The 1956 Citroen DS arrived as one of the most technically advanced passenger cars of its era, blending dramatic aerodynamics with a ride and handling character that stood apart from conventional mid-1950s sedans. For owners today, that engineering identity matters when selecting tires, because the 1956 Citroen DS uses a 165-400 radial rather than a more familiar inch-based American size. That millimetric radial format makes the fitment decision less about choosing between multiple primary sizes and more about finding the right tire within the correct specification. For a restoration-minded DS or a road-driven example, preserving the intended wheel fit and overall stance starts with understanding that original sizing system.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1956 Citroen DS
The 1956 Citroen DS uses one primary tire size: 165-400, and it is a radial fitment. The covered DS 19 Sedan uses that same size, so the main decision is not which primary size applies, but choosing a tire that matches the correct millimetric format and suits your restoration goals, appearance preferences, and intended road use.
The 165-400 size is a classic metric or millimetric radial format, with 165 representing nominal section width in millimeters and 400 identifying the wheel diameter in millimeters rather than inches. That makes it very different from common inch-based vintage American sizes, and that difference is central to proper 1956 Citroen DS fitment. Its radial construction also matches the DS's distinctly modern-for-its-time engineering character. When evaluating a replacement, the key is staying with the correct 400-millimeter wheel fitment and confirming the car still has its proper wheel setup before comparing tire design, appearance, or road-use priorities.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1956 Citroen DS sub-models because the same primary tire size is used throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on its intended wheel format before selecting a tire.
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1956 Citroen DS 19 Sedan
The 1956 Citroen DS 19 Sedan uses the 165-400 radial size, keeping tire selection centered on the correct millimetric fitment rather than multiple primary options. For this sedan, the important step is confirming the proper 400-millimeter wheel setup and then choosing a tire that supports the car's intended appearance and road use.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners shopping for 1956 Citroen DS tires usually need clarity on the 165-400 millimetric radial size, wheel fitment, restoration priorities, and the checks that matter before putting a collector-era DS back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1956 Citroen DS?
The 1956 Citroen DS uses a 165-400 radial tire. The covered DS 19 Sedan uses that same primary size, so fitment stays consistent within the sub-models covered here rather than changing between several factory sizes.
The important detail is that 400 refers to a millimetric wheel diameter, not a 15-inch or 16-inch rim. That means tire shopping for a DS requires confirming the car still has the proper wheel format before selecting a replacement, especially if the vehicle has changed hands, undergone restoration, or been modified over the years.
What size rim does a 1956 Citroen DS use?
A 1956 Citroen DS with 165-400 tires uses a 400-millimeter wheel diameter. That wheel measurement is part of the tire size itself, and it is one of the most important details to verify on this car because the format differs from more familiar inch-based vintage sizes.
That distinction matters because a tire made for a 400-millimeter rim is not the same as one made for a similarly sized inch-based wheel. Before purchasing tires, inspect the wheel markings or confirm the actual wheel setup on the car so the tire size, bead seat diameter, and intended fitment all stay aligned.
Does the 1956 Citroen DS 19 Sedan use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1956 Citroen DS 19 Sedan uses the same 165-400 radial tire size. That keeps the fitment picture simple, since the main concern is matching the proper millimetric radial specification rather than sorting through multiple primary tire sizes.
Even with a single fitment, it is still worth confirming what is actually on the car today. Older collector vehicles may have had wheel changes, nonstandard replacements, or long-ago service substitutions, so checking wheel diameter and the mounted tire markings helps avoid buying a tire that matches the model in theory but not the car in front of you.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165-400 tire for a 1956 Citroen DS?
Start with the correct size and construction: the 1956 Citroen DS uses a 165-400 radial. Because this is a millimetric radial format, staying with the proper wheel diameter is just as important as matching the section width shown in the size code.
After confirming the fitment, think about how the car will be used. A restoration-focused DS may place more emphasis on traditional presentation, while a road-driven example may put more focus on overall tire condition and consistent wheel compatibility. Tire age, storage history, and the car's actual wheel setup deserve as much attention as the size marking itself.
How do I choose between the available 165-400 tires for a 1956 Citroen DS?
The first filter is always the same: the tire must be a true 165-400 radial for the 1956 Citroen DS. Once that is established, the comparison shifts toward how closely a tire suits the car's presentation, driving plans, and the condition of the existing wheels.
A DS kept for shows or historically minded restoration may call for a different visual emphasis than one driven regularly on secondary roads. It also helps to inspect the wheels for condition, age-related corrosion, and past repairs, since the right tire choice depends not just on the catalog size but on the readiness of the wheel and chassis to support road use.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing 1956 Citroen DS tires?
The key rim-fitment detail is the 400-millimeter wheel diameter required by the 165-400 tire size. On a 1956 Citroen DS, that measurement is fundamental, because a tire built for a millimetric rim must match the wheel's bead seat diameter precisely.
Wheel condition matters too. A collector car can have original wheels, restored wheels, or later replacements, and each should be checked for correct diameter, visible damage, and secure seating surfaces before mounting new tires. That extra step helps preserve proper fitment and reduces the chance of chasing tire issues that actually begin with the wheel itself.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1956 Citroen DS?
For a period-style 1956 Citroen DS, the starting point is the correct 165-400 radial size. Keeping the original millimetric radial format preserves the car's intended tire profile and wheel relationship far better than treating it like a more common inch-based vintage fitment.
A historically minded restoration benefits from matching the car's size system first, then considering the overall appearance of the tire on the wheel and the stance it gives the car. When exact originality matters beyond basic size and construction, marque-specific references and restoration records are the best next step before making a final tire decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1956 Citroen DS restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1956 Citroen DS restoration because the car uses a distinctive 165-400 millimetric radial size. The DS was engineered around an unusual and advanced-for-its-time approach, so tire fitment has a visible effect on stance, wheel presentation, and overall authenticity of appearance.
Using the proper format also helps avoid visual and mechanical compromises that can come from forcing the car into a more generic vintage-tire solution. Even when the goal is primarily cosmetic, checking wheel type, tire age, and how the tire sits on the car helps keep the restoration cohesive rather than merely close in size.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1956 Citroen DS?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Citroen DS even when the original size is only 165-400. Changes to wheels, suspension height, body clearance, or long-ago service substitutions can all alter what is actually on the car today compared with its intended setup.
That is why a visual inspection is so important before replacing tires. Check the wheel diameter, look for nonstandard wheel designs, and confirm that steering and fender clearance remain appropriate through the range of movement. A DS that has been restored or altered deserves a physical fitment check, not just a size lookup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1956 Citroen DS on new tires?
Before driving a 1956 Citroen DS on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, corrosion, and secure bead seating surfaces, then confirm that the mounted size matches the intended 165-400 fitment. It also helps to check valve stems, inflation pressure, lug security, and any signs of rubbing at the fenders or steering components.
A collector-era car should also be evaluated beyond the tire itself. Suspension wear, alignment condition, and long periods of storage can all influence how a freshly mounted tire behaves on the road. A careful shakedown drive after installation is a sensible way to confirm ride quality, clearance, and overall road readiness.
How should 165-400 tires on a collector 1956 Citroen DS be maintained?
165-400 tires on a collector 1956 Citroen DS should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any persistent air loss, especially on a car that spends much of its life parked rather than driven.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on an older collector car. Keeping the DS away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives. Occasional movement, clean wheels, and routine inspections before road use can catch problems early, before a low-use tire surprises you on the road.
