The 1967 Peugeot 403 belongs to the final years of one of Peugeot’s best-known postwar family cars, a model appreciated today for its clean European styling, durable engineering, and practical sedan and wagon character. For tire selection, this car sits at an interesting crossroads, using either a 185R15 radial or a 6.50-15 bias-ply on a 15-inch rim. That gives owners a clear choice between a more traditional vintage fitment and a period-appropriate radial format. Available tires also span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline presentations across several respected series. The right choice depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road manners, or preserving the car’s original character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Peugeot 403
The 1967 Peugeot 403 uses two primary tire sizes, both built for a 15-inch rim: 185R15 in radial construction and 6.50-15 in bias-ply construction. Because the covered Sedan & Wagon sub-model uses both, the key decision is not sub-model identification but whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial size that suits the car’s road use and appearance goals.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 designates the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1967 Peugeot 403, it represents the radial side of the car’s fitment story and aligns well with a postwar European tire format. Available choices include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments. This size is the one to evaluate if the car is driven regularly and the owner wants radial construction while staying within the proper 15-inch wheel format.
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 15 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1967 Peugeot 403, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and is the right place to start when the goal is a more vintage driving and visual character. Bias-ply construction also appeals to restoration-oriented owners who want to stay close to an earlier tire type rather than move into a radial format. Before choosing it, confirm that the car still has the intended 15-inch wheel setup and that the overall presentation matches the vehicle’s restoration direction.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1967 Peugeot 403 sub-models because the same two tire sizes appear throughout. That means the main decision is construction choice rather than trim-specific sizing, though wheel condition and the actual setup on the car should still be confirmed before purchase.
1
1967 Peugeot 403 Sedan & Wagon
The 1967 Peugeot 403 Sedan & Wagon uses the same 15-inch tire fitment choices, with 185R15 radial and 6.50-15 bias-ply both applicable. That gives owners room to choose between a more traditional vintage presentation and a radial option, then refine the selection by sidewall style, brand, and 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 1967 Peugeot 403 Tires for Sale
Available 185R15 choices for the 1967 Peugeot 403 include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire options across Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport series. Sidewall treatments include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline, with rim-width compatibility varying by product.
These FAQs focus on 1967 Peugeot 403 tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, sidewall and brand selection, and the checks worth making before putting a collector Peugeot back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Peugeot 403?
A 1967 Peugeot 403 uses either a 185R15 radial or a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire. Both sizes are associated with the covered Sedan & Wagon fitment and both are built around a 15-inch rim diameter.
That means the main choice is not between different body-specific sizes, but between two tire constructions and sizing systems. A radial 185R15 gives the car a proper 15-inch European radial format, while 6.50-15 preserves a vintage numeric bias-ply approach. Before choosing, confirm the wheel diameter on the car, especially if it has been stored for years or altered by a previous owner.
What size rim does a 1967 Peugeot 403 use?
The 1967 Peugeot 403 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 185R15 radial option or the 6.50-15 bias-ply size.
Rim diameter is the first non-negotiable measurement because both tire sizes are designed for 15-inch wheels. After that, wheel width still matters, especially when comparing among radial products that carry different approved rim-width ranges. It is smart to inspect the actual wheels on the car before ordering, since collector vehicles sometimes wear replacement rims that do not match the original setup.
Does the 1967 Peugeot 403 Sedan & Wagon use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1967 Peugeot 403 Sedan & Wagon fitment uses the same two primary tire sizes: 185R15 in radial construction and 6.50-15 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate tire-size split between those covered sub-models here.
That simplifies selection because the decision centers on how the car will be used and how it should look rather than on body-style-specific sizing. An owner can focus on radial versus bias-ply, then compare details such as sidewall treatment, brand, and rim-width compatibility. The only caution is to verify that the car still has the correct 15-inch wheel arrangement if it has been modified or restored.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.50-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Peugeot 403?
On the 1967 Peugeot 403, 6.50-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format, with the section width expressed in inches and the 15 indicating rim diameter.
Choosing 6.50-15 keeps the car in a traditional vintage construction, which matters to owners who want an earlier tire appearance and feel. It should not be confused with the 185R15 radial, even though both fit a 15-inch wheel. The practical next step is to decide whether the car’s purpose is restoration-minded presentation, occasional touring, or a more modern radial-oriented road setup.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1967 Peugeot 403?
A 1967 Peugeot 403 can be fitted with either a 6.50-15 bias-ply or a 185R15 radial, so the right choice depends on what matters most to the owner. Bias-ply supports a more traditional vintage presentation, while 185R15 keeps the car in a proper 15-inch radial format.
That choice should be guided by the car’s intended use, its restoration direction, and the wheel setup actually on the vehicle. A car being preserved with a period-style look may point toward bias-ply, while one that is driven more regularly may lead the owner toward a radial. Wheel width, clearance, and overall condition of the suspension and steering should be checked before changing construction.
What should I check before converting my 1967 Peugeot 403 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the car has the correct 15-inch wheels and that the wheel width suits the specific 185R15 radial being considered. Radial products in this size can carry different approved rim-width ranges, so the actual wheel on the car matters.
Clearance should also be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel, especially on an older car that may have replacement wheels, worn components, or previous bodywork. A conversion is also a good time to inspect steering and suspension condition, because tired bushings, loose components, or uneven alignment can affect how any new tire behaves on the road.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R15 tire for a 1967 Peugeot 403?
Start with the basics: the tire must be a 185R15 radial for a 15-inch wheel, and the wheel width should fall within the approved range for the exact product. After that, the main differences come from brand, tire series, sidewall style, and the overall look the car is meant to carry.
The available 185R15 options span Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with series such as Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport. Sidewall treatments include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline. A careful buyer should compare appearance, rim-width compatibility, and any load information shown for the product rather than choosing on size alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Peugeot 403 tires?
For the 1967 Peugeot 403 in 185R15 radial fitment, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline. Those choices can significantly change the way the car presents itself without changing the basic tire size.
A blackwall usually gives the Peugeot a restrained European look, while a narrow whitewall can add a more formal period flavor and a redline creates a stronger visual accent. None of those styles should be assumed to be factory-correct simply because they are available in the right size. The better approach is to match the sidewall to the car’s restoration theme and overall visual balance.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Peugeot 403?
In 185R15 radial fitment, the 1967 Peugeot 403 has choices from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those brands appear across several different tire series and sidewall treatments rather than as one uniform style.
Brand choice should be treated as part of a broader selection process, not as the only decision. It helps to compare each product’s construction, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width suitability alongside the intended use of the car. A restoration-oriented owner may focus heavily on appearance, while a driver putting more road miles on the Peugeot may pay closer attention to radial format and wheel compatibility.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Peugeot 403?
A period-style 1967 Peugeot 403 can reasonably point in two directions depending on the result you want. The 6.50-15 bias-ply maintains a traditional vintage tire format, while the 185R15 radial reflects the European radial sizing associated with cars of this era and later service replacements.
That makes the decision more about restoration intent than simple fitment. If the goal is a distinctly vintage stance and feel, bias-ply deserves serious consideration. If the goal is a classic European road-car presentation with radial construction, 185R15 may be the better fit. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and period documentation are still worth consulting before finalizing the choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Peugeot 403?
Tire construction changes more than the driving feel of a restored 1967 Peugeot 403; it also changes the visual character of the car. A 6.50-15 bias-ply gives a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 185R15 radial creates a later, more European radial look within the same 15-inch wheel diameter.
Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that appearance decision. Blackwall keeps the look restrained, narrow whitewall adds a formal period accent, and redline creates a more noticeable stylistic statement. Because visual priorities vary from one restoration to another, the best choice is the one that matches the car’s intended era feel and the owner’s preferred balance of authenticity and road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Peugeot 403?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Peugeot 403 even when the chosen tire is one of the correct primary sizes. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearances can all alter how a 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply sits on the car.
That is why an older Peugeot should be measured as it exists today, not only as it may have left the factory. Look closely at wheel diameter, steering clearance, inner-fender space, and suspension travel before mounting new tires. Cars that have spent decades in collector hands often accumulate replacement parts, and those changes can matter just as much as the nominal tire size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Peugeot 403 on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Peugeot 403 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the bead seats are sound, and make sure the tire size matches the 15-inch wheel setup on the car. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the new tires should be checked for proper seating and adequate clearance.
A careful road-use inspection should also include steering and suspension condition, especially on a long-stored collector car. Look for worn tie-rod ends, loose wheel bearings, weak shocks, and any signs of rubbing at full lock or over bumps. The first few drives are the time to recheck pressure and watch for uneven wear, vibration, or contact marks that suggest a setup issue.
How should tires on a collector 1967 Peugeot 403 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1967 Peugeot 403 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even a low-mileage car can develop tire problems over time, especially if it sits for long periods in heat, sunlight, or damp conditions.
Cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, and slow air loss are all worth watching for, whether the car is on 185R15 radials or 6.50-15 bias-ply tires. It also helps to move the car occasionally and keep it on clean, dry surfaces away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors and compressors. Any collector car that sees limited use still deserves routine tire inspections before every meaningful drive.