1963 Facel Vega Facel Tires

The 1963 Facel Vega Facel does not use one universal tire size across the model line. Facel II applications use either 185R15 radial or 775-15 bias-ply tires on 15-inch wheels, while Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe applications use either 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch wheels.

That means the first job is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Facel II and a Facel III do not share the same rim size, and any car with replacement wheels should be measured before choosing between radial and bias-ply options.

A 1963 Facel Vega Facel uses either a 15-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Facel II models use 15-inch tire fitments, while Facel III Coupe and Facel III Convertible models use 14-inch tire fitments.

Rim diameter should be verified before anything else because the vehicle family spans two different wheel sizes. Once that is confirmed, the next checks are wheel width, the tire construction you want to run, and whether the car still matches its original wheel setup or has been changed during restoration or past ownership.

More than one tire size appears because the 1963 Facel Vega Facel range includes different sub-models with different wheel diameters and two construction paths. Facel II uses 15-inch fitments in radial or bias-ply form, while Facel III Coupe and Convertible use 14-inch fitments in radial or bias-ply form.

That split means tire choice is tied to vehicle configuration rather than preference alone. A buyer should match the tire to the exact sub-model first, then decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial-format setup that stays within the correct size family for that car.

775-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1963 Facel Vega Facel, specifically in the 15-inch Facel II fitment family. The radial-format 15-inch alternative within the primary fitments is 185R15, which uses a different sizing system even though it remains tied to the same general wheel diameter.

Choosing between them is partly about construction and partly about presentation. A bias-ply 775-15 keeps the traditional vintage sizing style, while a 15-inch radial option changes both construction and tire format. Wheel width, clearance, and the car's intended use should all be reviewed before moving away from the bias-ply setup.

Radial equivalents for 775-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. These are alternative radial sizes associated with the 775-15 bias-ply fitment.

Each option represents a slightly different sizing convention and profile approach, so the decision is not just radial versus bias-ply. The associated rim-width range is 5-7 inches, and any equivalent should still be checked against the actual wheel, the space available in the wheelhouse, and the overall setup of the car.

Start by confirming the car's exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1963 Facel Vega Facel range uses both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments. Then verify the wheel width, the radial size being considered, and whether the car is moving from a primary bias-ply size such as 775-15 to one of its radial equivalents or to a primary radial size already associated with that sub-model.

The practical checks are wheel compatibility, overall dimensions, steering and fender clearance, and the condition of suspension and steering components. A collector car that has seen wheel changes, lowered stance changes, or long storage can react differently than a stock, freshly sorted example, so the full setup should be reviewed before the change.

The key factors are the exact sub-model, the wheel diameter on the car, and whether the goal is radial or bias-ply construction. A Facel II uses 15-inch fitments, while a Facel III Coupe or Convertible uses 14-inch fitments, so the first choice is fitment correctness rather than brand or sidewall style.

Once the size family is settled, compare the available tire series, sidewall treatments, and wheel-width requirements that apply to the specific tire. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a traditional bias-ply look, while a road-use-focused car may lead the owner toward one of the radial-format choices within the correct fitment group.

Sidewall choices vary by tire size and construction, but the available styles include blackwall, redline, narrow whitewall, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak. The widest range appears in the 775-15 bias-ply size, while the radial offerings are more concentrated around blackwall, with some redline and narrow whitewall options in 185R15.

That makes sidewall selection part of the visual plan for the car, not just a tire-spec decision. The most suitable style depends on whether the car is being restored for a traditional grand touring presentation, a sportier period-style look, or simply a cleaner understated appearance on the road.

Brand availability across the 1963 Facel Vega Facel fitments includes Michelin, Avon, Pirelli, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. Which brands apply depends on the specific size, since the 15-inch and 14-inch fitments do not share the same product mix.

A useful way to compare them is by starting with the correct size and construction, then looking at sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility where that detail is available. Brand should support the fitment and appearance goal rather than drive the decision before the vehicle setup has been confirmed.

A period-style choice starts with the proper sub-model fitment and the vintage construction path that matches the car's wheel diameter. For Facel II, that points toward 775-15 bias-ply on a 15-inch wheel, while Facel III Coupe and Convertible owners would look at the 5.90-14 bias-ply fitment on a 14-inch wheel.

From there, sidewall treatment becomes part of the finished look, especially in the 775-15 range where several traditional visual options are available. If exact originality matters at a high level, the final appearance choice should be cross-checked against marque references or historical vehicle-specific documentation rather than tire size alone.

Tire construction influences both the visual stance and the overall character of a restored 1963 Facel Vega Facel. Bias-ply tires preserve the vintage numeric sizing language and traditional appearance associated with period-style restorations, while radial tires introduce a more modern construction and, in some cases, a more contemporary size format.

That difference matters most when deciding how authentic or road-oriented the finished car should feel. A radial can still suit a collector car very well, but it changes the presentation enough that many owners choose construction based on restoration intent first and only then narrow the field by brand, series, or sidewall detail.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Facel Vega Facel, especially because the model line already spans two wheel diameters and several tire formats. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and fender work can all change how much room is available for the intended tire.

Any car that has been modified should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and clearance at both the fender and suspension. Even when the tire size is correct for the sub-model, a changed wheel or chassis setup can alter how comfortably that size works in real use.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the exact sub-model. It is also wise to look over valve stems, balance, visible clearance at the fenders and suspension, and the general condition of steering and suspension components on a collector car.

A short test drive should include attention to straight-line tracking, steering response, vibration, and any sign of rubbing during turns or suspension movement. Cars that have spent long periods stored deserve extra scrutiny, since age-related issues elsewhere in the chassis can show up once fresh tires are fitted.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. On a 1963 Facel Vega Facel, that means watching for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally and the tread still appears usable.

Long idle periods can be harder on tires than frequent moderate use, so storage conditions matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional inspection of wheel condition and clearances remains important whenever the car returns to active road use.