Hard-to-Find Sizes for Vintage Cars

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 by Porter Pryde

One thing that you quickly notice when shopping for tires for a vintage car is the small number of choices available. Who makes a modern performance tire for an earlier vehicle requiring 15", 14" or even 13" tire sizes?  

Sumitomo HTR 200While there are still several manufacturers that offer a sprinkling of tires in these hard-to-find sizes, Sumitomo does a decent job with the Sumitomo HTR 200 (shown at left). This tire is a good place to start your search for your earlier BMW, Alfa Romeo or MGB.

The HTR 200 is Sumitomo's High Performance Summer tire developed to meet the needs of sports cars, coupes and sedan drivers, as well as offer modern size options for many vintage sports cars. Sumitomo has widest size selection of any modern tire in these smaller wheel sizes: six choices for 13" wheels, nine sizes in 14" and an additional eight sizes in 15".  It is designed to blend comfort, wear and performance on wet and dry roads., but it is not intended to be driven through snow or on ice.

Comments on Hard-to-Find Sizes for Vintage Cars

Sunday, September 19, 2010 by dorthea stephens:
We have a 1951 Chevrolet Coupe that we restored. My husband specifically wishes to find 205 70 15's with a white wall no wider than 3/4" preferably in a Michelin. He could possibly use a 215 70 15 again with a white wall no greater than 3/4" width. (he's not too picky).
Friday, October 1, 2010 by porter:
Hello The Michelin Symmetry is available in both the 205/70-15 and 215/70-15 and features a narrow white stripe no wider than .5". The 205/70-15 sells for 107.00 ea and the 215/70-15 sells for 95.00 ea. If you need an alternate for the 205/70-15 which has only two in stock, you can look at the Bridgestone Insignia SE 200 selling for 64.00 ea. This tire has a white stripe 19mm wide. If you have any other questions or need to place an order, please contact me directly. If you are placing your order online, please be sure to reference my name, so that I can watch over your order as it processes. Best regards, Porter
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 by Nick:
I am looking for a tire for my Cadillac, 225x60x16 with a whitewall, but not the narrow stripe the Michelin Symmetry offers. My first choice would be Michelin followed by Goodyear. Your imput is greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 by porter:
Hello Unfortunatly in the 225/60-16 tire size the only "white wall" tires are actually "white stripe". Michelin, Goodyear and Continental all make white stripe tires in this size with the width of the stripe ranging from 6mm to 8mm depending on the brand. This is approximately .23" to .31" wide, much narrower than you are searching for. Since no current production vehicles are fitted with a wide white wall tire, none of our manufacturers produce a tire with a wide stripe. Regards Porter
Sunday, December 26, 2010 by Jim:
I am searching for wide white wall tires for my 1948 Studebaker Champion Starlight coupe. What do you have.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 by Jim:
I am looking for wide white wall tires for my 48 Studebaker Champion Starlight coupe. Size was originally 5:50X15. Would a 195/70R15 be a current substitute for this size? If not what would be available? The car now has G78-15 tires on it. When was this size current? I think they must be very old. The car has been in storage for over 20 years. Thanks for your help.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 by David:
I have a 1940 Mercury Eight, and a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe V8, bot running 6.50/6.70, or 6.00 x 16 bias ply tires. What would equivalent be in a radial and what brands are available? Any with a narrow band white-wall? Thanks for any help
Thursday, January 27, 2011 by Porter:
Many vintage tire sizes do not translate well to current P Metric tire sizes. Contemporary vehicle manufacturers specify tires that are wider and generally lower in profile than what Henry Ford required in the 40's.

The 6.50-16 tire measures app 29.3" in diameter with a section width of 6.5". The narrowest tire that approaches this height is the 215/75-16 which measures 28.7" in diameter and approximately 8.5" in section width. So the closest current manufactured radial tire will be .6" shorter (not bad) but also 2" wider (not good). Although the difference in height might be acceptable, the width is likely to cause issues with rubbing and will require a wider wheel.
Saturday, February 5, 2011 by Mike:
It seems to be getting almost impossible to find 235/70/15 in white stripe / whitewall. these are for a 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood. I don't see any offering at tire rack.
Sunday, February 27, 2011 by Don Early:
I am considering buying a 2011 Volkswagen CC Lux and it comes with 235/40/R18 tires. I would like to find a narrow white stripe tire to really set it off as a "one of a kind." Can you help me locate a set that would be compatible with the original specs? If such a tire does not exist I may have to go with a new wheel with a polished lip so that it sorta looks like it has a stripe. I would prefer the stripe, though. Thank you for any advice you might provide.
Sunday, February 27, 2011 by Mike Levy:
I have a 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible that currently has L78 15 Wide (4-5 inch) Whitewall tires on it. I want to replace these with a similar look tire. What have you got for me.
Friday, March 4, 2011 by 650 x 16; 3" Whitewalls:
I need a recommended location for the above tire for my 1947 Pontiac. I am looking for a place that will sell an install. Recommendation?
Friday, March 11, 2011 by Mark:
Looking for 225/75/15 with 2 and 3/4 inch white wall for a 1955 ford. Do you have anything and what is the price?
Thanks in advance
Sunday, March 20, 2011 by Ophelia Thompson:
Looking for 225/75/15 with 3 or 4 inch white wall tires for a 1967 Cadillac Eldorado. Do you have anything and what is the price?
Monday, March 21, 2011 by E.J. Sweeney:
Im looking for a set of four 12 I/2 X
2 1/4 inch white wall, tires for a peddle car. Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks
Monday, May 9, 2011 by J.O. Barton:
Looking for 215/70/15 (670/15) with 3 inch white wall. Thanks
Thursday, May 12, 2011 by Rick:
1976 Ford Thunderbird . Want whitewall, not white stripe. Would like 1". 205 75 15 215 70 15 Rick Thx
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 by ChuckG:
would like to find tires that will fit a 16.5 in. rim
Monday, May 30, 2011 by Richard:
Looking for WhiteWall tires for my 1959 Galaxie 500 Skyliner. original size is G78-14, can you help.
Richard
Monday, May 30, 2011 by Elizabeth:
I need wide whitewall tires for my 1967 Cadillac convertible. What type of radials do you have that would work? Thanks
Monday, June 6, 2011 by Dean Click:
Looking for equivalent of G78x15(2) & 560x15(2) bias ply in White Wall Radials & cost. Thanks, Dean
Thursday, June 9, 2011 by Justin Wynn:
I am looking for a 225/75/16 or 215/75/16 or a similar size that has a white wall or raised white lettering. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!
Friday, July 1, 2011 by EJ:
Hello, I'm looking for a radial tire alternative to my 6.00 X 16" - Firestone - 3-1/4" Whitewall. These tires make the car appear a lot taller than it actually is. I don't need anything special and would prefer a black sidewall tire. They will be fitted to a 1967 Austin FX4. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Friday, July 29, 2011 by david garza:
i am looking for some p195 60 r15 vouge tyres 87s. if u can help thanks.
Saturday, September 3, 2011 by Ray Mummery:
Need to buy 205 60 13 R
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 by ROBERT TRAPPS:
I AM LOOKING FOR WHITE WALL TIRES IN THESE 2 SIZES 185/70/14 &195/70/14 ALL SEASON RATED
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by Leon Guyot:
Looking for wide whitewalls on 175/70x13 tires for my 1971 Triumph Vitesse Convertible.
Thursday, September 15, 2011 by Tire Rack Team:
Mr. Guyot,
Unfortunately the manufacturers we represent do not offer any whitewall tires in 175/70R13. We do offer several options with blackwall sidewalls.

You may be able to find whitewall tires at Cokertire.com. They specialize in tires for vintage and classic cars.
Friday, September 23, 2011 by chad:
I am looking for p 185 80 r 13 wide white wall
Friday, September 23, 2011 by RICK:
Am looking for two tires 180/80/13 or something that will fit a 63 nova. Please help.
Friday, September 23, 2011 by Rick:
Need two 180/80/13 blackwall tires, or something that are equalivalent to this
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by james :
need tires for my 1977 Ford Mustang II Ghia edition.
they are 205/70 R13.... doesnt matter if it has a white wall or not... thanks
Sunday, October 16, 2011 by FRANK C:
I'M LOOKING FOR 5 235/75/15 WIDE WW TIRES FORMY1948 PICK UP TRUCK,OR ANY OTHER SIZE THAT WOULD FIT. THANKS FRANK
Monday, October 24, 2011 by John:
Need 205/60/13: in a street tire, preferably in Sumitomo HTR 200
Friday, November 4, 2011 by james wildman:
seems like alot of missed sales to me.. I bought some sunis 215 50 r13 htr200 last summer.. dead now and I cant find replacements anywhere.
Sunday, November 6, 2011 by Dan:
looking for 2 6.70x15 or 195 70 15 with 3/4 to 1 in. whitewalls.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 by jim:
seems like there is some money to be made here if some smart tire maker were to take over these sizes.
Friday, November 11, 2011 by greg goodrich:
I have a 68 cadi with michelin X 225 75x15 white wall tires had a blowout need to match other 3 any idea
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by Fred:
I am wanting a 195-65-15 retro look whitewall tire, radial ply. 3 or 3.5" whitewall. Brand not crucial. please e-mail with list of tires available, prices and photos.
Sunday, November 20, 2011 by Loretta:
I need a 3" 215/60/16 white wall tires please let me know where to go for this tire.
Friday, December 16, 2011 by Rob:
I have been searching for up armored military tires for my '67 m715 kaiser jeep pickup... currently running 11.00r16 michelin xl (38.7 tall on stock split rims) but cant find this size anywhere... i believe they are discontinued. Is there anything out there that is remotely comparable for size and durability, or anyone who knows where to find them?
Friday, February 17, 2012 by Ferrell Weber:
I need to replace the tires on my 41'Lincoln Zephyr--7.00 x16 4 1/2 inch white wall. What do you have in this regard?
Thursday, March 8, 2012 by Sherman Nick:
I am looking for tires for a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan. The orginal tires were 6:70 x 15 bias with a 2.5 inch whitewall but I have been told that a P205/75R15 is a close match. Do you have anything close to this or any suggestions?
Sunday, March 18, 2012 by Charles M. Paolino:
I need five narrow wt. wall Michelin tires for Rolls Royce 76 . Size conversion is 235x70xR15 Can anyone help?
Monday, March 19, 2012 by keitumetse:
Help me l need tires of size 235/50R13.5 for light trucks give me price, I am in Botswana Africa!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by Cliff Perkins:
I am looking for white letter tires for my 2005 Mustang GT. I know, I know, they are not available, but there has to be a way! I would really like to put some "retro" 15" Mag wheels but again I suppose they wouldn't fit. If you have any ideas, please let me know. Thanks.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by Aaron Cooper:
I just received a 1963 mercury comet 4 door sedan and I am having a REALLY hard time finding 205/70-13 whitewall tires for the comet. Right now, I don't even care how wide the white stripe is. Thank you.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 by tony:
Does anybody me a 205/70/15" 8 mm whitewall desperately need that size. Thanks
Monday, May 7, 2012 by Chuck:
I'm looking for tires for my 1967 Cadillac DeVille which still has the original Firestone 500s. The size listed on the bias ply tire is L78-15. I'm looking to see what current size that relates to and also looking for a thin whitewall. Thanks.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 by Hugh:
I need 4 white wall tires for a 1963 Cadillac deville. I'm assuming that my tire size should be 235-75-15. Is one inch the correct whtie wall width?
Monday, May 14, 2012 by JLW:
Looking for 4 - 205 x 60 x 13 tires for 83' BMW 320I..any recommendations or what size tire would give it the same look? Thanks!
Thursday, May 17, 2012 by Porter:
Since I first posted the blog, Sumitomo has discontinued the HTR 200 leaving a void in performance tire sizing. Currently, none of our tire manufacturers offer tires in the 205/60-13, the slightly narrower 185-70-13 or even the slightly shorter 195/60-13. In order to find tires for your vehicle you will need to look at 15" tires and wheels. The 205/50-15 provides a relatively wide choice of Summer and All-Season Performance tires. You can see the complete list of wheels we have available for your vehicle at: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/index.jsp?affiliate=TY3 Enter the specifics on your vehicle’s make, model and year, and my site will display every option we carry that fits your vehicle properly.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 by Clark:
Looking for 11.00r16 or 9.00r16 for my 1955 Dodge 1 Ton Power Wagon. Can you suggest some tires in these sizes?
Thursday, July 26, 2012 by mark goowin:
looking for a G50-14 set of tires for my 63 corvett
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 by porter:
I believe that the tire size you are trying to match is the 650-14 rather than G50-14.

The 650-14 tire size is closest to the 185/75-14 or 195-70-14. The 185/75-14 is approximately 24.9" diameter and fits wheels between the widths of 4.5" and 6". While the 195/70-14 is 24.7" and fits wheels between 5" and 6.5". The 195/70-14 offers many more tire choices including the Michelin Defender selling for 101.00 per tire. Please follow the link to our website to see mote information on this tire.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Defender&affiliate=FY7
Monday, September 3, 2012 by L A:
I am looking for white raised letter tires for my 1986 El Camino. The current size on it is P 205 75/14. I don't know if this is the correct size when the truck was new. Thx., Larry.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 by Porter:
According to our vehicle data guide, your 1986 El Camino was originally fitted with 195/75-14 tires. The 205/75-14 is slightly taller (.6") and wider (10mm). Currently there are no raised white letter tires manufacture red in the 205/75-14 size. In order to find a raised white letter tire you can look at the 205-70-14 size for the BFGoodrich Radial TA selling for 97.00 ea. Please see the following link to our website for additional details on the BFGoodrich Radial TA.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Radial+T%2FA&affiliate=FY7
Thursday, September 13, 2012 by michael cavallo:
I'm restoring a 1976 mustang II. The size I'm looking for 195/70/13 or a 13 inch tire that i can use.
Sunday, November 4, 2012 by James Parker:
I need 16" white all Tires (wide-whaite wall) and the rims and or hubcaps for a 1947 Mercuery Eight Coupe. Where can I purchase these items?
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 by porter:
Unfortunately the manufacturers we represent do not offer any wide stripe whitewall tires anymore.

You may be able to find whitewall tires at Cokertire.com. They specialize in tires for vintage and classic cars.
Friday, March 1, 2013 by JAKE :
IM LOOKING FOR A 235 55 13 TIRE BFGOODRICH USED TO MAKE IT BUT CAN NOT SEEM TO FIND ANYTHING, ANYWHERE ONLINE

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