By 1979, Lotus had built a reputation for doing things differently, blending lightweight engineering with sharp road manners in a range that stretched from the wedge-shaped Elite and Eclat to the increasingly iconic Esprit. That makes tire selection on a 1979 Lotus more involved than year-and-make alone might suggest, because the lineup spans three models and five radial sizes rather than one universal fitment. The main choice comes down to identifying the exact model first, then confirming whether your car uses a 13-, 14-, or 15-inch rim and which section width belongs on that application. Getting those basics straight is the key to choosing the right tire with confidence.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1979 Lotus
Five tire sizes are used across 1979 Lotus vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car runs a 13-, 14-, or 15-inch rim, since the Elite, Eclat, and Esprit do not all use the same wheel diameter or width. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct Lotus application.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Eclat, Elite, Esprit|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14-in rim
A 205/60R14 is a radial tire with a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is shared across the Eclat, Elite, and Esprit, but no product range is shown here for brand, sidewall, tube, or speed-rating comparisons. It is the one size that crosses the full 1979 Lotus lineup, so buyers should still confirm the exact model and wheel before treating it as interchangeable across every car.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Elite|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
A 185/70R13 is a radial tire with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1979 Lotus Elite rather than universal across the year, and it is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles; speed ratings vary by product, including H to 130 mph from Avon and V to 149 mph from Dunlop. Buyers preserving an Elite's original character often focus on sidewall appearance first, while drivers who want a more performance-oriented look may pay closer attention to the speed-rated blackwall options.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Esprit|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 195/60R15 is a radial tire with a 195-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This front-size Esprit application is model-specific, and it is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in wide whitewall, RWL, redline, and blackwall styles; tube status varies by product, and speed ratings include S to 112 mph and V to 149 mph. Buyers using an Esprit for authentic period presentation may gravitate toward the classic sidewall treatments, while a blackwall radial with a higher speed rating suits a more contemporary roadgoing appearance.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Esprit|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 235/60R15 is a radial tire with a 235-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1979 Lotus Esprit and is available from M&H Racemaster, Cooper, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and RWL styles, with an S rating to 112 mph appearing on the BFGoodrich version. It is the widest tire used across the 1979 Lotus range, so the practical focus is confirming the Esprit application and selecting the sidewall style and brand character that best match the way the car will be used.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Esprit|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
A 205/70R14 is a radial tire with a 205-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is also specific to the 1979 Lotus Esprit, and it is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall, RWL, dual-redline, and redline styles; the BFGoodrich Radial T/A carries an S rating to 112 mph. It gives Esprit owners several distinct visual directions, so the best choice usually comes down to whether the goal is a cleaner blackwall-style performance look or a more stylized period sidewall treatment.
Three Lotus models are covered for 1979, and they do not all use the same tire size. The shared 205/60R14 links the range, but the Elite and Esprit also branch into model-specific fitments, which means identifying the exact model matters before choosing a tire. Select your model below to explore model-specific fitment history and products.
1979 Lotus Eclat
The 1979 Lotus Eclat was the fastback companion to the Elite, carrying the same Colin Chapman-era emphasis on low weight, handling balance, and crisp GT manners in a more coupe-like shape. Its tire fitment is straightforward within the 1979 Lotus family, using a 14-inch application rather than the wider mix seen elsewhere in the range.
The 1979 Lotus Elite stood out as a distinctive shooting-brake-style grand tourer, combining Lotus chassis thinking with more practicality than the brand's pure sports cars. Within the year's lineup it spans both 13-inch and 14-inch tire applications, so Elite owners should verify the exact wheel setup on the car before moving ahead.
The 1979 Lotus Esprit was already firmly established as Lotus's flagship mid-engine exotic, with angular Giugiaro styling and a chassis that rewarded precise setup. It carries the broadest tire spread of any 1979 Lotus model, with both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments depending on the application, so Esprit owners need to confirm front and rear sizing carefully.
Nineteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1979 Lotus vehicles. The 185/70R13 has seven radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall; the 195/60R15 has four radial choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin; the 235/60R15 has three radial choices from M&H Racemaster, Cooper, and BFGoodrich; and the 205/70R14 has five radial choices from Maxxis and BFGoodrich with several sidewall treatments. Confirm your size first, since tube status and speed ratings can vary within a given size.
These FAQs sort out how 1979 Lotus tire sizing changes between Elite, Eclat, and Esprit models, what the metric radial codes mean, and how sidewall style, rim width, speed rating, and collector-car care affect the right choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1979 Lotus vehicles?
1979 Lotus vehicles use five sizes across three models: 205/60R14, 185/70R13, 195/60R15, 235/60R15, and 205/70R14. The 205/60R14 is shared by the Eclat, Elite, and Esprit. The 185/70R13 belongs to the Elite, while the Esprit also uses 195/60R15, 235/60R15, and 205/70R14 depending on the application. Where rim-width guidance is available, 185/70R13 products span roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 195/60R15 fits about 5.5 to 7 inches, 235/60R15 runs from 6.5 to 8.5 inches or a 7-inch wheel, and 205/70R14 covers about 5.0 to 7.5 inches.
That spread means year and make alone are not enough for a 1979 Lotus. A buyer needs to identify whether the car is an Eclat, Elite, or Esprit, then verify the actual wheel diameter and any staggered front-to-rear arrangement before selecting a tire. On an Esprit especially, the presence of both 14-inch and 15-inch sizes makes a quick visual check of the car and wheel essential before moving forward.
What does 205/60R14 mean on a 1979 Lotus tire?
On a 1979 Lotus, 205/60R14 is a metric radial size. The 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 1979 Lotus range, it is the one size shared by the Eclat, Elite, and Esprit, which is why it appears across the full model lineup.
Even though 205/60R14 is common to all three 1979 Lotus models, it should not be treated as a catch-all substitute for every other Lotus size from that year. The code tells you both the tire's section width and the wheel diameter it is built to mount on, so a 13-inch Elite application or a 15-inch Esprit application remains a different fitment. Matching the code on the car is the safest starting point.
Do all 1979 Lotus models use the same tire size?
No, 1979 Lotus models do not all use the same tire size. The Eclat uses 205/60R14, the Elite uses 205/60R14 and 185/70R13, and the Esprit uses 195/60R15, 235/60R15, 205/60R14, and 205/70R14. That means the model name matters, and on the Esprit the front and rear arrangement can matter as well because more than one diameter and width appear in the fitment range.
This is why a year-make search is only the first step with a 1979 Lotus. Owners who know they have an Elite still need to confirm whether the car is on its 13-inch or 14-inch setup, and Esprit owners should verify each axle before choosing tires. If your Lotus has had wheels changed over the years, check the actual sidewall and wheel markings rather than assuming the factory arrangement is still in place.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Lotus tires?
1979 Lotus tire options include several sidewall treatments depending on size. The 185/70R13 comes in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall forms; the 195/60R15 appears in blackwall, redline, RWL, and wide whitewall; the 235/60R15 is available in blackwall and RWL; and the 205/70R14 includes narrow whitewall, RWL, dual-redline, and redline choices. All of these are radial tires, but the sidewall appearance changes the visual character of the car significantly.
For a 1979 Lotus, sidewall choice often comes down to whether the car is being finished in a restrained European-sports-car style or a more personalized period look. Blackwalls tend to suit a cleaner factory-sporting presentation, while redlines, whitewalls, and raised white letters create a stronger custom or era-flavored appearance. Sidewall style does not override basic fitment, so confirm the correct size first and then choose the look that best matches your restoration goals.
What brands make tires for 1979 Lotus vehicles?
Several brands cover 1979 Lotus applications. The 185/70R13 is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop. The 195/60R15 comes from BFGoodrich and Michelin, the 235/60R15 from M&H Racemaster, Cooper, and BFGoodrich, and the 205/70R14 from Maxxis and BFGoodrich. That gives 1979 Lotus owners a mix of classic-look reproduction styles and more contemporary blackwall performance-oriented choices depending on size.
Brand choice should follow the car's actual fitment and the visual direction you want, not just name recognition. A 1979 Lotus Elite on 185/70R13 has a different mix of options than an Esprit on 15-inch tires, and some sizes offer broader styling variety than others. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare the available sidewall treatments, rim-width suitability, and any speed rating shown for that exact product.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Radial T/A and Michelin Primacy 3 for the 1979 Lotus?
On the 1979 Lotus application in 195/60R15, BFGoodrich Radial T/A and Michelin Primacy 3 serve different tastes. The BFGoodrich uses an RWL sidewall and carries an 87S marking, while the Michelin is a blackwall tire marked 88V TL. Both fit a 15-inch wheel, and both sit in a similar rim-width band around 5.5 to 7 inches, but the visual presentation and stated speed rating are clearly different.
That makes the decision less about raw fitment and more about appearance and intended road use. A buyer chasing a strong period performance look may prefer the raised white letter BFGoodrich, while someone wanting a subtler blackwall presentation may lean toward the Michelin. Because the Michelin is marked TL, it is also wise to check the wheel's tubeless suitability before finalizing the choice.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1979 Lotus tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on a 1979 Lotus. The 185/70R13 fits roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the tire, the 195/60R15 fits about 5.5 to 7 inches, the 235/60R15 spans about 6.5 to 8.5 inches with one version calling for a 7-inch wheel, and the 205/70R14 covers about 5.0 to 7.5 inches depending on the product. Those ranges are tied to the tire itself, not just the car.
The practical step is to measure or verify the actual wheel width on your 1979 Lotus before choosing among products in the same size. Two tires with the same sidewall size can still have slightly different approved rim-width windows. Staying within that range helps preserve proper tread shape, steering feel, and sidewall behavior, especially on a chassis as handling-sensitive as a Lotus.
Do 1979 Lotus tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on a 1979 Lotus depend on the exact tire product rather than the year and make alone. A 195/60R15 Michelin Primacy 3 is marked TL, which identifies it as tubeless, while several other tires in these sizes do not carry a tube marking in the size description. That means tube status can vary by product and should be checked on the tire you plan to use, especially if the car still wears original wheels.
Wheel design matters just as much as the tire marking. If your 1979 Lotus still has factory-era wheels, inspect their condition, bead-seat design, and valve-stem area before assuming a tubeless setup is appropriate. When there is any doubt, confirm the tire's sidewall marking and the wheel's suitability together rather than treating all radial tires in the same size as having identical tube requirements.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1979 Lotus when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1979 Lotus should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires inflated to a sensible storage pressure, move the car periodically if possible, and avoid leaving it parked on damp earth or oily concrete. Radials generally tolerate storage well, but long static periods can still promote flat spotting and sidewall aging.
Collectors who store a 1979 Lotus for months at a time often use tire cradles or place the car on stands to reduce sustained loading, especially if the car will not be moved during the season. If stands are used, support the chassis correctly and avoid letting suspension members hang in a way the factory did not intend. A breathable car cover and regular garage climate control do more good than wrapping the tires tightly in plastic.
How long do tires on a 1979 Lotus typically last?
On a low-use 1979 Lotus, tire age matters more than tread wear. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are five to seven years old and to treat ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the tread still looks serviceable. The DOT date code on the sidewall helps establish the tire's age, and any cracking, hardening, or persistent vibration can shorten that timeline.
Classic cars often accumulate miles slowly, so an apparently fresh-looking tire can still be an old tire. For a 1979 Lotus that spends much of its life in a garage, age, heat cycles, and storage conditions usually tell the real story. If the date code and visual condition suggest the tire is aging out, replacement is usually wiser than trying to stretch one more driving season from it.
How often should tires on a 1979 Lotus be inspected?
Tires on a 1979 Lotus should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, punctures, bulges, irregular wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between uses. On cars running tube-type assemblies or older wheels, valve stems and any tube-related hardware deserve attention too because a slow leak often shows up there before it appears in the tread area.
A quick visual walkaround is not enough on a car that may sit for extended periods between drives. Use a gauge to confirm pressure, run your hand across the tread for cupping or feathering, and pay attention to steering feel in the first few miles. If a 1979 Lotus suddenly develops shake, pull, or thump after storage, stop and inspect the tires before assuming the issue is elsewhere in the chassis.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1979 Lotus Eclat?
A 1979 Lotus Eclat would have been built in an era when radial tires were already standard on modern European performance cars, and its 205/60R14 fitment reflects that. For the broader 1979 Lotus range, every size used is radial rather than bias-ply. That makes radial construction the correct baseline for an Eclat restoration, while the exact brand and sidewall appearance should be confirmed against market-specific references, original literature, or marque-club knowledge.
For a restoration-minded owner, the important point is not to substitute an earlier-style construction just because it looks vintage. The Eclat is a late-1970s Lotus GT, and keeping the proper radial size and wheel diameter is central to preserving both appearance and handling character. If your car has changed hands several times or has aftermarket wheels, compare the current tire size against period photos and specialist Lotus sources before making it final.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1979 Lotus?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 Lotus because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, rim diameter, and sidewall presentation quickly. A radial tire is appropriate for the year, but the wrong profile, an incorrect wheel diameter, or a sidewall style that clashes with the intended period look can stand out even on a casual show field. On a more formal judged car, those details can affect how authentic the finished presentation feels.
That does not mean every show car needs the same visual treatment. A preserved Esprit, Elite, or Eclat may call for a different appearance depending on market, owner preference, and event standards. If authenticity is the goal, use the correct size first, then refine the sidewall style with help from Lotus clubs, factory brochures, and photos of comparable unrestored cars rather than relying on memory alone.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Avon CR6ZZ for the 1979 Lotus?
In 185/70R13 for the 1979 Lotus Elite, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Avon CR6ZZ take noticeably different approaches. The BFGoodrich appears in redline and wide whitewall forms with a load figure of 1135 pounds at 35 psi and a rim-width range of 5.00 to 6.50 inches, while the Avon CR6ZZ is a blackwall marked 86H and fits about 4.5 to 6.0 inches. The Avon presents a more overtly sporting visual style, while the BFGoodrich options emphasize period sidewall character.
That distinction matters most when the car is being restored with a clear visual target. An owner chasing a more understated performance look may prefer the CR6ZZ, while someone building around a strong period sidewall accent may prefer the BFGoodrich choices. Both remain 185/70R13 radials, so the final decision should also account for wheel width and the overall look you want the Elite to project.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1979 Lotus tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1979 Lotus tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is chosen, the tires are in sound condition, and the speed rating matches the way the car will be used. Among the speed-rated options here, S is rated to 112 mph, H to 130 mph, and V to 149 mph depending on size and brand. Those figures are already above normal U.S. highway speeds, so tire condition, inflation, alignment, and the car's mechanical health usually matter more in real-world driving than raw top-speed capability.
A 1979 Lotus is still a late-1970s performance car, which means brakes, suspension bushings, steering components, and wheel condition deserve the same attention as the tires. The safest approach is to treat the speed rating as one part of the equation rather than the only one. A fresh, properly inflated tire on a sound chassis is more important than chasing a high speed letter on a car that has not been fully sorted.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1979 Lotus tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1979 Lotus should follow the factory vehicle recommendation first, then be checked against the tire maker's stated maximum load-and-pressure figure for that exact size. Among the available products here, 185/70R13 examples show 1135 pounds at 35 psi, 195/60R15 shows 1190 pounds at 35 psi, 235/60R15 shows 1642 pounds at 35 psi, and 205/70R14 shows 1433 pounds at 35 psi. Those are load-capacity reference points, not a blanket pressure setting for every Lotus application.
The mistake to avoid is copying one pressure number across all five 1979 Lotus sizes. Tire size, axle load, and the car's intended setup all affect the right operating pressure, especially on a model range that includes both GT cars and the mid-engine Esprit. Use the owner's manual or factory placard as the starting point, then confirm that the chosen tire's rated pressure and wheel condition support that setup.
What should I check before taking a 1979 Lotus on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1979 Lotus, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Check the spare as well, since many collector cars carry an old emergency tire that has aged out quietly. If your chosen tire or wheel setup may involve tubes, inspect the valve stems closely and watch for slow leaks before departure rather than discovering them on the road.
A longer outing in a 1979 Lotus should also include a broader mechanical check because tire readiness is only one part of the equation. Verify wheel fasteners, brakes, fluid levels, cooling-system health, and suspension condition before relying on the car for distance. When the tires are right but the rest of the car has been sitting, the weak link on a trip is often elsewhere, so a complete pre-drive inspection is the smart habit.
