rated top speed.
The important distinction is to treat highway use as a whole-vehicle question, not a sidewall-code question alone. Fresh, properly inflated tires on a sound chassis are far more important than theoretical maximum speed. Before taking a 1966 Vauxhall on faster roads, make sure the tires match the car, the pressures are appropriate, and the rest of the running gear is ready for sustained driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1966 Vauxhall tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1966 Vauxhall should follow the vehicle’s factory recommendation first, with the tire’s own maximum load and pressure figure used as a construction limit rather than a universal running target. Among the bias-ply choices here, 590-13 carries 970 pounds at 32 psi, while 560-13 carries 850 pounds at 30 psi. Those figures should not be transferred across sizes, and they should not be treated as automatic operating pressures for every 1966 Vauxhall application.
Use the owner’s manual, period tire placard, or marque literature to identify the car’s intended operating pressure, then make sure the tire itself supports that use. Pressure affects ride, handling feel, tread wear, and load carrying, so even a small size change within the same make can alter the correct setup. Keep all four tires matched side to side and recheck them when the weather changes or the car has been sitting.
What should I check before taking a 1966 Vauxhall on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1966 Vauxhall, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation, and check that the spare is usable as well. Pay close attention to valve stems and, where applicable, tube-related sealing points. A longer trip is also the right time to confirm that the wheels are secure and that the tires have not developed flat spots or vibration after storage.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a car of this age, so include brakes, steering, fluids, and cooling system checks before setting off. Even when the sidewalls look good in the garage, a sustained run can reveal weaknesses that short local drives never expose. Taking a few extra minutes before departure makes a 1966 Vauxhall far more enjoyable and far less eventful on the road.
