Lotus Elite Tire Pressures

• Typical tire pressures for the Lotus Elite range generally fall between 20–32 PSI, depending on year, model, and tire construction.
• To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Lotus Elite Tire Pressure Guides.

• Longstone's recommended Lotus Elite Type 14 tire is the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
• Longstone's recommended Lotus Elite Type 75/83 tire is the 205/60 R14 Galaxy Formula X.
• To see more information on Lotus Elite tires follow the link to our Lotus Elite Tires Section.
• See below or click the link for some Lotus Elite Brochures.

Lotus Elite Type 14 Tires (1957–1963)

The early Lotus Elite Type 14 was originally fitted with 4.80 – 15 crossply tires from Dunlop or Firestone from launch in 1957 through to around 1960. We do not currently offer a good-quality crossply in this size, so we recommend switching to a radial classic tire. The crossply size 4.80 – 15 is dimensionally close to a 155 R15 radial, which became the preferred fitment as the model evolved. From around 1959 onwards, radial tires became increasingly common on new Elites, and by 1960 radials had become the norm. If you own an early car, fitting 155 R15 radials is not a compromise; it follows the natural tire evolution adopted during production.

All Lotus Elite Type 14 models, from the early Standard models (1957–1960), through the SE (Special Equipment) and high-performance Super 95, Super 100, and Super 105 versions introduced around 1960–1962, to the final late-production Series 2 Elite built from 1960–1963, shared the same factory tire size: 155 R15. Lotus did not alter the wheel or tyre specification at any point during Type 14 production.

The ideal radial road tire for the Type 14 Lotus Elite is the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67. Originally developed in the 1950s, the CA67 was Pirelli’s high-performance radial for sports cars and GTs. It features a rounded carcass and narrow tread pattern that match the suspension geometry and weight distribution of cars like the Elite. Unlike modern radials, the CA67 maintains light steering, crisp response, and the progressive breakaway characteristics intended by Lotus engineers.

Lotus Elite Low-profile Tires

Some owners consider fitting their Elite with a wider, low-profile tire size like 175/70 R15, but this can compromise steering delicacy on a lightweight car like the Elite. If you want wider tires we suggest the 175/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 which will minimise negative effects, however we recommend keeping the original 155 R15 specification and fitting the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.

Lotus Elite Type 75 and 83 Tires (1974–1982)

The second-generation Lotus Elite Type 75 and Type 83 — including the Elite 501, 502, 503, and 504 models, the later Series 2 and Series 2.2 cars, and the high-specification Elite Riviera were all factory-fitted with the same tyre size: 205/60 R14. Across the entire Type 75 and Type 83 production run, Lotus did not vary the wheel or tyre specification between subvariants. This low-profile tire size matched the Elite’s 1970s chassis geometry and enhanced grip needs.

The 205/60 R14 tire size is now extremely uncommon. Today, the only quality tyre still produced in this size is the 205/60 R14 Galaxy Formula X, making it Longstone’s clear and correct recommendation for all Lotus Elite Type 75 and Type 83 models. The Formula X carries a V-speed rating, meaning it is safely approved for sustained speeds of up to 149 mph, comfortably exceeding the performance capability of the Type 75 and Type 83 Elite.

Lotus Elite Type 75 and Type 83 cars were equipped with 14-inch tubeless alloy wheels, and tires with a profile lower than 70 (e.g., 205/60 R14) should never be used with tubes. If the wheels are damaged or leaking, they should be inspected or restored—tubes are not a safe substitute.

All Lotus Elite Type 14 models were built with centre-lock wire wheels as standard. Ruote Borrani Milano wire wheels were available as a high-quality period option and were commonly fitted to both road and competition Elites. These Italian hand-made wheels use lightweight aluminium rims with steel spokes and centres, offering reduced unsprung weight and excellent strength, ideally suited to the Elite’s lightweight construction.

Longstone is an official agent for Ruote Borrani Milano and can supply new wheels or arrange factory restoration of original sets. Borrani wheels remain the best wheel choice for a Lotus Elite restored to period-correct specification.

Our period fitment guides state that all Type 14 Elites were built with tube-type wheels, and should be fitted with appropriate inner tubes. The correct tube for 155 R15 and 175/70 R15 tires is the Michelin 15E. Both recommended Pirelli tires are tubeless, but as the wheels are tube-type, tubes are still required. We always recommend Michelin’s inner tubes where possible as they have the highest build-quality, producing the best results with the least failures.

Lotus Elite Type 75 and Type 83 cars were equipped with 14-inch tubeless alloy wheels, and tires with a profile lower than 70 (e.g., 205/60 R14) should never be used with tubes. If the wheels are damaged or leaking, they should be inspected or restored—tubes are not a safe substitute.

Classic racing tires are available for the Lotus Elite, and suitable options can be supplied from the Dunlop Racing range. These tires are designed specifically for historic motorsport use and offer period-correct construction, tread patterns, and performance characteristics appropriate for lightweight cars like the Elite.

It is important to note that historic racing series often specify exact tire makes, constructions, or tread patterns as part of their regulations. As a result, the correct racing tire for one series may not be permitted in another.

Before purchasing racing tires, we always recommend confirming the exact tire specification required by the championship or event you intend to enter. This ensures compliance with regulations and avoids unnecessary expense.