1958 Simca Arlane Tires

The 1958 Simca Arlane uses two primary tire sizes: 185R15 in radial construction and 6.50-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to a 15-inch rim, so the main fitment question is not wheel diameter but which construction and sizing style best suits the car and the way it will be used.

That distinction matters because a radial 185R15 and a bias-ply 6.50-15 do not present the same look or driving character. Before choosing one, confirm the wheels actually on the car, especially if it has been restored or modified over the years, and decide whether appearance, road manners, or a more traditional setup is the priority.

The 1958 Simca Arlane uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That shared diameter is important because both the 185R15 radial and the 6.50-15 bias-ply stay within the same wheel-size family, even though the construction and sizing conventions are different.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should still be checked before selecting a specific tire. Radial products in 185R15 can carry different approved rim-width ranges, and an Arlane with replacement wheels may not match its original wheel specification even if the diameter remains 15 inches.

The 1958 Simca Arlane Base is associated with the same two fitment paths used on this model: 185R15 radial and 6.50-15 bias-ply. In practical terms, the Base does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique size outside those two established 15-inch options.

That makes selection more about the kind of tire you want than about chasing a trim-specific size. A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward the bias-ply format for a traditional presentation, while a driver-focused owner may prefer the radial path, provided the wheel width and overall clearance are checked first.

On the 1958 Simca Arlane, 6.50-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention, with the section width expressed in inches and the 15 indicating rim diameter, making it the more traditional construction choice for this car.

Choosing 6.50-15 usually means prioritizing period-style appearance and an earlier tire character rather than moving to a modern radial format. Owners should still confirm the actual wheel setup on the car, since a vintage sedan may have replacement wheels or later changes that affect how a bias-ply tire sits and clears.

Both approaches exist for the 1958 Simca Arlane. A 6.50-15 keeps the car in a traditional bias-ply sizing and construction style, while a 185R15 moves the car into a radial fitment that still stays within the correct 15-inch wheel diameter family.

The better choice depends on the goal for the car. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the visual character of a bias-ply, while a road-use owner may focus on the available radial selections and sidewall styles in 185R15. Wheel width, clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension should be checked before committing to either path.

A move from 6.50-15 bias-ply to 185R15 radial starts with wheel confirmation. Both use a 15-inch rim diameter, but radial tires can have product-specific rim-width requirements, so the actual wheel width on the car matters before any construction change is made.

The next step is checking how the car is set up today rather than assuming it matches its original condition. Look at steering clearance, suspension wear, ride height, and any wheel changes made during the car's life. That helps prevent choosing a radial simply by size code without confirming wheel compatibility and available space.

Start with the basics: 185R15 is the radial fitment path for the 1958 Simca Arlane, so the wheel must be a 15-inch rim and the rim width should fall within the approved range for the specific tire being considered. After that, construction is already settled and the choice becomes one of series, appearance, and detailed specifications.

The available 185R15 products differ by brand, sidewall treatment, and in some cases load or rim-width details. Blackwall suits a restrained look, while redline or narrow whitewall changes the car's visual character. Matching the tire to the way the Arlane will be shown, driven, and maintained usually leads to a better long-term choice.

In 185R15 radial form, the 1958 Simca Arlane has blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall sidewall choices. Those options give the car noticeably different visual personalities even when the size remains the same, which matters on a compact European sedan where tire appearance is easy to see against the body and wheel opening.

Sidewall style should be chosen as an appearance decision rather than as proof of exact originality. Blackwall keeps the presentation simple, redline adds a sportier period-style touch, and narrow whitewall creates a more dress-oriented look. The best choice depends on how the car is restored and whether it is meant for touring, display, or mixed use.

The 185R15 radial size for the 1958 Simca Arlane is available from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those choices appear across several radial product lines, giving the Arlane owner options that differ in sidewall presentation and in some cases rim-width or load information.

Brand choice should be secondary to correct fitment and the type of presentation you want from the car. After confirming the wheel size and intended construction, compare the product series and sidewall style that best matches the Arlane's character. That approach keeps the focus on compatibility and appearance instead of treating brand alone as the deciding factor.

A period-style 1958 Simca Arlane usually starts with deciding whether the car should present with a traditional 6.50-15 bias-ply look or with a 185R15 radial that still feels appropriate to an older European sedan. Both keep the car on a 15-inch rim, but they create different visual and historical impressions.

For owners focused on authenticity, the safest approach is to compare the car against marque references, period photos, or restoration guidance before settling on construction or sidewall treatment. If the goal is a sympathetic vintage look rather than exact originality, either size can work depending on whether appearance or driving convenience matters more.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1958 Simca Arlane more than many owners expect. A 6.50-15 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage stance and visual character, while a 185R15 radial introduces a later-style European radial presentation even though it remains on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

That visual difference becomes even stronger once sidewall style enters the picture. Blackwall keeps the car understated, redline adds emphasis, and narrow whitewall creates a more decorative appearance. On a restoration-minded Arlane, those decisions should support the era and character you want the car to convey rather than simply filling the wheel opening.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Simca Arlane even when the chosen size is one of the correct 15-inch options. Wheel replacements, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body repairs can all influence how either a 185R15 radial or a 6.50-15 bias-ply sits on the car.

A car that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or rebuilt with non-original components should be checked carefully before new tires go on. Look at steering travel, inner-fender clearance, and how the tire sits under load. That is especially important on older collector cars that may have accumulated decades of small changes.

Before driving a 1958 Simca Arlane on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and set inflation to the tire maker's specification. It is also wise to check for any obvious interference at full steering lock and for signs of uneven suspension or steering wear.

An older collector car deserves a broader walk-around before road use. Look for loose hardware, cracked rubber components, fluid leaks, and brakes that have been sitting too long. A short low-speed test drive can reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or clearance issues early, before the car is taken onto faster roads or a longer trip.

Collector-car tire maintenance starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and proper storage habits. Whether the 1958 Simca Arlane is running 185R15 radials or 6.50-15 bias-ply tires, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread irregularities, and gradual air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically, inspect the sidewalls closely, and recheck the wheel and suspension condition at the same time. Low annual mileage does not eliminate aging, so time and storage matter as much as tread depth.