The 1960 NSU Prinz belongs to the small-displacement European microcar era, when compact dimensions, light weight, and efficient engineering shaped the driving experience as much as outright power. Its tire fitment reflects that character, with 12-inch options that include both period-style bias-ply sizing and a Euro-metric radial alternative. For the Prinz I, II & III, the primary choices center on 125R12 radial or 440-12 bias-ply, while the Prinz Sport pairs 125R12 with 4.80-12 bias-ply fitment. That gives owners room to balance traditional appearance against radial construction, sidewall style, and intended road use while still keeping wheel size and overall fitment in proper focus.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 NSU Prinz
The 1960 NSU Prinz uses three primary tire sizes across its covered sub-models, and all of them mount on 12-inch wheels. Fitment varies by sub-model and construction, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a Prinz I, II & III or a Prinz Sport, then deciding whether a period-style bias-ply tire or a radial setup matches the car's appearance and road-use goals.
125R12 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 125 representing nominal section width in millimeters, R indicating radial construction, and 12 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1960 NSU Prinz, this size gives owners a true radial-format option while retaining the correct 12-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include Michelin X Radial versions in Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall form. This size is worth considering when the goal is to keep the car on its proper wheel diameter while evaluating a more modern radial construction for road use.
440-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 4.40 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 12 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1960 NSU Prinz, it represents a traditional small-car bias-ply fitment that suits a period-style presentation and preserves the visual character many restorers want from an early compact European car. BFGoodrich offerings in this size include both Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall versions within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. It is the size to evaluate when keeping a more vintage tire construction and appearance matters most.
4.80-12 is another numeric bias-ply size, with 4.80 indicating nominal section width and 12 showing the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1960 NSU Prinz, this size is tied to a specific sub-model fitment rather than the full range, so it should be selected only after confirming the exact configuration of the car. Its role is similar to other period bias-ply sizes, emphasizing traditional construction and original-era proportions on a 12-inch wheel. This size deserves close attention when matching the tire to a Prinz Sport setup.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1960 NSU Prinz because tire fitment is not the same across the full range. Both covered sub-model groups use 12-inch wheels, but the bias-ply size differs, while 125R12 radial fitment is shared between them.
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1960 NSU Prinz I, II & III
The 1960 NSU Prinz I, II & III uses either 125R12 radial or 440-12 bias-ply tire fitment on 12-inch wheels. That gives the owner a choice between a radial-format tire and a more traditional numeric bias-ply size, depending on whether the priority is road use, sidewall appearance, or a restoration-oriented presentation.
The 1960 NSU Prinz Sport shares the 125R12 radial option, but its bias-ply fitment changes to 4.80-12. That makes sub-model confirmation especially important before selecting a bias-ply tire, since the Sport does not use the same numeric size as the Prinz I, II & III.
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 NSU Prinz Tires for Sale
Available 1960 NSU Prinz tire choices include Michelin X Radial options in 125R12 and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in 440-12. Buyers can compare radial versus bias-ply construction along with Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall sidewall treatments.
These 1960 NSU Prinz FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used across the covered sub-models, how bias-ply and radial fitments differ, and what to check before choosing tires for restoration use or regular road driving.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 NSU Prinz?
The 1960 NSU Prinz uses three tire sizes across its covered sub-models: 125R12 radial, 440-12 bias-ply, and 4.80-12 bias-ply. Prinz I, II & III models use 125R12 or 440-12, while the Prinz Sport uses 125R12 or 4.80-12.
The important step is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and intended construction. Since all of these sizes use a 12-inch rim, the main difference is not wheel diameter but whether the car is a standard Prinz or a Sport, and whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply tire or a radial-format alternative.
What size rim does a 1960 NSU Prinz use?
Each primary tire size used on the 1960 NSU Prinz mounts on a 12-inch rim. That applies to the 125R12 radial size as well as the 440-12 and 4.80-12 bias-ply sizes used across the covered sub-models.
Wheel diameter is straightforward here, but tire choice still is not automatic. A 12-inch wheel can still vary in width, and the Prinz range uses different tire constructions and numeric bias-ply sizes by sub-model, so the exact wheel setup and the car's specific model should be confirmed before changing from one size or construction type to another.
Do all 1960 NSU Prinz sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1960 NSU Prinz I, II & III and the 1960 NSU Prinz Sport both use 125R12 as a radial option, but their bias-ply sizes differ. Prinz I, II & III use 440-12, while the Prinz Sport uses 4.80-12.
That difference matters most when choosing a period-style bias-ply tire. An owner looking at radial fitment will see the shared 125R12 size, but anyone keeping the car in a more traditional configuration should verify the exact sub-model first so the tire's section width and overall presentation stay consistent with the intended setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 125R12 tire for a 1960 NSU Prinz?
A 125R12 tire for a 1960 NSU Prinz should first be matched to the correct sub-model and wheel diameter, then evaluated by construction details and appearance. In this size, Michelin X Radial options are available, including Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall versions.
The decision usually comes down to how the car will be used and how traditional the finished look should be. A Blackwall can suit a simple, understated presentation, while a Narrow Whitewall changes the car's visual character. Wheel width should also be checked, especially if the car has non-original wheels or has been restored with replacement rims.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 NSU Prinz tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1960 NSU Prinz include Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall, depending on tire size and construction. In 125R12 radial, Michelin X Radial options include both Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall, while 440-12 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich also appear in Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall form.
Sidewall style affects appearance more than fitment, but it can shape the entire personality of a small vintage car like the Prinz. Owners pursuing a cleaner, simpler look may prefer Blackwall, while a Narrow Whitewall leans more toward a restoration-oriented visual statement. The right choice depends on the car's trim, intended presentation, and whether originality of appearance is a priority.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 NSU Prinz?
Michelin and BFGoodrich offer tires for the 1960 NSU Prinz within the sizes covered here. Michelin appears in the 125R12 radial fitment through the Michelin X Radial series, while BFGoodrich covers 440-12 bias-ply fitment in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the actual tire size and construction, not as a separate decision. A Michelin radial and a BFGoodrich bias-ply serve different purposes on this car, so the better comparison is whether the owner wants radial construction, a traditional bias-ply look, a Blackwall sidewall, or a Narrow Whitewall treatment on the correct 12-inch wheel.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 NSU Prinz?
A period-style 1960 NSU Prinz usually points toward the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 440-12 for Prinz I, II & III or 4.80-12 for Prinz Sport. Those sizes preserve the vintage numeric format and the traditional construction associated with small cars of this era.
Appearance goals should be balanced with how the car will actually be driven. A radial 125R12 may suit owners who prioritize road use, while a bias-ply tire may better support a restoration-oriented look. When exact originality matters, period photos, marque-club guidance, and vehicle-specific historical references are worth checking before settling on sidewall style and construction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 NSU Prinz?
Tire construction changes more than the way a 1960 NSU Prinz drives; it also changes how the car looks at a glance. A numeric bias-ply size such as 440-12 or 4.80-12 gives the car a more traditional early-1960s presentation, while a 125R12 radial introduces a later-format tire appearance.
That visual difference can matter on a small European car where wheel and tire proportions are highly noticeable. Sidewall treatment also plays a role, since Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall choices create different period impressions. Owners restoring for display often focus on the tire's profile and presentation, while drivers may place more emphasis on construction choice and everyday usability.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 NSU Prinz?
Yes. Even though the 1960 NSU Prinz uses 12-inch tire sizes, modifications can still affect fitment. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and fender work can all change how a 125R12, 440-12, or 4.80-12 tire sits and clears.
A modified car should be checked more carefully than a stock one before changing tire size or construction. Steering clearance, suspension travel, and available space around the tire all matter, especially on a compact vehicle. It is also smart to confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car rather than relying only on what would have been standard originally.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 NSU Prinz on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 NSU Prinz on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the lug hardware and valve stems are in good shape, and make sure the tires seat properly and hold pressure. A general visual check of suspension and steering components is also worthwhile.
Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so the first drive after tire installation should be approached carefully. Clearance at full steering lock, basic alignment condition, and signs of rubbing deserve attention early. A short local test drive is a sensible way to confirm that the tire choice, wheel condition, and overall setup are working together properly.
How should 125R12, 440-12, or 4.80-12 tires on a collector 1960 NSU Prinz be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1960 NSU Prinz should be checked regularly for pressure loss, cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, whether the car uses 125R12 radial or one of the bias-ply sizes. Low-use vintage cars can age their tires out long before the tread is actually worn down.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since a lightly used collector car may sit long enough for problems to develop without obvious warning.
