The 1964 Facel Vega Facel sits in a rare corner of grand touring history, blending French coachbuilt character with the kind of presence that makes tire choice part of the car’s overall presentation. On this model, fitment depends on the exact Facel II or Facel III configuration, with both radial and bias-ply sizes used across 15-inch and 14-inch wheel setups. That opens the door to very different choices in period-style bias-ply looks, blackwall and redline radial options, and selected modern radial equivalents for 775-15. The key is matching the correct size to the exact sub-model, then balancing appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Facel Vega Facel
The 1964 Facel Vega Facel uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on identifying whether the car is a Facel II or a Facel III, then confirming whether it is on a 15-inch or 14-inch wheel. Both radial and bias-ply fitments appear here, so the decision is not just about size code, but also about construction, wheel diameter, and the kind of appearance or driving feel you want to preserve.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 Facel Vega Facel, this size belongs to a 15-inch radial fitment rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply setup. Available choices include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments across several radial series. It is the size to evaluate when the car’s configuration calls for a 15-inch radial and the goal is to balance traditional appearance with modern radial sizing convention.
775-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.75 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 15 identifying the wheel diameter. This is the traditional bias-ply 15-inch fitment used on the applicable 1964 Facel Vega Facel configuration, and it brings the period tire format many restoration-minded owners expect to see. Product choices are broad here, with BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Goodyear offerings in blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak styles across several vintage tire series. It is the right starting point when preserving a classic bias-ply look matters as much as the size itself.
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size, meaning 165 is the nominal width in millimeters, R marks radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 Facel Vega Facel, this size applies to the 14-inch radial setup used on the Facel III variations rather than the larger 15-inch Facel II fitment. Available options center on blackwall radial tires from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in touring-oriented classic radial series. It is the size to focus on when the car is a Facel III on 14-inch wheels and the goal is a proper radial-format fitment for that configuration.
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.90 represents nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Facel Vega Facel, this is the vintage bias-ply counterpart to the 14-inch radial fitment used on the Facel III models. Its significance is less about broad product variety and more about preserving the correct tire format and visual character for a 14-inch bias-ply setup. It deserves careful attention when the car is being kept close to a traditional presentation and when wheel diameter and construction need to match the Facel III configuration exactly.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1964 Facel Vega Facel because the Facel II and Facel III do not share the same wheel diameter or tire-size pairing. Confirming the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing bias-ply and radial choices, since the car may require either a 15-inch or 14-inch setup.
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1964 Facel Vega Facel II
The 1964 Facel Vega Facel II uses 15-inch fitments, with both 185R15 radial and 775-15 bias-ply options tied to this sub-model. Tire selection here centers on whether the goal is a classic radial setup, a more traditional bias-ply presentation, or a carefully checked radial-equivalent path from the 775-15 size.
The 1964 Facel Vega Facel III Convertible uses 14-inch fitments, pairing 165R14 radial and 5.90-14 bias-ply sizes with this open-body sub-model. That makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important before choosing between a classic radial feel and a more period-style bias-ply look.
The 1964 Facel Vega Facel III Coupe also uses the 14-inch size family, with 165R14 radial and 5.90-14 bias-ply fitments associated with this version. The practical decision is whether to keep the coupe on its traditional construction type or select a radial-format option that matches the existing wheel setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel
The 775-15 bias-ply size has four radial-equivalent options for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel. Those include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, these options span more traditional metric sizing, lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and a radial intended to retain a more vintage visual character. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, and final choice should still be checked against the car’s wheel setup and available clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
195R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (775-15)
P205/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (775-15)
P215/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (775-15)
670R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (775-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1964 Facel Vega Facel Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel range from classic blackwall radial options by Michelin, Avon, Pirelli, Vredestein, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire to broad 775-15 bias-ply selections from BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Goodyear. Sidewall treatments include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak styles.
Owners of a 1964 Facel Vega Facel usually need to sort out sub-model fitment first, then decide between bias-ply and radial construction, available sidewall styles, and the practical checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
The 1964 Facel Vega Facel does not use one universal tire size across all versions. Facel II models use 185R15 radial or 775-15 bias-ply sizes on 15-inch wheels, while Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe models use 165R14 radial or 5.90-14 bias-ply sizes on 14-inch wheels.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Facel II and a Facel III require different size families, so choosing by year and make alone can lead to the wrong rim diameter or the wrong construction type for the vehicle’s actual setup.
What size rim does a 1964 Facel Vega Facel use?
A 1964 Facel Vega Facel uses either a 15-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The Facel II is tied to 15-inch sizes, while the Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe use 14-inch sizes.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before looking at sidewall style, brand, or construction, because the 14-inch and 15-inch size groups are not interchangeable. On a car that has been restored or modified over time, it is also worth measuring the actual wheel and checking width so the selected tire stays within the wheel’s compatible range.
Why does the 1964 Facel Vega Facel have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size applies because the 1964 Facel Vega Facel includes different sub-models with different wheel diameters and construction choices. The Facel II uses 15-inch radial and bias-ply sizes, while the Facel III variants use 14-inch radial and bias-ply sizes.
In practical terms, the car’s exact version determines the starting point for tire selection. After that, the next decision is whether to stay with the vehicle’s bias-ply-format option or use the radial size associated with that same sub-model, rather than comparing all four sizes as though they fit every 1964 Facel Vega Facel.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 775-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
775-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel. It is used on the 15-inch Facel II fitment and represents the vintage numeric bias-ply format rather than a radial construction.
That matters because a 775-15 selection is often driven by traditional appearance and period-style construction as much as size. If the car is currently on radial tires or aftermarket wheels, it is smart to confirm wheel width, overall setup, and intended use before moving back to a bias-ply tire simply because the size code matches.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 775-15?
Radial equivalents for 775-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent in a vintage-style format.
Each of those choices approaches the original size a little differently in profile and sizing convention, so the decision should not be made by code alone. The stated rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and final fitment should be checked against the Facel II’s wheel, clearance, and overall configuration before changing construction.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
A bias-look radial can be considered on the 1964 Facel Vega Facel where 775-15 is the applicable primary size, because 670R15 is available as a bias-look radial equivalent. It offers a radial-format alternative while aiming for a more traditional tire presentation than a modern-looking P-metric replacement.
That option is most relevant to a Facel II owner who wants to keep a vintage visual tone without staying with a true bias-ply tire. Even so, a bias-look radial is still an equivalent rather than the original primary size, so wheel width, clearance, and the car’s current setup should be reviewed before making the change.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
Start with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because a 1964 Facel Vega Facel may need either a 15-inch Facel II tire or a 14-inch Facel III tire. After that, decide whether the car should remain on its bias-ply-format option or use the radial size associated with that configuration.
Once the correct size family is confirmed, compare the available products by construction, sidewall treatment, brand, series, and wheel-width compatibility where stated. A restoration-minded owner may prioritize period-style appearance, while a driver-focused owner may prefer one of the classic radial offerings within the correct size and wheel diameter.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Facel Vega Facel tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel vary by size. Across the available products, the range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, blue dot, and raised white letter blue streak styles, though not every style appears in every tire size.
That makes sidewall selection a secondary decision after confirming the proper size and sub-model. The 185R15 radial options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline treatments, while 775-15 bias-ply choices cover a broader vintage-style range, so appearance-minded buyers should narrow the fitment first and the sidewall look second.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
Several brands offer tires for the 1964 Facel Vega Facel, depending on the size being used. Available names include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Vredestein.
Brand comparison should stay tied to the correct tire size and construction rather than treated as a general preference question. Some brands appear only in certain radial sizes, while the 775-15 bias-ply category has the broadest mix of series and sidewall styles, so the most useful comparison is between products that match the car’s exact fitment needs.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
A period-style approach starts with the primary size and construction associated with the exact sub-model. For a Facel II, that may mean evaluating the 775-15 bias-ply format, while a Facel III owner may look at the 5.90-14 bias-ply size if the goal is a more traditional visual presentation.
Appearance should be matched to the car’s wheel diameter and intended use rather than chosen by style alone. If exact restoration accuracy matters beyond general period character, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque-specific references, historical photos, or restoration documentation before settling on a brand or sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1964 Facel Vega Facel as much as the sidewall treatment does. A true bias-ply size such as 775-15 or 5.90-14 presents the car in a more traditional vintage format, while radial sizes like 185R15 and 165R14 give the car a later-style roadgoing appearance.
That visual difference becomes especially important on a rare grand touring car where stance and sidewall character are part of the overall impression. Owners balancing authenticity and drivability often compare the bias-ply option, the standard radial option for that sub-model, and in the Facel II’s case a bias-look radial equivalent before deciding.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Facel Vega Facel?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Facel Vega Facel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence whether the intended tire size still suits the car’s current configuration.
That is especially important here because the model already spans both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments across different sub-models. A modified car should have its actual wheel diameter and width checked first, then the chosen tire’s construction and dimensions reviewed against fender, steering, and suspension clearance before the car goes back on the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Facel Vega Facel on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Facel Vega Facel on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting condition, then confirm proper inflation and look for any signs of interference at full steering lock and suspension movement. It is also worth checking that the tire size and construction match the car’s exact sub-model and wheel diameter.
A collector car that has spent time parked deserves an extra look at brake condition, suspension bushings, alignment, and any uneven wear pattern that could affect the new tires quickly. Early road use should be cautious enough to catch rubbing, vibration, or pull before a longer drive puts unnecessary stress on the tire and chassis setup.
How should tires on a collector 1964 Facel Vega Facel be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1964 Facel Vega Facel should be checked regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and uneven wear, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Both bias-ply and radial tires benefit from proper inflation, clean storage conditions, and occasional movement so they are not left sitting in one position for long periods.
Storage matters almost as much as mileage on a low-use grand touring car. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and any tire that shows age-related deterioration or questionable condition should be evaluated before road use, even if the tread still looks good.