1959 Lancia Appia Tires

A 1959 Lancia Appia can use 155R15, 165R14, or 560-14, depending on the series and wheel setup. The 1 & 2 Series uses 155R15 radial tires, while the Series 3 uses either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tires. Those are not interchangeable descriptions of the same fitment, because they involve different constructions and, in some cases, different rim diameters.

The practical first step is identifying the exact Appia series and confirming whether the car is on 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. A Series 3 owner also needs to know whether the car is set up around radial or bias-ply fitment before selecting a tire, since appearance, wheel-width requirements, and on-road behavior can differ meaningfully between those choices.

The 1959 Lancia Appia uses either a 15-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the series and tire size. The 1 & 2 Series uses 155R15 on a 15-inch rim. The Series 3 uses 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply, both of which mount on a 14-inch rim.

Rim diameter is one of the most important checks on an Appia because the page covers two different wheel sizes. Measuring the wheel already on the car and comparing that dimension to the intended tire size prevents a common ordering mistake. Rim width also deserves attention, especially when comparing radial and bias-ply products for a later Series 3 car.

The 1959 Lancia Appia has more than one tire size because fitment changes between sub-models. Early 1 & 2 Series cars use a 155R15 radial, while Series 3 cars use 14-inch fitments, either as a 165R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply. That means the difference is not just size code alone, but also wheel diameter and construction type.

For a buyer, that makes series identification more important than simply searching by year and model name. A restored car may also have been converted over time, so the actual wheels on the car should still be checked before choosing tires. That extra verification helps keep the purchase aligned with the car's present setup and intended use.

On the 1959 Lancia Appia, 560-14 is a bias-ply tire size used on Series 3 applications. It is not a radial designation. In this format, the 560 refers to an approximate nominal section width and the 14 identifies the rim diameter, giving the later Appia a traditional small-car bias-ply fitment.

That matters because a 560-14 Appia setup has a different look and feel from a 165R14 radial setup, even though both relate to Series 3 cars on 14-inch wheels. Owners considering a change in construction should inspect wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance first, rather than assuming any 14-inch tire format can be substituted without further checking.

That choice depends on which Appia series you have and how the car is set up now. The 1 & 2 Series uses a radial 155R15 fitment, while the Series 3 can be equipped with either a 165R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply. The decision is therefore tied to both the wheel diameter and the construction that suits the car's present configuration.

Bias-ply tires appeal to owners pursuing a more traditional period-style presentation, especially on a Series 3 car. Radials may be more appealing for owners focused on road use within the correct fitted size. The sensible path is to match the tire to the wheels already on the car and verify clearance, wheel width, and restoration goals before changing construction.

Start by confirming the exact series, the wheel diameter, and the wheel width already on the car. A Series 3 Appia is the only one here that presents a real bias-ply-versus-radial decision, because it can use either 560-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial fitment depending on setup. That conversion question does not apply in the same way to a 1 & 2 Series car using 155R15 radials.

After the basic measurements, compare the intended radial's rim-width requirement and inspect fender and steering clearance on the actual vehicle. A collector car may also have replacement wheels, altered ride height, or suspension wear that changes how a new tire sits in the wheel opening. Those checks matter more than assuming any same-diameter tire will behave the same.

Start with the exact Appia series and the wheel diameter already on the car. A 1 & 2 Series needs a 155R15 radial, while a Series 3 may use either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply. Once the size and construction are confirmed, the real comparison becomes tire series, sidewall appearance, brand, and whether the wheel width matches the intended product.

The best choice depends on what matters most to the owner. A road-driven Appia may lean toward one of the classic blackwall radial lines, while a restoration-oriented Series 3 may stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation. Product details such as load figures, rim-width range, and overall tire character are more useful than choosing by brand name alone.

Sidewall style depends on the Appia tire size and construction you are shopping. The radial 155R15 and 165R14 choices are available in blackwall form. The 560-14 bias-ply options for Series 3 cars add more appearance variety, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line.

That makes sidewall style especially important for a Series 3 owner who wants the tire to support the car's visual presentation as much as its fitment. A whitewall can shift the look of a small late-1950s Italian sedan quite a bit, while blackwall keeps things more restrained. The key is matching the style to the car's actual setup and restoration direction.

Tires for the 1959 Lancia Appia are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, Pirelli, and BFGoodrich. The 155R15 radial size has the broadest brand range, while 165R14 radial options come from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The 560-14 bias-ply choices are offered by BFGoodrich in several sidewall treatments.

Brand is only one part of the decision, though it can help narrow the field when comparing period-style European radial lines against traditional American bias-ply offerings. Once the correct size is identified, it is smarter to compare tire series, construction, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility than to assume every brand option serves the same goal on an Appia.

A period-style 1959 Lancia Appia tire choice starts with the series and the wheel setup already on the car. The 1 & 2 Series belongs with a 155R15 radial format, while the Series 3 can present either a 165R14 radial look or a more traditional 560-14 bias-ply look. Each one can suit a restoration-minded car when it matches the vehicle's actual configuration.

Owners usually decide between preserving a classic European radial presentation or emphasizing a more traditional bias-ply appearance on a later Series 3 car. Exact originality can hinge on details beyond size alone, so marque literature, period photography, and model-specific restoration references are worth consulting if the goal is a highly exact visual result.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Lancia Appia more than many owners expect. The radial options in 155R15 and 165R14 present the car with a classic European blackwall look, while the 560-14 bias-ply option gives a more traditional vintage appearance and can be selected in blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall form.

That difference matters most on a Series 3 car, where the buyer may be choosing between radial practicality and a more overtly period-style bias-ply presentation. Sidewall treatment also influences the finished look, especially on a compact late-1950s body. Appearance decisions are best made after the correct size and wheel setup have already been confirmed.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Lancia Appia, even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body repairs can all change how a 155R15, 165R14, or 560-14 tire sits in the car. That is especially important on a compact vehicle with modest wheel and tire dimensions.

A car that has been restored over many decades may no longer match its original wheel setup, so it helps to inspect the actual rim diameter and width before ordering. Clearance at full steering lock and under suspension movement should also be checked on the vehicle itself. Those steps reduce surprises that a simple catalog size match cannot catch.

Before driving a 1959 Lancia Appia on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire seating, then confirm inflation is set appropriately for the chosen tire. The car should also be checked for obvious suspension looseness, brake drag, and any interference around the wheel openings. Those basic checks matter whether the Appia is on 155R15, 165R14, or 560-14 tires.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for steering pull, and recheck air pressure after the first miles. On a collector car that has been parked for long periods, it is also wise to inspect older spare tires and confirm that wheel hardware and hubs are in sound condition before regular road use.

Collector-car tire care for a 1959 Lancia Appia starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Even if tread wear is minimal, tires should be watched for age-related cracking, flat spotting from long stationary periods, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss. That applies to both the Appia's radial options and its 560-14 bias-ply fitment.

Storage habits matter because many collector cars spend more time parked than driven. Keeping the Appia away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires' condition. A periodic inspection before every outing is a smart habit, especially when the car sees occasional use rather than steady weekly mileage.