The 1967 Volvo 122 sits in that sweet spot of durable European sedan and wagon design where practicality and understated style still matter to collectors. Often appreciated for its clean lines and solid road manners, the 122 also rewards owners who pay close attention to wheel-and-tire details rather than treating every 15-inch option as interchangeable. Tire fitment on the 1967 Volvo 122 spans both radial and bias-ply choices, with sub-model differences that make exact identification important before selecting a size. That opens the door to decisions about traditional bias-ply appearance, whitewall versus blackwall presentation, and whether a modern radial equivalent makes sense. For a driver, survivor, or restoration-minded car, the right choice starts with the correct sub-model and wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Volvo 122
The 1967 Volvo 122 uses four primary tire sizes across its covered configurations, and all of them are built for 15-inch wheels. The important first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because the S Series and S Wagon do not share the same fitment mix. Once that is clear, the real choice becomes whether to stay with the original-style construction used on that application or compare the available product styles within the correct size.
165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1967 Volvo 122, this size brings a later-style radial fitment into the picture for the S Series rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply format. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from brands such as Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, and Vredestein across several radial series. This size is the one to evaluate when the goal is a 15-inch radial with a more European sizing convention and multiple appearance options.
6.85-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number representing the nominal section width in inches and the final number identifying a 15-inch rim. For the 1967 Volvo 122, it appears as a primary bias-ply fitment on the S Series and points toward a more traditional tire construction than the metric radial alternative used on the same covered sub-model. That makes it part of a classic fitment decision centered on construction type as much as size. This is the size to consider when preserving a period-style bias-ply presentation matters more than moving to a radial format.
640-15 is another numeric bias-ply size, with 6.40 inches as the nominal section width and 15 indicating rim diameter. On the 1967 Volvo 122, this size applies to the S Wagon and has the broadest mix of traditional bias-ply product styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall offerings from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior. It also carries the most clearly defined path toward modern radial equivalents for owners comparing bias-ply appearance with more contemporary construction. This size deserves careful attention when selecting tires for a wagon that still runs its proper 15-inch wheel setup.
7.35-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number indicates a nominal section width of 7.35 inches and the 15 marks the wheel diameter. On the 1967 Volvo 122, it is tied to the S Wagon, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment across all 122 configurations. Its presence means wagon owners need to confirm exactly which wheel-and-tire setup the car carries before choosing among replacements. This size becomes especially important on cars that may have seen wheel changes, because the code points to a distinctly different bias-ply fitment path than 640-15.
Sub-model fitment on the 1967 Volvo 122 is not one-size-fits-all. The S Series and S Wagon use different tire-size combinations, so confirming the exact version of the car is the first step before comparing construction, sidewall style, or radial-alternative choices.
1
1967 Volvo 122 S Series
The 1967 Volvo 122 S Series uses a split fitment path with both 165R15 radial and 6.85-15 bias-ply options. That means tire selection starts with deciding whether the car is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply style or moved toward a metric radial presentation on the correct 15-inch wheel.
The 1967 Volvo 122 S Wagon uses bias-ply sizing, with 640-15 and 7.35-15 appearing in the covered fitments. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and it also gives wagon owners a reason to compare classic bias-ply choices against the radial-equivalent path available for 640-15.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1967 Volvo 122
For the original 640-15 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 175R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R15 is the 75-series P-metric alternative, and P185/70R15 is the 70-series P-metric alternative. Together, those choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively more modern P-metric sizing conventions and profiles. A recommended rim-width range of 5-6 inches is associated with these equivalents, and any conversion should still be checked against wheel dimensions, overall vehicle setup, and available clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)
P175/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)
P185/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-6 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 Volvo 122 Tires for Sale
Available 1967 Volvo 122 tire choices span radial and bias-ply construction, with brands including Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Excelsior. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across several series depending on the exact size and sub-model.
Owners usually have the same practical questions about a 1967 Volvo 122: which size fits the exact sub-model, whether to stay with bias-ply or move to radial, and how sidewall style, wheel fitment, and vehicle condition affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Volvo 122?
The 1967 Volvo 122 uses more than one tire size, so the correct answer depends on the exact sub-model. The 122 S Series uses 165R15 radial and 6.85-15 bias-ply fitments, while the 122 S Wagon uses 640-15 and 7.35-15 bias-ply sizes. All of these are built around a 15-inch rim.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is an S Series or an S Wagon before choosing a tire. On cars that have been modified over the years, it also helps to confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car now, since the right 15-inch tire still depends on matching the wheel and preserving proper clearance.
What size rim does a 1967 Volvo 122 use?
The covered tire sizes for the 1967 Volvo 122 all use a 15-inch rim diameter. That includes the radial 165R15 as well as the bias-ply 6.85-15, 640-15, and 7.35-15 sizes. Even though the tire formats differ, the wheel diameter remains consistent across these fitments.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it should not be the only check before ordering tires. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing radial and bias-ply options, and a car with replacement wheels may need closer review to be sure the selected size works with the current wheel and body clearance.
Do all 1967 Volvo 122 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1967 Volvo 122 sub-models covered here do not all use the same tire size. The S Series uses 165R15 radial and 6.85-15 bias-ply fitments, while the S Wagon uses 640-15 and 7.35-15 bias-ply sizes. That makes sub-model identification an important part of choosing the correct tire.
This difference matters because a 15-inch tire that suits one 122 configuration may still be the wrong size or construction for another. Wagon owners should pay particular attention to the exact tire code on the car now, and S Series owners should decide early whether they are maintaining a bias-ply look or selecting from the available radial choices.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 640-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1967 Volvo 122?
640-15 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1967 Volvo 122, and it is used on the 122 S Wagon. The numeric format reflects a vintage bias-ply sizing system rather than a modern metric radial designation. That puts it in a traditional construction category with period-style blackwall and whitewall product choices.
Owners considering this size should separate two decisions: keeping the original-style bias-ply format or evaluating a radial equivalent for the same general application. The wheel remains 15 inches, but construction changes can affect how the car feels and how the tire presents visually, so wheel width and available body and steering clearance should still be checked before changing direction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 640-15?
Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are alternative sizing formats tied to the original 640-15 application rather than additional primary factory-style sizes for every 1967 Volvo 122.
Each option represents a slightly different way of translating a vintage bias-ply fitment into radial sizing, so the choice is not just about rim diameter. A recommended rim-width range of 5-6 inches is associated with these equivalents, and it remains important to compare the selected tire with the actual wheel, suspension condition, and clearance around the wagon before converting.
What should I check before converting my 1967 Volvo 122 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the exact tire size and sub-model, because the 1967 Volvo 122 does not use one universal fitment. The S Series and S Wagon follow different sizing paths, and only 640-15 has stated radial equivalents here. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the intended radial size should all be confirmed before making the change.
A conversion is also a good time to inspect suspension wear, steering components, and available clearance at full lock and full suspension travel. Cars that have sat for long periods or have aftermarket wheels deserve extra scrutiny, since a radial equivalent is an alternative size relationship rather than an automatic swap for every wheel and body setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1967 Volvo 122 tire?
The biggest considerations are the exact sub-model, the correct tire size, and whether the car should remain on a bias-ply fitment or use a radial where applicable. A 122 S Series can lead you toward 165R15 radial or 6.85-15 bias-ply, while the S Wagon uses 640-15 or 7.35-15 bias-ply sizing.
Once the fitment is narrowed down, the next decisions are visual and practical. Sidewall style, tire series, and brand all shape the final presentation, and wheel-width compatibility should be compared alongside load figures and intended use, especially on a collector car that may alternate between show duty, occasional driving, and longer road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Volvo 122 tires?
1967 Volvo 122 tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the exact size. The 165R15 radial category includes all three looks, and the 640-15 bias-ply options also span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments. Sidewall appearance is one of the clearest visual choices on this car.
That choice should follow the character of the car and the owner’s goal rather than assumption. A blackwall look can feel more restrained, while whitewall variations bring a more period-style presentation, but the correct starting point is still the proper size and construction for the exact 122 sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the vehicle.
What brands offer tires for the 1967 Volvo 122?
Tires for the 1967 Volvo 122 are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Excelsior across the covered fitments. Brand availability depends on the exact size, with the 165R15 radial category showing the broadest mix and 640-15 offering several traditional bias-ply choices.
Brand should be part of a larger comparison rather than the only deciding factor. It helps to look at which series each brand offers in the needed size, what sidewall style is available, and whether the tire matches the intended direction of the car, whether that means a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial-oriented road setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Volvo 122?
A period-style 1967 Volvo 122 usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and then stays close to the construction style associated with that fitment. For the S Series, that can mean evaluating 6.85-15 bias-ply alongside 165R15 radial options, while the S Wagon points toward 640-15 or 7.35-15 bias-ply sizing.
Appearance then comes from the details. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices can change the look noticeably, but restoration-minded owners should avoid assuming that any one sidewall treatment was universally correct. When exact originality matters, the safest path is matching the right size first and then checking marque-specific references for appearance details.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1967 Volvo 122?
Tire construction can change the look of a restored 1967 Volvo 122 almost as much as sidewall style. A bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation tied to its older numeric sizing, while a radial such as 165R15 brings a more modern metric format that can alter the visual character even when wheel diameter stays at 15 inches.
That difference matters most on cars restored with a strong period emphasis. An owner who wants the stance and presentation to feel traditional may lean toward the proper bias-ply route for that sub-model, while a driver-oriented car may justify a radial path. In either case, the appearance choice should follow the correct fitment rather than bypass it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Volvo 122?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Volvo 122 even when the car still uses 15-inch wheels. Aftermarket wheel widths, offset changes, lowering, replacement springs, or bodywork differences can all influence how a tire sits and how much room remains around the fenders and steering components.
That is especially important on a car with multiple size paths across its sub-models. A tire that matches the nominal size code still needs to work with the wheel actually on the car, so owners should confirm wheel dimensions and check turning clearance and suspension travel before settling on a replacement or moving from bias-ply to radial.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Volvo 122 on new tires?
Before putting a 1967 Volvo 122 back on the road, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, alignment condition, and the surrounding suspension and steering parts. It also helps to verify that the selected tire size matches the exact sub-model and wheel setup, since the 122 uses more than one fitment path.
A careful road-use check should include tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, and clearance at normal ride height and near full steering lock. Collector cars that have sat for extended periods deserve extra attention because dried bushings, weak shocks, and aged wheels can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves once the car is moving again.
How should tires on a collector 1967 Volvo 122 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1967 Volvo 122 should be inspected regularly for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked. Pressure should be checked before road use, and the tires should be kept clean and stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources.
Maintenance also means looking beyond the rubber itself. An older Volvo that is driven only occasionally benefits from periodic wheel inspection and a quick clearance check after any service work, because age, storage, and suspension settling can all influence how the tire sits. Roadworthiness is about overall condition, not just tread depth alone.
