The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia pairs familiar Volkswagen mechanical roots with coachbuilt styling that gives the car a very different presence from a standard Beetle. Its low body, compact proportions, and strong collector appeal make tire choice especially important, because the wrong construction or sidewall treatment can quickly change both the look and driving character. This application uses either a 560-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial, both on 15-inch rims. That opens the door to traditional blackwall and whitewall bias-ply choices, as well as Euro-style radial options and a bias-look radial equivalent. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road use, or a balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied mainly to construction rather than rim diameter, since both fit a 15-inch wheel. One is a traditional 560-15 bias-ply size, while the other is a 155R15 radial. The first step is deciding whether the car should keep a period-style bias-ply presentation or move to a radial setup with a more modern sizing format.
The 155R15 size uses a metric section width of 155 millimeters, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, this is the radial fitment and suits owners who want a tire in the classic European sizing language associated with many compact imported cars of the period. Available choices include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, with series such as F560 Radial, Michelin X, Michelin XAS, Sprint Classic, and Snow Classic, all in blackwall form. This size is worth considering when road use and a traditional Euro-radial appearance matter more than a pure bias-ply presentation.
The 560-15 size is a numeric bias-ply format in which the 560 designation refers to a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, paired with a 15-inch rim. For the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, it represents the more traditional bias-ply fitment and preserves the visual character many restoration-oriented owners want. Choices include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several bias-ply series. This size makes sense when the priority is a period-style stance and sidewall look, provided the wheel setup matches the tire's intended rim specification.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia sub-models, because the same two primary sizes appear here. The key decision is not trim-level variation, but whether the car should stay with bias-ply construction or use the radial alternative on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.
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1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Base
The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Base uses the same 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial fitment choices found at the model level. That gives the owner room to choose between a more traditional bias-ply look and a classic Euro-radial approach after confirming the wheel width and overall vehicle setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
For the original 560-15 tire size, two radial-equivalent options are available. 155R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for buyers who want radial construction with a more traditional visual presentation. These options differ mainly by sizing convention and appearance, not by a blanket promise of interchangeability. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent setup, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-15)
560R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (560-15)
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 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Tires for Sale
Available 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia tire choices cover both 155R15 radial and 560-15 bias-ply fitments, with brands including Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several tire series and rim-width specifications.
Owners researching tires for a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia usually want to sort out the two primary sizes first, then compare bias-ply versus radial construction, sidewall appearance, and the fitment checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
A 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia uses two primary tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both fit a 15-inch rim, so the choice is less about wheel diameter and more about whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply style or fitted with a classic Euro-metric radial.
That makes the next step fairly clear. Confirm the wheel width on the car, then decide whether appearance, construction type, or driving use matters most. A restored car may lean toward the 560-15 bias-ply look, while a driver-focused setup may point toward 155R15. Any modified wheel or suspension setup should be checked before selecting either size.
What size rim does a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia use?
The tire fitments used on the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both the 560-15 bias-ply size and the 155R15 radial size share that same wheel diameter, which simplifies the decision compared with cars that use multiple rim diameters across different configurations.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to confirm the actual wheel width before choosing a tire. Some 155R15 radial products and the 560-15 radial-equivalent guidance call for specific width ranges, and an older Karmann Ghia may have replacement wheels that differ from its original setup.
Does the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Base uses the same two primary fitment choices: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. There is no separate alternate size here that changes the basic tire decision for the Base sub-model.
That means the focus stays on construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than on sorting through trim-specific tire sizes. A buyer choosing for the Base model can compare traditional bias-ply blackwall or whitewall styles against blackwall radial options, then verify wheel width and vehicle clearance before settling on the final tire.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
For the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, 560-15 is the bias-ply primary tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, with a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches and a 15-inch rim diameter, and it is offered in traditional blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
That matters because a bias-ply tire changes both the look and the feel of the car compared with a radial. Owners choosing 560-15 usually do so for period-style presentation or restoration character. Before selecting one, check the actual wheel width and make sure the rest of the chassis and steering setup are in sound condition.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-15?
Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 option is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for buyers who want radial construction without moving as far away from a traditional visual style.
The equivalent setup is associated with a 4 to 5 inch recommended rim-width range, and that should be confirmed against the wheel currently on the car. Equivalent sizing is a useful guide, but the owner should still compare wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance before changing from the original-style bias-ply fitment.
What should I check before converting my 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, since the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia uses a 15-inch rim and the radial-equivalent guidance for the 560-15 fitment calls for a 4 to 5 inch rim-width range. The most common radial path here is 155R15, with 560R15 available as a bias-look radial alternative.
A conversion also deserves a broader inspection of the car itself. Check fender and steering clearance, look for suspension wear, and make sure the wheels are appropriate for the tire being considered. On an older Karmann Ghia, previous wheel changes or lowered suspension can affect fitment even when the tire size itself is a recognized equivalent.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-15 or 155R15 tire for a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
Begin with the correct size and construction for the kind of Karmann Ghia you want to own and drive. The 560-15 fitment keeps the car in a traditional bias-ply format, while 155R15 moves to a classic Euro-metric radial. Both use 15-inch rims, so the main decision is really about appearance, road-use priorities, and wheel-width compatibility.
After that, compare the details within each size. Sidewall style matters more on 560-15, where blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices can change the car's presentation significantly. On 155R15, brand and tire series become the larger distinctions. Whichever path you choose, confirm the actual wheel setup before final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia tires?
Sidewall choice depends on which size and construction you select. In 560-15 bias-ply form, the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options. The 155R15 radial fitment is represented here in blackwall form, which suits the understated European look many Karmann Ghia owners prefer.
That sidewall decision has a strong effect on the car's finished appearance. Whitewalls can push the car toward a more decorative period style, while blackwalls keep the presentation cleaner and more restrained. The right choice depends on the look of the wheels, trim, and restoration direction, rather than on any single sidewall style being universally correct.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
The available brands for a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. The radial 155R15 fitment is represented by Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while the 560-15 bias-ply size includes Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It is more useful to compare each brand within the size you actually plan to run, then look at tire series, sidewall style, construction, and wheel-width suitability. A Karmann Ghia built for restoration display may point one way, while a car intended for regular driving may point another.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
For a period-style 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the traditional starting point. It preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, which makes it easier to shape the car's visual character around a more restoration-oriented presentation.
That does not mean every period-style Karmann Ghia should wear the same sidewall or brand. Trim, wheel finish, and the intended look of the car all matter. When exact originality is important, compare your choice with marque references or vehicle-specific historical material rather than assuming any one currently available tire is automatically correct.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
Tire construction changes the way a restored 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia presents itself, even before the car moves. A 560-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage look, especially when paired with whitewall options, while a 155R15 radial brings in a more European road-car appearance through its metric sizing and blackwall presentation.
That visual difference is one reason construction choice should be made early in a restoration plan. Switching later can change the stance and the overall impression of the wheels and body lines. A bias-look radial such as 560R15 can also be considered when preserving a traditional look matters but radial construction is part of the goal.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, and body or brake modifications can all influence how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits in the car's wheel openings.
A careful check of the actual car is important before choosing tires. Measure the wheel width, confirm the 15-inch diameter, and inspect clearance at the fenders and steering stops. A lowered Karmann Ghia or one with non-stock wheels may need more scrutiny than an unmodified car using its original wheel and suspension layout.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, verify that the tires are mounted and inflated properly, and make sure there is no interference at the fenders or steering components. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering parts that can affect how the tires track and clear.
A collector car that sits for long periods benefits from an extra walk-around after installation. Check for even seating on the rim, confirm valve condition, and watch for any early signs of rubbing during low-speed movement. A short local test drive is a better first step than heading straight into sustained highway use.
How should 560-15 or 155R15 tires on a collector 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking, whether the car runs 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials. Low-use cars often age out tires by time and storage conditions long before the tread shows significant wear.
Good maintenance also includes protecting the car from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure during storage. Moving the car periodically and keeping inflation at the proper level helps reduce flat spotting and stress on the casing. Any tire showing age-related deterioration deserves attention before the car returns to regular road use.