1970 Lotus Tire Fitment Guide

1970 Lotus vehicles use four tire sizes overall: 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13. The Elan uses all four of those sizes, while the Europa uses 155R13 and 560-13 only. Every size mounts on a 13-inch rim, but the acceptable rim-width range changes by tire: 155R13 runs from 4.00 to 5.50 inches where specified, 560-13 spans 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on product, 165R13 runs from 4.50 to 6.00 inches where specified, and 600-13 runs from 4.00 to 4.50 inches.

That means year and make alone are not enough if you are working on a 1970 Lotus Elan, because the Elan can take either of the shared sizes or one of its larger model-specific sizes. Europa owners have a simpler choice between one radial and one bias-ply size. Checking the sidewall of the tires already on the car, measuring the wheel width, and confirming whether the car is being restored for originality or driven regularly will usually narrow the decision quickly.

On a 1970 Lotus tire, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, 560-13 appears on both the Lotus Elan and Lotus Europa, and it comes in traditional whitewall treatments including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

Modern buyers often mistake a numeric size like 560-13 for an outdated version of a metric radial, but it signals a different construction style and a different visual character. On a Lotus from 1970, that matters if you want the car to present with an era-correct sidewall and bias-ply stance. It also means the wheel width should be checked against the exact tire you choose, because not every 560-13 version covers the same rim-width span.

On a 1970 Lotus tire, 155R13 is a metric radial size. The 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no stated aspect ratio in the size itself, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This size fits both the 1970 Lotus Elan and 1970 Lotus Europa.

That coding matters because a 155R13 is interpreted very differently from a numeric bias-ply size such as 560-13, even though both mount on a 13-inch wheel. A buyer comparing the two is really weighing construction type and vehicle use rather than wheel diameter. If your Lotus is driven regularly, the radial route may be attractive, while an originality-focused restoration may point you toward the era-style numeric bias-ply alternative.

For a 1970 Lotus Elan or 1970 Lotus Europa, the choice between 155R13 and 560-13 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction, since both sizes fit 13-inch rims and both are shared across the two models. The 155R13 is a blackwall radial from Michelin or Dunlop, while the 560-13 is a bias-ply offered in narrow whitewall or wide whitewall form from BFGoodrich and Firestone.

That usually makes the decision less about basic wheel fit and more about the character you want from the car. Owners pursuing a more period-style look often lean toward the numeric bias-ply size, while owners who prioritize regular road use often prefer the radial option. The final check is the wheel width on your car, because the approved rim-width span is not identical from one size and product family to another.

1970 Lotus tires are available in both blackwall and whitewall styles, depending on size. The radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 are available as blackwalls, while the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 are available with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall treatments. That gives the 1970 Lotus range a clear visual split between sport-oriented radial presentation and more traditional bias-ply styling.

For many Lotus restorations, blackwall tires are the more natural visual match because the marque’s sports cars were typically presented with a clean, performance-focused look. Whitewalls can still matter if you are aiming for a specific period presentation or a personalized vintage appearance, especially on a car built for display rather than strict originality. When authenticity matters, compare the sidewall look against period photos of your exact model and market before settling on a style.

1970 Lotus vehicles are covered by Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across the four sizes. Michelin and Dunlop supply the radial blackwall options in 155R13 and 165R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the bias-ply side in 560-13, and BFGoodrich also supplies 600-13. Brand choice is therefore tied closely to size and construction rather than being identical across the whole 1970 Lotus range.

That matters when a buyer starts with a brand preference instead of a tire size. If you want a radial in one of the shared sizes, your choices center on Michelin and Dunlop; if you want a traditional bias-ply look, BFGoodrich and Firestone become the key names. A practical approach is to decide the size and construction first, then compare the remaining options by sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and any load or speed markings that matter for your intended use.

Rim-width requirements for 1970 Lotus tires vary by size and sometimes by product within the same size. In 155R13, the span reaches 4.00 to 5.50 inches where stated. In 560-13, some versions suit 3.50 to 4.00 inches while others cover 4.00 to 4.50 inches. The 165R13 radial fits 4.50 to 6.00 inches where stated, and the 600-13 bias-ply fits 4.00 to 4.50 inches.

That spread is important because all four sizes use a 13-inch rim, but not every 13-inch wheel is equally suitable for every tire. A narrow original wheel may favor one of the smaller sizes, while a wider wheel may open the door to the larger radial options on an Elan. Measuring the wheel on the car before choosing a tire will do more to prevent fitment frustration than relying on year and make alone.

Inner-tube requirements on 1970 Lotus tires depend on the specific tire. The Michelin 155R13 and 165R13 radials are marked TL, which indicates tubeless construction, while the Dunlop radials in those sizes do not carry the same tube marking in the size description. The bias-ply 560-13 and 600-13 products here do not carry tube markings in their size descriptions, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination rather than assumed from size alone.

Wheel design matters as much as tire construction on a collector Lotus. Even when a tire is built as tubeless, an older wheel condition or wheel profile may lead an owner or restorer to evaluate tube use separately. The safest path is to confirm the sidewall marking on the exact tire, inspect the wheel itself, and treat tube fitment as a setup question tied to both the product and the wheel, not just the vehicle badge.

Original 1970 Lotus wheels can often accept more than one of the year’s tire sizes because all four sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter. That shared diameter means the wheel size in inches is not the main dividing line between 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13. The limiting factor is wheel width, since the acceptable rim-width ranges differ across the four sizes and across some versions of 560-13.

In practice, that means a 13-inch Lotus wheel should not automatically be treated as universal. An Elan owner comparing 155R13 with 165R13, or 560-13 with 600-13, still needs to know the actual wheel width before making the jump. If the car has been restored or modified at any point, verify the wheel width directly rather than assuming it remains exactly as delivered when new.

A 1970 Lotus should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so one section of tread is not supporting the same load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires such as 560-13 and 600-13 are generally more prone to temporary flat spotting during static storage than radials like 155R13 and 165R13.

That matters on a lightweight sports car because long periods of inactivity can harden the ride and create avoidable vibration at the next outing. If the Lotus will sit for an extended season, some owners reduce stress by rolling the car occasionally or supporting it in a way that follows safe storage practices for the suspension and chassis. A breathable indoor cover and stable temperature help the tires as much as they help the rest of the car.

Tires on a 1970 Lotus should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, since collector cars often accumulate very few miles while the rubber continues to age. A good rule is to inspect closely once tires reach five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best way to establish the tire’s age.

That timeline is especially important on a car that feels light and responsive, because aging rubber can change the way a Lotus communicates through the steering and chassis long before the tread looks worn out. If the car is driven spiritedly, used on warm pavement, or stored in less-than-ideal conditions, you may choose to be more conservative. Fresh-looking tread is never a substitute for rubber that is still within a sensible age window.

Tires on a 1970 Lotus should be inspected before every drive and given a more deliberate check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and changes in pressure retention. On cars using tube-type setups or older valve hardware, include the valve stems and any signs of leakage in the inspection routine as well.

A short visual check can catch age-related problems before they become roadside problems, and that is particularly worthwhile on a low-use classic that may go weeks between drives. If the car has been sitting, the first few miles are also a good time to feel for vibration, pull, or flat-spot behavior that was not obvious in the garage. Catching those issues early protects both the tire and the distinct driving balance a 1970 Lotus is known for.

For a 1970 Lotus Elan, bias-ply construction was still part of the period-correct landscape, while radial fitments were also becoming firmly established in sports-car use. The Elan is covered here by both bias-ply sizes, 560-13 and 600-13, and radial sizes, 155R13 and 165R13. That means originality questions depend on the exact version of the car, the market it was delivered to, and whether the goal is factory-style presentation or a later period look.

If you are restoring a 1970 Lotus Elan for judged events, confirm the expected size, construction, and sidewall treatment with Lotus club resources, period road tests, and factory literature for your market. A whitewall bias-ply and a blackwall radial create very different impressions even when both are physically available in Elan sizes. Marque specialists are the right place to settle the final originality question when trim, export market, or delivery history enters the picture.

Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1970 Lotus, especially if the event emphasizes authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire’s size, construction type, and sidewall appearance suit the car’s era and intended presentation. On a Lotus of this period, a blackwall radial and a whitewall bias-ply do not send the same visual message, even when both are physically available in a compatible 13-inch format.

That does not mean every show requires the same standard. A local driver-class event may welcome a practical radial choice, while a more serious originality-focused class may expect period-correct sizing and appearance. If trophies matter, check the event rules and ask Lotus-specific clubs what they look for before the car is judged. Choosing the right tire can influence not only points, but also how convincing the restoration feels as a whole.

For the 1970 Lotus radial sizes, Michelin XAS and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet overlap in 155R13 and 165R13, but they are not identical on paper. Michelin 155R13 and 165R13 examples are marked TL and use blackwall construction, while the Dunlop versions are also blackwall radials and carry H-speed fitments, with max load capacities of 937 pounds in 155R13 and 1,047 pounds in 165R13 where those figures appear. Michelin 155R13 spans 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, while Michelin 165R13 spans 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims.

For a Lotus owner, that comparison is less about declaring one universally right and more about matching the tire to the wheel and the intended presentation. Both brands keep the car in a period-appropriate radial lane, but the exact wheel width on your Elan or Europa may narrow the field. If you are choosing between them, compare the sidewall markings, rim-width suitability, and load information alongside the size already established for your model.

1970 Lotus tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are in sound condition, correctly inflated, and matched to the wheel and vehicle use. The radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 include H-rated examples, and an H rating carries a 130 mph ceiling. The bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 are better understood as traditional-construction tires whose road manners differ from a radial, even when used within their intended limits.

On a 1970 Lotus, the bigger real-world question is often the condition of the entire car rather than the theoretical top-speed potential of the tire. Brakes, suspension, steering components, wheel condition, and alignment all play a major role in how secure the car feels at modern road speeds. A well-sorted Lotus on fresh, correctly matched tires is very different from one wearing aged rubber, even if both technically still hold air.

Inflation pressure for 1970 Lotus tires should start with the vehicle’s factory recommendation for the exact model and then be checked against the tire maker’s own rating information. Some 560-13 products carry a max load of 850 pounds at 30 psi, and 600-13 products carry 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not a universal instruction to run every 1970 Lotus tire at the same pressure, and they should not be transferred across sizes.

That distinction matters because pressure tuning affects ride, steering response, and tread wear on a light sports car much more quickly than on a heavier modern vehicle. A radial Elan setup and a bias-ply Europa setup should not be treated as interchangeable just because both use 13-inch wheels. Use the owner’s manual as the baseline, check the tire sidewall and manufacturer guidance for the exact tire, and adjust only within safe, appropriate limits.

Before taking a 1970 Lotus on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, and stable air pressure, and do not forget the spare. Check the valve stems, especially if the car uses a tube-type setup or older hardware, and make sure the wheels themselves are in sound condition. Because Lotus cars are light and communicative, even a small tire issue can show up clearly through vibration or steering feel once the car is underway.

Tire inspection should be one part of a broader pre-drive routine that also includes brakes, fluids, belts, lights, and cooling system condition. On an older sports car, a successful long drive usually comes from eliminating small preventable problems before they stack up. If the car has been parked for a while, take a short local test drive first so you can feel how the tires behave under load before committing to a longer trip.