The 1962 NSU Prinz belongs to the small-displacement European economy-car era, when compact dimensions, light weight, and efficient packaging mattered as much as outright power. Its appeal today comes from that distinctly continental character and the careful proportions that make these cars feel different from larger period sedans. For tire fitment, the 1962 NSU Prinz centers on 12-inch sizes, with both 125R12 radial and period-style bias-ply options such as 440-12 and 4.80-12 appearing across the model line. That gives owners a meaningful choice between traditional presentation and a later radial format, along with blackwall and narrow whitewall styling. The right selection starts with the exact sub-model and the kind of driving or restoration outcome you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 NSU Prinz
The 1962 NSU Prinz uses three primary tire sizes across its covered sub-models, all on 12-inch rims. The key decision is identifying the exact Prinz variant first, because some sub-models use 440-12 bias-ply while others use 4.80-12 bias-ply, and 125R12 radial also appears across the range. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the real choice becomes period-style bias-ply appearance versus radial construction and sidewall preference.
125R12 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 125 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 NSU Prinz, it represents the radial-format option used across multiple sub-models and suits owners considering a more modern construction while staying within the proper 12-inch fitment. Available choices center on the Michelin X Radial series with blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. It is a strong size to evaluate when the goal is preserving the car's compact European look while using a radial tire format.
440-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 440 designation representing an approximate 4.40-inch nominal section width and the 12 indicating a 12-inch rim. For the 1962 NSU Prinz, this size serves the earlier Prinz I, II & III applications and keeps the traditional bias-ply construction associated with small period cars of this era. Available BFGoodrich choices come in both blackwall and narrow whitewall form within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. This size makes the most sense when the priority is maintaining a distinctly vintage tire profile and presentation on the correct wheel diameter.
4.80-12 is another numeric bias-ply size, where 4.80 indicates the nominal section width in inches and 12 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1962 NSU Prinz, this size applies to later covered variants such as the Prinz IV and Prinz Sport, making it important to match the tire to the correct sub-model rather than treating every Prinz the same. Bias-ply construction keeps the period-style tire character that many restoration-minded owners want on a compact German car from this period. Choosing this size starts with confirming the exact model designation and then checking the wheel setup before ordering.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1962 NSU Prinz because the covered variants do not all share the same bias-ply size. Each version uses a 12-inch wheel, but the correct tire choice still depends on confirming whether the car is a Prinz I, II & III, a Prinz IV, or a Prinz Sport.
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1962 NSU Prinz I, II & III
The 1962 NSU Prinz I, II & III uses 125R12 in radial form and 440-12 in bias-ply form. That gives the owner a clear choice between a traditional small-car bias-ply presentation and a radial-format alternative, while keeping attention on the proper 12-inch wheel setup.
The 1962 NSU Prinz IV uses 125R12 as its radial option and 4.80-12 as its bias-ply option. Tire selection here is less about wheel diameter and more about deciding whether to keep a period-style bias-ply look or evaluate the radial format for road use.
The 1962 NSU Prinz Sport also uses 125R12 in radial construction and 4.80-12 in bias-ply construction. The practical next step is choosing the construction and sidewall style that best fit the car's presentation, then verifying that the existing wheels match the intended tire.
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 NSU Prinz Tires for Sale
Available 1962 NSU Prinz tire choices cover 125R12 radial and 440-12 bias-ply fitments, with Michelin and BFGoodrich offerings in Michelin X Radial and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Buyers can compare blackwall and narrow whitewall styling along with construction and rim-width details where stated.
These 1962 NSU Prinz FAQs focus on the sizes used across the Prinz range, how sub-model fitment differs, the choice between bias-ply and radial construction, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 NSU Prinz?
A 1962 NSU Prinz uses 12-inch tire sizes, but the exact size depends on the sub-model and construction choice. Across the covered range, the applicable sizes are 125R12 in radial construction, 440-12 in bias-ply form, and 4.80-12 in bias-ply form. Prinz I, II & III models use 125R12 or 440-12, while Prinz IV and Prinz Sport use 125R12 or 4.80-12.
That means the first step is confirming the exact Prinz variant before selecting a tire. Even though all of these sizes fit a 12-inch wheel, the two bias-ply sizes are not assigned to the same sub-models. On a car that has been stored or modified, it is also smart to verify the wheel dimensions and the size already mounted before making a final choice.
What size rim does a 1962 NSU Prinz use?
The tire sizes used on the 1962 NSU Prinz are built around a 12-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 125R12 radial size as well as the 440-12 and 4.80-12 bias-ply sizes. The common rim diameter simplifies the search, because the main fitment difference across the Prinz range is the tire size and construction rather than a change in wheel diameter.
Wheel diameter is only one part of fitment, so it still helps to inspect the actual wheels on the car. A collector vehicle may have replacement wheels, and some tire options also carry specific rim-width guidance. Confirming the sub-model, wheel condition, and current wheel measurements helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the diameter but not the intended setup.
Do all 1962 NSU Prinz sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the covered 1962 NSU Prinz sub-models do not all use the same bias-ply size. Prinz I, II & III models use 440-12 in bias-ply form, while Prinz IV and Prinz Sport use 4.80-12. The 125R12 radial size appears across all of those sub-models, so the variation centers on the period-style bias-ply fitment rather than the wheel diameter.
That difference matters because a buyer who wants a traditional restoration-style look should start with the sub-model-specific bias-ply size, not just any 12-inch tire. Owners considering a radial should still confirm the actual wheel setup and the car's present configuration, especially if the car has spent years in storage or has been altered from its earlier tire arrangement.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 125R12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 NSU Prinz?
125R12 is a radial tire size for the 1962 NSU Prinz. In that size format, the R indicates radial construction, and the size is used across the covered Prinz sub-models as the radial-format option on a 12-inch rim. It differs from the 440-12 and 4.80-12 sizes, which are bias-ply tire sizes associated with specific sub-model applications.
That distinction is useful because construction affects both appearance and selection strategy. A buyer looking for a more traditional small-car presentation may lean toward the appropriate bias-ply size for the sub-model, while a buyer considering 125R12 should verify wheel width and overall setup before choosing between the available blackwall and narrow whitewall radial versions.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1962 NSU Prinz?
Both construction types appear on the 1962 NSU Prinz, depending on the size selected and the sub-model. The radial option is 125R12, while the bias-ply options are 440-12 for Prinz I, II & III and 4.80-12 for Prinz IV and Prinz Sport. That gives owners a choice between a more traditional period-style construction and a radial-format tire within the same 12-inch wheel diameter.
The better choice depends on the goal for the car. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the correct bias-ply size for the specific Prinz variant, while a road-use-minded owner may want to evaluate 125R12. Construction changes should be treated carefully, with attention to wheel dimensions, clearance, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components.
What should I check before using radial tires on a 1962 NSU Prinz?
Before using radial tires on a 1962 NSU Prinz, confirm that the car is one of the covered models that uses 125R12 radial on a 12-inch rim. Then inspect the actual wheels on the car, including diameter and width, and make sure the vehicle has adequate clearance throughout steering and suspension travel. Older collector cars can differ from their original setup after decades of maintenance and replacement parts.
It also helps to inspect the rest of the chassis before road use. A Prinz with worn steering parts, aged suspension bushings, or old wheels may need attention before any new tire is installed. Looking at wheel condition, air retention, and overall tire-to-body clearance keeps the decision focused on safe, practical fitment rather than size alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 125R12 tire for a 1962 NSU Prinz?
Choosing a 125R12 tire for a 1962 NSU Prinz starts with confirming that the car is using the radial-format option for its 12-inch wheel setup. In this size, the available choices center on Michelin X Radial products, including blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. That makes the main selection factors construction format, sidewall appearance, and the wheel dimensions needed for the intended tire.
The practical decision usually comes down to how the car will be presented and driven. A blackwall keeps a simple, understated look, while a narrow whitewall changes the visual character without changing size. It is also worth checking the wheel width against the tire's stated rim-width range where given, especially on a small vintage car that may have replacement wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 NSU Prinz tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1962 NSU Prinz tires include blackwall and narrow whitewall. In 125R12 radial form, Michelin X Radial appears in both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. In 440-12 bias-ply form, BFGoodrich options also include blackwall and narrow whitewall treatments, giving owners a visible styling choice within the correct size family.
Sidewall style matters most when appearance is part of the decision. A blackwall usually gives the car a cleaner, more restrained period look, while a narrow whitewall adds a brighter restoration-oriented presentation. The right choice still depends on using the proper size for the specific Prinz sub-model and matching the tire's construction to the kind of use the owner has in mind.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 NSU Prinz?
Michelin and BFGoodrich both offer applicable tires for the 1962 NSU Prinz. Michelin covers the 125R12 radial size through the Michelin X Radial line, while BFGoodrich appears in the 440-12 bias-ply size through the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That split reflects the difference between the radial-format option and the more traditional bias-ply option used on certain Prinz sub-models.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and appearance rather than as a separate decision. The first task is still matching the tire to the exact Prinz variant and wheel setup. After that, the comparison becomes more about whether the car needs a radial-format tire or a period-style bias-ply, and whether blackwall or narrow whitewall suits the intended presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 NSU Prinz?
For a period-style 1962 NSU Prinz, the starting point is usually the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model. Prinz I, II & III use 440-12 in bias-ply form, while Prinz IV and Prinz Sport use 4.80-12 bias-ply. Those sizes preserve the traditional tire construction associated with a small early-1960s European car and keep the fitment focused on the proper 12-inch wheel diameter.
That does not automatically make one sidewall or brand exact for every restoration goal. Owners pursuing a historically precise finish should compare the tire choice against marque-club guidance, surviving photos, or other vehicle-specific reference material. For a restoration-oriented driver, starting with the correct sub-model size and choosing a suitable sidewall style is the most practical approach.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 NSU Prinz?
Tire construction changes the way a restored 1962 NSU Prinz presents, even when the wheel diameter stays at 12 inches. A bias-ply tire such as 440-12 or 4.80-12 gives the car a more traditional period-style look, while 125R12 introduces a radial format that can look slightly different despite remaining within the same general fitment family for the covered sub-models.
That visual difference matters on a small car where tire profile is easy to notice. Owners who want the most vintage overall presentation often begin with the sub-model-specific bias-ply size, then choose between blackwall or narrow whitewall where available. Those more focused on road use may still prefer the radial format, but it should be selected with the car's intended appearance in mind.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 NSU Prinz?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 NSU Prinz even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all change how a 125R12, 440-12, or 4.80-12 tire sits on the car. That is especially important on a compact vehicle where small changes can influence steering and fender clearance.
A modified Prinz should be measured rather than assumed to match a stock setup. Checking actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at full steering lock helps avoid problems that a simple size code cannot reveal. On an older restoration, it is also worth confirming that previous owners did not mix wheel types or install nonstandard components over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 NSU Prinz on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 NSU Prinz on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the surrounding suspension and steering components. Make sure the wheels are sound, the tire size matches the exact sub-model, and there is no visible interference at the fenders or suspension. A collector car that has sat for long periods deserves extra attention before being returned to regular road use.
Tire condition should be part of a broader road-readiness check rather than an isolated change. Looking for old cracks, air-loss issues, worn hardware, and signs of rubbing helps confirm that the new tires are being installed on a healthy platform. It is also sensible to confirm inflation and recheck clearances after the first short drive once the tires have settled in.
How should tires on a collector 1962 NSU Prinz be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 NSU Prinz should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 125R12 radial or one of the period-style bias-ply sizes, it is important to watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Collector cars often age their tires through time and storage as much as through mileage.
Good maintenance also includes protecting the car from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources while it is parked. Moving the vehicle occasionally, checking the tires before each outing, and inspecting the wheels at the same time can prevent problems from going unnoticed. On a low-use vintage NSU, tire age and condition deserve as much attention as tread depth.
