1962 Simca Etoile Tires

The 1962 Simca Etoile uses two primary tire sizes: 155R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. Both fit a 14-inch rim, but they represent different sizing systems and different tire constructions, so the choice is not just about diameter. One follows a Euro-metric radial format, while the other is a vintage numeric bias-ply size.

That means the first step is deciding whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply setup or fitted with radial tires. After that, confirm the actual wheel width on the car, since the available 560-14 and 155R14 products do not share the same rim-width range. Cars with changed wheels or suspension should also be checked for clearance before a final selection.

The 1962 Simca Etoile uses 14-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 560-14 bias-ply fitment and the 155R14 radial fitment, so rim diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions and sizing formats differ. The main fitment difference is not wheel diameter, but how each tire is built and what wheel width it expects.

Rim diameter alone is not enough to choose safely on a vintage car. A 560-14 bias-ply tire is built for a narrower wheel range than the 155R14 radial options shown for this model. Measuring the wheel before purchase helps prevent a mismatch, especially if the car has replacement steel wheels, aftermarket wheels, or a wheel set that may not match original-era dimensions.

560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 designation refers to a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, and the 14 refers to the rim diameter in inches. On a 1962 Simca Etoile, this size is the bias-ply fitment and suits buyers looking for a more traditional tire profile and sidewall appearance than a later-style radial format provides.

Understanding that format helps explain why 560-14 should not be treated like a modern metric size just because the rim diameter matches. The available versions also differ by sidewall style, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. A buyer choosing this size should confirm wheel width first, then decide how much emphasis to place on period-style appearance versus radial construction.

560-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1962 Simca Etoile. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and appears in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That makes it the more traditional-looking of the two primary fitments used on this model's 14-inch wheels.

Choosing 560-14 usually points toward a restoration-oriented or period-style presentation rather than a radial conversion. It also means checking wheel width carefully, since the available bias-ply tires in this size are built around a narrower rim-width range than the radial 155R14 options. Owners comparing the two should look at wheel measurements, visual goals, and how the car will actually be driven.

A 1962 Simca Etoile can be equipped with either of its primary fitments: 560-14 bias-ply or 155R14 radial. The bias-ply size preserves a more traditional vintage presentation, while the radial size uses a Euro-metric format available in blackwall designs from Michelin and Firestone. Both share the same 14-inch rim diameter, but they differ in construction and wheel-width expectations.

The better choice depends on the car's purpose. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the look and period feel of the bias-ply size, especially with whitewall options available. A driver-focused owner may prefer staying within the radial fitment. Either way, the actual wheels on the car should be measured before changing constructions, and any suspension or wheel changes should be checked for clearance.

A move from 560-14 bias-ply to 155R14 radial on a 1962 Simca Etoile starts with confirming that the car still has 14-inch wheels and that the wheel width suits the radial tire. The available 155R14 products include one tire with a stated rim-width range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches, while the 560-14 bias-ply options are built around a narrower 3.50 to 4.00 inch range.

That wheel-width difference is the most important practical check, but it should not be the only one. Tire-to-fender clearance, steering clearance, and the condition of the car's suspension should also be reviewed before switching constructions. On a vintage Simca, replacement wheels and decades of small modifications are common enough that measuring the actual setup is far more useful than assuming the car remains unchanged.

The main choice for a 1962 Simca Etoile is between its two primary 14-inch fitments: 560-14 bias-ply and 155R14 radial. That decision affects sizing format, construction, sidewall presentation, and which product lines are available. The bias-ply size brings a more traditional vintage look, while the radial size opens the door to Michelin and Firestone blackwall radial options.

After size and construction, compare wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, load figures where shown, and the kind of use the car will actually see. A car being restored for period appearance may lead in one direction, while a regularly driven example may lead in another. Matching the tire to the wheel already on the car is especially important before narrowing the choice to a specific brand or series.

Sidewall choices for the 1962 Simca Etoile depend on the tire size selected. The 155R14 radial options are available as blackwalls, while the 560-14 bias-ply fitment is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That gives the bias-ply size the broader appearance range if the tire's visual role matters as much as its construction.

A blackwall radial creates a cleaner, more understated presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply options can push the car toward a distinctly early-1960s look. Sidewall style should be chosen only after the correct construction and wheel compatibility are confirmed, since appearance does not override fitment. On a small European sedan like the Etoile, sidewall treatment can noticeably change the car's finished character.

The 1962 Simca Etoile has tire options from Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Firestone cover the 155R14 radial size, while BFGoodrich supplies the 560-14 bias-ply fitment in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Brand choice is tied directly to tire size and construction here, so not every brand appears in both fitment paths.

That makes the first decision size-based rather than brand-based. Buyers choosing the radial route can compare Michelin X Radial and Firestone F560 Radial products, while buyers staying with the numeric bias-ply size can compare BFGoodrich sidewall treatments within the same series. Once the correct construction is settled, comparing rim-width range, sidewall style, and load details becomes more useful than treating all brands as interchangeable.

For a period-style 1962 Simca Etoile, the 560-14 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It uses a vintage numeric format and is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, all of which support a more traditional presentation than the 155R14 radial fitment. That makes it the more appearance-focused path for a restoration-minded owner.

The best version within that size depends on the look being pursued, not just the tire code itself. A blackwall keeps the visual treatment restrained, while whitewall choices add stronger vintage character. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, vehicle-specific historical references, marque-club guidance, and surviving-car examples are worth checking before settling on one sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1962 Simca Etoile because the two available fitments present the car very differently. The 560-14 bias-ply carries a vintage numeric size format and is offered with blackwall and whitewall sidewall treatments, while the 155R14 radial uses a later Euro-metric style and appears in blackwall form. Even with the same 14-inch rim diameter, the visual character is not the same.

For many restorations, the tire is part of the finished stance and period impression rather than a minor detail. Bias-ply tires generally support a more traditional presentation, especially when paired with whitewall styling, while radial tires tend to look more modern in comparison. That makes construction a visual decision as much as a mechanical one when the Etoile is being restored with appearance in mind.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Simca Etoile even when the intended tire size is one of the correct 14-inch options. Wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, and body repairs can all change how a 560-14 bias-ply or 155R14 radial sits in the wheel opening. Small vintage cars often have less margin for error than larger American cars.

That is why the actual car should be inspected rather than assuming every Etoile still matches its original wheel setup. Wheel width is especially important here because the available radial and bias-ply tires are built around different rim-width ranges. A careful check of steering lock, fender clearance, and any signs of past modifications can prevent a size choice that looks correct on paper but creates problems in use.

Before driving a 1962 Simca Etoile on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, check that lug hardware and wheel seating surfaces are in good condition, and confirm that the tires have proper clearance at the fenders and steering stops. It is also wise to verify inflation, look over valve stems, and make sure the suspension and steering components are not worn or loose.

A short, careful road test is the right next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for any pull or vibration, and recheck pressure once the tires have settled. On a collector-era car that may have spent long periods parked, fresh tires should be paired with a broader inspection of brakes, wheel bearings, and alignment-related wear so the car is genuinely ready for road use.

Tires on a collector 1962 Simca Etoile should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, whether the car runs 560-14 bias-ply tires or 155R14 radials. A low-mileage vintage car can age its tires long before it wears them out, so visual condition matters as much as tread depth. Proper inflation is also essential for storage and road use.

Storage conditions make a real difference on an older European car that may spend long periods off the road. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires over time. Periodic movement, pressure checks, and a close look before each driving season can catch aging issues early, especially on a car that is used occasionally rather than weekly.