1965 Facel Vega Facel Tires

A 1965 Facel Vega Facel can use four primary sizes, depending on the exact sub-model: 185R15 radial, 775-15 bias-ply, 165R14 radial, and 5.90-14 bias-ply. The Facel II uses the 15-inch sizes, while the Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe use the 14-inch sizes.

That means the first step is not choosing between radial or bias-ply alone, but confirming whether the car is a Facel II or Facel III and matching the wheel diameter already on the car. A Facel II and a Facel III do not share the same tire fitment, so identifying the sub-model and wheel size prevents choosing a tire that belongs to a different configuration.

A 1965 Facel Vega Facel uses either a 15-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Facel II applications use 15-inch tire sizes, while Facel III Convertible and Facel III Coupe applications use 14-inch tire sizes.

Rim diameter is the most important fitment checkpoint because the available tire sizes split cleanly between those two wheel diameters. Before comparing sidewall styles or choosing between bias-ply and radial construction, verify the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored or modified over the years. A correct tire size starts with the correct wheel diameter, not just the model name alone.

The 1965 Facel Vega Facel has more than one tire size because the model range includes different sub-models with different wheel diameters and two construction approaches. Facel II fitments center on 15-inch sizes, while Facel III models use 14-inch sizes, and each sub-model grouping has both a radial and a bias-ply option.

That variety reflects a real fitment distinction rather than a simple styling choice across the whole model line. Once the exact sub-model is confirmed, the selection narrows quickly and the decision becomes more practical: keep the vintage bias-ply format for period character, or choose the radial size associated with that particular Facel configuration.

775-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1965 Facel Vega Facel, specifically in the 15-inch Facel II fitment group. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format and appears alongside 185R15 as the radial-size alternative associated with the same sub-model family.

That distinction matters because choosing 775-15 is usually about preserving a more traditional tire construction and appearance on a Facel II. A radial alternative may also be considered, but the car's actual wheel width, the intended look, and the way the car will be driven should all be reviewed before moving away from the bias-ply setup.

Radial equivalents for 775-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. In that group, 195R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P205/75R15 is the 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 is the 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent.

Those options give a Facel II owner several ways to move from vintage numeric bias-ply sizing into radial formats without treating every option as identical. The associated rim-width range is 5-7 inches, and the right choice still depends on the wheel already on the car, overall dimensions, and available clearance at the suspension and fenders.

The right choice depends on the exact sub-model and on whether the priority is traditional presentation or a radial tire format. Facel II and Facel III applications each have a bias-ply size and a radial size within their own wheel-diameter group, so both construction paths exist within the broader 1965 Facel Vega Facel range.

Bias-ply usually appeals to owners chasing a period-style look, while radial choices often appeal to owners who want a classic road-use setup in the matching rim diameter. The better decision comes from confirming the sub-model first, then checking wheel dimensions, appearance goals, and whether the car still carries its original-style wheel and suspension arrangement.

Start with the exact sub-model, because a 1965 Facel Vega Facel may use either 15-inch or 14-inch fitments. After that, choose the correct size family for the car, then decide whether the goal is a vintage bias-ply presentation or a classic radial setup within that same sub-model's wheel diameter.

From there, compare the details that actually change the buying decision: brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and in some cases load or weight figures. A Facel II owner choosing among 775-15 tires, for example, has far different appearance options than a Facel III owner shopping 165R14 blackwall radials, so the right comparison starts with the correct fitment group.

Sidewall choices for the 1965 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 the broadest variety appears in the 775-15 bias-ply size.

That means appearance choice is closely tied to the tire size and sub-model rather than the model name alone. A Facel II owner using 775-15 has more period-style sidewall treatments to choose from, while Facel III radial options are more focused. Matching the tire's visual character to the restoration direction is often just as important as choosing the correct construction.

Brands available across 1965 Facel Vega Facel fitments include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Vredestein. Brand selection depends heavily on the exact size, with 775-15 offering the broadest spread of period-style bias-ply choices and the radial sizes focusing more on classic touring-oriented brands.

The best way to use that brand range is to narrow the field by size, then compare series and sidewall treatment within the appropriate fitment. A Michelin or Pirelli radial serves a different purpose from a BFGoodrich, Firestone, or Goodyear bias-ply, so brand should be considered alongside construction, wheel compatibility, and the look you want the car to carry.

A period-style choice usually begins with the original-style construction format associated with the specific sub-model. For a Facel II, that points toward 775-15 bias-ply sizing, while a Facel III period-style direction would center on the 5.90-14 bias-ply fitment rather than moving immediately to the radial option.

From there, sidewall treatment becomes the next visual decision, especially on 775-15 where blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, and other vintage presentations are available. Exact originality can depend on the individual car and its historical documentation, so a restoration-focused owner should pair the correct size and construction with marque-specific reference material before settling on appearance details.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1965 Facel Vega Facel as much as the tread and sidewall style do. Bias-ply tires present the car with a more traditional vintage look, while radial tires usually give the same sub-model a more modernized appearance even when the overall fitment remains within the correct wheel diameter.

That is why restoration-minded owners often decide on construction before choosing brand or sidewall treatment. A Facel II on 775-15 bias-ply tires tells a different visual story than one on 185R15 radials, and the same principle applies to the Facel III's 14-inch fitments. The right answer depends on whether the restoration goal leans more historic or more road-oriented.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1965 Facel Vega Facel, even when the nominal tire size is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork variations can change the space available for the tire and may also shift which construction or equivalent size is practical.

That matters especially on a model family that already splits between 14-inch and 15-inch fitments by sub-model. A car that has been changed from its original wheel setup should have its actual wheel diameter and width confirmed before any tire is chosen. Clearance at lock, under compression, and around the fender edges is worth checking before road use.

Before driving a 1965 Facel Vega Facel on new tires, inspect wheel condition, verify the tire size matches the sub-model and rim diameter, and confirm inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It is also smart to look over the suspension, steering components, and alignment, especially on a collector car that may have sat for long periods.

A careful walkaround after installation helps catch practical issues early. Check for sidewall-to-body clearance, rubbing at full steering lock, uneven seating on the rim, and any signs of air loss after the first short drive. On an older grand touring car, fresh tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is ready for regular road use.

Tires on a collector 1965 Facel Vega Facel should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Pressure checks matter because long storage periods can hide underinflation, and low annual mileage does not prevent age-related deterioration in the tire itself.

Storage conditions also make a difference on a car like this. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls and casing over time. Before any longer drive, confirm pressures, recheck tread and sidewalls, and make sure the tire still matches the actual wheel setup now on the car.