1973 Lotus Tire Fitment Guide

1973 Lotus vehicles use six distinct sizes, divided by model. The 1973 Lotus Elan uses 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13, while the 1973 Lotus Europa uses 175/70R13 and 185/70R13. Every one of those sizes mounts on a 13-inch rim, but the approved rim-width ranges differ by size where that information is available: 155R13 works on 4.00 to 5.50 inches, 560-13 on 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on product, 165R13 on 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 on 4.00 to 4.50 inches, 175/70R13 on 4.5 to 6.0 inches, and 185/70R13 on 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on product.

That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire decision on 1973 Lotus vehicles. Start by confirming whether the car is an Elan or a Europa, then match the actual wheel width to the size you are considering. On an Elan, construction style is part of the decision because both bias-ply and radial options exist. On a Europa, the choice stays within radial tires, so the practical comparison is between the two metric sizes and the sidewall and speed-rating options that come with them.

On a 1973 Lotus, 560-13 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1973 Lotus Elan, that size appears in bias-ply construction only and is offered with whitewall sidewall treatments rather than blackwall sport-car styling. Products in this size carry load figures up to 850 pounds at 30 psi, with rim-width ranges spanning 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on the tire.

That code matters because it points you toward a very different tire character than a metric radial, even though both fit 13-inch wheels. A 560-13 is the sort of choice an owner considers when visual authenticity and traditional bias-ply stance matter more than later radial feel. Before choosing one, compare the actual wheel width on the car to the specific tire's approved range and decide whether the sidewall style matches the look you want for the Elan.

No. The 1973 Lotus Elan and 1973 Lotus Europa use different tire-size families even though both run 13-inch wheels. The Elan uses 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13, mixing narrow metric radials with older numeric bias-ply sizes. The Europa uses 175/70R13 and 185/70R13, both lower-profile metric radials. There is no single size that applies across the entire 1973 Lotus range.

That model split is important because the wrong size family can change both appearance and wheel compatibility, especially once rim width is considered. An Elan owner often starts by deciding whether the car is being restored around a period bias-ply look or set up with a radial tire that still feels era-appropriate. A Europa owner is usually choosing between two radial sizes instead, with sidewall style and speed-rating differences shaping the final decision more than construction type.

For a 1973 Lotus Elan, the choice between 560-13 and 155R13 is mainly a choice between bias-ply tradition and radial behavior. The 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size with whitewall offerings from BFGoodrich and Firestone, while the 155R13 is a metric radial available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form with H speed ratings to 130 mph. Both fit 13-inch wheels, but they belong to different tire eras and give the Elan a different visual and driving character.

Choose 560-13 when originality of appearance and a more vintage presentation are the priority. Choose 155R13 when you want a narrow radial that still feels appropriate to a European sports car of the period. The wheel width on the car should be checked before making the final call, since the bias-ply and radial choices do not share the same approved width ranges. That keeps the tire choice aligned with both the car's look and the wheel it will actually be mounted on.

1973 Lotus tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall styles, depending on size. The Elan's radial sizes, 155R13 and 165R13, are blackwall only, while its bias-ply sizes, 560-13 and 600-13, come with narrow or wide whitewalls. The Europa's 175/70R13 is blackwall, and its 185/70R13 opens up blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall radial options. That gives the year a surprisingly broad visual range for two compact sports cars.

For most enthusiasts chasing a factory-like Lotus sports-car appearance, blackwall is the safest visual direction, especially on the radial sizes associated with European handling-oriented cars. Whitewalls and redlines can create a custom or market-specific look, but they change the personality of the car more than a simple tread change would. If show judging matters, check the expectations of the specific event or marque community before committing to a sidewall treatment that may be attractive but less typical for a Lotus.

1973 Lotus fitments are covered by Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Avon. For the Elan, 155R13 is available from Michelin and Dunlop, 560-13 from BFGoodrich and Firestone, 165R13 from Michelin and Dunlop, and 600-13 from BFGoodrich. For the Europa, 175/70R13 comes from Avon, while 185/70R13 is offered by BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop. Those brand groupings reflect very different tire personalities even before you compare sidewall style or speed rating.

That spread gives 1973 Lotus owners room to choose a tire that fits the car's intended use and visual tone without stepping outside the correct size family. Michelin and Dunlop radial options feel especially at home on compact European sports cars, while BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply choices serve owners who want a stronger vintage look. Avon adds a purposeful sports-car option for Europa owners, particularly in the 70-series radial sizes that align with the model's later-era chassis character.

For the 1973 Lotus Europa in 185/70R13, Avon CR6ZZ and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet differ most clearly in speed rating and weight. The Avon carries an 86H marking, which corresponds to 130 mph, while the Dunlop carries an 82V marking, which corresponds to 149 mph. Avon also specifies a 4.5 to 6.0 inch rim-width range and a weight of 19.31 pounds. The Dunlop shows a 1,047-pound load capacity and weighs 25 pounds.

Those differences matter if you are comparing how closely a tire matches your intended use, wheel width, and overall setup. An owner with a narrower wheel may pay close attention to the Avon's stated fitment window, while someone comparing period high-speed character may focus on the Dunlop's V rating. Neither choice should be reduced to a simple better-or-worse verdict. The right comparison is your wheel width, your desired sidewall appearance, and how the car will actually be driven.

Rim-width requirements for 1973 Lotus tires vary by size. The 155R13 works on 4.00 to 5.50 inch rims, 560-13 spans 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on product, 165R13 fits 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50 inches, 175/70R13 fits 4.5 to 6.0 inches, and 185/70R13 spans 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the tire. Even within one nominal size, different brands can have slightly different approved wheel ranges.

That is why wheel width should be confirmed before choosing a product, especially on lightweight sports cars where tire shape and steering response are sensitive to wheel match. The safest approach is to measure the actual wheel, not rely on assumption or appearance alone. If you are comparing a bias-ply Elan size with a radial Elan size, the width range may shift enough to affect the choice. Matching the wheel correctly is as important as choosing the correct size code.

Tube use on 1973 Lotus tires depends on the specific size and product. The Michelin radial offerings in 155R13 and 165R13 carry tubeless markings, while some other radials in those same size families do not spell tube status out in the size line. The Europa's radial sizes are also offered without a universal tube designation across every product description. The bias-ply Elan sizes do not carry a consistent tube marker here either, so tube status can vary by product and wheel condition rather than by size name alone.

That makes the wheel itself part of the decision, particularly on original 13-inch Lotus rims that may have age, pitting, or design details that influence whether tubeless use is practical. Confirm the sidewall marking on the exact tire you choose, and inspect the wheel carefully before mounting. If the car has older wheels or if you are restoring to a very traditional setup, an experienced tire installer or Lotus specialist can help determine whether tube-type service is the better path for your combination.

All 1973 Lotus tire sizes for the Elan and Europa share a 13-inch rim diameter, so original wheels remain relevant across the entire year and make. That said, sharing a rim diameter does not mean every 13-inch Lotus wheel is correct for every size. The approved rim-width ranges differ significantly, from as narrow as 3.50 inches on some 560-13 bias-ply tires to as wide as 6.50 inches on some 185/70R13 radials.

In practical terms, a wheel can be the right diameter and still be the wrong width for the tire you want to run. That matters most when moving between Elan bias-ply and radial options or when comparing the Europa's two radial sizes. Measure the wheel width before assuming interchangeability, and remember that later replacement wheels may not match original Lotus dimensions. Keeping the tire inside its approved width window helps preserve the steering and balance these cars are known for.

A 1973 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 properly inflated, and avoid letting the car sit for long periods on damp concrete or in one exact position. If the car is on bias-ply Elan tires such as 560-13 or 600-13, temporary flat-spotting from storage is more common than with radial tires, so periodic movement or the use of stands can be especially helpful.

Storage habits matter on a lightweight Lotus because the tire contributes a lot to the way the car feels when it first rolls out after sitting. A radial-equipped Europa or Elan may recover from short-term static storage more gracefully, but sidewall aging still happens if heat, sunlight, and ozone are ignored. If the car is stored for months at a time, rotate its position occasionally and inspect sidewalls before the next drive rather than assuming a low-mileage tire is still ready for service.

On a 1973 Lotus, tire age matters more than mileage for most collector use. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat ten years as a serious replacement point even if tread depth still looks respectable. That applies to both radial and bias-ply tires, although older bias-ply designs on lightly used cars often age out long before they wear out. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the key reference for actual age.

Lotus cars are often driven seasonally, which can make old tires look deceptively fresh. Rubber hardening, internal aging, and sidewall cracking can all progress while the car spends most of its life parked. When the car is new to you, check the date code before relying on the tires for any serious driving. If the age is already well advanced, replacement is usually a wiser move than trying to stretch a few more seasons out of a tire that has become a preservation liability.

Tires on a 1973 Lotus should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign that the tire has been losing pressure between uses. On cars using older-style bias-ply tires, pay close attention to age-related sidewall changes and to how the tire settles after storage. If your setup uses tubes, valve stems and any slow leakage deserve the same attention as the tread and sidewall.

Frequent inspection is especially worthwhile on a Lotus because these cars are light, communicative, and sensitive to tire condition. A small problem can show up as a steering change, vibration, or altered breakaway feel long before a failure occurs. Make the inspection part of the car's regular pre-drive ritual along with fluid checks and a quick underbody look. That habit catches storage damage, pressure loss, and aging issues before they interrupt a drive or compromise the car's balance.

For a 1973 Lotus Elan, original-era fitment expectations center on the size family and construction type more than on one universally correct brand. The Elan's period fitments include both older numeric bias-ply sizes such as 560-13 and 600-13 and radial sizes such as 155R13 and 165R13. By 1973, radial tires were well established in European sports-car use, but bias-ply construction still matters to restorers pursuing an earlier visual character or a very traditional presentation.

That means the right answer depends on how original you need the car to be and which market or restoration standard you are following. If your goal is serious authenticity, confirm the exact size and construction against surviving factory literature, period road tests, or Lotus marque specialists before finalizing the tire. Focus first on the correct size family, blackwall versus whitewall look, and construction type. Those details usually matter more in judging and historical presentation than chasing a brand name without firm evidence.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters when a 1973 Lotus is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, profile, and sidewall treatment all affect whether the car looks appropriate for its year and model. On an Elan, a radial blackwall and a numeric whitewall bias-ply tire create very different impressions, even though both mount on 13-inch wheels. On a Europa, moving away from the correct 70-series radial look can change the car's stance and visual period feel in a way knowledgeable judges will notice.

The practical lesson is to choose the tire as part of the restoration plan, not as an afterthought. If the car will be shown, decide early whether the goal is concours originality, a sympathetic period-style restoration, or a road-driven presentation with some allowance for modern tire behavior. Different shows and clubs weigh those details differently, so event rules and Lotus specialists are the best final authority. A tire can be physically mountable and still be the wrong visual answer for a judged car.

For the 1973 Lotus Elan in 165R13, Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF share the same basic size, blackwall appearance, tubeless marking, H speed rating to 130 mph, and 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range. The main clearly stated difference is series identity and weight, with the XAS-FF shown at 20 pounds and the XAS shown at 9 pounds. Both remain firmly in the period European radial tradition that suits a light Lotus sports car.

That means the decision is less about fitment and more about the exact tire character you want within the same size family. Since both cover the same wheel diameter and width range, they should be compared as two versions of an era-appropriate radial rather than as radically different applications. If authenticity is part of the goal, many owners will also weigh visual details and period associations within the Michelin range. For a final choice, compare the exact sidewall marking and intended presentation of the finished car.

1973 Lotus tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their speed rating. The radial choices here carry H and V ratings depending on size and product, with H corresponding to 130 mph and V corresponding to 149 mph. That covers normal modern highway use comfortably from a tire-rating standpoint. The bias-ply Elan sizes should be treated more as traditional collector-car tires whose age, condition, and handling character deserve extra respect on long or fast drives.

For most owners, the larger safety question is not whether the tire's published speed rating exceeds interstate speeds, but whether the whole 1973 Lotus is mechanically ready for that use. Brakes, suspension, alignment, wheel condition, and steering all matter on a small sports car that communicates so directly. A fresh, correctly matched tire is only one part of the equation. If the car has been sitting, put equal attention on age, pressure, and overall chassis condition before assuming a highway trip is routine.

Inflation pressure for a 1973 Lotus should be set by the factory vehicle recommendation for the specific model and by the tire manufacturer's limits for the exact tire size and product. Several sizes here include maximum load-and-pressure references rather than everyday running-pressure instructions: 560-13 reaches 850 pounds at 30 psi, 600-13 reaches 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, and 185/70R13 reaches 1,135 pounds at 35 psi on some products. Those figures are capacity references, not automatic all-purpose settings for every Lotus use case.

The safest approach is to start with the original Lotus recommendation for your exact Elan or Europa configuration, then make sure the chosen tire is being used within its own marked limits. Do not transfer a pressure figure from one size to another simply because both fit a 13-inch wheel. Tire shape, load capacity, and construction all influence what pressure works properly. If the car feels unsettled, verify gauge accuracy and alignment before chasing the issue through random pressure changes.

Before a longer drive in a 1973 Lotus, inspect every tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of age hardening. Confirm pressures cold, look at the valve stems, and check the spare with the same care as the four tires on the car. If the car uses older bias-ply tires or any tube-type setup, pay extra attention to leakage, valve condition, and how the tires have settled after storage. The wheel itself should also be checked for corrosion or damage around the bead area.

A longer trip is also the right time to think beyond the tires. Because a 1973 Lotus is a vintage lightweight sports car, cooling, fuel delivery, brakes, and charging health deserve the same level of attention as tread and sidewalls. The tire check should be part of a full pre-drive routine rather than a stand-alone task. A sound spare, correct jack, and realistic expectations about a 1970s car's pace and comfort all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable outing.