The 1957 Simca Aronde came from a period when compact European sedans were gaining attention for practical size, efficient packaging, and distinctive styling that felt very different from larger American cars of the same era. For owners today, that character makes tire choice especially important, because the car can be kept in either a traditional 560-14 bias-ply format or a 155R14 radial format, both on 14-inch rims. That opens a meaningful decision between period-style bias-ply appearance and more modern radial construction. Sidewall choices also vary, especially within the bias-ply offerings. The right direction depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded presentation, regular road use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1957 Simca Aronde
The 1957 Simca Aronde uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit a 14-inch rim. The first step is deciding whether the car is staying with a traditional 560-14 bias-ply tire or moving to a 155R14 radial, then confirming that the wheel width and overall setup match the tire you choose.
155R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1957 Simca Aronde, this size represents the radial fitment choice and gives the car a more modern sizing convention while keeping the same 14-inch wheel diameter. Available options include Michelin and Firestone blackwall radials in radial tire series with 80-series metric radial attributes. It is the size to evaluate when the goal is radial construction on the Aronde while still staying within a period-appropriate small European tire format.
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1957 Simca Aronde, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and suits buyers who want a more vintage construction and presentation. BFGoodrich options in this size appear in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the right size to examine when period-style appearance and a classic bias-ply look matter more than switching the car to radial construction.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1957 Simca Aronde sub-model, because the same two 14-inch tire sizes appear within the range. Checking the sub-model still matters so the car can be matched to the intended construction and appearance before choosing a specific tire.
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1957 Simca Aronde 1300 Series
The 1957 Simca Aronde 1300 Series can use either a 155R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply tire, both on 14-inch rims. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a radial setup that keeps the car in a small European-sized tire format.
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 1957 Simca Aronde Tires for Sale
Available 1957 Simca Aronde tire choices span both 155R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply fitments. Buyers can compare Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich options by construction, tire series, blackwall or whitewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility.
Common 1957 Simca Aronde tire questions usually center on choosing between 560-14 bias-ply and 155R14 radial fitment, understanding the 14-inch wheel requirement, and sorting out appearance, restoration goals, and pre-drive inspection concerns.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1957 Simca Aronde?
The 1957 Simca Aronde uses two primary tire sizes: 155R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the car and both use a 14-inch rim, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the sizing system and tire construction you intend to run.
Choosing between them comes down to how the car is set up and how it will be used. A 560-14 keeps the Aronde in a traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 155R14 follows a Euro-metric radial format. Wheel width, suspension condition, and clearance should all be checked before settling on one direction.
What size rim does a 1957 Simca Aronde use?
The covered tire fitments for a 1957 Simca Aronde use a 14-inch rim. That remains consistent whether the car is fitted with a 155R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply tire, so the rim diameter itself does not change between the two primary tire choices.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small European car from this period. The wheel also needs to suit the tire's width range, and that matters more when moving between radial and bias-ply constructions. Measuring the actual wheels on the car is a smart step before ordering tires.
Does the 1957 Simca Aronde 1300 Series use the same tire size?
The 1957 Simca Aronde 1300 Series is associated with the same two tire sizes used on the model range here: 155R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. That means the sub-model does not introduce a different rim diameter or a separate specialty size within this fitment group.
Even with shared fitment, the actual choice still matters because the two sizes represent different constructions and different visual character. The next step is confirming whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply look or using a radial setup, then checking the wheel width and overall condition of the running gear.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1957 Simca Aronde?
560-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1957 Simca Aronde. It uses the older numeric sizing format and appears in bias-ply construction only, making it the traditional fitment choice among the covered tire options for this car.
That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and setup considerations. The available 560-14 tires also use narrower wheel-width ranges than the listed 155R14 radial option, so the wheel on the car should be checked carefully. Buyers focused on vintage presentation often start here, while drivers considering a radial setup should compare the 155R14 alternative.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1957 Simca Aronde?
A 1957 Simca Aronde can be set up with either 560-14 bias-ply tires or 155R14 radial tires. The bias-ply option keeps the car in a more traditional vintage format, while the radial option uses a more modern construction while remaining within the correct 14-inch rim diameter.
The better choice depends on what matters most for the car. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the look and character of a bias-ply tire, especially with whitewall options, while a road-use-focused owner may lean toward radial construction. Wheel width, suspension condition, and clearance should all be confirmed before changing construction.
What should I check before converting my 1957 Simca Aronde from bias-ply to radial tires?
The first checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the actual tire size being used on the car now. A 1957 Simca Aronde can use 155R14 as a radial fitment and 560-14 as a bias-ply fitment, but changing construction should not be treated as automatic just because both sizes use a 14-inch rim.
Attention should also go to steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension wear, and the condition of the wheels themselves. Older collector cars are often running replacement wheels or mixed components, so measuring the setup on the car matters more than assumptions. A careful inspection helps avoid rubbing, poor wheel-to-tire matching, or an unintended change in stance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1957 Simca Aronde?
Start with the basic fitment decision: 560-14 if the car is staying with bias-ply construction, or 155R14 if the car is using radial construction. Both are 14-inch tire sizes, but they differ in sizing convention, wheel-width requirements, and the type of driving feel and appearance the owner may be trying to preserve.
After that, compare the details that matter to your goal. Sidewall style, tire series, brand, load figures, and rim-width compatibility can all influence the final choice. A car aimed at period-style presentation may call for a very different tire than one intended for regular touring, even though both remain within supported Aronde fitments.
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Simca Aronde tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1957 Simca Aronde include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and construction selected. The 155R14 radial options are blackwall, while the 560-14 bias-ply choices include blackwall as well as whitewall treatments.
That makes sidewall selection an important appearance decision rather than just a minor cosmetic detail. A blackwall radial gives the car a cleaner and more understated look, while the bias-ply whitewall options create a more visibly vintage presentation. The right choice depends on how closely the tire's look should support the Aronde's restoration style or personal taste.
What brands offer tires for the 1957 Simca Aronde?
Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich all appear among the available tire choices for the 1957 Simca Aronde. Michelin and Firestone are present in the 155R14 radial size, while BFGoodrich covers the 560-14 bias-ply size through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand is only one part of the decision, because the available choices also differ by construction and sidewall style. A buyer comparing brands should look at whether the goal is a radial or bias-ply setup first, then compare details such as blackwall versus whitewall presentation, wheel-width range, and other fitment-related specifications.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1957 Simca Aronde?
A period-style 1957 Simca Aronde will usually start with the 560-14 bias-ply size, because it preserves the traditional numeric sizing format and vintage construction associated with the car's era. That size is also available with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, which gives more room to shape the finished look.
The final choice depends on how authentic or interpretive the restoration is meant to be. Bias-ply construction generally supports a more historically familiar appearance, but exact originality should still be checked against marque references and vehicle-specific history when that level of accuracy matters. A radial can still be considered when road use takes priority.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1957 Simca Aronde?
Tire construction changes more than driving behavior on a restored 1957 Simca Aronde; it also changes the car's visual character. A 560-14 bias-ply tire gives the Aronde a more traditional small-sedan presentation, especially when paired with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while a 155R14 radial brings a more modern-looking tire format.
That visual difference becomes especially noticeable on a compact car with modest wheel openings and delicate proportions. Owners trying to maintain a distinctly 1950s feel often focus on bias-ply construction and sidewall treatment first. Owners who want a cleaner, simpler appearance may prefer a blackwall radial, provided the wheel and overall setup support the change.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1957 Simca Aronde?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1957 Simca Aronde even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 155R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tire sits within the car's available space.
A modified Aronde should be checked at the wheels and on the car, not just by size code. Look at steering clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel dimensions before choosing a tire. Small cars from this era do not leave much margin for mismatch, so a careful measurement routine can prevent rubbing or poor wheel-to-tire pairing.
What should I inspect before driving a 1957 Simca Aronde on new tires?
Before driving a 1957 Simca Aronde on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the wheel size and width, and make sure the tires seat and hold air properly. It is also wise to check valve stems, lug hardware, visible suspension wear, and basic steering condition before putting the car back into regular road use.
A short, careful test drive should follow any tire change on a collector car like this. Listen for rubbing during turns, pay attention to tracking and braking feel, and recheck inflation once the tires have settled. Any old-car setup that has been sitting for long periods benefits from another quick inspection after the first few miles.
How should tires on a collector 1957 Simca Aronde be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1957 Simca Aronde should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition even when tread looks good. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting from storage, and slow air loss are all worth watching closely on a lightly used vintage car.
Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage on a collector vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and moving the car occasionally reduces long-term set in the casing. Inspection before each driving season is a sensible routine for an older Aronde.