The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT comes from an era when Saab was building compact, aerodynamic cars with a distinctly European engineering character and a strong competition influence. For owners today, that character matters when choosing tires, because this Saab uses a 155R15 radial on a 15-inch rim rather than a broader American-style vintage size. Within that fitment, the choice is less about finding multiple primary sizes and more about selecting the right radial series and intended use, from traditional road-going options to more specialized classic performance designs. A careful choice helps preserve the car’s nimble feel, proportions, and period-minded presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT
The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT uses one primary tire size: 155R15. That is a radial fitment on a 15-inch rim, and it remains consistent for the covered Base sub-model, so the main decision is choosing the right tire within that size range based on series, intended road use, and how closely you want the finished look to reflect a traditional European classic presentation.
155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT, that radial format suits the car’s compact European layout and keeps the fitment centered on a 15-inch wheel. Available choices include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, with tire series such as F560 Radial, Michelin X, XAS, XAS-FF, CR6ZZ, Snow Classic, and Sprint Classic. The real selection point is matching the tire’s character to your Saab’s use, appearance goals, and wheel dimensions.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT. The covered Base configuration uses the same 155R15 radial size, so tire selection is mostly about choosing the right product series and confirming that the car still retains the proper 15-inch wheel setup.
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1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT Base
The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT Base uses the same 155R15 radial fitment found across this page. That keeps the focus on choosing among the available blackwall radial options and verifying wheel width, intended use, and overall appearance before settling on a specific tire series.
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 Saab 750 & 850 GT Tires for Sale
Available 155R15 options for the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT span Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, all in blackwall radial form. The main comparisons in the product grid are tire series, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and whether the tire is aimed more at traditional road use, winter service, or classic performance character.
These FAQs focus on the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT’s 155R15 fitment, 15-inch wheel requirements, available radial choices, period-style appearance considerations, and the wheel, suspension, and tire-condition checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT uses a 155R15 tire size. That is a Euro-metric radial size, and it is the primary fitment for the covered model on a 15-inch wheel.
That makes the buying decision fairly focused, since the key question is not which of several primary sizes fits, but which 155R15 tire best matches the car’s use and presentation. Before choosing, confirm that the Saab still has the proper 15-inch wheels and that wheel width falls within the requirements of the tire you are considering.
What size rim does a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT use?
The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT uses a 15-inch rim diameter with its 155R15 tire fitment. That 15-inch dimension is the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking actual wheel width before selecting a specific tire. Several 155R15 products for this Saab call for wheels around 4.0 to 5.5 inches wide, and a car that has been changed over to different wheels should be measured rather than assumed.
What does 155R15 mean on a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
On the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT, 155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 155 is the nominal tire width in millimeters, the R denotes radial construction, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches.
That sizing format is common on European classics and differs from older American numeric or alphanumeric vintage sizes. Knowing how to read it helps when comparing tire series, because you can stay within the correct basic fitment while still choosing among different radial designs, load specifications, and wheel-width ranges that suit your Saab’s actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R15 tire for a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
Start with the correct 155R15 size and the required 15-inch rim, then compare each tire’s intended character. Some options lean toward traditional European classic touring, while others reflect more specialized classic performance or seasonal use.
It also helps to compare wheel-width requirements, load figures where stated, and the way each tire will suit the car’s purpose. A lightly driven restoration, a regular road car, and a more spirited vintage driver may all want the same size but not necessarily the same tire series within that fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
Tires for the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT in 155R15 are available from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. That gives this Saab a useful spread of classic-oriented radial choices rather than a single brand path.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase, because the available products also differ by tire series, wheel-width specification, and stated load details in some cases. A better approach is to narrow the choice by size and wheel compatibility first, then compare which brand’s available 155R15 offering best matches the appearance and road use you want.
What tire series are available for the 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
The 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT has several 155R15 tire series available, including Firestone F560 Radial, Michelin X, Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, Avon CR6ZZ, Vredestein Snow Classic, and Vredestein Sprint Classic. All are radial choices in the correct basic size family for this Saab.
Those series matter because they let you choose a tire that better fits your priorities, whether that means a more traditional classic road look, a winter-oriented option, or a sportier vintage radial character. Comparing the series alongside wheel-width requirements and general use will usually be more helpful than focusing on one specification in isolation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
A period-style starting point for a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT is the correct 155R15 radial fitment on the proper 15-inch wheel. Since the available products are blackwall radials, the visual decision is more about selecting a classic-looking tire series than choosing between multiple sidewall treatments.
For a restoration-minded car, preserving the correct overall size and proportion usually matters more than chasing a modern-looking substitute. If exact originality is important, the final choice should be checked against period photos, marque-club guidance, and model-specific historical references so the tire’s appearance aligns with the way the car is being restored.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT because the car’s compact scale makes tire proportion highly visible. Staying with the proper 155R15 radial fitment helps maintain the car’s stance, wheel-to-body relationship, and traditional European presentation.
Fitment also affects more than appearance, since a mismatched tire can change clearance and alter how settled the car looks on its wheels. Even on a restoration that is not aiming for exact historical judging, confirming size, wheel diameter, and appropriate wheel width keeps the finished car visually coherent and closer to its intended character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT even when the intended tire size remains 155R15. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how much space the tire has.
That is why the car’s actual setup should be checked before choosing a tire by size alone. Confirm wheel diameter, measure wheel width, and look at steering and fender clearance at full lock and normal ride height. Those steps matter even more on a vintage Saab that may have been changed over several decades of ownership.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then check that the tires are seated properly and inflated to the pressure appropriate for the tire and vehicle setup. Lug hardware and valve stems should also be in good condition.
A short test for clearance is also worthwhile before regular road use. Turn the steering from lock to lock, check for rubbing at the fenders or suspension, and look for any signs of uneven stance or interference. On a collector car, it also makes sense to inspect brakes, steering, and suspension condition before putting miles on fresh tires.
How should 155R15 tires on a collector 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT be maintained?
155R15 tires on a collector 1960 Saab 750 & 850 GT should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of slow air loss. Because collector cars are often driven less, visible condition alone should not be the only measure of tire health.
Storage habits matter just as much as miles. Keeping the Saab away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the car periodically can reduce long static loading in one spot. A careful inspection before each driving season is a smart routine for any lightly used classic.