The 1966 Simca 1000 comes from an era when small European cars balanced efficiency, nimble road manners, and compact packaging in a way that still appeals to collectors today. Whether the car is a Bertone Coupe or a Series model, tire selection starts with identifying the correct wheel diameter and original construction style for that specific version. This model uses either 145R13 or 5.50-13 on 13-inch wheels, or 155R12 or 5.60-12 on 12-inch wheels, depending on sub-model, with both radial and bias-ply fitments represented. That makes the real choice a blend of correct size, period-style appearance, and whether the car will stay with its traditional construction or use a radial setup already associated with the model.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Simca 1000
The 1966 Simca 1000 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model and its wheel diameter. The Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch fitments, while the Series model uses 12-inch fitments, and each of those wheel sizes appears in both radial and bias-ply form. Before choosing a tire, confirm which sub-model you have and verify the actual wheel diameter on the car.
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1966 Simca 1000, this size applies to the Bertone Coupe and represents a radial fitment on a 13-inch wheel. Available choices in this size include Michelin and Firestone blackwall radials, including the Michelin XAS-FF and Firestone F560 Radial series. This size suits owners who are confirming a 13-inch Coupe setup and want to compare radial options by brand, series, and wheel-width compatibility.
5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.50 referring to the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1966 Simca 1000, this is the bias-ply fitment associated with the Bertone Coupe's 13-inch wheel setup. Numeric bias-ply sizing is part of the traditional tire language many vintage European cars used, and it matters to buyers focused on period-style construction and appearance. This size is the one to evaluate when the car retains its 13-inch Coupe wheel arrangement and the goal is to keep a bias-ply presentation rather than move to a radial configuration.
155R12 is a Euro-metric radial size where 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 12 marks the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1966 Simca 1000, this radial size belongs to the Series model rather than the Bertone Coupe. Its role is different from the 13-inch radial because the first fitment question is wheel diameter, not simply whether the tire is radial. This size is the right one to review when a Series car still uses 12-inch wheels and the owner wants a radial-format fitment matched to that smaller rim diameter.
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 expressing the nominal section width in inches and 12 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1966 Simca 1000, this size is tied to the Series model and its 12-inch wheel setup. As with other numeric vintage sizes, the code is straightforward once the format is understood, but it should not be confused with the 13-inch Coupe fitments. This size is the one to consider when a Series car is being kept closer to its traditional bias-ply construction and the existing wheel diameter remains unchanged.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1966 Simca 1000 because the covered versions do not share the same wheel diameter or tire size. The first step is identifying whether the car is a Bertone Coupe or a Series model, since that determines whether you are shopping within the 13-inch group or the 12-inch group.
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1966 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe
The 1966 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe uses the 13-inch tire group, with both a radial and a bias-ply fitment associated with it. That means tire selection begins with confirming the Coupe's wheel setup, then deciding whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a 13-inch radial choice from the available blackwall options.
The 1966 Simca 1000 Series uses the 12-inch tire group rather than the Coupe's 13-inch setup, and it also appears with both radial and bias-ply fitments. For this sub-model, the key is staying within the correct 12-inch wheel diameter before evaluating whether to maintain a period-style bias-ply construction or use the radial size associated with the Series.
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 Simca 1000 Tires for Sale
Current product choices center on 145R13 radial fitment, with blackwall options from Michelin and Firestone. The available tires differ by series, wheel-width specification where stated, and related product characteristics, giving Bertone Coupe owners a focused comparison within the 13-inch radial size.
These FAQs focus on the details that matter most for a 1966 Simca 1000 owner: identifying the correct sub-model tire size, understanding 12-inch versus 13-inch fitment, comparing bias-ply and radial choices, and checking the car before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Simca 1000?
A 1966 Simca 1000 does not use one universal tire size across every covered version. The Bertone Coupe uses 145R13 in radial form or 5.50-13 in bias-ply form, while the Series model uses 155R12 in radial form or 5.60-12 in bias-ply form.
That makes sub-model identification the first step before comparing tires. Once the car is confirmed as a Bertone Coupe or a Series model, verify whether it still has its 13-inch or 12-inch wheels and then choose within the radial or bias-ply size associated with that setup.
What size rim does a 1966 Simca 1000 use?
The 1966 Simca 1000 appears with two rim diameters, not just one. Bertone Coupe fitments are built around a 13-inch wheel, while Series fitments are built around a 12-inch wheel, so wheel diameter is directly tied to the sub-model.
Checking the wheel on the car matters because a 12-inch tire and a 13-inch tire are not interchangeable. On a car that has changed hands or seen past repairs, confirm the actual wheel diameter before ordering tires, especially if the current setup may differ from the sub-model's expected fitment group.
Why does the 1966 Simca 1000 have more than one tire size?
The 1966 Simca 1000 has more than one tire size because the covered sub-models use different wheel diameters and each one is associated with both a radial and a bias-ply fitment. The Bertone Coupe belongs to the 13-inch group, while the Series model belongs to the 12-inch group.
That difference means the right tire cannot be chosen by year, make, and model alone. The practical path is to identify the exact sub-model, confirm whether the car still has the expected wheel size, and then decide whether the priority is a traditional bias-ply look or a radial configuration already tied to that version.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 145R13 tire for a 1966 Simca 1000?
Choosing a 145R13 tire for a 1966 Simca 1000 starts with confirming that the car is a Bertone Coupe on 13-inch wheels. Within that size, available radial options include Michelin and Firestone blackwall tires, with product differences that include tire series, stated wheel-width compatibility where given, and related construction details.
The real comparison is not just size, but how the tire suits the car's intended use and presentation. A restoration-minded owner may focus on traditional visual character, while a road-use buyer may pay closer attention to the specific radial series and wheel-width match before making a final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Simca 1000 tires?
The available product assortment for the 1966 Simca 1000 is currently centered on blackwall radial tires in 145R13. Both the Michelin and Firestone options in that size use a blackwall sidewall treatment, which gives the tire a clean and understated period-friendly presentation.
Sidewall style matters most when the goal is to shape the car's overall look without changing the basic fitment. On a compact European car like the Simca 1000, a blackwall often keeps the appearance subtle, but the correct size, wheel diameter, and construction choice should be settled before sidewall appearance becomes the deciding factor.
What brands offer tires for the 1966 Simca 1000?
Michelin and Firestone both offer tires for the 1966 Simca 1000 within the currently available 145R13 radial product selection. The Michelin option appears in the XAS-FF series, while Firestone is represented by the F560 Radial series, giving buyers more than one established brand to compare in the same size.
Brand choice should come after confirming that 145R13 is the correct fitment for the car's sub-model and wheel setup. Once that is settled, compare the available series and any wheel-width guidance that applies, rather than assuming every tire with the right diameter serves the same restoration or road-use purpose.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Simca 1000?
A period-style 1966 Simca 1000 starts with the correct sub-model size and wheel diameter, then follows the construction style associated with that setup. The Bertone Coupe uses 145R13 or 5.50-13 on 13-inch wheels, while the Series model uses 155R12 or 5.60-12 on 12-inch wheels.
For many restoration-oriented owners, bias-ply sizing supports a more traditional visual impression, while radial sizing can still remain faithful to the vehicle's era when kept in the correct fitment group. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references and the car's own history before settling on construction or brand.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1966 Simca 1000 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1966 Simca 1000 restoration because this model spans two distinct wheel diameters and two construction types across its covered sub-models. Using the right 12-inch or 13-inch fitment is part of preserving the car's stance, proportions, and overall visual balance.
A restoration can look noticeably off when the tire size or wheel diameter does not match the car's intended setup, even if the tire physically mounts on the wheel. That is why the best starting point is always the exact sub-model, followed by the proper size group and then the appearance details such as construction and sidewall treatment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Simca 1000?
Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Simca 1000, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body alterations. Even when the tire size matches a known Bertone Coupe or Series fitment, wheel width, offset, and available clearance can change how that tire works on the car.
That is particularly important on a compact vehicle where small changes can influence steering clearance and fender room. A Simca 1000 that has been lowered, widened, or converted to a different wheel setup should have the complete wheel-and-tire package checked before choosing between the 12-inch and 13-inch fitment groups.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Simca 1000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1966 Simca 1000 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm proper mounting, inflation, and valve condition. It also helps to check brake components, wheel bearings, and basic suspension condition so the car is not placing new tires on an unstable foundation.
A short initial road test is useful for catching rubbing, vibration, or pull before normal driving resumes. On a collector car that may have sat for long periods, look over the steering system and recheck pressure after the first drive, since a long-stored vehicle can reveal issues only once it returns to regular movement.
How should tires on a collector 1966 Simca 1000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1966 Simca 1000 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage habits. Watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, since collector vehicles often accumulate age more quickly than mileage and can sit long enough for condition to change unnoticed.
Storage plays a major role in preserving the tire's condition. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce long-term stress in one contact patch area during extended periods of display or seasonal storage.
