The 1962 Fiat 1500 sits in an interesting part of early-1960s European motoring, blending compact Italian proportions with the kind of open-air and sporting character that still draws collectors today. Tire selection on this car is not one-size-fits-all, because the 1962 Fiat 1500 uses 145R14 radial, 520-14 bias-ply, and 155R15 radial fitments depending on the sub-model. That creates a real choice between period-style bias-ply appearance and European radial fitment, along with differences in wheel diameter. Available options also vary by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment, so the right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup before focusing on appearance or road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Fiat 1500
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1962 Fiat 1500, and they do not all serve the same configuration. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the car is on a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel, because fitment changes between the Convertible and the 1500 S Cabriolet. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to construction type, period presentation, and the available brand and series choices within the correct size.
145R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 Fiat 1500, this size gives the Convertible a radial fitment on a 14-inch rim rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply layout. Available choices include blackwall tires from Firestone and Camac in the F560 Radial and BN313 Radial series. This size makes the most sense when the car is set up for the 14-inch radial arrangement and the goal is to stay with that wheel diameter and construction type.
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.20 representing the nominal section width in inches and 14 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1962 Fiat 1500 Convertible, it represents the bias-ply side of the fitment picture and gives the car a more traditional early-1960s tire presentation than a modern radial profile. Product choices center on Premium Sport Lowrider options with narrow whitewall styling in different whitewall widths. This size is the one to evaluate when period-style appearance matters and the car remains on the narrower 14-inch wheel setup suited to a bias-ply tire.
155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size, meaning a nominal 155-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch wheel diameter. On the 1962 Fiat 1500, this size belongs to the 1500 S Cabriolet and should be treated separately from the 14-inch Convertible fitments. The available blackwall choices span Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein across series such as F560 Radial, Michelin X, Michelin XAS, CR6ZZ, Snow Classic, and Sprint Classic. This size is the right one to evaluate when the car is the 1500 S Cabriolet or already confirmed to use the 15-inch wheel and radial layout.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1962 Fiat 1500 because tire size changes with the body configuration. The Convertible uses 14-inch fitments in either radial or bias-ply form, while the 1500 S Cabriolet moves to a 15-inch radial size, so identifying the exact version comes before choosing a tire.
1
1962 Fiat 1500 Convertible
The 1962 Fiat 1500 Convertible is the sub-model with two distinct 14-inch tire paths: a 145R14 radial or a 520-14 bias-ply. That means tire selection is not just about size, but also about whether the car is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply presentation or set up around radial construction.
The 1962 Fiat 1500 S Cabriolet uses a 155R15 radial fitment on a 15-inch wheel, setting it apart from the Convertible's 14-inch choices. Tire selection here centers more on brand, tire series, and intended road use than on choosing between primary sizes.
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 Fiat 1500 Tires for Sale
Available choices for the 1962 Fiat 1500 range from 14-inch blackwall radials by Firestone and Camac to 520-14 narrow whitewall bias-ply options from Premium Sport, plus a broader 155R15 radial selection from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein across several European-style tire series.
Common questions for the 1962 Fiat 1500 usually come down to sub-model-specific tire size, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to choose the right tire for restoration-minded use or regular road driving.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Fiat 1500?
The 1962 Fiat 1500 uses three primary tire sizes across its covered configurations: 145R14 radial, 520-14 bias-ply, and 155R15 radial. The Convertible uses the two 14-inch sizes, while the 1500 S Cabriolet uses the 15-inch radial size.
That means the correct answer depends on the exact sub-model and the wheel diameter currently on the car. A buyer should confirm whether the Fiat is a Convertible or 1500 S Cabriolet, then verify the wheel size before choosing between radial and bias-ply options or comparing brands and sidewall styles.
What size rim does a 1962 Fiat 1500 use?
A 1962 Fiat 1500 can use either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 145R14 radial and 520-14 bias-ply both use 14-inch rims, while the 155R15 radial uses a 15-inch rim.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment checkpoint on this car because the different tire sizes are tied to different rim sizes. Before selecting a tire, measure the wheel or confirm the existing setup on the vehicle, especially if the car has changed hands, been restored, or may no longer be wearing its earlier wheel arrangement.
Why does the 1962 Fiat 1500 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1962 Fiat 1500 because the fitment changes by sub-model and construction type. The Convertible uses 14-inch fitments in either 145R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply form, while the 1500 S Cabriolet uses a 155R15 radial.
In practical terms, this is not a case of choosing whichever size looks closest. The buyer needs to start with the exact body configuration and current wheel diameter, then decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup that matches the specific sub-model’s intended fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1962 Fiat 1500 tire?
Start with the basics: exact sub-model, correct tire size, construction type, and wheel diameter. A 1962 Fiat 1500 Convertible can call for either a 14-inch radial or a 14-inch bias-ply tire, while the 1500 S Cabriolet uses a 15-inch radial, so the car’s configuration determines the correct path.
After size and wheel fitment are settled, compare the available tire series, brand choices, sidewall presentation, rim-width range, and any load figures tied to the individual product. That helps narrow the decision toward a more restoration-oriented look, a simple blackwall radial appearance, or a tire better suited to the car’s intended road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Fiat 1500 tires?
The sidewall styles available for the 1962 Fiat 1500 are blackwall and narrow whitewall, depending on the tire size. The radial choices in 145R14 and 155R15 are blackwall tires, while the 520-14 bias-ply options are offered with narrow whitewall styling.
That makes sidewall choice part of the overall character of the car. A blackwall radial tends to suit a cleaner European roadgoing presentation, while a narrow whitewall bias-ply creates a more traditional visual effect. The right selection depends on the sub-model, wheel size, and whether appearance or construction style is the stronger priority.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Fiat 1500?
Tires for the 1962 Fiat 1500 are available from Firestone, Camac, Premium Sport, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. The exact brand choices depend on the tire size, with Firestone and Camac covering 145R14, Premium Sport covering 520-14, and Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein appearing in 155R15.
Brand is only one part of the decision. Buyers should still compare the correct size, construction, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility for the specific car. On this Fiat, the same brand may not appear across all fitments, so confirming the sub-model and rim diameter comes before narrowing the field by manufacturer.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Fiat 1500?
A period-style choice for a 1962 Fiat 1500 starts with the tire size and construction that match the car’s actual sub-model and wheel diameter. That can mean a 520-14 bias-ply on a Convertible for a more traditional presentation, or a Euro-style radial such as 145R14 or 155R15 where the car uses radial fitment.
Appearance should be balanced with how the car will be used. Bias-ply tires tend to deliver the most vintage look, while blackwall radials keep a classic European feel with a different construction. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, period photography, or restoration documentation before settling on a final tire style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Fiat 1500?
Tire construction changes more than the internal build of the tire; it also influences the car’s visual character. On a restored 1962 Fiat 1500, a 520-14 bias-ply with narrow whitewall styling creates a more traditional period look, while the radial options in 145R14 and 155R15 present a cleaner blackwall European appearance.
That difference matters because the tire is a large visual element on a compact Italian car. Buyers restoring for judged authenticity, casual show use, or regular road driving may land on different answers. The best approach is to match the tire’s construction and sidewall treatment to the sub-model, wheel size, and restoration goal rather than appearance alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Fiat 1500?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Fiat 1500 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Changes to wheel diameter, wheel width, offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can all alter how a 145R14, 520-14, or 155R15 tire sits on the car.
That is especially important on a small vintage Fiat where clearances are not generous to begin with. A car with aftermarket wheels or altered suspension should have steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel width checked carefully before a new tire is mounted, rather than assuming the original fitment will behave the same way.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Fiat 1500 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Fiat 1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm tire pressure and basic clearance at the front and rear. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn mechanical parts.
A short test drive should be followed by another visual check for rubbing, unusual wear, or signs of air loss. On a collector car, fresh tires do not cancel out old hardware, bent wheels, or alignment issues. Catching those problems early helps protect both the tire and the car’s road manners.
How should tires on a collector 1962 Fiat 1500 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 Fiat 1500 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss if the car sits for long periods. Low-use vintage cars often age their tires out before they wear them out, so condition matters as much as tread depth.
Storage also plays a major role. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire over time. Routine inspections before seasonal drives or longer outings are a smart habit, especially on a car that may spend much of the year parked between uses.
