1963 Facel Vega Facellia Tires

The 1963 Facel Vega Facellia uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 5.90-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the Facellia and both use a 14-inch rim, so the fitment question centers on construction type as much as the numeric size itself.

That means the first thing to confirm is whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply format or set up with radial tires. A Facellia that has changed wheels over the years should have actual wheel diameter and width checked before a tire is chosen, especially when moving between bias-ply and radial construction.

The 1963 Facel Vega Facellia uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 165R14 and the bias-ply 5.90-14 are both built around that same rim diameter, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing systems are different.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture. A 14-inch wheel still needs suitable width and overall compatibility with the chosen tire construction, particularly if the car has aftermarket wheels or a changed stance. Verifying the actual wheel on the car helps avoid selecting a tire that matches the diameter but not the wheel setup.

Yes. The 1963 Facel Vega Facellia Base uses the same two tire-size options tied to this model: 165R14 as the radial choice and 5.90-14 as the bias-ply choice. There is no separate Base-only diameter to sort out, since both primary sizes stay on a 14-inch rim.

That simplifies sub-model fitment, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual car. A Base model may still have replacement wheels or an older tire conversion already in place, so the smarter approach is to confirm what is mounted now and decide whether the goal is period-style bias-ply appearance or radial road use.

On the 1963 Facel Vega Facellia, 5.90-14 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to many vintage applications, with the first number expressing nominal section width in inches and the final number identifying the 14-inch rim diameter.

Choosing 5.90-14 keeps the car in a traditional construction style and often suits restoration-oriented owners who want a more vintage tire presentation. Before staying with or returning to bias-ply tires, it still makes sense to confirm wheel condition, current wheel size, and whether the car’s suspension and alignment are in suitable shape for regular road use.

That choice depends on what matters most for the car. The 1963 Facel Vega Facellia can be equipped with a 5.90-14 bias-ply tire or a 165R14 radial, so both construction paths belong to this model. Bias-ply keeps a more traditional format, while 165R14 places the car in a classic radial size.

A restoration-minded owner may lean toward the bias-ply size for visual authenticity to the period, while a driver-focused owner may prefer the radial format and its broader radial product selection. The important step is to verify wheel width, wheel condition, and overall clearance before changing construction, rather than assuming any 14-inch tire will behave the same.

The main points to check are wheel diameter, wheel width, tire clearance, and the car’s overall chassis condition. A 1963 Facel Vega Facellia can use a 165R14 radial, but a car that has been running 5.90-14 bias-ply tires for years should have its actual wheels and setup inspected before the conversion is treated as routine.

It is also wise to look closely at suspension wear, steering components, alignment condition, and any prior wheel changes. Cars of this era are often restored or modified over time, and those changes can affect how a radial sits and operates. A careful fitment check protects both appearance and road manners better than relying on size code alone.

Start with the correct primary size and construction for the way the car will be used. The 1963 Facel Vega Facellia uses either a 5.90-14 bias-ply tire or a 165R14 radial, both on 14-inch rims. That makes construction choice one of the biggest selection factors, not just the wheel diameter.

From there, compare details that matter to your goals, such as radial brand, tire series, blackwall appearance, stated rim-width range where available, and product weight or load information where listed. A car used mainly for shows may point in one direction, while a road-driven Facellia may call for a different approach within the correct size.

For the 165R14 radial fitment on the 1963 Facel Vega Facellia, available brands include Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those choices appear in recognizable vintage-oriented radial lines such as Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic, all in blackwall form for this application.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It is worth comparing the tire series, rim-width specification where stated, and other product details to see which option best suits the car’s wheel setup and intended presentation. The best choice is the one that matches the Facellia’s size, construction plan, and appearance goals without forcing the fitment.

In the 165R14 radial size used on the 1963 Facel Vega Facellia, available tire series include Pirelli Cinturato CA67, Michelin XAS, and Vredestein Sprint Classic. These series give the buyer several vintage-style radial paths within the same basic size and 14-inch rim diameter.

That variety matters because two tires with the same size code can still differ in stated rim-width range, weight, and overall presentation. Looking at the series level helps narrow the choice between a more touring-oriented vintage radial feel and a particular visual style, while still keeping the selection inside the correct Facellia tire format.

A period-style approach usually starts by deciding whether the car should remain in its traditional 5.90-14 bias-ply format or use the 165R14 radial size that is also associated with the 1963 Facel Vega Facellia. Both belong to the model, but they create a different visual impression on a finished car.

Owners aiming for a stronger vintage presentation often focus first on the bias-ply size, while those balancing period flavor with radial availability may look closely at 165R14 blackwall offerings. If exact originality matters for a particular restoration, marque-specific historical references and vehicle records are the right next step before settling on brand or construction.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1963 Facel Vega Facellia; it also changes the car’s visual character. A 5.90-14 bias-ply presents the car in a more traditional vintage format, while a 165R14 radial introduces a later-style size code and a somewhat different look even on the same 14-inch wheel diameter.

That is why construction choice should be made early in the restoration process rather than after the car is finished. Wheel width, ride height, and the intended presentation all influence which tire looks most appropriate. A carefully chosen radial can still feel sympathetic to the car, but it should be selected with the whole build in mind.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Facel Vega Facellia even when the chosen tire size is one of the correct model sizes. Wheel replacements, altered offsets, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or bodywork repairs can all change the amount of clearance available around a 14-inch tire.

A car with non-original wheels or changed suspension should have steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel dimensions checked before tires are selected. That matters even more when changing between 5.90-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial construction, because the car may respond differently to the new setup despite sharing the same rim diameter.

Before driving a 1963 Facel Vega Facellia on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the tire and application, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating and any early signs of air loss.

A short initial drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit on a collector car. Recheck pressure, look for rubbing marks near the sidewalls, and confirm that full steering travel does not create interference. On a car that has been parked for long stretches, this is also a good time to look at brakes, bearings, and alignment.

Collector-car tires on a 1963 Facel Vega Facellia should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage practices. Even a lightly driven car can develop tire problems from age, heat, sunlight, or long stationary periods, so tread depth alone is not a complete measure of condition.

It helps to inspect for cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, and gradual air loss before the car goes back on the road. Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. Periodic inspection by a qualified tire professional is especially worthwhile on low-mileage collector vehicles.