1967 Amphicar Tires

The 1967 Amphicar uses two primary tire sizes: 640-13 and 650-13. Both are numeric bias-ply sizes built for 13-inch rims, and the Base sub-model is associated with both of them rather than just one. That means the vehicle may legitimately be encountered with either size depending on its wheel and tire setup.

The practical step is to confirm what is mounted on the vehicle now and make sure the wheel dimensions match the intended replacement tire. Because both sizes belong to the same general vintage sizing system, it is easy to assume they are interchangeable, but replacement should still follow the actual wheel and vehicle setup rather than guesswork.

The primary tire fitments for the 1967 Amphicar use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 640-13 and 650-13 are tied to that same rim diameter, so the basic wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire size itself can vary. That simplifies one part of fitment, but it does not eliminate the need to verify the wheel.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a collector vehicle. The wheel width should also be checked, especially if the car has been altered over time or fitted with replacement wheels. Matching the tire to the actual wheel helps avoid unnecessary fitment issues and gives a better starting point for choosing between bias-ply replacements and radial-equivalent alternatives.

A 640-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 640 portion represents an approximate nominal section width of 6.40 inches, written without a decimal, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1967 Amphicar, it refers to one of the two primary bias-ply tire sizes used on 13-inch wheels.

Understanding the format helps when comparing it with modern radial equivalents, because those use completely different sizing conventions such as 175R13 or P175/75R13. The most useful next step is to verify whether the Amphicar currently carries 640-13 or 650-13 tires, then compare whitewall style, brand, and wheel compatibility within that specific size.

For the 1967 Amphicar, 640-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format rather than a modern metric radial format, and the available period-style product in this size is a bias-ply tire. That makes it a natural choice for owners who want to retain the traditional construction associated with vintage small-car fitment.

A buyer considering a change in construction should treat the radial options as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. The wheel setup, rim width, and vehicle clearance still matter, especially on a specialty collector vehicle. Keeping bias-ply construction preserves the original-style sizing approach, while changing to radial means checking compatibility more carefully before making the switch.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These give the 1967 Amphicar owner several modern-format alternatives while staying in the 13-inch rim family.

Each of those equivalents should be viewed as a comparison point rather than a guaranteed replacement. The associated rim-width range is 4-6 inches, which is helpful, but overall fit still depends on the actual wheel and the vehicle's available space. Checking wheel width, clearance, and the current setup is the right way to narrow the choice.

A bias-look radial option is available for the 1967 Amphicar in the form of 650R13. It is presented as a radial equivalent for both 640-13 and 650-13, which makes it relevant for owners who want radial construction while still keeping a more traditional tire presentation than a typical modern metric sidewall.

That visual advantage does not make it automatically interchangeable with every wheel and body setup. The wheel should fall within the associated 4-6 inch rim-width range, and overall fit should still be checked against the vehicle's current configuration. It is a useful middle ground when appearance matters but full bias-ply construction is not the only goal.

Start by confirming whether the vehicle uses 640-13 or 650-13, since the 1967 Amphicar is associated with both sizes. After that, the main decision points are construction, sidewall style, brand, and wheel compatibility. Both primary sizes are bias-ply, but each one leads to a slightly different mix of available products and appearance choices.

A restoration-oriented owner may focus first on maintaining a traditional look, while another owner may be comparing bias-ply tires with radial-equivalent alternatives. Product details such as rim-width range, load capacity, and sidewall treatment become more useful once the actual size is confirmed. That sequence helps keep the choice accurate instead of simply picking the most familiar-looking tire.

The available sidewall styles for the 1967 Amphicar include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. The 640-13 offering uses a wide whitewall treatment, while 650-13 products are available in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions. That gives the owner some visual flexibility without stepping outside the correct vintage tire categories for this vehicle.

Sidewall choice is mostly about appearance, but it should be made after the correct size has been established. A wider whitewall creates a more pronounced period-style presentation, while a narrow whitewall gives a subtler look. Owners concerned with historical accuracy should compare the tire appearance against trusted Amphicar-era references before settling on a final style.

Tires for the 1967 Amphicar are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and US Royal. BFGoodrich appears in 640-13, while Coker Classic and US Royal offer 650-13 choices. Those offerings stay within the vintage bias-ply category and give buyers more than one path depending on the exact size and sidewall presentation they want.

Brand should be compared alongside the tire series, whitewall style, and wheel-fit details rather than treated as the only deciding factor. In this case, some of the real differences show up in appearance and size coverage more than in broad branding. Once the correct size is confirmed, the product grid becomes a practical way to sort those distinctions.

A period-style 1967 Amphicar usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 640-13 or 650-13, depending on the wheel and tire setup already on the vehicle. Bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing format and supports the traditional appearance most owners expect from a specialty vehicle of this era.

Once the correct size is confirmed, the appearance decision shifts to sidewall treatment and brand-series preference rather than changing the vehicle's basic fitment identity. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options create noticeably different visual results. For owners pursuing exact historical presentation, marque references and period photos are valuable before settling on the final look.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1967 Amphicar; it also changes how the vehicle looks at a glance. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional profile associated with older small-car fitment. A modern radial alternative can alter the visual impression even when it remains in the correct general size range.

That difference matters most on a vehicle with such a distinctive shape and collector presence. Owners who want a stronger vintage presentation often stay with bias-ply construction, while a bias-look radial offers a compromise between appearance and modern construction. The right choice depends on whether the restoration priority is authentic visual character, road use, or a balance of both.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Amphicar even when the tire size seems close to stock. Replacement wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension work, ride-height alterations, or body repairs can all change how a 640-13, 650-13, or radial-equivalent tire sits in the wheel opening. That is especially important on a low-production specialty vehicle.

The safest approach is to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width, then check clearance at full steering lock and through suspension movement. Even small differences can matter on an older vehicle with a unique body and chassis layout. Any owner considering radial alternatives should be even more careful about verifying the complete wheel-and-clearance combination first.

Before driving a 1967 Amphicar on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting condition, then confirm that the tires are inflated appropriately for their application. It is also wise to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, worn components, or anything that could affect tracking. New tires work best when the surrounding hardware is in sound condition.

A short road test should begin gently, with attention to vibration, pulling, rubbing, or unusual steering response. Collector vehicles that sit for long periods can reveal unrelated issues once fresh tires are installed. Checking clearance, rechecking air pressure after initial use, and watching for any sign of contact or air loss helps establish that the vehicle is ready for normal road use.

Collector-car tires on a 1967 Amphicar should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Whether the vehicle wears 640-13 or 650-13 tires, it is important to watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss. Low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth.

Storage has a major effect on vintage tire life. Keeping the Amphicar away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect the tires before every outing rather than assuming they are fine because the vehicle was parked. That habit is especially important for specialty collector vehicles used intermittently.