1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry Tires

The 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 in bias-ply construction and 155R14 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 14-inch rim, but they represent different sizing systems and different tire constructions rather than identical tires with different labels.

The important next step is confirming what is actually on the car now, especially if the wheels or suspension have been changed over the years. A buyer should verify wheel width, current tire construction, and overall clearance before choosing between the traditional 560-14 bias-ply route and the 155R14 radial route.

Both supported tire sizes for the 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 560-14 bias-ply size or the 155R14 radial size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though tire construction changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small vintage European car. It is still wise to check actual wheel width before ordering, since the available 560-14 bias-ply products and 155R14 radial products have different rim-width specifications and should be matched to the wheel on the car.

560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 designation represents the tire's nominal section width with the decimal omitted, meaning roughly 5.60 inches wide, while 14 indicates the rim diameter in inches.

On a 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry, that size points to a traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial. Buyers usually choose it when they want a more period-style look, but the wheel width and the overall condition of the car's suspension and steering should still be checked before putting the car back on the road.

560-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry. It uses the older numeric sizing system associated with vintage bias-ply construction and is offered here in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply versions.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the car's visual character and the wheel specifications it should be mounted on. Anyone comparing it to the 155R14 radial option should confirm wheel width and overall setup first, rather than assuming the same wheel and tire combination is automatically suitable for both constructions.

The choice depends on what matters most for the car. A 560-14 bias-ply tire preserves a more traditional period-style presentation, while a 155R14 radial uses a later Euro-metric format and gives the car a different construction type on the same 14-inch rim diameter.

Owners focused on restoration appearance often start with the bias-ply size, especially when whitewall options are part of the look they want. Drivers considering radial tires should make sure the car's wheels are appropriate for the radial product they select and check steering, clearance, and general chassis condition before making the switch.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width, then compare those measurements with the radial tire's mounting requirements. For this car, 155R14 is the radial size in the covered fitment range, and its rim-width requirements differ from the 560-14 bias-ply products.

It also helps to inspect suspension wear, steering components, and body clearance before changing construction type on a light vintage car. A radial can be a valid alternative, but the choice should be checked against the car's full setup, including wheel condition, available space in the wheelwell, and the vehicle's intended road use.

The first decision is construction type. A 560-14 bias-ply tire gives the 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R14 radial follows a Euro-metric radial format and changes the type of tire fitted to the car.

After that, compare wheel width, sidewall style, and the kind of appearance you want from the finished car. A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward bias-ply with blackwall or whitewall styling, while someone maintaining a road-driven car may focus first on confirming that the wheel and vehicle setup suit the selected radial or bias-ply product.

Sidewall choices for the 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry include blackwall in both 155R14 radial and 560-14 bias-ply fitments. In the 560-14 bias-ply size, BFGoodrich options also include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That gives the buyer a meaningful appearance choice without changing the basic 14-inch fitment. Blackwall usually suits a simpler or more understated presentation, while narrow and wide whitewall options move the car toward a more restoration-oriented look, so the best choice depends on the style of build and the character the owner wants the car to show.

Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich all offer tires for the 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry across its supported sizes. Michelin X and Firestone F560 Radial cover the 155R14 radial size, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options cover the 560-14 bias-ply size.

Brand choice should be considered alongside tire construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than by name alone. Since the available brands are split across different size and construction paths, the right starting point is deciding whether the car will stay with a 560-14 bias-ply setup or move forward with a 155R14 radial configuration.

For a period-style 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry, the 560-14 bias-ply size is the most natural place to start. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply format and is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions that can shape the car's finished look.

That does not automatically make one sidewall treatment historically correct for every car, since appearance can vary by market, restoration goal, and owner preference. When exact originality matters, the safest approach is to compare the tire choice against marque-club guidance, surviving reference photos, and vehicle-specific historical documentation before final selection.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry more than many buyers expect. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional small-car vintage look, while a 155R14 radial introduces a later-style Euro-metric appearance even though both use a 14-inch rim.

That difference can influence how authentic or updated the car appears at a glance. Sidewall style adds another layer, especially since the bias-ply choices include whitewall options and the radial choices are blackwall, so construction and sidewall treatment should be considered together rather than as separate styling decisions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel diameter. Changes to wheel width, offset, ride height, suspension components, or brake hardware can alter the space available for either a 560-14 bias-ply or 155R14 radial tire.

That is why a modified car should be checked as it sits, not just by the original size designation. Measure the wheel, inspect fender and steering clearance through full lock and suspension movement, and verify that the selected tire's construction and mounting range suit the actual wheel now on the vehicle.

Before driving a 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, and the overall state of the suspension and steering. It also helps to confirm proper inflation, look for any rubbing points, and make sure each tire is mounted on a wheel that matches its required diameter and width range.

A short, careful test drive is a sensible next step on a collector-era car. Listen for contact noises, watch how the car tracks and steers, and recheck pressure after the first outings, especially if the vehicle has sat for long periods or has recently changed from bias-ply construction to radial construction.

Collector-car tires on a 1961 Simca Elysee & Montlry should be checked regularly for pressure, visible cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss. That applies whether the car is running 560-14 bias-ply tires or 155R14 radial tires, since low-use vehicles can age tires out before they wear them out.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the Simca away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional inspection of the wheels and suspension helps catch issues that could shorten tire life once the car returns to regular road use.