1959 Simca Vedette Tires

The 1959 Simca Vedette uses two primary tire sizes: 165-15 in bias-ply construction and 165R15 in radial construction. Both sizes are tied to a 15-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction style matches the car's current setup and intended use.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply 165-15 and a radial 165R15 are not simply the same tire with different lettering. The wheel width, tire appearance, and driving goals should all be considered before choosing between them, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has already been converted from its earlier tire type.

The 1959 Simca Vedette uses a 15-inch rim with both of its supported tire sizes, 165-15 and 165R15. That shared rim diameter keeps the basic wheel size consistent whether the car is using a traditional bias-ply tire or a radial tire in the corresponding 15-inch format.

Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint. Width still matters, especially when comparing among radial products, because some 165R15 tires are intended for slightly narrower or wider wheel ranges than others. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is worthwhile if the Vedette has been restored, modified, or fitted with wheels other than its original-style setup.

The 1959 Simca Vedette Base follows the same fitment pattern shown for this vehicle, using either 165-15 bias-ply tires or 165R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. There is no separate alternate size unique to the Base within this covered fitment range.

That makes the real decision one of construction and presentation rather than sub-model-specific sizing. A Base model being restored to a more traditional look may stay with bias-ply sizing, while a car intended for more frequent road use may be evaluated around the available 165R15 radial choices and the wheel dimensions already on the vehicle.

For the 1959 Simca Vedette, 165-15 is the bias-ply tire size. The radial fitment in this same general sizing family is 165R15, which uses the same 15-inch rim diameter but a different construction and sizing convention.

That difference affects more than the lettering on the sidewall. Owners comparing the two should look at the actual wheel width, the car's existing suspension and steering clearance, and the type of appearance they want. A Vedette kept close to period style may point one direction, while a driver-oriented setup may point toward radial options.

Radial equivalents for the 1959 Simca Vedette's 165-15 bias-ply size include 165R15, P165/75R15, and P175/70R15. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving several ways to compare modern radial sizing against the original bias-ply reference point.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to that equivalency set, which makes wheel measurement an important part of the decision. Diameter, section width, and clearance should still be checked on the car itself, especially if the Vedette has had wheel changes, suspension work, or body alterations over the years.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width, then compare the radial size being considered against the car's available space at the fenders, steering components, and suspension. On a 1959 Simca Vedette, the common conversion path begins from 165-15 bias-ply sizing and moves toward 165R15 or another listed radial equivalent.

The car's condition matters just as much as the tire size. Old bushings, weak springs, previous alignment changes, or aftermarket wheels can change how a radial sits and clears under load. It also helps to decide whether the goal is a traditional look, more road-oriented behavior, or a compromise that preserves the Vedette's vintage character.

Begin with the basic choice between the Vedette's two supported tire formats: 165-15 bias-ply or 165R15 radial. From there, the important factors are the wheel already on the car, the kind of driving the car sees, and whether the goal is a more traditional vintage presentation or a broader radial product selection.

Once the construction is settled, compare the details that change from tire to tire. Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load figures can all influence the final decision. A Simca used mainly for shows may call for one type of visual presentation, while a road-driven car may benefit from a different overall package.

In 165R15 radial form, the 1959 Simca Vedette has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices. That gives the car a useful range of visual options, from a more understated black sidewall to a stronger vintage look with either a slim white stripe or a fuller wide whitewall treatment.

Appearance should be balanced against the rest of the car rather than chosen in isolation. Wheel design, trim level, restoration theme, and how authentic or personalized the Vedette is meant to look can all affect which sidewall style feels right. It is also worth confirming that the selected tire's rim-width range matches the wheels on the car.

The available 165R15 radial choices for the 1959 Simca Vedette include tires from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands appear across several radial series and cover both blackwall and whitewall presentations within the Vedette's supported radial size.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. A better approach is to compare each tire's series character, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and any load or pressure information that matters to the car's intended use. That keeps the selection focused on the Vedette's actual wheel setup and restoration goals instead of chasing a name alone.

A period-style 1959 Simca Vedette usually starts with the 165-15 bias-ply size, because that construction keeps the car closer to the earlier tire format associated with its era. A 165R15 radial can still be considered when the goal is to preserve the general sizing while moving to a later construction style.

The right answer depends on how strictly the car is being restored. Buyers focused on historical presentation often use the original-style size and construction as the first guide, while owners balancing appearance and road use may compare radial options more closely. When exact originality matters, marque references and vehicle-specific historical sources remain the strongest checkpoint.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Simca Vedette because a bias-ply 165-15 presents the car in a more traditional vintage way, while a 165R15 radial gives a later-style tire format. The difference may seem subtle in size terms, but it can noticeably influence how the car sits and reads overall.

Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall radial choices can each shift the Vedette toward a cleaner, sportier, or more formal period-style look. Matching the tire's construction and sidewall style to the wheel design and trim helps the finished car look intentional rather than mixed-era.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Simca Vedette even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body repairs can all change how a 165-15 or 165R15 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears during steering or suspension movement.

A modified car should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before finalizing a tire choice. It is also smart to verify the actual wheel dimensions rather than assuming they are original. Small setup changes can matter on a vintage car, particularly when moving from bias-ply sizing to a radial alternative.

Check the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for the product being used, and inspect for any interference at the fenders, steering, or suspension. A 1959 Simca Vedette should also have sound valve stems, properly seated beads, and even stance side to side before regular road use begins.

The rest of the car deserves attention too. Aging suspension parts, loose steering components, weak shocks, or poor alignment can make a fresh set of tires feel unsettled and can shorten tire life. A careful inspection after the first few miles helps catch rubbing, air loss, or settling issues before they become bigger problems.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Simca Vedette should be checked regularly for air pressure, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so visual condition and date-related deterioration matter just as much as tread depth.

Storage conditions also affect long-term tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both blackwall and whitewall tires. Moving the vehicle periodically and checking for slow air loss can prevent flat spotting and catch problems early before the Vedette is taken out for a longer drive.