The 1956 Simca Aronde sits in an interesting spot in postwar European motoring, offering compact French practicality with the kind of light, efficient design that makes small-displacement classics so appealing today. Owners often value these cars for their distinct continental character and honest road manners rather than sheer size or power. Tire selection reflects that split between period and later-style driving, because the 1956 Simca Aronde uses either a 560-14 bias-ply or a 155R14 radial on a 14-inch rim. That opens the door to blackwall and whitewall presentation as well as traditional bias-ply or radial construction. The right choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and how it will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1956 Simca Aronde
The 1956 Simca Aronde uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than rim diameter. Both the 560-14 bias-ply and the 155R14 radial fit a 14-inch wheel, so the first step is deciding whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup or being matched to a radial-style fitment on the correct wheel.
155R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1956 Simca Aronde, this size suits owners looking for a radial-format tire while staying with the correct 14-inch rim. Available choices include Michelin and Firestone blackwall radials in series such as Michelin X Radial and F560 Radial. This size is worth considering when the goal is a road-oriented radial setup and the wheel width matches the tire's requirements.
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifying the wheel diameter. That format is part of the traditional sizing language many mid-century cars used, and it gives the 1956 Simca Aronde a distinctly period-style tire presentation. In this size, BFGoodrich options appear in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size makes sense when preserving a more original-looking bias-ply appearance is the priority and the wheel matches the narrower bias-ply fitment.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1956 Simca Aronde sub-model because the same two primary tire sizes appear within the range. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car is being kept on a bias-ply presentation or matched to a radial setup on the same 14-inch rim diameter.
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1956 Simca Aronde 1300 Series
The 1956 Simca Aronde 1300 Series uses the same two fitment paths found across this application: 560-14 in bias-ply form or 155R14 in radial form. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional restoration-oriented look and a radial-format tire, while still confirming wheel width and overall clearance before making a change.
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 1956 Simca Aronde Tires for Sale
Available 1956 Simca Aronde tire choices separate neatly by construction. The 155R14 radial options come from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form, while 560-14 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich focus on the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall appearances.
Common 1956 Simca Aronde tire questions usually come down to choosing between 560-14 and 155R14, confirming the 14-inch rim, and deciding how much period-style appearance versus radial-style road use matters for the car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1956 Simca Aronde?
The 1956 Simca Aronde uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 in bias-ply construction and 155R14 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the car and both use a 14-inch rim diameter, so the key distinction is the tire type rather than a change in wheel diameter.
Choosing between them starts with the wheel and the intended presentation of the car. A 560-14 suits a traditional bias-ply look, while a 155R14 follows a Euro-metric radial format. It is wise to confirm the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the wheels were changed at some point during restoration or long-term ownership.
What size rim does a 1956 Simca Aronde use?
The 1956 Simca Aronde uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That means the 560-14 bias-ply and the 155R14 radial share the same basic wheel diameter, even though the tire constructions and proportions differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still matters. The 560-14 bias-ply products are matched to narrower rims than the 155R14 radial products, which can influence whether a construction change makes sense on the wheels already on the car. Checking the wheel before ordering helps avoid a mismatch.
Does the 1956 Simca Aronde 1300 Series use the same tire size?
The 1956 Simca Aronde 1300 Series follows the same fitment pattern as this application overall, using either 560-14 bias-ply tires or 155R14 radial tires. The rim diameter remains 14 inches in either case, so the main difference is construction and the type of appearance or driving setup being pursued.
That shared fitment makes the sub-model easier to sort out, but the wheel on the actual car should still be checked. A car kept on narrow original-style wheels may lean naturally toward the bias-ply size, while a radial choice deserves closer attention to wheel width, condition, and clearance before making the switch.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1956 Simca Aronde?
Start with the correct size and construction for the way the car is being used. The 1956 Simca Aronde can be fitted with a 560-14 bias-ply or a 155R14 radial, so the main decision is whether the goal is a traditional period-style setup or a radial-format tire on a 14-inch rim.
After that, compare wheel width, sidewall style, brand, and the overall character of the tire. A bias-ply choice may better suit a restoration-oriented look, while a radial may better match an owner focused on regular road use. The car's current wheels and any previous modifications should be verified before selecting between the two paths.
What sidewall styles are available for 1956 Simca Aronde tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1956 Simca Aronde depend on which tire size and construction you choose. The 155R14 radial options are blackwall, while the 560-14 bias-ply options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
That gives the car very different visual presentations even when staying within the correct tire family. A blackwall keeps the look restrained and utilitarian, while either whitewall option adds more mid-century character. Appearance should be balanced with construction choice, since selecting a whitewall in 560-14 also means staying with a bias-ply tire.
What brands offer tires for the 1956 Simca Aronde?
Tire choices for the 1956 Simca Aronde include Michelin and Firestone in the 155R14 radial size, along with BFGoodrich in the 560-14 bias-ply size. Those brands line up with the split between radial and bias-ply fitment rather than competing directly in one identical size.
That means brand selection is tied closely to the type of tire you want on the car. Michelin X Radial and Firestone F560 Radial speak to the radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the bias-ply presentation with multiple sidewall treatments. Size, wheel compatibility, and visual goals should be settled before brand preference.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1956 Simca Aronde?
For a period-style 1956 Simca Aronde, the 560-14 bias-ply size is the more traditional starting point. Its numeric bias-ply format and availability in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions make it the closer visual match for a mid-1950s presentation than a modern-looking radial sidewall.
The final choice depends on how exact the restoration needs to be and what wheel is on the car today. Buyers pursuing high-detail originality should compare sidewall treatment and overall presentation with marque-specific references, period photography, or restoration documentation. A period-style look can still vary noticeably depending on sidewall color and whitewall width.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1956 Simca Aronde?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1956 Simca Aronde as much as it changes the size format. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional mid-century look, while a 155R14 radial introduces a later-style metric sidewall presentation even though it still fits a 14-inch rim.
That difference matters because small European cars show tire shape and sidewall detail very clearly. A radial can be a sensible road-use choice, but it may shift the car away from a strictly vintage appearance. The best selection depends on whether the restoration is centered on visual authenticity, occasional driving, or a practical blend of both.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1956 Simca Aronde?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Simca Aronde even when the tire size itself is correct. Wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body and fender adjustments can all influence how a 560-14 bias-ply or 155R14 radial sits on the car.
A car that has been updated over the years should be checked carefully before changing construction or sidewall style. Steering clearance, suspension travel, and the relationship between the tire and the wheel opening deserve attention, especially on a compact 1950s vehicle. Even a correct 14-inch diameter does not remove the need to verify the full setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1956 Simca Aronde on new tires?
Before driving a 1956 Simca Aronde on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, width, and general condition, then make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for their intended use. The car itself should also be checked for obvious suspension, steering, or brake issues that could affect tire behavior.
A short, careful road test is a smart next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, watch for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. On a collector car that may have sat for long periods, it also helps to inspect wheel bearings, alignment condition, and any aged rubber components that can influence how the new tires perform.
How should tires on a collector 1956 Simca Aronde be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1956 Simca Aronde should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is only driven occasionally. Collector cars often age tires through storage and inactivity just as much as through mileage, so appearance alone is not enough.
Proper inflation and clean, dry storage make a real difference for both 560-14 bias-ply and 155R14 radial tires. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls. It is also wise to check the tires before every meaningful outing, since an infrequently used classic can develop condition issues between drives.
