The 1955 Facel Vega FYS came from an era when European grand touring cars blended bespoke coachwork, luxury presentation, and strong road manners into a highly distinctive package. On a car like this, tire choice affects far more than simple rolling fitment because the stance, sidewall look, and construction all shape how the coupe presents on the road. The 1955 Facel Vega FYS uses a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, there is meaningful choice in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments, along with modern radial-equivalent options. The right direction depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, touring use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1955 Facel Vega FYS
The 1955 Facel Vega FYS uses one primary tire size: 670-15. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the same size carries across the covered coupe configuration. The main decision is not which primary size fits, but which version of 670-15 best suits the car's appearance and use, and whether a radial equivalent deserves consideration before changing construction.
A 670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1955 Facel Vega FYS, this is the primary period-style fitment and it preserves the traditional tall-sidewall look associated with mid-1950s touring and luxury cars. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from brands such as Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Avon, Coker Classic, Excelsior, and STA. Choosing within 670-15 comes down to appearance, rim compatibility, and whether the car will stay with bias-ply construction or be compared against a radial alternative.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the covered 1955 Facel Vega FYS configuration. The coupe uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on construction, sidewall appearance, and wheel confirmation rather than sorting through multiple factory sizes.
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1955 Facel Vega FYS Coupe
The 1955 Facel Vega FYS Coupe uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps tire selection centered on the look of the sidewall, the character of the tire series, and whether to remain with a traditional bias-ply setup or evaluate a radial equivalent carefully.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1955 Facel Vega FYS
The original 670-15 size has four radial-equivalent options to consider. Those include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. Together, they span traditional metric sizing, later P-metric formats, and a radial designed to retain a more vintage visual character. A 5-7 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making a change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
195R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (670-15)
P205/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (670-15)
P215/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (670-15)
670R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (670-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1955 Facel Vega FYS Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices span Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Avon, Coker Classic, Excelsior, and STA. The main points of comparison are tire series, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, and rim-width and load-capacity details within the same vintage bias-ply size.
Owners usually reach the same key questions with a 1955 Facel Vega FYS: confirming the 670-15 fitment, understanding 15-inch wheel compatibility, comparing bias-ply and radial-equivalent routes, and choosing the right sidewall style for restoration-minded or road-use goals.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
The 1955 Facel Vega FYS uses a 670-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch wheel, and it is the primary size associated with the covered FYS coupe configuration. Buyers looking for a period-style replacement should start with 670-15 before comparing brands, sidewall treatments, and tire series.
That means the usual question is not which factory size applies, but which version of 670-15 best matches the car. Wheel diameter should still be confirmed on the car itself, especially if it has been changed over the years, and any move to a radial equivalent should be checked for wheel-width suitability and clearance rather than assumed.
What size rim does a 1955 Facel Vega FYS use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1955 Facel Vega FYS uses a 15-inch rim. The 670-15 size itself points to a 15-inch wheel diameter, and the available products for this fitment are also built around that same rim diameter. Keeping the wheel diameter correct is the first step before comparing appearance or construction choices.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, because product options within 670-15 show different rim-width specifications. A car that still has its original wheel setup may be straightforward, but any replacement wheels should be measured so the tire chosen matches both diameter and width requirements without creating unnecessary clearance or seating issues.
Does the 1955 Facel Vega FYS Coupe use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1955 Facel Vega FYS Coupe uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the main model fitment. That keeps the size decision simple and allows the buyer to focus on the style of tire within that size rather than sorting through multiple coupe-specific size variations.
With fitment staying consistent, the practical choice becomes whether the car needs a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation, and whether bias-ply construction should be retained. It is still smart to inspect the actual wheels on the coupe, since older collector cars sometimes carry replacement rims that can affect width compatibility and equivalent-size decisions.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
For the 1955 Facel Vega FYS, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available vehicle-fitment products in that size are bias-ply tires, which aligns with the traditional construction style expected on a mid-1950s grand touring car. That makes 670-15 the starting point for a restoration-minded or period-style tire search.
Construction matters because it influences both appearance and how the car presents on the road. A buyer who wants to stay close to the original visual character will usually begin with bias-ply options, while a buyer considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearances carefully instead of assuming that any radial in a similar size can be installed without further checks.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial format that keeps a more traditional visual impression than a typical modern radial.
These equivalents give the 1955 Facel Vega FYS owner more than one path, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutes. The associated rim-width range for the equivalents is 5-7 inches, so wheel width needs to be checked along with vehicle clearance, especially on a car where wheels, suspension height, or steering components may have changed over time.
What should I check before converting my 1955 Facel Vega FYS from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the 670-15 fitment. For the 1955 Facel Vega FYS, radial alternatives exist, but the change should also account for tire dimensions, front and rear clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering system.
A construction change can alter both the look and the way the car responds, so the decision should match the car's use. A preserved restoration may favor the original bias-ply presentation, while a driver-oriented car may invite a closer look at radial equivalents. Checking clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel helps avoid surprises after installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
Start with the correct primary size, 670-15, and then compare the available bias-ply choices by construction details, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load-capacity information where it is given. For a 1955 Facel Vega FYS, that usually means deciding whether the car should wear a restrained blackwall look or a more formal whitewall presentation.
The right choice depends on how the car will be used and how faithfully the owner wants to preserve a mid-1950s appearance. A touring-focused car may also lead to a review of the radial-equivalent options, while a restoration-oriented car may stay with bias-ply. Matching the tire to the actual wheel width on the car remains an important final check.
What sidewall styles are available for 1955 Facel Vega FYS tires?
The 670-15 fitment for the 1955 Facel Vega FYS is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms. That range gives the owner a meaningful appearance choice without changing the primary tire size. Several of the wide whitewall offerings vary in stripe width, which can noticeably change the car's visual period character.
Blackwall usually gives the FYS a more restrained touring look, while whitewall options push the presentation toward a more formal mid-1950s luxury feel. Sidewall style should be chosen with the whole car in mind, including paint, wheel covers, and restoration theme, rather than treated as a small detail that can be decided independently of the car's overall visual balance.
What brands offer tires for the 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
Available 670-15 tires for the 1955 Facel Vega FYS come from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, with choices that range from plain blackwall styles to narrow and wide whitewall presentations.
Brand selection is most useful when it helps narrow the appearance and specification choices, not as a ranking exercise. After identifying a preferred visual style, compare the tire series, wheel-width suitability, and any stated load information that applies to the car's use. That approach keeps the decision grounded in fitment and presentation rather than brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
A period-style 1955 Facel Vega FYS usually starts with the original-size 670-15 bias-ply format. That keeps the tall-sidewall profile and traditional construction that suit a mid-1950s European luxury coupe. From there, the choice becomes one of presentation, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall versions within the same primary size.
The most appropriate look depends on the character of the individual restoration rather than a one-answer rule. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare the tire choice against marque literature, period photography, or other authoritative references for their specific car. For many collectors, the goal is a convincing period-style appearance paired with sound fitment and consistent wheel compatibility.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1955 Facel Vega FYS; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage profile and stance that many restorers want, while a radial alternative can shift the presentation even when the wheel diameter remains the same.
That difference matters most on a car with elegant proportions and prominent sidewall visibility. Owners who want a more original-looking silhouette often stay with bias-ply, while those seeking a compromise may look at a 670R15 bias-look radial. The best result comes from considering the tire as part of the entire restoration, not as an isolated mechanical item.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1955 Facel Vega FYS?
Yes. Even though the 1955 Facel Vega FYS uses 670-15 as its primary tire size, modifications can change what works safely on the car. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, and body or steering adjustments can all affect how much space is available and which tire construction or equivalent size remains practical.
A car that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or rebuilt with non-original components should be measured rather than treated like an untouched example. Diameter, width, and clearance at the fender and suspension all matter. That is especially important before trying a radial equivalent, since the tire may differ in shape even when it is considered comparable in fitment intent.
What should I inspect before driving a 1955 Facel Vega FYS on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive rust, confirm that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated appropriately for their specifications. On a collector car like a 1955 Facel Vega FYS, it is also wise to check valve stems, balance, and whether the wheels seat the tires correctly.
The rest of the car deserves equal attention because new tires cannot compensate for worn steering or suspension parts. Look over tread condition after the first miles, watch for rubbing marks, and recheck pressure after the tires have settled in service. A short local drive is a sensible way to confirm straight tracking, clearance, and overall confidence before any longer outing.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1955 Facel Vega FYS be maintained?
Collector-car tires need regular inspection even when mileage is low. On a 1955 Facel Vega FYS running 670-15 tires, that means checking air pressure, looking for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, or uneven wear, and watching for slow air loss during periods of storage. Occasional use does not eliminate the effects of age and environment on rubber.
Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors can reduce premature aging, and moving the car periodically helps avoid long static loading in one spot. Before returning the FYS to regular road use, inspect each tire closely rather than relying on tread depth alone.