The 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 came from an era when compact European sedans and wagons balanced tidy dimensions, practical road manners, and clean Italian styling. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice shapes both the look of the car and the way it presents as a mid-1960s Fiat. This fitment centers on two 13-inch options: a 560-13 bias-ply and a 155R13 radial. That gives room to choose between traditional bias-ply whitewall styling and blackwall radial alternatives from brands such as Michelin and Dunlop. The right direction depends on whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, everyday drivability, or a careful blend of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500
The 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is as much about construction as size notation. Both fit 13-inch wheels, but one is a vintage 560-13 bias-ply format and the other is a 155R13 radial, so the first step is confirming whether the car is staying with a traditional setup or using the radial fitment already associated with this model.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500, it represents the more modern-looking of the two primary fitment paths while still staying within a period-appropriate small-car sizing range. Available options include blackwall radial tires from Michelin and Dunlop in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth considering when maintaining a radial-equipped presentation on a 13-inch wheel is the priority.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 560 refers to the tire's nominal section width class, roughly 5.60 inches, and 13 identifies the rim diameter. Its bias-ply construction gives the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 a more traditional small-car tire presentation that suits restoration-oriented builds and owners who want vintage sizing conventions. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in classic bias-ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments available. This size makes the most sense when period-style appearance and a vintage construction type are central to the car's finished look.
Fitment for the covered sub-model is straightforward because the Wagon uses the same two 13-inch tire paths found on the model range. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, since the real choice is whether the car is staying with a bias-ply look or using the radial fitment.
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1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon
The 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon uses the same dual fitment approach, with both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply tire sizes associated with it. That gives Wagon owners the same decision between a traditional bias-ply appearance and a radial setup that should still be matched carefully to the wheel in use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500
For the original 560-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial option. These choices differ by sizing convention and profile family rather than serving as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent fitment path, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should be checked before changing from the bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Tires for Sale
Available choices for the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 155R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires in 560-13. The product grid lets buyers compare construction, tire series, whitewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility across both fitment directions.
Owners of a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 usually want clarity on the two 13-inch tire sizes, the difference between bias-ply and radial fitment, and how sidewall style, wheel setup, and intended use affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
The 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, but they represent different sizing systems and different tire presentations on the car.
Choosing between them starts with confirming how the car is set up now and what kind of result is desired. A 560-13 keeps the vintage numeric bias-ply format, while 155R13 follows a Euro-metric radial format. Wheel width, current wheel type, and any prior suspension or wheel changes should be checked before settling on one direction.
What size rim does a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 use?
Both primary tire sizes associated with the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies whether the car is using the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width before choosing a tire. The available products show different rim-width ranges depending on size and tire model, which matters when comparing a narrow bias-ply wheel setup to a radial-compatible wheel arrangement on a restored or driver-quality car.
Does the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon uses the same two tire sizes associated with this model range: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. The Wagon follows the same 13-inch fitment pattern rather than requiring a separate diameter.
That means the decision is less about finding a unique Wagon-only size and more about choosing the right construction and appearance. Wagon owners should still verify the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been modified over the years, and then decide whether a traditional bias-ply look or a radial setup better suits the vehicle.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered in classic bias-ply product lines with traditional whitewall treatments that suit a mid-1960s European car presentation.
That makes 560-13 the size to evaluate when maintaining a vintage construction and period-style appearance matters most. Before choosing it, confirm the wheel width on the car and compare it with the rim-width requirements of the available products, since bias-ply tires in this size are associated with narrower wheel ranges than the radial alternatives.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are equivalent-size alternatives for the original bias-ply format rather than additional primary bias-ply sizes.
Each option should be treated as a fitment path that needs verification on the actual car. The equivalent range is associated with a 4 to 5 inch recommended rim width, and the final check should include wheel compatibility, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before making the switch.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
That choice depends on the role of the car and the look you want to preserve. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the vintage sizing format and supports a more traditional visual presentation, while 155R13 gives the car a radial fitment that stays within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
Owners focused on restoration-oriented appearance often start with the bias-ply option, especially when whitewall style matters. Drivers leaning toward regular road use may prefer the radial route, but the car's actual wheels should be measured first so the chosen tire matches the wheel width and the car still has suitable clearance in service.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
Start with the two correct size paths for the car: 560-13 in bias-ply construction or 155R13 in radial construction. From there, the most important factors are wheel diameter, wheel width, intended appearance, and whether the car is being kept closer to a vintage presentation or set up for regular road use.
Product differences also matter once the basic fitment direction is set. Some choices focus on blackwall radial styling, while others emphasize narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply looks. Comparing rim-width compatibility, tire series, and load figures where available helps narrow the field without turning the decision into a brand ranking exercise.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 tires?
The available sidewall styles for this fitment include blackwall in the 155R13 radial size, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those visual differences can change the car's overall presentation just as much as the tire construction does.
Blackwall radials tend to suit owners who want a cleaner, more understated driver look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional period-style appearance. The right choice depends on how the car is being finished and used, but the sidewall style still needs to be selected within the correct size and wheel-compatible product range.
What brands offer tires for the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
Michelin and Dunlop offer radial choices in 155R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer bias-ply choices in 560-13. That gives the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 a useful spread of brands across both construction types rather than limiting the owner to a single style of replacement.
The practical way to use that brand variety is to compare what each option represents. Michelin and Dunlop center on blackwall radial presentation, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover classic bias-ply whitewall looks. Once size and construction are settled, series details, rim-width range, and appearance become more useful comparison points than brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
For a period-style 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric format and supports classic whitewall presentations. Available choices include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, which lets the appearance be tailored without leaving the traditional size family.
That does not automatically make one sidewall or brand exact for every car, so originality-minded restorations should still be checked against marque references or historical documentation. For many owners, though, staying with the correct bias-ply size and selecting a whitewall treatment that suits the car's era delivers the right visual character.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
Tire construction changes the visual character of the car as much as the size code does. A 560-13 bias-ply gives the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 a distinctly vintage presentation, especially in narrow or wide whitewall form, while a 155R13 radial blackwall reads as a more modernized road-going setup.
That makes construction an appearance decision as well as a fitment decision. Owners restoring for a traditional small-European-car look often stay with the bias-ply path, while those building a driver may prefer the radial route. Either way, the tire should still match the wheel dimensions and the finished stance of the actual vehicle.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or bodywork variations can all change how a 13-inch tire clears the car in real use.
That is especially important when moving between the 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial fitment paths, or when considering a radial equivalent for the bias-ply size. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and space at the fender openings helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the code on paper but conflicts with the vehicle's current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify that the rim diameter and width match the chosen tire, and confirm proper inflation. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are being installed on a sound chassis rather than masking worn hardware.
A short clearance check is wise once the tires are mounted. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for rubbing at the inner wheelhouse and fender edge, and recheck the tires after the first miles for air loss or unusual contact marks. That routine is useful on any collector-era Fiat, especially one that has sat for long periods.
How should tires on a collector 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the 1966 Fiat 1300 & 1500 is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters just as much as remaining tread depth.
Storage habits also play a big role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives, and maintaining proper inflation reduces flat-spotting and stress on the casing. Any sign of age-related deterioration deserves attention before returning the car to regular road use.