The 1962 Facel Vega Facel sits in a rare corner of grand touring history, blending French coachbuilt character with the kind of road presence that makes tire choice part of the car’s personality. For this year, fitment is not one-size-fits-all across the Facel range. The Facel II uses 15-inch tires in either 185R15 radial or 775-15 bias-ply form, while the Facel III models use 14-inch tires in either 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply form. That opens the door to very different choices in construction, sidewall style, and overall presentation. The right selection starts with the exact sub-model, then balances road use, wheel setup, and restoration priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Facel Vega Facel
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, and the first step is identifying the exact sub-model because fitment changes between Facel II and Facel III cars. Rim diameter changes as well, with 15-inch applications on the Facel II and 14-inch applications on the Facel III. Once that is confirmed, the decision becomes whether to stay with the period bias-ply size or choose the radial size used for that configuration.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, R marks radial construction, and 15 identifies a 15-inch rim. On the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, this size belongs with the Facel II and represents the radial side of its 15-inch fitment. Available choices include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments across several radial series. This size suits an owner who wants the correct 15-inch radial format for a Facel II while still choosing among different visual presentations and product specifications.
775-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 7.75 designation referring to nominal section width in inches and the 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. For the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, this is the bias-ply fitment used on the Facel II and it carries the traditional look associated with early 1960s grand touring cars. Product choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Goodyear, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak styles across several bias-ply series. This size is the one to evaluate when preserving a more period-style 15-inch appearance matters as much as the wheel and tire dimensions themselves.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size, meaning a nominal 165-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, this size applies to Facel III Coupe and Facel III Convertible models rather than the larger 15-inch Facel II setup. Available radial choices include Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, with series such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. This size is the right place to focus when a Facel III owner wants the proper 14-inch radial format and a traditional European touring look.
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.90 describing nominal section width in inches and 14 indicating a 14-inch rim. For the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, this size is part of the Facel III fitment and represents the bias-ply alternative to the 165R14 radial. Bias-ply sizing of this type is especially relevant to owners seeking a more traditional tire construction and period-style stance on a 14-inch wheel. This is the size to confirm when working with a Facel III that retains its original-style wheel setup and calls for a bias-ply presentation rather than a radial conversion.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1962 Facel Vega Facel because the Facel II and Facel III do not share the same wheel diameter or tire sizes. Identifying the exact sub-model is the key first step before comparing bias-ply and radial choices.
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1962 Facel Vega Facel II
The 1962 Facel Vega Facel II uses 15-inch fitment, with a choice between 185R15 radial and 775-15 bias-ply. That makes the buying decision less about discovering the size and more about selecting the construction, appearance, and product family that match the car’s intended use.
The 1962 Facel Vega Facel III Convertible uses a 14-inch setup, with 165R14 radial and 5.90-14 bias-ply options tied to this sub-model. Tire selection here starts with retaining the proper 14-inch format, then choosing whether the car is being equipped for a traditional bias-ply look or a radial driving approach.
The 1962 Facel Vega Facel III Coupe shares the same 14-inch tire-fitment pattern as the Facel III Convertible, using 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply. That keeps wheel-diameter confirmation straightforward and shifts the decision toward construction choice, tire series, and the overall look you want the car to carry.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Facel Vega Facel
For the original 775-15 size, four radial-equivalent options are available. Those include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a lower-profile P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, they offer a range of modern sizing conventions while keeping the discussion centered on the 15-inch Facel II application. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches is associated with these alternatives, and wheel dimensions, overall fit, and clearance should be checked before making the change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
195R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (775-15)
P205/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (775-15)
P215/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (775-15)
670R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (775-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1962 Facel Vega Facel Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 1962 Facel Vega Facel span radial and bias-ply construction across 14-inch and 15-inch sizes. Depending on the application, choices include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, Pirelli, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, redline, narrow whitewall, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter treatments.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used by the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, how fitment changes between Facel II and Facel III models, and how to think through bias-ply, radial, appearance, and road-use questions before mounting new tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
The 1962 Facel Vega Facel uses more than one tire size, depending on the sub-model. The Facel II uses 185R15 radial or 775-15 bias-ply on a 15-inch rim, while the Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe use 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply on a 14-inch rim.
That means the first job is confirming whether the car is a Facel II or a Facel III before selecting any tire. Once the sub-model and rim diameter are established, the next choice is whether to keep the period bias-ply format or choose the radial size associated with that same configuration.
What size rim does a 1962 Facel Vega Facel use?
A 1962 Facel Vega Facel can use either a 15-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Facel II applications use 15-inch tire sizes, while Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe applications use 14-inch tire sizes.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before looking at tire construction, sidewall style, or brand. A 15-inch Facel II tire and a 14-inch Facel III tire are not interchangeable simply because they belong to the same model family, so the actual wheel on the car should always guide the purchase.
Do all 1962 Facel Vega Facel sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1962 Facel Vega Facel sub-models do not all share the same tire size. Facel II models use 15-inch sizes, either 185R15 radial or 775-15 bias-ply, while Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe models use 14-inch sizes, either 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply.
That difference matters because it changes both the rim diameter and the pool of available tires. A buyer with a Facel III should not start by comparing Facel II options, and a Facel II owner should verify the car still has the correct 15-inch wheel setup before considering either the bias-ply or radial path.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 775-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
775-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1962 Facel Vega Facel, and it belongs to the Facel II 15-inch fitment. The radial size used alongside it on that same sub-model is 185R15, which gives Facel II owners a choice between traditional bias-ply construction and a period-style radial format.
That distinction affects both appearance and setup planning. A buyer choosing 775-15 should be doing so for the proper 15-inch Facel II application, while anyone considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, overall vehicle stance, and clearance before moving away from the original bias-ply format.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 775-15?
Radial equivalents for 775-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. These alternatives all relate to the 15-inch Facel II bias-ply size rather than the 14-inch Facel III fitments.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction. The recommended rim-width range associated with these radial alternatives is 5 to 7 inches, and the actual wheel, tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance should be checked before using any one of them.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
That depends on the exact sub-model and the type of driving or presentation you want. Facel II models can be equipped in either 775-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial form, while Facel III models use either 5.90-14 bias-ply or 165R14 radial. Both constructions are part of the 1962 Facel Vega Facel fitment picture.
Bias-ply tires tend to support a more traditional appearance, while radial sizes can be the better place to look when a road-driven car is being set up around available radial offerings. The right choice starts with correct wheel diameter, then moves to construction, sidewall appearance, and confirmation that the current wheel and suspension setup still match the intended tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1962 Facel Vega Facel uses both 15-inch and 14-inch fitments. A Facel II calls for either 185R15 radial or 775-15 bias-ply, while a Facel III uses either 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply. That basic distinction sets the direction for every other choice.
After confirming the proper size and rim diameter, compare construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel-width suitability where those details are available. For a restoration-minded car, appearance may lead the decision, while a regularly driven car may place more emphasis on staying within the correct radial or bias-ply format for that sub-model.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Facel Vega Facel tires?
Sidewall choices vary by tire size on the 1962 Facel Vega Facel. The 15-inch Facel II fitments offer the broadest range, including blackwall, redline, narrow whitewall, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak styles, while the radial 14-inch and 15-inch European-style offerings are mostly blackwall with a few narrow whitewall and redline options.
That gives buyers room to shape the car’s presentation without changing the underlying size. The key is to choose the correct tire size first, then narrow the field by sidewall treatment that suits the car’s character, restoration direction, and wheel setup rather than selecting a stripe or lettering style before confirming fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
Brand choices for the 1962 Facel Vega Facel depend on the specific tire size. Across the covered fitments, available brands include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Vredestein. Some appear in the 15-inch Facel II sizes, while others are tied to the 14-inch Facel III radial applications.
That variety is most useful after the correct size and construction are settled. Once those basics are fixed, brand choice becomes a way to compare tire series, sidewall presentation, load figures where shown, and rim-width suitability rather than a reason to move away from the proper sub-model fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
A period-style starting point usually means staying with the proper bias-ply size for the specific sub-model. On a 1962 Facel Vega Facel, that means 775-15 for the Facel II and 5.90-14 for the Facel III models. Those sizes preserve the traditional sizing format associated with the car’s early 1960s character.
Appearance goals still need to be balanced against the exact wheel and use of the car. If originality matters at a very high level, it is wise to compare the chosen size, brand style, and sidewall treatment against marque references or period photos instead of assuming every tire sold in the correct size reflects the same historical presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
Tire construction can change the overall visual impression of a restored 1962 Facel Vega Facel even when the wheel diameter stays the same. Bias-ply sizes such as 775-15 and 5.90-14 give the car a more traditional period-style look, while radial sizes like 185R15 and 165R14 can present a more modernized touring character.
That makes construction an appearance decision as much as a technical one. Owners restoring a Facel for show-field presentation may lean toward the correct bias-ply format for the sub-model, while owners focused on road use may explore radial sizing that still respects the car’s intended proportions and wheel diameter.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Facel Vega Facel?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Facel Vega Facel even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, altered offsets, suspension work, or ride-height changes can all influence how a 14-inch or 15-inch tire sits within the body and steering range.
A car that has been modified should be checked as it sits now, not only by original specification. Wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and fender or suspension space all deserve attention before mounting new tires, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions on an older collector car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Facel Vega Facel on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Facel Vega Facel on new tires, inspect the wheels, confirm the rim diameter matches the chosen size, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct front and rear positions if the setup requires it. It is also smart to verify inflation, valve condition, and basic suspension and steering health.
A collector car that has seen limited use deserves extra attention beyond the tire itself. Look for rubbing points, recheck clearance once the car is on the ground, and inspect older components for looseness or wear so the new tire is not being asked to compensate for unrelated wheel, brake, or suspension issues.
How should tires on a collector 1962 Facel Vega Facel be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 Facel Vega Facel should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss, even if the car is driven sparingly. Low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging, and long storage periods can hide problems until the car is back on the road.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a car of this era. Keeping the Facel away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires, and periodic inspections are worthwhile before any longer drive so the car’s rare and specialized fitment is not compromised by avoidable aging issues.
