1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 Tires

The 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the covered Sedan fitment, so the car's tire choice is not limited to one construction style.

That means the first step is deciding whether the car is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply presentation or moved toward a radial setup. Since both sizes use a 13-inch rim, wheel diameter stays consistent, but wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should still be confirmed before settling on one path.

The listed tire fitments for the 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 155R13 radial and the 560-13 bias-ply are built around that same rim diameter, which keeps the wheel-size question fairly simple.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a vintage Fiat. Bias-ply and radial products can call for different rim-width ranges, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel before choosing a tire, particularly if the car has replacement wheels or a wheel set that may not be original to the vehicle.

The 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 Sedan uses the same two fitment choices found on this page: 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply. The difference is not between separate Sedan sizes, but between two construction styles that share the same 13-inch rim diameter.

For the owner, that simplifies sub-model identification and shifts attention to intended use and appearance. A radial choice points toward a classic European road-going setup, while the bias-ply size supports a more traditional look with whitewall options. Wheel width and clearance should still be checked before changing from one construction path to the other.

On the 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500, 560-13 is the bias-ply fitment. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format rather than a modern metric radial format, and it represents the more traditional tire construction choice for this Fiat.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both presentation and setup decisions. The available 560-13 products also lean into that traditional character with whitewall sidewall styles, so owners focused on an older visual profile often start there. Before switching away from it, check wheel width and compare the intended replacement against the car's existing wheel and tire arrangement.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are equivalent-size options tied specifically to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

Each one uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not simply about picking any radial with a 13-inch rim. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent sizing path, and it remains important to confirm wheel width, physical dimensions, and fender or steering clearance before making the change.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width, then compare the radial size being considered against the car's current setup. For a 560-13 bias-ply conversion path, the recognized radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13.

A vintage Fiat can respond noticeably to a construction change, so the practical checks go beyond size code alone. Look at tire-to-fender clearance, steering clearance at full lock, suspension condition, and the wheel's suitability for the intended radial size. That approach helps avoid treating an equivalent as an automatic replacement simply because it shares the same rim diameter.

The main decision is whether the car should stay with the 560-13 bias-ply format or use the 155R13 radial fitment. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they differ in construction, visual character, available sidewall styles, and the type of driving experience an owner may be trying to preserve.

Once that decision is made, compare the available products by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility. A whitewall bias-ply points toward a more traditional presentation, while a blackwall radial keeps the size within a classic European format. The best choice is the one that matches the car's wheels, intended use, and appearance goals.

The available sidewall styles for the 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 include blackwall in the 155R13 radial size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those choices create a clear visual split between the radial and bias-ply fitment paths.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall presentation in mind, not just by size alone. A blackwall radial gives the Fiat a restrained European look, while whitewall bias-ply tires add a more traditional vintage character. Since sidewall treatment is tied to specific products, it also makes sense to compare rim-width suitability before narrowing the selection.

Tires for the 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side, while BFGoodrich and Firestone provide 560-13 bias-ply options with whitewall styling.

Brand choice should come after the correct size and construction path are settled. From there, compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width requirements that matter for the specific setup on the car. That keeps the decision grounded in fitment and appearance instead of assuming every brand serves the same purpose on this Fiat.

For a period-style 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the traditional starting point. It uses a vintage numeric format and is available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments that give the car an older presentation than the radial blackwall alternatives.

That does not automatically make every 560-13 the exact historical match for every restoration goal, especially when fine details matter. Owners pursuing a highly faithful restoration should compare surviving photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific historical sources. For many drivers, though, the bias-ply size is the clearest route to a restoration-oriented overall look.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500; it also changes the car's visual impression. The 560-13 bias-ply options bring a distinctly vintage look, especially with narrow or wide whitewalls, while the 155R13 radial choices are offered as blackwalls with a cleaner, more modern European presentation.

That visual difference is often one of the biggest factors in a restoration-minded purchase. A buyer focused on authenticity of era may lean toward the bias-ply path, while someone restoring a road car for regular use may prefer the radial format. Choosing the right construction helps the tire look appropriate on the car rather than merely fitting the wheel.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all alter the space available for either a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply.

That is why the actual car should be checked before assuming a familiar size will suit the current setup. Measure wheel width, inspect clearance at the fender and steering points, and look for any non-stock wheel offset or suspension changes. Those details matter even more when switching between bias-ply and radial construction on a vintage compact sedan.

Before driving a 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires are properly seated, and set inflation according to the tire and vehicle requirements being used. It also makes sense to verify that the selected tire size matches the intended wheel.

A short low-speed check is useful on any collector-era car after tire installation. Watch for rubbing during turns, listen for contact over bumps, and recheck air pressure after the first drive. Tire selection is only part of road readiness, so it is wise to confirm the suspension, steering components, and wheel fasteners are all in sound condition.

Tires on a collector 1966 Fiat 1200 & 1500 should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear. That applies whether the car is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, since collector vehicles often spend long periods parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter nearly as much as mileage on a low-use Fiat. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and check pressures before road use rather than assuming the tires are ready after storage. A careful routine helps preserve both appearance and serviceability on a vintage sedan that is not driven every day.