The 1962 Citroen CV belongs to a class of lightweight French economy cars prized for simple engineering, everyday practicality, and the unmistakable character that made small European cars so influential after the war. Owners today often value them as much for their honest driving experience as for their minimalist design. Tire selection on the 1962 Citroen CV centers on two radial fitments, 125-380 and 135-380, both using the period millimetric sizing convention rather than a modern inch-based size. That makes the decision less about broad tire type and more about choosing the right width, preserving the car’s intended look, and confirming the wheel setup already on the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Citroen CV
The 1962 Citroen CV uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial millimetric fitments rather than modern inch-designated sizes. Since the Base sub-model can be found with either 125-380 or 135-380, the first step is confirming which wheel and tire setup is actually on the car before choosing between available replacements.
125-380 is a classic millimetric radial size in which 125 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters and 380 identifies the wheel diameter in millimeters. Its radial construction suits the 1962 Citroen CV’s light, practical character and reflects the European sizing language common to the period. For owners keeping a narrower, more delicate tire presentation, this size is the key reference point. The important step is matching the existing wheel and current vehicle setup carefully, especially on a car that may have seen wheel changes over the years.
135-380 is also a classic millimetric radial size, with a nominal width of 135 millimeters and a 380-millimeter wheel diameter. On a 1962 Citroen CV, this size represents a wider radial fitment within the same vintage metric sizing system rather than a switch to a different construction type. It is most relevant for owners whose cars are already equipped for this width and want to stay with the proper millimetric format. Before choosing it, confirm the wheel size and overall clearance so the installed setup matches the tire selected.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1962 Citroen CV Base can use either of the two primary radial sizes. What matters most is checking the exact wheel and tire setup on the car, since selection depends more on the existing fitment than on trim differences.
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1962 Citroen CV Base
The 1962 Citroen CV Base uses radial millimetric sizing and may be fitted with either 125-380 or 135-380. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size is already on the vehicle, then choosing a replacement that preserves the intended fit and appearance.
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 the 1962 Citroen CV’s two millimetric radial tire sizes, how to confirm the right fitment, and what to inspect before putting a lightly used vintage car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Citroen CV?
A 1962 Citroen CV uses one of two primary radial tire sizes: 125-380 or 135-380. Both are period-style millimetric sizes rather than modern inch-based sizes, and both apply to the covered fitments for this vehicle.
The practical decision is confirming which size is actually on the car before ordering replacements. Vintage vehicles are often found with wheels, tires, or running changes that differ from what an owner expects, so checking the current sidewall markings and wheel setup is the safest way to choose between these two sizes.
What size rim does a 1962 Citroen CV use?
The tire sizes used on the 1962 Citroen CV are built around a 380-millimeter rim diameter, as indicated by both 125-380 and 135-380. This is a millimetric wheel standard, not a conventional inch-designated rim diameter.
That distinction matters because a tire meant for a 380-millimeter wheel should not be treated as interchangeable with a modern inch-size tire simply because it looks close. Before choosing a replacement, confirm the wheel marking, the tire currently installed, and the overall condition of the wheels so the new tire matches the actual rim standard on the car.
What does 125-380 mean on a 1962 Citroen CV?
On a 1962 Citroen CV, 125-380 is a classic metric radial size. The 125 indicates the nominal tire width in millimeters, while 380 refers to the rim diameter in millimeters, which reflects the European millimetric wheel practice used on vehicles of this era.
For an owner, the main takeaway is that this size is part of an older sizing system and should be read differently from modern P-metric or inch-based sizes. It is worth checking the sidewall carefully and confirming the wheel standard before substituting anything, especially on a collector car that may have had parts changed over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 125-380 or 135-380 tire for a 1962 Citroen CV?
Start with the correct size already fitted to the car, since the 1962 Citroen CV can use either 125-380 or 135-380. Both are radial millimetric fitments, so the primary choice is not construction type but matching the width and rim standard already in use.
After that, look closely at wheel condition, installed clearance, and the overall presentation you want from the car. A lightly modified vehicle or one wearing different wheels than expected may need extra checking, and even on an unmodified car it is smart to verify sidewall markings and wheel dimensions before settling on a replacement.
How do I choose between the available 125-380 and 135-380 tires for a 1962 Citroen CV?
The right choice depends on which of those two sizes your 1962 Citroen CV is already set up to use. Both belong to the same vintage metric radial family, but they are not the same width, so the selection should follow the car’s existing wheel and tire arrangement.
Choosing between them should not be treated as a simple cosmetic preference. Check the tire currently on the vehicle, confirm the wheel size, and look for enough clearance at the fenders and steering components before changing width, especially if the car has been stored for years or updated with replacement wheels at some point.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing tires for a 1962 Citroen CV?
The most important rim-fitment detail is that the 1962 Citroen CV uses a 380-millimeter wheel standard with these tire sizes. That means the tire must match the millimetric rim diameter correctly, whether the car is using 125-380 or 135-380 radials.
Beyond the basic diameter, inspect the wheel for damage, corrosion, or previous repairs that could affect tire seating. It also helps to confirm that the car still has the intended wheels rather than later substitutes, because an older collector vehicle can accumulate changes over time that make tire selection less straightforward than the size code alone suggests.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Citroen CV?
For a period-style 1962 Citroen CV, the best starting point is staying with the correct millimetric radial format already used on the car, either 125-380 or 135-380. That keeps the tire choice aligned with the vehicle’s original-era sizing language and overall character.
The next step is deciding whether the car should preserve its existing narrow, light-duty appearance or continue with the wider setup already fitted. Owners pursuing exact restoration details should also compare the car against marque references, period photos, or build-specific documentation, since tire size alone does not establish every appearance detail.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1962 Citroen CV restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1962 Citroen CV because the car’s proportions, stance, and visual balance are closely tied to its small millimetric radial tires. Using the proper size family helps preserve the look and character that make these lightweight French cars so distinctive.
Fitment also affects how convincing and cohesive the finished restoration appears. Even if the goal is a road-going vintage driver rather than a strict show car, it is wise to confirm the actual wheel standard, installed tire size, and overall presentation before replacing tires so the car does not end up with a mismatched or out-of-period look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Citroen CV?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Citroen CV. Even though the primary sizes are 125-380 and 135-380, changes such as replacement wheels, altered ride height, brake work, or body repairs can influence the clearance and wheel compatibility needed for either tire size.
That is why an older car should be inspected as it sits today rather than assumed to match its original setup. Check the wheels actually installed, look for signs of rubbing or uneven clearance, and verify that steering travel and suspension movement leave enough room before fitting new tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Citroen CV on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Citroen CV on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and wheel mounting hardware, then make sure the selected tire size matches the vehicle’s actual 380-millimeter wheel setup. It is also wise to check for obvious suspension wear, brake drag, and any signs that the previous tires were rubbing.
A collector car that has spent time parked deserves extra attention beyond the tires themselves. Look for cracked rubber elsewhere in the chassis, confirm that the steering moves freely lock to lock, and recheck inflation after the first short drive so any slow air loss or seating issue is caught early.
How should 125-380 or 135-380 tires on a collector 1962 Citroen CV be maintained?
125-380 and 135-380 tires on a collector 1962 Citroen CV should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition rather than mileage alone. Vintage cars often cover limited distances, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, and long-term storage effects can become more important than tread wear.
Good maintenance also means keeping the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible. During routine checks, inspect for cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and air loss, and look over the wheels at the same time so the complete tire-and-rim assembly remains ready for safe road use.
