1967 Saab Sonett Tires

The 1967 Saab Sonett is associated with two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim, but they represent different construction types and different approaches to the car’s appearance and road manners.

Choosing between them starts with the wheel setup already on the car and the kind of use the Sonett will see. A restoration-minded owner may lean toward the 560-15 bias-ply route, while a buyer seeking a classic European radial format may focus on 155R15. Before selecting either size, confirm wheel width and look at clearance around the fenders and suspension.

The tire fitments associated with the 1967 Saab Sonett use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 155R15 radial size and the 560-15 bias-ply size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a lightweight specialty car like the Sonett. Wheel width should still be checked against the tire being considered, particularly when moving between bias-ply and radial options. The car may still wear original-style wheels, or it may have been changed over the years, so measuring the actual wheel is worthwhile.

560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 portion represents an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 15 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Saab Sonett, it refers to the traditional bias-ply fitment path rather than a modern metric radial size.

That matters because a 560-15 tire is selected differently than a modern metric tire. Product choice often comes down to sidewall presentation, tire series, and whether the owner wants a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall look. It is also the size from which the Sonett’s radial-equivalent options are typically considered, so wheel width and clearance deserve a careful second look.

On the 1967 Saab Sonett, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is associated with the traditional vintage construction choice for this car, while 155R15 represents the radial path.

That distinction shapes both appearance and fitment planning. A bias-ply selection keeps the Sonett in a more traditional visual and period-style direction, while a radial choice changes the construction and sizing format being used. Before switching away from 560-15, check the actual wheel width, confirm the 15-inch rim, and make sure the car has enough clearance for the tire you are considering.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 on a 1967 Saab Sonett include 155R15 as the equivalent 80-series metric radial and 560R15 as the bias-look radial equivalent. Those options give the Sonett owner two different radial directions from the original numeric bias-ply size.

The 155R15 choice uses a classic Euro-metric radial format, while 560R15 is aimed at retaining a more traditional bias-style presentation in radial construction. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalent paths. Even with the same 15-inch rim diameter, dimensions, wheel width, and vehicle clearance should be checked before treating either as a substitute.

A bias-look radial can be considered for the 1967 Saab Sonett in the form of 560R15, which is the bias-look radial equivalent to the 560-15 bias-ply size. It is intended for owners who want radial construction while keeping a more traditional vintage tire presentation.

That makes it a useful middle ground between full bias-ply appearance and a clearly modern metric radial format like 155R15. Even so, a bias-look radial is still a radial, not a bias-ply tire, so the wheel and vehicle setup should be verified carefully. Rim width, overall dimensions, and clearance around the body and suspension all deserve attention before making the change.

A 560-15 choice for a 1967 Saab Sonett starts with deciding how traditional the car should look and feel. This size is available in bias-ply construction from brands including Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations depending on the tire series.

Once the appearance direction is clear, compare the wheel setup and the intended use of the car. Some 560-15 products are tied to specific rim-width figures or ranges, and a lightweight specialty car can be sensitive to changes in construction and profile. A careful buyer will match the tire not only to the size code, but also to the Sonett’s actual wheels and overall presentation goals.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size path is being used on the 1967 Saab Sonett. The 155R15 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-15 bias-ply range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices across several brands and tire series.

That variety gives the Sonett owner room to shape the car’s look without changing the basic wheel diameter. A blackwall usually keeps the presentation simple and sporting, while whitewall styles create a more decorative period-style appearance. Since sidewall treatment does not override fitment, the visual choice should come after confirming the right size, construction, and wheel compatibility for the car.

The 1967 Saab Sonett has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand choice depends on whether the car is staying with the 560-15 bias-ply format or moving with a 155R15 radial-style setup.

Brand names matter most when they also bring a different tire series, sidewall treatment, or construction type into the comparison. Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein appear in the radial 155R15 range, while Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic cover traditional bias-ply presentations in 560-15. The better comparison is not brand prestige, but which tire best matches the Sonett’s fitment needs and visual direction.

For a period-style 1967 Saab Sonett, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point. It follows a vintage numeric sizing format and is available in blackwall as well as whitewall presentations, which can help shape the car’s restored appearance without changing away from the classic 15-inch fitment.

The final choice depends on how authentic-looking you want the Sonett to appear and how the car will be used once finished. A radial such as 155R15 may still suit a restoration-minded car with a European roadgoing flavor, but it changes the construction and presentation. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice with marque-specific historical references before committing to one look.

Tire construction changes more than the way the 1967 Saab Sonett drives; it also changes the way the car presents visually. A 560-15 bias-ply tire gives the Sonett a more traditional vintage look, while a 155R15 radial introduces a classic European radial appearance with a different sizing convention.

That means construction becomes part of the restoration decision, not just a technical one. Sidewall style also plays a role, especially since 560-15 is available in blackwall and whitewall treatments while the 155R15 options are blackwall radials. Matching the tire to the era and personality of the finished car usually produces a more convincing result than choosing by size alone.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1967 Saab Sonett. Even though both primary tire sizes use a 15-inch rim, aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body work can all change how a 155R15 or 560-15 tire sits on the car.

That is why the actual vehicle should be checked rather than assuming every Sonett still matches an original-style setup. A different wheel width can matter when moving between bias-ply and radial construction, and even small changes can influence steering and fender clearance on a compact sports car. Looking closely at the current wheel and suspension setup avoids expensive fitment surprises.

Before driving a 1967 Saab Sonett on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 15-inch diameter and sound condition, and make sure the tire size and construction match the intended setup. It is also smart to look over valve stems, lug hardware, wheel balance, and basic clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering components.

A collector car that sees limited use deserves an extra check for aging rubber elsewhere in the chassis and for any signs of rubbing once the new tires are mounted. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the tire being used, and the first drive should be short and deliberate. A careful recheck afterward can reveal contact issues or air loss early.

Collector-car tires on a 1967 Saab Sonett should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Whether the car wears 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials, low annual mileage does not prevent sidewall cracking, flat-spotting, air loss, or general rubber deterioration over time.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a car like the Sonett. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear before each outing, especially if the car has been parked for extended periods.