The 1960 Simca Aronde sits in an interesting place in postwar European motoring, blending compact dimensions with the practical, road-going character that made small French cars appealing on both city streets and longer touring routes. For tire selection, this exact model year is not a one-size decision. The Aronde appears with 155R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply fitments on 14-inch wheels, while another sub-model uses a 5.75-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch wheel. That means construction, wheel diameter, and period-style appearance all matter, especially if the car is being restored, preserved, or returned to regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Simca Aronde
The 1960 Simca Aronde uses three primary tire sizes, and they are not interchangeable across every version of the car. Fitment varies by sub-model, and the first step is confirming whether your Aronde has the 14-inch setup shared by the I or the 15-inch setup used by the II. Once that is settled, the next decision is whether to stay with the original-style bias-ply fitment where applicable or choose the available radial fitment used on the 14-inch version.
155R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1960 Simca Aronde, this is a primary radial fitment for the Aronde I and gives buyers a modern radial sizing format in a period European dimension. Available choices include Michelin and Firestone blackwall tires in radial series such as Michelin X Radial and F560 Radial. This size is the one to evaluate when the car has 14-inch wheels and the goal is to retain the correct primary radial format for that sub-model.
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 560 designating a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches and the 14 indicating a 14-inch wheel. For the 1960 Simca Aronde I, this provides the vintage bias-ply option alongside the radial 155R14 fitment, making construction choice part of the decision. BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. This size is worth considering when a traditional bias-ply look and driving character are more important than selecting the radial-format alternative used on the same sub-model.
5.75-15 is another numeric bias-ply size, with 5.75 representing nominal section width in inches and 15 indicating a 15-inch wheel diameter. On the 1960 Simca Aronde, this size belongs to the Aronde II, so it serves a different wheel and sub-model configuration than the 14-inch fitments. Its role is not to offer an alternate look for every Aronde, but to match the correct basic fitment path for the 15-inch version. Before choosing this size, the buyer should confirm the exact sub-model and wheel diameter rather than assuming all 1960 Arondes use the same tire.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1960 Simca Aronde because tire fitment changes by version. The Aronde I uses 14-inch tire sizes and offers both radial and bias-ply primary fitments, while the Aronde II moves to a 15-inch bias-ply size.
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1960 Simca Aronde I
The 1960 Simca Aronde I uses the 14-inch fitment path, with both 155R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply primary tire sizes associated with it. That gives the owner a choice between retaining a vintage bias-ply presentation or selecting the radial-format size that belongs to this sub-model's wheel diameter.
The 1960 Simca Aronde II uses a 5.75-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch wheel, separating it clearly from the 14-inch Aronde I setup. Tire selection here starts with wheel confirmation, since moving into the wrong rim diameter changes the fitment question entirely.
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 Simca Aronde Tires for Sale
Available 1960 Simca Aronde tire choices include Michelin and Firestone radial blackwalls in 155R14, plus BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in 560-14 with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styling. That mix gives buyers a clear way to compare construction, series, appearance, and wheel-width compatibility.
Common 1960 Simca Aronde tire questions usually come down to three things: identifying the correct sub-model and wheel diameter, understanding the difference between radial and bias-ply fitments, and choosing a tire that suits restoration goals as well as road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Simca Aronde?
A 1960 Simca Aronde can use 155R14 radial, 560-14 bias-ply, or 5.75-15 bias-ply tires, depending on the sub-model. The Aronde I uses the 14-inch fitments, while the Aronde II uses the 15-inch bias-ply size.
That means the first job is identifying which Aronde version you have and confirming the wheel diameter on the car. A 14-inch Aronde I opens the door to either the radial or bias-ply primary fitment path, while the 15-inch Aronde II needs its own size family. Cars that have had wheel changes over the years should be measured before any tire is selected.
What size rim does a 1960 Simca Aronde use?
The 1960 Simca Aronde appears with both 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters. The Aronde I uses 14-inch tire sizes, including 155R14 and 560-14, while the Aronde II uses a 5.75-15 tire on a 15-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the key fitment checkpoint because the tire size must match the wheel exactly. A 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel, and a 15-inch tire cannot be used on a 14-inch wheel. On an older imported car like the Aronde, it is wise to verify the actual wheels on the vehicle in case a previous owner changed them.
Why does the 1960 Simca Aronde have more than one tire size?
The 1960 Simca Aronde has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and wheel diameter. The Aronde I is associated with 14-inch sizes in both radial and bias-ply construction, while the Aronde II uses a different 15-inch bias-ply size.
That difference makes the tire decision more specific than simply choosing by year and model name. Buyers need to confirm the exact sub-model first, then decide whether they are keeping the car's present wheel setup or returning it to a restoration-oriented configuration. Construction choice also matters on the Aronde I, where radial and bias-ply primary fitments both appear.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1960 Simca Aronde?
560-14 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1960 Simca Aronde. It is one of the primary 14-inch fitments associated with the Aronde I, alongside the separate 155R14 radial size.
That makes 560-14 the choice for owners who want the traditional numeric bias-ply size and appearance used on that 14-inch setup. Since the Aronde I can also appear with a radial fitment, it helps to decide early whether the goal is a vintage bias-ply presentation or a radial-format tire. Wheel width and the actual wheel on the car should still be checked before final selection.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1960 Simca Aronde?
The answer depends on which 1960 Simca Aronde sub-model and wheel setup you have. The Aronde I is associated with both 155R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply primary fitments on 14-inch wheels, while the Aronde II uses a 5.75-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch wheel.
For many owners, the real choice is between restoration-oriented appearance and the tire construction already suited to the car's wheel setup. Bias-ply tires preserve a more traditional presentation, while the Aronde I's 155R14 radial keeps the correct primary radial format for that version. Matching the tire to the wheel diameter is mandatory, and wheel width should be reviewed before any change in construction.
What should I check before converting my 1960 Simca Aronde from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that your 1960 Simca Aronde is the Aronde I with 14-inch wheels, since 155R14 is the primary radial fitment associated with that sub-model. The Aronde II uses a 15-inch bias-ply size, so the radial question is not the same across the whole model line.
After that, check the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the tire's rim-width requirements with the wheel you have. Steering clearance, suspension condition, and fender room also deserve attention on a small vintage car, especially if anything has been altered over time. A conversion should be treated as a fitment change that needs verification, not as an automatic substitution.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1960 Simca Aronde?
Begin with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because a 1960 Simca Aronde may use 14-inch or 15-inch tires depending on version. The next step is choosing the correct construction path: 155R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply for the Aronde I, or 5.75-15 bias-ply for the Aronde II.
Once the fitment path is clear, compare the tire's style and specifications against how the car will be used. Sidewall appearance can matter on a restoration-oriented car, while rim-width compatibility and load figures matter for safe mounting and road use. The best choice is usually the one that matches the car's actual wheel setup, intended look, and driving expectations.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Simca Aronde tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size you are shopping for. In 155R14 radial, the available choices are blackwall tires, while 560-14 bias-ply tires are offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
That gives an Aronde owner more appearance choice on the 560-14 bias-ply side than on the 155R14 radial side. A blackwall tends to keep the look simple and understated, while whitewall treatments create a stronger vintage visual presence. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size and construction are settled, since appearance cannot override wheel diameter or fitment requirements.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Simca Aronde?
Tires for the 1960 Simca Aronde are available from Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich, depending on the size. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 155R14 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich appears in the 560-14 bias-ply fitment.
Brand comparison matters most after the correct size has been confirmed for the car's sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the useful differences are usually series, sidewall style, rim-width range, and whether the buyer wants a radial or a period-style bias-ply presentation. The right approach is to compare within the proper fitment, not across sizes that belong to different Aronde configurations.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Simca Aronde?
A period-style 1960 Simca Aronde tire choice starts with the sub-model and wheel diameter already on the car. For an Aronde I, the 560-14 bias-ply size is the traditional-looking fitment path, while the Aronde II uses a 5.75-15 bias-ply size.
That usually makes bias-ply construction the visual starting point for restoration-oriented buyers who want a more vintage presentation. On the Aronde I, whitewall or blackwall selection can further shape the finished look. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, the final decision should be checked against marque-specific historical references and the car's own restoration goals.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Simca Aronde?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1960 Simca Aronde as much as the size itself. The Aronde I can be fitted with either a 155R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply primary size, and the bias-ply format typically gives the car a more traditional visual character.
That difference is especially noticeable on a compact European sedan where tire profile and sidewall style are part of the overall stance. A radial can still suit a well-used restoration, but it presents the car differently than a vintage numeric bias-ply. Choosing between them often comes down to whether the project emphasizes road use, traditional appearance, or a balance between the two.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Simca Aronde?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Simca Aronde, especially because this model already spans both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel setups. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or brake conversions can move the car away from its original fitment path.
That is why wheel diameter should be confirmed first, followed by wheel width and basic clearance around the fenders and steering components. Even when a tire is correct for the model and sub-model, it still has to suit the actual hardware on the car today. Any modified Aronde should be treated as a measured-fitment vehicle rather than a paper-size exercise.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Simca Aronde on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Simca Aronde on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and general condition, and confirm the tires are matched to the proper sub-model fitment. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, suspension wear points, and basic steering condition.
A short clearance check is worthwhile before normal road use, particularly on a small vintage car where wheel and tire space can be tight. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire in use, and the first few miles should be used to watch for rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual handling. Catching those issues early prevents unnecessary wear and helps protect the car.
How should tires on a collector 1960 Simca Aronde be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1960 Simca Aronde should be inspected regularly even if the car is driven only occasionally. Check for air loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of age-related deterioration, since stored collector cars often accumulate time faster than mileage.
Proper storage also matters. Keeping the Aronde away from prolonged sunlight, extreme heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition between drives. The tires should be kept at the correct operating pressure for the specific tire being used, and the car should be rechecked before longer outings. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for close tire inspection.
