The 1967 Fiat 850 captures the small-displacement European spirit of the era, whether in Sedan form or in the lighter, sportier Coupe, Sport, and Spider variants that helped make the 850 such a distinctive enthusiast car. Tire choice on this Fiat is tied closely to body style, with 12-inch fitments on the Sedan and 13-inch fitments on the Coupe, Sport, and Spider, and each setup appears in both bias-ply and radial form. That creates a meaningful decision between traditional numeric bias-ply sizing and Euro-metric radial sizing, along with whitewall or blackwall presentation depending on the tire. Getting the right combination starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Fiat 850
The 1967 Fiat 850 uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Sedan models use 12-inch tires, while Coupe, Sport, and Spider models use 13-inch tires, with both bias-ply and radial fitments represented. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is a Sedan or one of the sport-bodied versions, then decide whether period-style bias-ply construction or a radial setup better suits the way the car will be used.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Fiat 850, this size belongs with the Coupe, Sport, and Spider fitment group rather than the Sedan. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size makes sense for owners who want a period European radial format on the correct 13-inch wheel while keeping fitment matched to the sport-bodied cars.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1967 Fiat 850, this is the traditional 13-inch bias-ply fitment used on Coupe, Sport, and Spider applications. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone options in classic bias-ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments available. This size is the one to evaluate when a restoration-oriented look matters and the car retains the proper 13-inch wheel setup for its sport-bodied configuration.
155R12 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 155-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 12-inch wheel diameter. On the 1967 Fiat 850, it is the radial fitment tied to the Sedan rather than the Coupe, Sport, or Spider. Its meaning is straightforward to modern buyers, but it should still be treated as a Sedan-specific size because the 850 range used more than one wheel diameter. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car is a Sedan and that it still carries the correct 12-inch wheels.
5.50-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.50 describing nominal section width in inches and 12 marking the rim diameter. On the 1967 Fiat 850, this is the bias-ply 12-inch fitment associated with the Sedan. The format reflects the earlier sizing style many vintage-car owners expect to see on a small European sedan of this period. This size is worth considering when the goal is to keep the Sedan close to its traditional visual character, but wheel diameter and overall vehicle setup should still be checked before settling on a replacement tire.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1967 Fiat 850 because the Sedan and the Coupe, Sport, and Spider do not share the same wheel diameter or tire size family. Identifying the exact body style is the first step before comparing bias-ply and radial choices.
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1967 Fiat 850 Coupe, Sport, Spider
The 1967 Fiat 850 Coupe, Sport, and Spider use the 13-inch fitment group, with a choice between 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply sizing. That gives owners a clear path either toward a traditional bias-ply presentation or a period-style radial format on the proper wheel diameter.
The 1967 Fiat 850 Sedan uses the 12-inch fitment group, pairing either 155R12 radial or 5.50-12 bias-ply sizing with its wheel setup. Tire selection starts with staying in the correct 12-inch family, then deciding whether traditional appearance or radial-style road use is the bigger priority.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1967 Fiat 850
For the 1967 Fiat 850, the 560-13 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options. Those alternatives are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The choices move from a classic Euro-metric radial format to progressively more modern P-metric sizing profiles. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and any change from 560-13 should be checked against wheel width, overall setup, and available clearance.
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 1967 Fiat 850 Tires for Sale
Available 1967 Fiat 850 tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop radials in 155R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. Buyers can compare blackwall radial presentation against narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply styles across distinct vintage tire series.
These FAQs focus on the actual tire decisions for a 1967 Fiat 850, including sub-model size differences, 12-inch versus 13-inch wheels, bias-ply and radial choices, appearance options, and the fitment checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Fiat 850?
A 1967 Fiat 850 does not use one universal tire size across the full model range. Coupe, Sport, and Spider models use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires on 13-inch wheels, while the Sedan uses 155R12 radial or 5.50-12 bias-ply tires on 12-inch wheels.
The key step is identifying the exact sub-model before selecting a tire. Once that is confirmed, the next decision is whether to stay with a traditional numeric bias-ply fitment or choose the radial size used with that same body style and wheel diameter. Cars with replacement wheels or later changes should be measured before ordering tires.
What size rim does a 1967 Fiat 850 use?
The 1967 Fiat 850 uses either a 12-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Sedan applications use 12-inch tire sizes, while Coupe, Sport, and Spider applications use 13-inch tire sizes. The rim diameter must match the tire size exactly.
That makes wheel confirmation especially important on a car this old, because replacement wheels are common and sub-models do not share the same diameter. Reading the tire size currently on the car is helpful, but checking the actual wheel diameter is better. A 12-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel, and a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 12-inch wheel.
Do all 1967 Fiat 850 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1967 Fiat 850 sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Coupe, Sport, and Spider versions share the 13-inch fitment group, while the Sedan uses the 12-inch fitment group. Each group includes both a bias-ply size and a radial size.
This difference matters because the first tire decision is really a sub-model and wheel-diameter decision, not just a construction choice. A buyer looking at a Sedan should stay within the 12-inch sizes, while a buyer working with a Coupe, Sport, or Spider should stay within the 13-inch sizes. That keeps the search focused before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or radial alternatives.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Fiat 850?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1967 Fiat 850. It belongs to the 13-inch fitment used on Coupe, Sport, and Spider models, while 155R13 is the radial size associated with that same 13-inch group. The two sizes are related by application but represent different construction types.
Choosing between them depends on what matters most for the car. A 560-13 bias-ply setup keeps the traditional numeric sizing style and vintage presentation, especially with whitewall options, while a 155R13 radial keeps the same wheel diameter in a more modern construction format. Wheel condition, actual rim width, and the car's intended use should all be confirmed before changing construction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent three different sizing formats: an 80-series metric radial in 155R13, a 75-series P-metric radial in P155/75R13, and a 70-series P-metric radial in P155/70R13.
These sizes are useful alternatives to compare, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range tied to the 560-13 equivalents is 4-5 inches, and the vehicle's actual wheel width, clearance, and overall setup still matter. On an older Fiat 850, that check becomes especially important if wheels, suspension, or stance have changed over time.
What should I check before converting my 1967 Fiat 850 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the car's exact sub-model, current wheel diameter, and the radial size that matches that application. On a 1967 Fiat 850, that means staying in the 13-inch group for Coupe, Sport, and Spider models or the 12-inch group for the Sedan, then comparing the intended radial size against the wheel setup already on the car.
A conversion is more than a construction change alone. Wheel width, tire clearance at the fenders and steering, suspension condition, and overall tire dimensions all deserve attention before making the switch. It also helps to think about the car's purpose, since a restoration-oriented 850 may call for a different visual approach than one being prepared for regular road driving.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1967 Fiat 850?
The first consideration is whether 560-13 is the correct fitment group for the car, since that size belongs with 13-inch Coupe, Sport, and Spider applications rather than the Sedan. After that, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and the wheel-width range associated with each product.
BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer 560-13 bias-ply choices, but they are not identical in appearance or wheel compatibility. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions create a very different visual result, and rim-width ranges differ between some options. Matching the tire to the car's actual wheel and the owner's appearance goals usually matters more here than choosing by brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Fiat 850 tires?
Available sidewall styles for 1967 Fiat 850 tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The blackwall choices appear in the 155R13 radial offerings, while the 560-13 bias-ply selection includes both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on how the car presents, especially on a compact vintage Fiat where the tire is visually prominent. A blackwall radial gives a clean European look, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean more toward a traditional period-style presentation. The right choice depends on whether the goal is understated road use, a restoration-oriented look, or a more decorative vintage appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Fiat 850?
Tires for the 1967 Fiat 850 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across the sizes offered here. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial side, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply range for 13-inch sport-bodied applications.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and appearance rather than as a shortcut to the decision. Some buyers will be focused on a European radial look, while others may want a classic bias-ply whitewall presentation. Once the correct sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, compare the available series, sidewall style, and rim-width specifications before narrowing the selection.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Fiat 850?
A period-style 1967 Fiat 850 usually starts with staying in the correct size family for the sub-model and then deciding whether the car should retain a traditional bias-ply look or a vintage-style radial presentation. That means 560-13 or 155R13 for Coupe, Sport, and Spider models, and 5.50-12 or 155R12 for the Sedan.
Bias-ply sizing often gives the most traditional visual cue because the numeric format and available whitewall treatments read as more overtly vintage. A radial can still suit the era well, especially on a sport-bodied 850 with a blackwall presentation. When strict originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque-specific historical references before settling on brand and sidewall details.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 1967 Fiat 850?
A period-style look on a 1967 Fiat 850 can go in more than one direction depending on the body style and the visual character being pursued. Blackwall radials create a restrained European appearance, while narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires deliver a more decorative vintage look in the 560-13 size range.
The best choice is usually the one that matches the car's overall restoration theme rather than the one with the boldest styling. On a compact Fiat, even a small sidewall change is easy to notice, so whitewall width should be chosen carefully. Matching the sidewall treatment to wheel style, trim level, and intended presentation usually produces a more convincing result than choosing by novelty.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Fiat 850?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Fiat 850. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or bodywork differences can change how a 12-inch or 13-inch tire fits even when the tire size itself belongs to the correct sub-model group.
That is especially important on a small car with limited clearance around the fenders and steering components. A modified 850 should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and available space before moving to a different construction or equivalent size. Even a correct-looking tire can create issues if the wheel setup no longer matches the original fitment pattern.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Fiat 850 on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Fiat 850 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the valve stems are sound, and make sure the tires match the car's actual wheel diameter and sub-model. Lug hardware, wheel seating surfaces, and basic suspension condition also deserve attention before the first road test.
A short initial drive should be followed by another check for air loss, rubbing, or uneven clearance at full steering lock. Vintage cars that sit for long periods can have issues beyond the tires themselves, so looking over bearings, brakes, and alignment condition is also worthwhile. A correct tire size works best when the surrounding chassis and wheel components are equally road-ready.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 1967 Fiat 850?
Before a longer drive in a 1967 Fiat 850, check tire pressure, tread condition, visible cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of slow air loss. It also helps to confirm that all four tires are the correct size for the car's sub-model and that none of them show uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension problems.
Collector vehicles often spend more time parked than driven, so age and storage condition matter just as much as tread depth. Looking over the spare, jack equipment, and wheel fasteners is sensible before heading out. On a small vintage Fiat, a fresh inspection can prevent a minor tire issue from becoming a much larger roadside problem once speeds and distances increase.