The 1967 Citroen SW belongs to the era when Citroen wagons stood apart for their advanced engineering, long-distance comfort, and unmistakably European road manners. For owners of the SW 19 Wagon and SW 21 Wagon, tire choice is less about switching between unrelated fitments and more about understanding two closely related radial sizes: the original millimetric 180-380 and the more familiar 185R15. That opens the door to meaningful choices in brand, sidewall presentation, and tire series, including blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall options. The right decision comes down to whether the goal is preserving the car's period character, simplifying future service, or balancing both on regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Citroen SW
The 1967 Citroen SW uses two primary radial tire sizes, and both are associated with the covered wagon sub-models. The first thing to confirm is whether the car is still set up for the original 180-380 millimetric fitment or has been fitted with 15-inch wheels for 185R15 tires. Once that is clear, the decision shifts to tire style, brand, and how closely the tire presentation matches the car's period character.
The 180-380 size is a classic millimetric radial format, with 180 indicating nominal section width in millimeters and 380 referring to the rim diameter in millimeters rather than inches. It is a radial tire associated with the 1967 Citroen SW's original European-style fitment approach, making it especially relevant for owners trying to stay close to the car's traditional setup. Because this size follows a less familiar sizing system, wheel identification matters before any replacement decision is made. It is the size to evaluate when the car still retains its original millimetric wheel arrangement and restoration-oriented appearance is part of the goal.
The 185R15 size is a Euro-metric radial, with 185 representing nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim diameter. On a 1967 Citroen SW, this size gives buyers access to a broader range of modern replacement choices while staying within a period-appropriate radial format. Available options include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the practical size to consider when the car already uses 15-inch wheels and the owner wants more choice in tire series and presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1967 Citroen SW wagon sub-models because both use the same two radial size paths. The key is confirming whether the car remains on the millimetric 180-380 setup or has been converted to a 15-inch wheel for 185R15 tires.
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1967 Citroen SW 19 Wagon
The 1967 Citroen SW 19 Wagon is associated with both 180-380 and 185R15 radial tire sizing. That means tire selection starts with verifying the wheel setup on the car, then choosing the replacement style and brand that best suits either a restoration-minded presentation or regular road use.
The 1967 Citroen SW 21 Wagon follows the same fitment pattern, using either 180-380 or 185R15 in radial construction. For this sub-model, the important step is checking whether the wagon still carries millimetric wheels or a 15-inch setup before comparing available tire series and sidewall treatments.
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 1967 Citroen SW Tires for Sale
For 185R15 fitment, the available choices span Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall presentations across several radial series, with rim-width specifications that vary by product.
Common questions for the 1967 Citroen SW usually center on the difference between 180-380 and 185R15, wheel confirmation, radial tire selection, period-style appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector wagon back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Citroen SW?
The 1967 Citroen SW uses two radial tire sizes: 180-380 and 185R15. Both the SW 19 Wagon and SW 21 Wagon are associated with those sizes, so the fitment question is not about trim differences as much as identifying which wheel setup is actually on the car.
A 180-380 tire uses a millimetric rim, while 185R15 fits a 15-inch wheel. Before choosing a replacement, confirm the wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or verify the existing tire and wheel combination on the vehicle. That step matters more than the sub-model name when moving from old tires to a fresh set.
What size rim does a 1967 Citroen SW use?
A 1967 Citroen SW can be found with either the original millimetric setup used with 180-380 tires or a 15-inch wheel used with 185R15 tires. The 185R15 fitment is clearly tied to a 15-inch rim, while 180-380 belongs to a metric wheel system rather than an inch-based rim diameter.
That distinction is critical because a 15-inch tire does not belong on a 380 millimeter rim, and a millimetric tire does not belong on a 15-inch wheel. Measuring the wheel and confirming the exact setup on the car should come before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or tire series.
Do all 1967 Citroen SW sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes, the covered 1967 Citroen SW sub-models share the same fitment pattern. Both the SW 19 Wagon and SW 21 Wagon are associated with 180-380 and 185R15 radial sizes, so there is no separate tire-size split between those two wagon versions in this fitment group.
In practical terms, that means the sub-model badge alone does not settle the tire question. The more important check is whether the wagon still carries its millimetric wheels or has been fitted with 15-inch wheels. Once that is confirmed, the buyer can focus on tire construction details, appearance, and product choice.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R15 tire for a 1967 Citroen SW?
Start with wheel compatibility, since 185R15 belongs on a 15-inch rim and several products in this size also call for specific rim-width ranges. Available 185R15 choices for the 1967 Citroen SW include multiple radial series from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire.
After fitment is confirmed, compare the details that shape how the wagon looks and drives. Sidewall style is one of the biggest visual differences, with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall options available. Rim-width specifications, load figures where stated, and whether the car is used for touring or display can all help narrow the right choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Citroen SW tires?
For 185R15 fitment on a 1967 Citroen SW, the available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall. Those options let an owner move from a very understated touring look to a more visibly styled period presentation without changing away from the correct general radial size format.
Sidewall treatment is mostly an appearance decision, but it can strongly affect how the wagon presents itself. A blackwall tends to look restrained and utilitarian, while redline or narrow whitewall options add visual character. Matching the sidewall to the car's restoration style, wheel design, and intended use usually leads to the most satisfying result.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Citroen SW?
For 185R15 applications on the 1967 Citroen SW, available brands include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those choices appear across several tire series, including Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport.
Brand alone should not make the decision. Compare the exact tire size marking, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility where stated, and the overall character of the series. That approach keeps the choice centered on the wagon's wheel setup, intended appearance, and road use rather than treating every 185R15 radial as the same product.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Citroen SW?
A period-style 1967 Citroen SW usually starts with preserving the wheel and tire format already appropriate to the car, whether that means the original-style 180-380 millimetric radial arrangement or a 185R15 radial on 15-inch wheels. Both keep the wagon in a distinctly European radial tradition rather than moving toward a modern low-profile look.
The next decision is visual character. Within 185R15, blackwall gives a restrained appearance, while redline and narrow whitewall options create a stronger styling statement. For owners pursuing exact historical authenticity, it is worth checking marque-specific references and restoration records before treating any sidewall treatment or brand as the definitive original presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Citroen SW?
On the 1967 Citroen SW, the main fitments are already radial, so the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about staying with the car's traditional European tire proportions. A millimetric 180-380 setup and a classic 185R15 radial both look far more in character than a visibly modern performance-oriented substitute.
Sidewall presentation then becomes the major styling choice. Blackwall keeps the look conservative, while redline and narrow whitewall versions can shift the visual tone of the entire wagon. Restored cars often look most convincing when the tire profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment all support the same era-consistent theme.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Citroen SW?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1967 Citroen SW. The most important example is a wheel conversion, since the wagon may be set up for either the original 180-380 millimetric tire or a 15-inch 185R15 radial. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or brake changes can also affect available clearance.
Any time the car has been changed from its original wheel or suspension arrangement, confirm the actual wheel diameter and width before ordering tires. It is also wise to check steering lock, inner-fender space, and suspension movement with the current setup. That keeps a tire-size decision tied to the wagon on hand rather than assumptions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Citroen SW on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Citroen SW on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, condition, and secure mounting, then confirm the tires are properly seated and inflated. The car should also be checked for obvious suspension wear, damaged steering components, and any rubbing points that could contact the tire during turning or suspension travel.
Collector wagons often spend long periods parked, so it also makes sense to look over brake function, wheel bearings, and the age and condition of any remaining rubber parts around the suspension. A short initial road test at moderate speed can reveal vibration, pull, or clearance issues before the car is taken on a longer drive.
How should tires on a collector 1967 Citroen SW be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1967 Citroen SW should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear, even if the wagon is driven only occasionally. Low-use classics can age out their tires long before the tread is worn, so visual condition matters just as much as miles traveled.
Storage conditions make a real difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, ozone sources, excess moisture, and heat helps protect the tires between drives. Periodic pressure checks and occasional movement of the vehicle can also reduce flat spotting. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration deserves attention before regular road use resumes.
