The 1958 Facel Vega FYS sits in a fascinating corner of late-1950s grand touring, combining French coachbuilt style with the kind of presence that makes tire choice part of the car’s visual identity as much as its road manners. On this exact model, the primary fitment is a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, which places the decision squarely in the world of period-style sizing and construction. That still leaves meaningful room to choose among blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, along with several established vintage tire series and radial-equivalent alternatives. The right choice depends on whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, touring use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Facel Vega FYS
The 1958 Facel Vega FYS uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and the covered FYS Coupe uses that same size, so the main decision is not between multiple primary sizes but between sidewall style, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or consider a radial equivalent.
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 rim diameter in inches. For a 1958 Facel Vega FYS, that means a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the car’s late-1950s touring character and original-style proportions. Available choices in this size span brands including Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Avon, Excelsior, Coker Classic, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options across several series. This size is the starting point when preserving the proper vintage look and wheel fitment before weighing construction changes.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1958 Facel Vega FYS sub-model. The listed sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so checking the sub-model mainly confirms that the tire decision centers on construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than a different size.
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1958 Facel Vega FYS Coupe
The 1958 Facel Vega FYS Coupe uses the same 670-15 bias-ply fitment as the model core, keeping size selection simple. That lets the buyer focus on whether a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation best suits the car, and whether a radial equivalent is worth evaluating for the intended use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Facel Vega FYS
The original 670-15 size has four radial-equivalent choices to consider. 195R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P205/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series alternative, and P215/70R15 is the P-metric 70-series option. A 670R15 is also available as a bias-look radial equivalent for buyers who want a more traditional visual presentation. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, and any of these alternatives should be checked against actual wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance before changing construction.
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 1958 Facel Vega FYS Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices cover a wide spread of vintage bias-ply options from Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Avon, Excelsior, Coker Classic, and STA. The product grid is where sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, load rating, and overall presentation become easier to compare.
For the 1958 Facel Vega FYS, the most important tire questions usually center on the 670-15 size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how sidewall style affects a restoration-oriented or touring-focused setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
The 1958 Facel Vega FYS uses a 670-15 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment used on a 15-inch rim, and the covered FYS Coupe uses that same primary size as well.
That makes size selection fairly simple, but the decision does not end with the number on the sidewall. Once 670-15 is confirmed, the next step is choosing the tire’s presentation and intended use, such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall, while also confirming that the wheels on the car still match the original diameter and width expectations.
What size rim does a 1958 Facel Vega FYS use?
The 1958 Facel Vega FYS uses a 15-inch rim with its 670-15 tire fitment. The tire size itself points to that rim diameter, and the available tire choices for this application are built around 15-inch wheel use.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify on any collector car before ordering tires, especially if the car has been modified at some point. A 15-inch wheel still needs the right overall width for the tire being considered, and radial-equivalent choices may call for a wider usable range than some bias-ply products in the same nominal fitment family.
What does 670-15 mean on a 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
On a 1958 Facel Vega FYS, 670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, while the 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches.
For a buyer, that means the size should be read as a period-format fitment rather than a modern metric tire code. It also explains why the next choices often revolve around construction style and appearance, since a 670-15 can be found in several vintage-looking variations instead of forcing a move to a modern sidewall design.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
For the 1958 Facel Vega FYS, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in that fitment are bias-ply offerings, which makes it the traditional construction choice for this car’s original-style tire presentation.
That matters because bias-ply selection and radial selection are two different decisions, even when both stay close to the same overall visual footprint. Buyers who want to preserve the car’s period-style look often begin with 670-15 bias-ply options, while those exploring radial alternatives should separately confirm wheel width, tire dimensions, and chassis clearance before converting.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 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. Each one offers a different sizing convention while staying in the same general replacement conversation.
Those choices should be treated as alternatives, not automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and the final decision should include a check of actual wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and the car’s present suspension and steering setup before changing construction.
What should I check before converting my 1958 Facel Vega FYS from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the radial-equivalent size being considered against the current tire’s dimensions and available space. For the 1958 Facel Vega FYS, the main radial alternatives to the original 670-15 are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15.
A conversion also deserves a close look at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and whether the car still sits at stock ride height. Collector cars sometimes wear replacement wheels or older suspension parts, so the safest approach is to verify the whole setup first rather than assume every radial equivalent will suit every individual car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
Begin with the correct size and construction. The 1958 Facel Vega FYS uses a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, so the main selection factors are sidewall style, tire series, brand preference, and whether the wheel width matches the requirements of the exact tire being considered.
Appearance and use matter almost as much as fitment on a car like this. A blackwall changes the character of the car differently than a narrow or wide whitewall, and some buyers prioritize a more formal restoration-oriented look while others want a tire better suited to regular touring and careful road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Facel Vega FYS tires?
The 1958 Facel Vega FYS has 670-15 tire choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those options appear across several vintage bias-ply product lines, so the sidewall look can be tailored without changing the car’s primary tire size.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on the way a late-1950s grand touring car presents visually. Buyers trying to echo a traditional European luxury-sport appearance may lean one way, while those aiming for a fuller American-market whitewall look may lean another, but the right choice still has to stay within the correct size and wheel specifications.
What brands offer tires for the 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
Available 670-15 tires for the 1958 Facel Vega FYS come from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across multiple vintage-style bias-ply series and sidewall treatments.
Brand choice is best approached as part of the overall tire character rather than as a ranking exercise. Comparing the sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, load rating where stated, and the visual feel each tire brings to the car will usually be more useful than focusing on the brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
A period-style starting point for a 1958 Facel Vega FYS is the original-format 670-15 bias-ply tire. That keeps the car in the proper vintage sizing system and preserves the traditional sidewall profile that suits a late-1950s grand touring coupe.
From there, the appearance decision often comes down to blackwall versus whitewall treatment and the overall character you want the car to project. Buyers chasing exact historical presentation should compare their choice against marque references, period photos, or restoration records, since the right visual answer can vary by market, owner preference, and restoration goal.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
Tire construction affects more than road feel on a restored 1958 Facel Vega FYS; it also changes the car’s stance and visual impression. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the car in its original-style sizing language, while a radial alternative can alter the look even when chosen as a carefully matched equivalent.
That is why many restorers decide on appearance before moving into detailed product comparison. A bias-look radial such as 670R15 may appeal to buyers who want a more traditional sidewall presentation, but the result should still be judged against the car’s wheels, body clearance, and the restoration standard being pursued.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Facel Vega FYS?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1958 Facel Vega FYS even when the intended tire size is still 670-15 or a known radial equivalent. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or brake upgrades can all affect the space available around the tire.
That matters most when a car has been in service for decades and may no longer match its original wheel setup. A careful check of wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance is worthwhile before choosing a new tire, especially if the car is moving from bias-ply construction to a radial alternative.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Facel Vega FYS on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the tires are properly mounted, inflated, and free from shipping or installation damage. It also helps to check basic suspension and steering condition so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn components.
A short shakedown drive should be followed by another look at tire pressure and any signs of rubbing or unusual wear. On a collector car like the 1958 Facel Vega FYS, long storage intervals can mask problems elsewhere in the chassis, so tire installation is a good time to inspect the whole contact patch and wheel area carefully.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1958 Facel Vega FYS be maintained?
A 670-15 tire on a collector 1958 Facel Vega FYS should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the tread and sidewalls, and routine monitoring for cracking, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss. Tire condition matters just as much as mileage on a car that may spend long periods parked.
Storage habits also play a big role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both blackwall and whitewall tires, and periodic inspections remain important even when the car is driven only occasionally or kept primarily for shows and weekend touring.