The 1967 Peugeot 404 sits in a distinctive place among European sedans and wagons of the 1960s, valued for its clean Pininfarina-influenced styling, durable engineering, and easygoing road manners. Tire selection on this car is not one-size-fits-all, because sedan and convertible models use 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply fitments, while the wagon steps up to 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply sizing. That gives owners a meaningful choice between period-style bias-ply construction and radial alternatives, with available options that range from blackwall to whitewall and even redline depending on size. The right decision comes down to sub-model, wheel setup, appearance goals, and how the car will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Peugeot 404
The 1967 Peugeot 404 uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends first on the exact sub-model. Sedan and convertible fitments differ from wagon fitments, even though all use a 15-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon, then decide whether a radial or bias-ply construction best matches the car's setup, appearance, and intended road use.
165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Peugeot 404, this is one of the radial fitments used for Sedan & Convertible applications and gives the car a distinctly European period-style sizing format. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from brands such as Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, and Vredestein across several tire series. It is the size to evaluate when the car retains the smaller radial fitment and the goal is to balance correct proportions with the preferred sidewall presentation.
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 590 represents an approximate 5.90-inch nominal section width and 15 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1967 Peugeot 404, this is the bias-ply fitment used for Sedan & Convertible models and it suits owners who want a more traditional construction and driving presentation. Blackwall and wide whitewall choices are available, including BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings, along with an Avon Turbospeed option. This size is the one to consider when keeping the car in a more period-style bias-ply configuration or when comparing it against known radial equivalents.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1967 Peugeot 404, this larger radial fitment applies to Wagon models and reflects the wagon's distinct tire requirement within the 404 range. Product choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline treatments from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, spread across series such as Michelin XVS, Coker Classic Radial, Universal Sport, and Turbosteel CR3B. This is the size to verify when selecting tires for a wagon and when appearance or sidewall style matters as much as basic fitment.
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.50 indicates the nominal section width in inches and 15 is the wheel diameter. On the 1967 Peugeot 404, it serves as the bias-ply counterpart to the wagon's radial sizing and should be treated as a wagon-specific fitment rather than a universal 404 size. Its appeal is mainly for owners pursuing a traditional bias-ply look and feel on the larger wagon application. Before choosing it, confirm the car's exact sub-model and wheel setup so the tire's vintage sizing and construction align with the vehicle's intended use.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1967 Peugeot 404 because the Sedan & Convertible and Wagon do not share the same tire sizes. All use 15-inch rims, but the actual tire choice changes with body style and with the decision to stay with bias-ply construction or move to a radial fitment.
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1967 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible
The 1967 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible uses the smaller of the two 404 fitment groups, with a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. That makes tire selection less about wheel diameter and more about whether the goal is a traditional period-style setup, a radial road-going setup, or a particular sidewall appearance.
The 1967 Peugeot 404 Wagon uses a different tire fitment from the Sedan & Convertible, so wagon owners should start by confirming that larger wagon-specific sizing. Once that is established, the decision becomes whether to keep a bias-ply presentation or choose among the available radial products and sidewall styles.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1967 Peugeot 404
For the 1967 Peugeot 404, the 590-15 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options. Those are 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The range moves from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to lower-profile P-metric alternatives. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, and any conversion should be checked against the actual wheel, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the car.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-15)
P165/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-15)
P175/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-15)
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 Peugeot 404 Tires for Sale
Available 1967 Peugeot 404 tires span radial and bias-ply construction across 15-inch fitments, with choices from Michelin, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, American Classic, Avon, Vredestein, and Universal Vintage Tire. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments across several tire series.
Common 1967 Peugeot 404 tire questions usually center on sub-model sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how sidewall style affects the car's overall look. Owners also tend to ask what to inspect before putting a collector Peugeot back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Peugeot 404?
A 1967 Peugeot 404 can use more than one tire size depending on the sub-model. Sedan & Convertible applications use 165R15 in radial form or 590-15 in bias-ply form, while the Wagon uses 185R15 in radial form or 6.50-15 in bias-ply form. All of these fitments are built around a 15-inch rim diameter.
The first step is confirming whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon, because the larger wagon sizing should not be treated as universal across all 404 models. It also helps to confirm whether the car still has stock-type wheels or has been changed over the years, since wheel width and construction choice can affect which tire is the most appropriate option.
What size rim does a 1967 Peugeot 404 use?
The 1967 Peugeot 404 uses a 15-inch rim diameter across its covered tire fitments. That remains true whether the car is using the sedan and convertible sizes of 165R15 and 590-15 or the wagon sizes of 185R15 and 6.50-15. Rim diameter is shared, even though the tire sizes themselves vary by sub-model and construction.
A 15-inch wheel is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still deserves a careful look before choosing a tire. Many collector cars have had wheels changed over time, and a tire that matches the rim diameter may still need to be checked against actual rim width, sidewall clearance, and the specific body style being fitted.
Do all 1967 Peugeot 404 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, all 1967 Peugeot 404 sub-models do not use the same tire size. The Sedan & Convertible use 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply sizing, while the Wagon uses the larger 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply fitment. The shared point is the 15-inch rim diameter, not a single universal tire size.
That difference matters because a buyer needs to identify the exact sub-model before comparing products or sidewall styles. It also means that a tire selected for the wagon should not automatically be assumed correct for a sedan or convertible, even though the wheels share the same diameter and the overall tire presentation may look similar at a glance.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Peugeot 404?
590-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1967 Peugeot 404. It is used on Sedan & Convertible applications as the period-style bias-ply fitment, while 165R15 serves as the radial counterpart in that same sub-model group. The size itself follows the older numeric bias-ply system rather than a modern metric radial format.
That distinction affects both appearance and selection. Owners choosing 590-15 are usually aiming to keep a more traditional construction on the car, while a radial alternative may be considered for a different road-use preference. Before switching between constructions, it is smart to confirm wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance so the chosen tire suits the actual setup of the vehicle.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-15?
Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those options give a 1967 Peugeot 404 owner several radial sizing paths to compare when starting from the original 590-15 bias-ply fitment.
Each equivalent represents a different sizing convention and profile approach, so the decision is not just about rim diameter. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to this equivalency group, and the final choice should be checked against the car's actual wheels, overall tire dimensions, and available steering and fender clearance before making the conversion.
What should I check before converting my 1967 Peugeot 404 from bias-ply to radial tires?
A conversion from bias-ply to radial tires on a 1967 Peugeot 404 starts with the exact original size and sub-model. For a Sedan & Convertible using 590-15, the recognized radial equivalents are 165R15, P165/75R15, and P175/70R15. The wheel still needs to match the tire's rim-diameter and rim-width requirements before any radial option is considered.
Beyond size, check the actual wheel width, suspension condition, and clearance at the fenders and steering range. Many older cars have had wheels, springs, or ride height changed over the years, and those changes matter during a conversion. It also helps to decide whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented bias-ply presentation or updated for a radial-style road setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165R15 tire for a 1967 Peugeot 404?
Choosing a 165R15 tire for a 1967 Peugeot 404 starts with confirming that the car is a Sedan & Convertible rather than a Wagon. Within that size, there is meaningful variety in brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options from several manufacturers.
The best choice depends on how the car is used and how it should look. A restoration-oriented Peugeot may call for a whitewall presentation, while a more understated European look may point toward blackwall. Rim-width specifications also vary slightly among products, so the actual wheel should be measured before selecting a tire simply by size name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Peugeot 404 tires?
The 1967 Peugeot 404 has several sidewall styles available, depending on tire size. Across the applicable products, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline. The widest sidewall variety appears in the radial sizes, while the bias-ply 590-15 fitment is available in blackwall and wide whitewall form.
Sidewall style changes the character of the car more than many owners expect. A blackwall usually gives the 404 a more restrained European presentation, while whitewalls create a more formal period look and redlines add a sportier visual accent in the larger radial wagon-size group. Appearance matters, but the right size and wheel compatibility still need to come first.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Peugeot 404?
Tires for the 1967 Peugeot 404 are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Brand availability depends on the size, with the broadest assortment appearing in 165R15, while 590-15 and 185R15 have more focused but still meaningful product choices.
Brand is only one part of the decision, because the available products also differ by tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility. It helps to narrow the search by starting with the exact size for the car's sub-model, then compare whether the goal is a simple blackwall radial, a whitewall presentation, or a more traditional bias-ply appearance.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Peugeot 404?
A period-style 1967 Peugeot 404 tire choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment and then the construction type. Sedan & Convertible models can be kept in a traditional look with 590-15 bias-ply sizing or in a European radial presentation with 165R15, while the Wagon uses the larger 6.50-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial fitment.
The right answer depends on whether the goal is a restoration-oriented visual impression or a road-driven radial setup that still suits the car's era. Sidewall style also matters, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments create very different results. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references and period documentation for the specific car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Peugeot 404?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1967 Peugeot 404 as much as it changes the driving setup. A bias-ply tire such as 590-15 or 6.50-15 gives the car a more traditional period presentation, while radial sizes such as 165R15 and 185R15 deliver a later European radial look that still suits the era.
Construction choice should match the restoration goal rather than be treated as a purely technical decision. Sidewall style then fine-tunes the result, whether the preference is blackwall restraint, a whitewall accent, or a redline treatment on the larger radial size. The visual effect should be considered alongside wheel dimensions and the car's actual sub-model so the finished stance remains coherent.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Peugeot 404?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Peugeot 404 even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can influence how a 15-inch tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering and suspension movement.
That is especially important on a car with multiple valid tire sizes across different body styles. A modified Sedan & Convertible should not automatically be judged by stock wagon sizing, and vice versa. Any Peugeot 404 with changed wheels or ride height deserves a careful check of rim width, sidewall clearance, and turning clearance before new tires are put into service.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Peugeot 404 on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Peugeot 404 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. It also makes sense to verify that all four tires match the intended size and construction for the car's sub-model, and that inflation is set appropriately for the tires being used.
A short shakedown drive is wise after installation so the car can be checked for rubbing, pull, vibration, or unusual steering feel. Older collector vehicles may have brake, alignment, or wheel-condition issues that only become obvious once fresh tires are mounted. Looking over the tread and sidewalls again after the first few drives can also catch any early fitment problem.
How should 165R15, 590-15, 185R15, and 6.50-15 tires on a collector 1967 Peugeot 404 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1967 Peugeot 404 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Whether the car wears 165R15, 590-15, 185R15, or 6.50-15 tires, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and signs of slow air loss, especially if the vehicle spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a vintage Peugeot. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and occasional movement can help avoid flat spotting on low-use vehicles. Before longer drives, inspect the tires closely and confirm that the spare, if carried, is also in usable road-going condition.
