The 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 sits in a rare corner of grand touring history, blending French coachbuilt style with American V8 power in a way few luxury performance cars of its era could match. Owners usually approach one with equal concern for presence, road manners, and authenticity of appearance. Tire fitment centers on a 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim, which keeps the car in its proper period sizing language. Within that size, there is still meaningful choice in brand, blackwall or whitewall presentation, and even radial-equivalent alternatives. The right decision depends on whether the priority is restoration character, traditional stance, or more modern road use considerations.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Facel Vega HK 500
The 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses the same size, so the main decision is not which primary size fits but which tire style best suits the car, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent carefully.
A 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 670 indicates an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. That makes it a traditional period tire format, which suits the HK 500's original-era fitment language and appearance. This size is available across several brands, including Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options across multiple tire series. Choosing within 670-15 usually comes down to the look you want, the wheel width on the car, and whether the goal is restoration-oriented presentation or general collector road use.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500. The covered Base configuration uses the same primary tire size, so the key step is confirming the wheel setup on the car and then choosing the right construction and sidewall presentation for your intended use.
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1960 Facel Vega HK 500 Base
The 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 Base uses the 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps tire selection focused on appearance and construction choice, whether the goal is a traditional blackwall or whitewall bias-ply look or a carefully checked radial-equivalent alternative.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500
The original 670-15 size has four radial-equivalent options to consider. Those 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. Together, they span traditional metric sizing, more modern P-metric profiles, and a radial intended to preserve a more vintage visual character. A 5-7 inch rim width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked 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 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices cover a broad period-style range, with Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA offerings across blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs in several classic bias-ply series.
Common questions for the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 usually center on the 670-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, radial equivalents, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector grand touring car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
The 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 uses a 670-15 tire size as its primary fitment. This is a numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses that same fitment.
That means the main task is not sorting through multiple primary sizes but confirming that the car still has the correct 15-inch wheels and a wheel width suitable for the tire being considered. If the car has been modified with different wheels or suspension changes, measure the actual setup before selecting a tire.
What size rim does a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 use?
The primary tire fitment for a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 is built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That 15-inch wheel diameter matches the 670-15 sizing format, where the final number identifies the rim diameter in inches.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking wheel width before choosing among available 670-15 tires or moving to a radial equivalent. A car that has had aftermarket wheels installed may still be 15-inch, but width and clearance can change the best tire choice.
What does 670-15 mean on a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
On a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches.
This older sizing format does not read like a modern metric radial size, so it helps to think of it as period-style tire language for a 1960 grand touring car. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with traditional bias-ply construction or compare one of the available radial equivalents carefully.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
For the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in this primary fitment are bias-ply tires, which suit the car's original-era sizing and traditional visual character.
That matters because staying with bias-ply construction keeps the car in its period fitment format, while a switch to radial construction is a separate replacement decision rather than another primary factory-style size choice. Owners considering a change should verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before moving away from the original construction type.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial alternative, respectively.
Each one offers a different sizing convention or visual approach rather than a guaranteed one-size-fits-all replacement. A 5-7 inch rim width range is associated with these equivalents, and the final choice should be checked against the actual wheels on the car along with fender and steering clearance before installation.
What should I check before converting my 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial equivalent against available space at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. For a 670-15 fitment, radial alternatives include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15.
Construction changes can alter both appearance and how the car feels on the road, so the decision should match the car's use as much as its styling. A collector-focused HK 500 may favor a more traditional presentation, while a frequently driven car may prompt closer comparison of radial formats, wheel compatibility, and overall clearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
Begin with the correct primary size, 670-15, and make sure the tire matches the car's 15-inch wheel setup. From there, compare construction, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, rim-width suitability, and any load specifications that apply to the individual tire.
The best choice depends on how the HK 500 is used and presented. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a traditional bias-ply look with the right whitewall treatment, while a driver-focused car may call for closer attention to wheel width and whether a radial-equivalent path makes sense for the actual setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 tires?
Tires for the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles within the 670-15 size. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice without changing the basic period-size fitment.
Sidewall selection has a strong visual effect on a car like the HK 500, especially because the tire helps frame the car's upscale grand touring presence. The right choice usually depends on the look of the car, the wheel and trim presentation, and whether the goal is understated road use or a more formal restoration-oriented style.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
The 670-15 size for a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several bias-ply tire series and sidewall treatments.
Brand choice is best handled as part of the overall tire decision rather than as a ranking exercise. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare the available sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load specification where stated, and the kind of visual presentation that fits the way your HK 500 is restored or driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
A period-style starting point for a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 is the primary 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps the car in the correct-era sizing format and opens the door to traditional blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentations.
The right choice within that size depends on how formal or sporting you want the finished car to look. If exact originality matters, it is wise to compare your preference against marque-club guidance, period photos, or vehicle-specific records rather than assuming any available sidewall treatment was used on every HK 500.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
Tire construction affects both stance and visual character on a restored 1960 Facel Vega HK 500. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional period presentation, while radial alternatives introduce a more modern construction even when they remain close in overall fitment intent.
That distinction matters on a car with distinctive body lines and a strong luxury grand touring presence. A bias-look radial can help bridge the gap for owners who want radial construction without giving up as much vintage visual language, but wheel size, wheel width, and overall proportions still need to be checked carefully.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 even when the intended tire size remains 670-15 or a radial equivalent based on that size. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension parts, or body clearance can all alter what works safely and cleanly.
A car that still uses 15-inch wheels may not have the same usable space it had originally. That is why owners should inspect the actual wheel and suspension setup, then check turning clearance and fender room before mounting new tires, especially if the car has received aftermarket wheels or stance changes over the years.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the new tires match the intended wheel diameter and are seated properly with appropriate inflation for the tire being used.
A collector car benefits from a cautious first road test. Watch for rubbing, steering pull, unusual vibration, or signs that the tire is too close to suspension or bodywork, then recheck pressure after the initial drive. Any long-stored car should also be examined for brake, bearing, and alignment issues before regular road use resumes.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 be maintained?
670-15 tires on a collector 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracks, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss before use. Because collector cars may sit for long periods, tire age and storage conditions matter as much as tread depth.
Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire casing and sidewall appearance. A car that is driven infrequently should have its tires inspected before every meaningful trip, since long periods of inactivity can hide developing issues that are easy to miss at a glance.
