The 1966 Peugeot 404 sits in a distinctive place among mid-century European cars, known for its clean Pininfarina-influenced lines, durable engineering, and broad appeal as both a practical sedan and a stylish touring car. Tire choice matters because this Peugeot uses different 15-inch fitments depending on body style, with Sedan & Convertible models using 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply sizes, while the Wagon uses 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply sizes. That creates a real choice between traditional bias-ply presentation and radial options in several brands, sidewall treatments, and tire series. The right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model and then matching appearance, construction, and road-use goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Peugeot 404
The 1966 Peugeot 404 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon. All of these fitments use a 15-inch rim, but construction and section width vary between radial and bias-ply options. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact sub-model so the size, appearance, and driving-character decision starts from the right fitment family.
165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 165 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. On the 1966 Peugeot 404, this is one of the radial fitments used on Sedan & Convertible models and reflects the European sizing style many buyers associate with postwar imports. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options from brands such as Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Michelin, and Vredestein. It is a strong fitment to evaluate when keeping a radial setup and period-style European sizing matters.
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 590 representing a nominal section width of about 5.90 inches and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. On the 1966 Peugeot 404, this is the bias-ply fitment paired with Sedan & Convertible applications and gives the car a more traditional tire construction and visual stance. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with BFGoodrich and Avon offerings in this size family. This size deserves attention when the goal is a restoration-oriented appearance or when staying with the original style of bias-ply construction is part of the plan.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size, with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1966 Peugeot 404, this radial fitment applies to the Wagon and gives that heavier-duty body style a wider tire than the sedan-based fitments. Choices in this size include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire across several radial series. It is the right size to assess when selecting a wagon tire that balances correct fitment family with the desired appearance and product character.
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 referring to nominal section width in inches and 15 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1966 Peugeot 404, this size belongs to the Wagon's bias-ply fitment path and represents a different primary size from the sedan and convertible applications. Bias-ply sizing like this is useful for owners pursuing a traditional look and construction style on a wagon that did not use the narrower sedan tire fitments. Before selecting it, confirm that the vehicle is in fact a Wagon and that the wheel setup still matches the intended bias-ply application.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1966 Peugeot 404 because Sedan & Convertible models and Wagon models do not use the same tire sizes. Every covered version uses a 15-inch rim, but the actual size and width choice changes with the body style, so confirming the sub-model is the first step.
1
1966 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible
The 1966 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible uses the narrower fitment family, with a choice between radial and bias-ply primary sizes. That gives owners room to choose between a more traditional presentation and a radial setup while staying within the correct sub-model fitment path.
The 1966 Peugeot 404 Wagon uses a wider tire fitment family than the sedan-based models, again with both radial and bias-ply primary options. That makes wheel confirmation and sub-model identification especially important before comparing sidewall styles, brands, or tire series.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1966 Peugeot 404
For the original 590-15 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 165R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P175/70R15 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than serving as the same type of tire. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies here, and any conversion should be checked against the wheel, overall dimensions, and available clearance on the car.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-15)
P165/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-15)
P175/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-15)
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 Peugeot 404 Tires for Sale
Available 1966 Peugeot 404 tire choices span radial and bias-ply constructions in 165R15, 590-15, and 185R15, with brands including Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Sidewall options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline across several series.
These 1966 Peugeot 404 tire FAQs focus on the questions that matter most once the exact body style is known, including correct size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, available equivalents, appearance options, and basic road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Peugeot 404?
A 1966 Peugeot 404 can use different primary tire sizes depending on the sub-model. Sedan & Convertible models use 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply sizes, while Wagon models use 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply sizes. All of these fitments are built around a 15-inch rim.
The important next step is confirming whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon before choosing anything. Once that is settled, the decision becomes whether to stay with the bias-ply size for a more traditional presentation or choose the radial fitment associated with that same sub-model.
What size rim does a 1966 Peugeot 404 use?
The 1966 Peugeot 404 uses a 15-inch rim across its covered tire fitments. That remains true whether the car is using 165R15, 590-15, 185R15, or 6.50-15, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizes differ by sub-model and construction.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, because the Wagon uses a different tire family than the Sedan & Convertible. It is still worth checking actual wheel width and confirming that the car has not been changed to aftermarket wheels before moving from one size or construction type to another.
Do all 1966 Peugeot 404 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1966 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible uses 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply tires, while the Wagon uses 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply tires. The sub-model determines which size family belongs on the car, even though all of them are 15-inch fitments.
That difference matters because moving straight to a tire by rim diameter alone can point you to the wrong section width and wrong overall fitment family. Buyers should identify the body style first, then compare the correct radial or bias-ply options within that sub-model rather than treating every 404 as the same.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1966 Peugeot 404?
590-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1966 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible. Its radial counterpart in the same sub-model fitment family is 165R15, which uses Euro-metric radial sizing on the same 15-inch rim diameter rather than the older numeric bias-ply format.
Choosing between them affects more than just the numbers on the sidewall. Bias-ply construction is often selected for a more traditional look and feel, while the radial route follows a more modern construction approach. The right choice should still be checked against the wheel width, the intended use of the car, and the condition of the suspension and steering components.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-15?
Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as the 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R15 as the P-metric 70-series radial. These are alternatives within different radial sizing conventions rather than the same tire expressed three different ways.
The practical difference is that each option represents a different profile family and labeling system, so the choice is not purely cosmetic. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, and the final check should include wheel compatibility, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fender and steering components.
What should I check before converting my 1966 Peugeot 404 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the conversion to the correct sub-model. A Sedan & Convertible moving from 590-15 bias-ply can be compared with 165R15, P165/75R15, or P175/70R15 radial equivalents, while the Wagon follows a different primary size family and should not be treated as the same conversion case.
After the size path is confirmed, inspect wheel width, wheel condition, and available clearance at full steering lock and suspension movement. It also helps to evaluate the condition of the car's front-end and suspension parts, because worn components can mask or exaggerate the change in feel when switching from bias-ply construction to radial tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165R15 tire for a 1966 Peugeot 404?
For a 1966 Peugeot 404 using 165R15, start with confirming that the car is a Sedan & Convertible rather than a Wagon. Then compare the available radial choices by sidewall style, rim-width specification, tire series, and brand, since this size appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms.
That means the best choice often comes down to how the car is used and how it should look. Some owners want a cleaner European blackwall presentation, while others want a more restoration-oriented whitewall appearance. Rim width and load capacity figures are also worth comparing before narrowing the final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Peugeot 404 tires?
Sidewall choices for 1966 Peugeot 404 tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. The 165R15 radial offerings show the broadest spread, while 590-15 bias-ply appears in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 185R15 radial includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline.
That variety lets the tire change the character of the car without changing the basic fitment. A blackwall can keep the look understated and European, while whitewalls or redlines create a stronger styling statement. The key is choosing the sidewall treatment within the correct size for the specific 404 body style.
What brands offer tires for the 1966 Peugeot 404?
Tires for the 1966 Peugeot 404 are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Brand availability varies by size, so the exact mix depends on whether the car uses 165R15, 590-15, or 185R15 and whether the goal is radial or bias-ply construction.
Brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. A buyer comparing several options in the same size can also review load figures where shown, as well as rim-width recommendations, to narrow the selection in a way that suits both the car and the intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Peugeot 404?
A period-style 1966 Peugeot 404 usually starts with selecting the correct primary size for the body style and then deciding between bias-ply and radial construction. Sedan & Convertible models follow the 165R15 or 590-15 path, while the Wagon follows 185R15 or 6.50-15, so appearance choices need to begin with the right sub-model fitment.
From there, bias-ply tires tend to support a more traditional visual presentation, while radials can still preserve a vintage feel in Euro-style sizing. Buyers pursuing exact originality should compare tire details against marque references or restoration documentation, especially before choosing whitewalls, redlines, or a particular brand for a show-oriented car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1966 Peugeot 404?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1966 Peugeot 404 even when the rim diameter remains the same. Bias-ply sizes such as 590-15 and 6.50-15 present the car in a more traditional way, while radial sizes like 165R15 and 185R15 reflect the later European radial look associated with many surviving imports.
The effect becomes even stronger once sidewall style is added to the decision. Blackwalls tend to keep the car restrained, while narrow or wide whitewalls make the styling more pronounced, and redlines create a sportier statement on the available 185R15 options. Construction and sidewall should be chosen together, not as separate decisions.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Peugeot 404?
Yes. Even though the 1966 Peugeot 404 uses 15-inch tire fitments, modifications can still affect whether the intended size works as expected. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body repairs can alter the available space for the correct Sedan & Convertible or Wagon tire family.
That is especially important on a car with multiple primary sizes across sub-models. A Peugeot 404 that no longer has its original wheel setup should be measured carefully before switching constructions or trying an equivalent radial size. Clearance at the fenders and steering components should be checked before regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Peugeot 404 on new tires?
Before driving a 1966 Peugeot 404 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire pressure. It also makes sense to confirm that all four tires match the intended size and construction for the specific sub-model, because Sedan & Convertible and Wagon fitments are not the same.
A short visual inspection of the rest of the car is worthwhile as well. Check for suspension looseness, steering play, brake issues, and any signs that the tire may contact the body during turning or compression. A careful first drive can then confirm that the car tracks cleanly and that nothing rubs under normal operation.
How should 1966 Peugeot 404 tires be maintained on a collector car?
Collector-car tire maintenance for a 1966 Peugeot 404 starts with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and keeping the tires clean and properly inflated while the car is in use or storage. Sidewalls should be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, or unusual wear, regardless of whether the car uses bias-ply or radial tires.
Storage conditions matter because low-use cars often age tires before they wear them out. Keeping the Peugeot away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long-term stress in one spot. Any sign of air loss or structural damage deserves prompt attention.
