Triumph 1500 Tyres
1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500
Triumph 1500 1970–1976
Triumph 1500 1970–1973
- For Triumph 1500 tyres a set of 155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 155 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF is recommended by Longstone Tyres.
- These tyres would best fit a Michelin 13D innertube.
Triumph 1500 TC 1973–1976
- In 1973 the 1500 was renamed the 1500 TC, the engine was installed with twin SU carburettors, however the tyres used were the same.
- Some people fit wider tyres to 1500 and 1500 TC cars, and in this case, we would suggest fitting the 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, however, we do not recommend this as wider tyres can have a negative effect on the handling.
- 175/70-13 Tyres can be fitted with Michelin 13E innertubes.
- Our historical fitment guides do not always align, however most of the period data points to the 1500 fitting tubeless wheels. Innertubes are optional for these wheels rather than essential, providing that the wheel rims are still airtight.
Triumph 1500 Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Triumph 1500 Tyres
History of the Triumph 1500
The Triumph 1500 is a compact front-wheel-drive automobile manufactured by Standard-Triumph between 1970 and 1973. In 1973, it was renamed the Triumph 1500TC and gained rear-wheel drive. It was succeeded by the Triumph Dolomite by the time production ceased in 1976.
While the Triumph 1300 retained front-wheel drive, the body featured a restyled front, a longer tail, dual headlights, horizontally placed rear light clusters, and a bigger boot. The inside was likewise restyled, with a new dashboard and door cards but the wooden door cappings remaining. The Standard SC engine's displacement was raised to 1,493 cc with a single SU carburettor and a power output of 61 horsepower.
The suspension employed coil springs all around and was independent at the front, with a dead-beam rear axle at the back, representing a technical step back from the 1300's all-independent suspension. With an upgraded carburettor and intake manifold, the power output was boosted to 65 horsepower in 1972. Later models also have a silver nose badge. Previously, automobiles featured a black nose insignia.
The automobile had a maximum speed of 87 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 16.5 seconds. The 1500 was called the 1500TC in October 1973. It kept the same 1493 cc engine (now with dual SU carburettors) connected to the recently arrived Triumph Dolomite's rear-wheel-drive transmission. The interior and external aesthetics stayed mostly unchanged. The "1500TC" boot lid logo and the black centres on the wheel trims, which were blue on the 1500, distinguish the 1500TC. In March 1976, the 1500TC was superseded by the Dolomite 1500/1500HL. The automobile had a maximum speed of 92 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 14.0 seconds.
Independent Tyre Test - The Results
In the world of modern tyres it is commonplace to come across a tyre test. Sadly in the world of classic tyres, the investment never seems to be there to do a proper modern tyre test. However, a German magazine in July 2016 conducted this modern tyre test using classic tyres. This classic tyre test has been translated from German to English. What is remarkable in this tyre test is quite how well the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 classic tyre performed in the table at the end. The scores in this table are not scored in relation to the other tyres in the test, so when a score of 1 is recorded, then that is a perfect score for a classic tyre or a modern tyre. It is wonderful to see that these classic PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 tyres can give such exemplary results.