The 1967 Simca 1000 belongs to the era when compact European cars delivered practical transportation with a distinctly continental character, and its rear-engine layout gives it a personality that still appeals to vintage small-car enthusiasts today. Tire choice on this car is especially important because fitment changes with the exact sub-model. The Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch fitments, with either a 145R13 radial or a 5.50-13 bias-ply option, while the Series uses 12-inch fitments. For coupe owners, available 145R13 choices focus on blackwall radial designs from Michelin and Firestone. Before choosing, confirm the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and whether the goal is period-style appearance or radial road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Simca 1000
Four tire sizes apply to the 1967 Simca 1000, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch tire fitments, while the Series uses 12-inch fitments, with both radial and bias-ply choices represented. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the car is a Coupe or Series model and verify that the wheels on the car still match the original diameter.
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Simca 1000, this size applies to the Bertone Coupe and gives owners a modern radial-format option on a 13-inch wheel. Available choices include Michelin and Firestone, both in blackwall form, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and Firestone F560 Radial. This size is a strong match for owners who want the Coupe's correct wheel diameter while comparing radial product character and rim-width compatibility.
5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.50 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1967 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe, this size represents the traditional bias-ply-style fitment on a 13-inch rim rather than a modern metric radial format. Its practical appeal is visual as much as mechanical, especially for owners aiming for a more period-style tire presentation. Choosing this size makes sense when the Coupe is being kept closer to its vintage construction style and the existing wheel setup remains true to the 13-inch fitment.
155R12 is a Euro-metric radial size, where 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R marks radial construction, and 12 designates the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Simca 1000, this size belongs to the Series sub-model and should not be confused with the 13-inch Coupe fitments. The radial construction makes it the modern-format choice within the Series model's original wheel diameter family. This is the size to evaluate when the car is a Series model with 12-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with a radial tire format.
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 expressing nominal section width in inches and 12 indicating the wheel diameter. For the 1967 Simca 1000 Series, it is the traditional bias-ply-format fitment on a 12-inch wheel and differs from the Coupe's 13-inch tire family. This size matters most to owners who want to preserve a more vintage tire look and construction style on the Series sub-model. It should be chosen only after confirming the car's actual wheel diameter, since 12-inch and 13-inch Simca 1000 fitments are not interchangeable.
Sub-model fitment on the 1967 Simca 1000 is not interchangeable, because the Bertone Coupe and Series use different wheel diameters and different tire-size families. Checking the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing bias-ply and radial choices.
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1967 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe
The 1967 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch fitments, with a choice between 145R13 radial and 5.50-13 bias-ply sizing. That gives Coupe owners a clear decision between traditional construction and a radial-format alternative while staying within the proper wheel diameter family.
The 1967 Simca 1000 Series uses 12-inch fitments, with 155R12 in radial form and 5.60-12 in bias-ply form. Tire selection for the Series starts with preserving the 12-inch wheel setup and then deciding whether the car is better served by vintage appearance or radial construction.
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 Simca 1000 Tires for Sale
Available product choices focus on 145R13 radial fitment for the 1967 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe, with Michelin and Firestone options in blackwall form. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, radial construction details, weight, and rim-width compatibility.
These FAQs for the 1967 Simca 1000 focus on sub-model tire sizing, 12-inch versus 13-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply and radial choices, and the checks that matter before putting a vintage Simca back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Simca 1000?
The 1967 Simca 1000 uses different tire sizes depending on the sub-model. The Bertone Coupe uses either 145R13 radial or 5.50-13 bias-ply tires, while the Series uses either 155R12 radial or 5.60-12 bias-ply tires. That means there is no single size that covers every 1967 Simca 1000 configuration.
The most important step is confirming whether the car is a Bertone Coupe or a Series model, then checking whether it still has the correct 12-inch or 13-inch wheels. Many older cars have had wheels changed over time, so selecting by model name alone is not enough if the current wheel setup has been altered.
What size rim does a 1967 Simca 1000 use?
A 1967 Simca 1000 can use either a 13-inch or 12-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Bertone Coupe belongs to the 13-inch fitment group, while the Series belongs to the 12-inch fitment group. The tire sizes follow that split, so wheel diameter is central to choosing the correct tire.
Verifying the rim diameter on the car matters before comparing any tire options, especially on a collector vehicle that may have seen wheel swaps during its life. A 145R13 or 5.50-13 should stay with a 13-inch wheel, and a 155R12 or 5.60-12 should stay with a 12-inch wheel.
Do all 1967 Simca 1000 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1967 Simca 1000 does not use one shared tire size across all sub-models. The Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch tire sizes, either 145R13 radial or 5.50-13 bias-ply, while the Series uses 12-inch tire sizes, either 155R12 radial or 5.60-12 bias-ply. The difference is tied to the exact sub-model.
That distinction affects more than the size printed on the sidewall, because it also changes the wheel diameter family you should be shopping within. Before buying tires, confirm the car's sub-model and inspect the wheels currently installed so the tire size, construction, and wheel diameter all match the setup on the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 145R13 tire for a 1967 Simca 1000?
A 145R13 tire applies to the 1967 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe, so the first consideration is making sure the car is the Coupe and still uses 13-inch wheels. Available 145R13 options are radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Firestone, which means the choice centers on tire series, construction details, and wheel compatibility rather than sidewall color.
It helps to compare the intended use of the car along with the wheel setup already in place. Rim-width guidance is available on some 145R13 products, and that should be checked against the wheel before final selection. Owners who want a more vintage construction style may also weigh the 5.50-13 bias-ply alternative instead.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Simca 1000?
For the 1967 Simca 1000, the currently visible product selection centers on 145R13 radial tires from Michelin and Firestone. Those products appear in blackwall form and represent two distinct radial series for the Bertone Coupe's 13-inch fitment. Brand choice here is part of a broader product comparison rather than a substitute for confirming size and wheel diameter.
Once the correct sub-model and rim size are confirmed, the next step is comparing the individual tire characteristics that matter for the car's use. Looking at series, construction details, product weight, and any rim-width guidance is more useful than choosing by brand name alone, especially on a smaller vintage European car.
What tire series are available for the 1967 Simca 1000?
The product range shown for the 1967 Simca 1000 includes the Michelin XAS-FF series and the Firestone F560 Radial series in 145R13. Both are radial blackwall choices for the Bertone Coupe's 13-inch fitment. These series give Coupe owners more than one way to stay within the correct size while comparing period-minded radial options.
Tire series can influence how a buyer narrows the field, but the proper starting point remains fitment. Confirm that the car is the Bertone Coupe, that it still uses 13-inch wheels, and that the wheel width matches the tire being considered. On a restoration-oriented car, the visual presentation of the sidewall may also matter alongside construction.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Simca 1000?
For a period-style 1967 Simca 1000, the right starting point is the tire family that matches the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The Bertone Coupe belongs with 13-inch sizes such as 5.50-13 bias-ply or 145R13 radial, while the Series belongs with 12-inch sizes such as 5.60-12 bias-ply or 155R12 radial. Bias-ply construction usually aligns more closely with a traditional vintage presentation.
Appearance goals should be balanced with how the car will actually be used. A restoration focused on traditional look may lean toward the bias-ply fitment, while a road-driven car may push the decision toward a radial within the proper size family. When exact originality matters, compare your choice against marque-specific historical references for the sub-model.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Simca 1000?
Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1967 Simca 1000 even when the overall size family is correct. A bias-ply size such as 5.50-13 or 5.60-12 gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a radial size such as 145R13 or 155R12 introduces a more modern sidewall and sizing format.
That difference matters most on a small European collector car where wheel and tire proportions are easy to notice. Choosing between the two starts with the correct sub-model and wheel diameter, then moves to the owner's restoration goals. It is wise to decide early whether the car is being finished for authenticity of look, regular driving, or a balance of both.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Simca 1000?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Simca 1000, especially because this model already has two different wheel-diameter families across its sub-models. Aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, or body changes can all affect which tire size works on the car, even when the tire matches one of the original Simca size groups.
A buyer should verify the actual wheel diameter and width on the car before choosing between 12-inch and 13-inch fitments. Clearance at the fenders and steering components also deserves attention on an older vehicle. A small change in wheel setup can matter more than expected on a compact car with relatively narrow original tire sizes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Simca 1000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Simca 1000 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, sound bead seats, and any signs of damage or corrosion. It also helps to look over the suspension, steering, and brake components, since a fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn mechanical parts or a mismatched wheel setup.
Tire condition checks should continue after installation, including pressure, air retention, and any signs of rubbing once the car is on the ground. A short local drive followed by another inspection is a sensible approach on a collector car. That gives you a chance to confirm clearance, steering feel, and the basic health of the setup.
How should tires on a collector 1967 Simca 1000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1967 Simca 1000 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even when tread looks good, a low-use vintage car can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, or slow air loss simply from time, storage conditions, and infrequent operation.
Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on a car like this. Keeping the Simca away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to inspect for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear before longer trips, especially if the car has sat for extended periods.
