The 1961 Citroen ID came from an era when Citroen approached ride quality, road manners, and design very differently from most family cars on the road. Its long, low body and advanced chassis engineering made the ID especially distinctive among early 1960s European sedans and wagons, and that character carries into tire selection today. This model uses a 165-400 radial, a millimetric radial size that reflects Citroen’s unconventional wheel and tire practice rather than a more familiar inch-based American size. The key decision is usually staying true to that original sizing approach while confirming wheel compatibility and overall condition before regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 Citroen ID
The 1961 Citroen ID uses one primary tire size: 165-400, and it is a radial fitment. That size is shared by the covered ID 19 Sedan and ID 19 Wagon models, so the main question is less about choosing between multiple factory sizes and more about understanding the millimetric sizing system, confirming the wheel setup, and selecting the right tire for restoration goals and road use.
A 165-400 size uses metric-style width and a 400-millimeter wheel diameter rather than the more familiar inch-based rim diameter found on many American classics. It is a radial construction, which suits the 1961 Citroen ID’s original fitment approach and makes this size central to preserving the car’s intended wheel-and-tire relationship. For most buyers, the real importance of 165-400 is confirming that the car still has the proper millimetric wheel setup, since a conventional 15-inch or 16-inch tire is not the same thing. That makes careful wheel identification especially important before any replacement decision.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1961 Citroen ID sub-models. Both the ID 19 Sedan and ID 19 Wagon use the same 165-400 radial size, so the main concern is confirming that the vehicle still retains the proper millimetric wheel setup.
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1961 Citroen ID 19 Sedan
The 1961 Citroen ID 19 Sedan uses the same 165-400 radial size as the other covered ID sub-model. That keeps size selection simple, but it makes wheel confirmation especially important because this is a millimetric fitment rather than a conventional inch-based rim setup.
The 1961 Citroen ID 19 Wagon also uses the 165-400 radial size. For wagon owners, the practical focus is on preserving the correct millimetric tire format and checking wheel condition, fitment, and overall tire health before returning the car to road use.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on 1961 Citroen ID tire sizing, millimetric rim fitment, radial construction, restoration-minded selection, and the wheel and tire checks that matter before putting a low-use collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 Citroen ID?
The 1961 Citroen ID uses a 165-400 radial tire. That same primary size applies to the covered ID 19 Sedan and ID 19 Wagon models, which keeps fitment straightforward at the year-make-model level.
The important detail is that 165-400 is a millimetric tire size, not a common inch-based size such as a 15-inch or 16-inch fitment. Before replacing tires, confirm that the car still has the proper wheel setup and has not been changed to different rims at some point in its life.
What size rim does a 1961 Citroen ID use?
A 1961 Citroen ID fitted with 165-400 tires uses a 400-millimeter rim. That is a key part of the fitment, because the tire size and wheel diameter are tied to Citroen’s millimetric radial arrangement rather than a conventional inch-based wheel.
That distinction matters any time the car has changed hands, been restored, or sat for many years. A buyer should check the wheels on the car before ordering tires, since a tire made for a 400-millimeter rim is not the same as a tire intended for a similarly sized inch-diameter wheel.
Do all 1961 Citroen ID sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1961 Citroen ID sub-models use the same 165-400 radial tire size. That includes both the ID 19 Sedan and the ID 19 Wagon, so there is no sub-model split in primary tire size here.
Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to inspect the actual wheel and tire setup on the individual car. Older Citroens are often restored, stored, or modified over time, and the practical question is whether the vehicle still retains the proper millimetric wheels needed for the original-style 165-400 fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165-400 tire for a 1961 Citroen ID?
Start with the correct size and wheel format. A 165-400 tire is a millimetric radial fitment, so the first priority is making sure the car still uses the proper 400-millimeter wheels and has not been converted to a different diameter or wheel type.
After that, think about how the car will be used. A restoration-focused ID may call for a tire that preserves the traditional visual character of the car, while a regularly driven example benefits from close attention to tire age, casing condition, and the overall condition of wheels, suspension, and steering components.
How do I choose between the available 165-400 tires for a 1961 Citroen ID?
The right choice begins with staying within the proper 165-400 size and confirming compatibility with the car’s millimetric wheel setup. Once that is established, the decision usually comes down to the kind of presentation and road use you want from the car rather than choosing between multiple primary fitment sizes.
A 1961 Citroen ID used mainly for shows and preservation may push the decision toward a more restoration-oriented look, while a car driven more often should also be judged by tire condition and the health of related chassis components. Matching the tire to the car’s actual setup is more important than chasing a generic substitute.
What does 165-400 mean on a 1961 Citroen ID?
On a 1961 Citroen ID, 165-400 identifies a radial tire with an approximate section width of 165 millimeters and a 400-millimeter wheel diameter. The unusual part for many modern buyers is the wheel measurement, since it is expressed in millimeters instead of the inch-based format more commonly seen on domestic classics.
Understanding that size helps avoid a common fitment mistake. A 400-millimeter rim is its own specification, and it should not be treated as if it were simply another 15-inch wheel. That is why checking the actual wheels on the car is such an important step before selecting replacement tires.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 Citroen ID?
For a period-style 1961 Citroen ID, the right starting point is the proper 165-400 radial size on the correct millimetric wheel setup. Keeping that original-style sizing format helps preserve the car’s distinctive European character better than forcing a more familiar inch-based tire arrangement.
Appearance decisions should still be made with care, especially on a restoration project. If exact historical presentation matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation for the specific car, while also making sure the wheels, suspension, and clearances remain appropriate for safe road use.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1961 Citroen ID restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1961 Citroen ID restoration because the car uses a distinctive 165-400 millimetric radial size. Preserving the proper size and wheel relationship is part of maintaining the vehicle’s original engineering character and visual stance.
Restoration value is not only about appearance. The wrong wheel diameter or an improvised substitute can complicate clearance, handling feel, and overall authenticity of the finished car. Even if the vehicle is mainly displayed, it is worth confirming that the wheels, tires, and supporting chassis components still work together as intended.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 Citroen ID?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Citroen ID, especially if the car has been changed from its original millimetric wheel arrangement. Wheel swaps, suspension alterations, or other chassis changes can all influence whether the proper 165-400 radial setup is still in place.
A careful inspection should include wheel diameter, wheel type, visible clearance around the tire, and any signs that the body or suspension has been altered. Even when the car still appears stock, verifying the actual hardware on the vehicle is the safest way to avoid ordering a tire for a setup it no longer has.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 Citroen ID on new tires?
Before driving a 1961 Citroen ID on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion and make sure the car has the correct 400-millimeter wheel setup for 165-400 tires. It is also wise to check the condition of the suspension, steering, and brake components on a car of this age.
New tires do not correct underlying chassis problems. Look over the old tires for uneven wear patterns that may point to alignment or mechanical issues, and confirm that there is proper clearance at full steering lock. A cautious road test after installation is a smart final step before regular driving.
How should 165-400 tires on a collector 1961 Citroen ID be maintained?
165-400 tires on a collector 1961 Citroen ID should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. On a low-use car, age and condition matter just as much as tread depth, so the sidewalls and tread should be watched closely for cracking, cuts, bulges, or persistent air loss.
Storage conditions make a difference on collector vehicles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. It also helps to move or drive the car periodically so the tires are not left sitting in one position for extended periods.
