The 1959 Citroen DS arrived as one of the most technically daring sedans of its era, combining futuristic styling with engineering that still sets it apart in collector circles. Early DS models are prized not just for their appearance, but for the way every major component contributes to the car’s unmistakable character on the road. Tire choice is part of that equation, and the 1959 Citroen DS uses a 165-400 radial fitment rather than a more familiar inch-based American size. That makes size interpretation especially important, along with understanding the millimetric format and preserving the proper visual balance. For restoration-minded owners and drivers alike, the goal is matching the car’s distinctive chassis with the right tire dimensions and overall presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Citroen DS
The 1959 Citroen DS uses one primary tire size: 165-400, and it is a radial fitment. The covered DS 19 Sedan sub-model uses that same size, so the main decision is not between multiple factory fitments, but between choosing the right tire within that format and confirming that the car still retains the correct wheel setup for its original millimetric sizing.
The 165-400 size uses a metric-style designation in which 165 refers to nominal section width in millimeters and 400 identifies the rim diameter in millimeters rather than inches. This is a radial tire format, which suits the 1959 Citroen DS and reflects the car’s advanced period engineering. For a buyer, the unusual point is that 400 is not interchangeable with a common 15-inch rim designation, so the wheel itself must be confirmed carefully. Choosing within this size is mainly about finding a tire that preserves the proper fit, stance, and road-going character of the DS.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the covered 1959 Citroen DS range. The DS 19 Sedan uses the same primary tire size, so the key step is confirming that the car still has the correct millimetric wheel setup before selecting a replacement tire.
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1959 Citroen DS 19 Sedan
The 1959 Citroen DS 19 Sedan uses the 165-400 radial tire size. That keeps selection relatively simple, but it remains important to verify the wheel dimensions on the car, especially if it has been altered over the years or fitted with non-original wheels.
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 of a 1959 Citroen DS usually need clarity on the unusual 165-400 size, the millimetric rim format, restoration-minded tire choice, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 Citroen DS?
The 1959 Citroen DS uses a 165-400 radial tire size. For the covered sub-model, the 1959 Citroen DS 19 Sedan, that same 165-400 size applies, so there is one primary fitment to focus on rather than multiple factory sizes within this page.
The important detail is that 165-400 is a millimetric sizing format, not a typical inch-based American size. A replacement should be chosen with the wheel dimensions on the car in mind, because confirming the correct rim format matters just as much as matching the tire size stamped on the sidewall.
What size rim does a 1959 Citroen DS use?
A 1959 Citroen DS fitted with 165-400 tires uses a 400-millimeter rim diameter rather than a conventional 15-inch or 16-inch rim. That millimetric designation is part of what makes DS tire fitment different from many other collector cars of the same era.
This matters because a 400-millimeter wheel should not be treated as though it were the same as a common inch-based rim just because the sizes appear close. Before choosing tires, inspect the wheels actually on the car and confirm that the current setup still matches the original millimetric format.
Does the 1959 Citroen DS 19 Sedan use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1959 Citroen DS 19 Sedan uses the same 165-400 radial tire size covered for the 1959 Citroen DS on this page. That makes fitment more straightforward than on vehicles where different trims or body configurations carry different tire dimensions.
Even with a shared size, an older collector car should still be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Wheel changes, long-term storage, or past repairs can alter what is currently on the car, so matching the tire size should go hand in hand with confirming the wheel and overall setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165-400 tire for a 1959 Citroen DS?
Start with the basics: the correct size for the 1959 Citroen DS is 165-400, and it is a radial fitment. Since there is one primary size here, the selection question is less about choosing between multiple fitments and more about staying true to the proper dimensions and overall character of the car.
A careful buyer should also think about the car’s intended use. A restoration-oriented DS may prioritize traditional presentation, while a regularly driven example may put more emphasis on overall condition and compatibility with the wheels already on the car. Confirm the wheel format first, then choose the tire that best matches that goal.
How do I choose between the available 165-400 tires for a 1959 Citroen DS?
The best way to compare 165-400 tires for a 1959 Citroen DS is to begin with correct fitment and then look at the differences in construction details, appearance, and intended use. Since the DS uses a specialized millimetric size, staying within that exact format is the first and most important filter.
After that, consider how the car is used and presented. A show-oriented sedan may call for a tire that supports a more authentic visual impression, while a road-driven car may place more weight on overall tire condition and proper wheel compatibility. The right choice comes from balancing fit, appearance, and use rather than chasing a generic substitute.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing 1959 Citroen DS tires?
Rim diameter is the critical detail on a 1959 Citroen DS because the 165-400 size uses a 400-millimeter wheel format. That means the wheel should be treated as a specific millimetric fitment, not assumed to match a more familiar inch-based collector-car wheel.
Beyond diameter, the wheel itself should be in sound condition and appropriate for the tire being installed. Check for damage, corrosion, or previous modifications, and make sure the tire and wheel combination still clears the body and suspension properly. On a DS, correct wheel fitment is central to getting the tire choice right.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Citroen DS?
For a period-style 1959 Citroen DS, the right starting point is the original-size 165-400 radial format. Keeping the car in its proper millimetric size preserves the proportions and technical character that are such an important part of how an early DS looks and presents itself.
Appearance-focused buyers should think beyond simple fit and consider how the tire complements the car’s stance and restoration goals. If exact historical authenticity matters at a very high level, it is worth comparing the tire choice against marque-specific references and restoration documentation rather than relying on size alone.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1959 Citroen DS restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1959 Citroen DS restoration. The DS is a highly distinctive car, and the proper 165-400 radial size plays a visible role in maintaining its intended proportions, wheel presentation, and overall period feel.
Using the wrong format can change more than appearance, especially if the car has been altered from its original millimetric wheel arrangement. A restoration-minded owner should confirm the actual wheels on the car, inspect the surrounding clearance, and treat tire selection as part of the larger goal of preserving the DS as a cohesive design.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Citroen DS?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Citroen DS, especially if the car has received different wheels, altered suspension components, or body changes over time. Even though the primary tire size is 165-400, the actual setup on an individual car may no longer match its original configuration.
A buyer or owner should inspect what is physically on the car before selecting replacement tires. Pay close attention to wheel format, visible clearance around the tire, and any signs that the suspension or body has been changed. On a specialized fitment like the DS, small changes can complicate an otherwise straightforward size choice.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Citroen DS on new tires?
Before driving a 1959 Citroen DS on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then make sure the tires are properly inflated and free from shipping or installation damage. It is also wise to check that the surrounding suspension and steering components are in sound condition.
A collector car that has spent time parked deserves extra attention before regular road use. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, confirm even clearance, and watch for vibration or unusual handling on the first drive. A careful post-installation inspection helps ensure that the tire and wheel setup is working as intended.
How should 165-400 tires on a collector 1959 Citroen DS be maintained?
165-400 tires on a collector 1959 Citroen DS should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and close attention to age-related deterioration. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and persistent air loss all deserve attention, even if the tread still looks serviceable on a low-mileage car.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on many collector vehicles. Keeping the DS away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires between drives. A car that sits for long periods should have its tires inspected before road use rather than judged only by how much tread remains.
