The 1968 Fiat 124 arrived at a moment when compact European cars were balancing everyday practicality with a sharper sense of road manners and style. In this one model year, the 124 family stretched from the Sedan and Wagon to the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider, so tire fitment is tied closely to the exact version of the car. Primary sizes span both bias-ply and radial construction on 13-inch rims, including 560-13, 6.15-13, 155R13, and 165R13. That opens the door to choices in traditional whitewall bias-ply presentation or blackwall radial touring tires from Michelin and Dunlop. The right selection comes down to sub-model, wheel setup, driving intent, and how original or road-focused the finished car needs to feel.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Fiat 124
Four primary tire sizes are associated with the 1968 Fiat 124, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model. All of them fit 13-inch rims, but construction differs between bias-ply and radial options, with the Sedan carrying either type, the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider using radial sizes, and the Wagon using a bias-ply size. The first step is confirming whether the car is a Sedan, Sport Coupe, Sport Spider, or Wagon before comparing tire style and product choices.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1968 Fiat 124, this size is used on the Sedan and gives that car a period European radial fitment on a 13-inch rim. Available choices center on blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet series. It is the size to evaluate if the car is a Sedan and the goal is a radial-style road setup rather than a traditional bias-ply presentation.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number expressing nominal section width in inches and the final number identifying a 13-inch rim. For the 1968 Fiat 124, it appears on the Sedan as the bias-ply alternative to the radial fitment, making it especially relevant for owners keeping a more traditional construction type. Bias-ply sizing of this kind is familiar on many mid-century cars and carries a distinctly vintage presentation compared with later metric radials. It is the size to consider when the car is a Sedan and the tire decision is centered on maintaining an earlier-style look and feel.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 165 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R for radial construction, and 13 for the wheel diameter. On the 1968 Fiat 124, this size belongs to the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment across the full 124 range. Product choices are blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, including Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet offerings. It is the right size to evaluate when the car is one of the sport-bodied 124 models and the goal is an authentic-looking radial setup on a 13-inch wheel.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 represents nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1968 Fiat 124, this size is used on the Wagon and is the clearest traditional bias-ply fitment in the range. Available options focus on BFGoodrich and Firestone tires in classic bias-ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments that can strongly shape the car’s finished appearance. It is the size to compare when the Wagon needs a restoration-oriented tire choice or when a radial equivalent is being considered carefully against the wheel and vehicle setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 Fiat 124 because the tire size and even the tire construction can change from one body style to another. Every version uses a 13-inch rim, but choosing the right tire still starts with confirming whether the car is a Sedan, Sport Coupe, Sport Spider, or Wagon.
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1968 Fiat 124 Sedan
The 1968 Fiat 124 Sedan carries two fitment paths, with both a radial size and a bias-ply size associated with it. That makes the Sedan the model where construction choice becomes part of the decision, especially if the goal is to balance period-style appearance with how the car will be driven.
The 1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe uses a 165R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here is more about choosing among the available blackwall radial series and confirming the wheel setup than sorting through multiple primary fitment sizes.
The 1968 Fiat 124 Sport Spider also uses a 165R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim. That keeps the fitment straightforward, so the main comparison points are the available radial product lines and whether the car still retains its intended wheel dimensions.
The 1968 Fiat 124 Wagon uses the 560-13 bias-ply size. That places the focus on traditional bias-ply styling choices such as narrow or wide whitewalls, or on carefully reviewing radial-equivalent alternatives if the car’s wheel width and overall setup support the change.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Fiat 124
For the original 560-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively lower-profile P-metric sizing. A recommended rim width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent range, so wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making the switch.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
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 1968 Fiat 124 Tires for Sale
Available 1968 Fiat 124 tires include blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop for 155R13 and 165R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. The product grid is where to compare tire series, sidewall treatment, construction type, and rim-width compatibility.
Owners usually start with sub-model fitment on the 1968 Fiat 124, then move into bias-ply versus radial choices, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility. These FAQs focus on the sizes used across the Sedan, Sport Coupe, Sport Spider, and Wagon.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Fiat 124?
The 1968 Fiat 124 uses more than one tire size, so the correct fitment depends on the exact sub-model. The Sedan is associated with 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply sizes, the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radial tires, and the Wagon uses 560-13 bias-ply tires. All of these fitments use a 13-inch rim.
That means the first step is identifying the body style before comparing tires. A 1968 Fiat 124 Sedan presents a construction choice, while the Coupe, Spider, and Wagon are more straightforward. If the car has replacement wheels or has been modified over the years, confirm the actual wheel width and overall clearance before settling on a tire.
What size rim does a 1968 Fiat 124 use?
The 1968 Fiat 124 uses 13-inch rims across its primary tire fitments. That holds true whether the car is fitted with radial sizes such as 155R13 or 165R13, or with bias-ply sizes such as 6.15-13 and 560-13. Rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire size and construction vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may no longer have its original wheels. Wheel width still matters, particularly if a radial equivalent is being considered for a bias-ply application. Checking the actual wheel stamping or measuring the wheel is worthwhile before making a final tire choice.
Why does the 1968 Fiat 124 have more than one tire size?
The 1968 Fiat 124 appears with multiple tire sizes because the model line includes different body styles with different fitment paths. The Sedan can be found with either radial or bias-ply sizing, the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radials, and the Wagon uses 560-13 bias-ply tires. The 124 family was not limited to one universal tire size across every version.
That variation matters because selecting by model name alone can lead to the wrong tire. A buyer should match the tire to the exact sub-model first, then review construction type, wheel width, and appearance preferences. That approach is especially important if the goal is to preserve a period-style presentation or to compare a modern radial alternative with a traditional fitment.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 on a 1968 Fiat 124?
For a 1968 Fiat 124 using the 560-13 bias-ply size, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those options represent three different radial formats: an 80-series Euro-metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with 560-13 here.
The practical difference is that these options follow different sizing conventions and may suit different wheel and vehicle setups. The recommended rim width range tied to the equivalent range is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel measurement important before changing construction. Clearance around suspension and bodywork should also be reviewed instead of assuming any equivalent will automatically interchange.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1968 Fiat 124?
That depends on the sub-model and on what matters most for the car. The 1968 Fiat 124 range includes both bias-ply and radial primary fitments, with the Sedan associated with both 6.15-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial sizing, the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider using 165R13 radials, and the Wagon using 560-13 bias-ply tires.
Bias-ply tires usually make the strongest visual case for a traditional restoration-oriented presentation, while radial tires may appeal to owners focused on road use within the correct fitment family. The safest way to choose is to start with the exact body style, then confirm wheel width and overall tire dimensions before changing construction on a car that may have seen decades of wheel or suspension changes.
What should I check before converting my 1968 Fiat 124 from bias-ply to radial tires?
A bias-ply to radial conversion on a 1968 Fiat 124 starts with confirming the original size and the actual wheels on the car. For a 560-13 application, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent range calls for a 4 to 5 inch rim width. The Sedan’s fitment path also deserves extra attention because it is associated with both radial and bias-ply sizes.
Wheel width, wheel condition, and clearance at the fenders and suspension should all be reviewed before making the switch. Collector cars often have replacement wheels, alignment changes, or ride-height changes that affect fitment. It is also wise to compare the intended tire’s overall dimensions against the existing setup so the conversion remains appropriate for the car’s appearance and use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1968 Fiat 124?
Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1968 Fiat 124 does not use one universal tire size. The Sedan can take either a radial or bias-ply fitment path, the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radial tires, and the Wagon uses 560-13 bias-ply tires. Construction type is part of the decision, not just size alone.
After the fitment is narrowed down, compare the tire’s visual character and wheel compatibility. Blackwall radials suit the radial 124 applications, while the Wagon’s bias-ply options include different whitewall treatments that can change the finished appearance of the car. Any car with aftermarket wheels should have its wheel width verified before a tire is chosen.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Fiat 124?
The 1968 Fiat 124 is served by several established vintage-tire brands, depending on size and construction. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial 155R13 and 165R13 applications, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply range. Brand availability changes with the specific tire size, so the car’s sub-model still determines which products are relevant.
Brand should be compared alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility rather than treated as the only decision point. A Sport Spider owner shopping 165R13 radials is looking at a very different group of products than a Wagon owner choosing 560-13 bias-ply tires. Matching the brand search to the exact fitment keeps the comparison useful and accurate.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Fiat 124 tires?
Sidewall styling depends on which 1968 Fiat 124 tire size is being used. The radial 155R13 and 165R13 options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. Those visual differences are significant, especially on a restoration-minded Wagon or any Fiat 124 being finished with a traditional period presentation.
Choosing a sidewall style should follow the correct tire size rather than lead the fitment decision. A whitewall may look appropriate on one build theme, while a blackwall radial may better suit a sportier or more road-focused direction. It helps to look at the car’s wheel design, trim level presentation, and intended final appearance before settling on the sidewall treatment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Fiat 124?
A period-style choice for a 1968 Fiat 124 begins with the exact sub-model and its original fitment path. The Wagon’s 560-13 bias-ply size naturally supports a traditional look, while the Sedan can be approached through either 6.15-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sizing. The Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radial tires, which still fit the car’s late-1960s European character.
Appearance goals should be weighed against how the car will be driven and how closely the owner wants to mirror a specific historical presentation. Tire construction, sidewall treatment, and size format all influence that result. When exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references and vehicle-level documentation are the best way to confirm details beyond general period style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Fiat 124?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Fiat 124 as much as the sidewall itself. Bias-ply sizing such as 560-13 or 6.15-13 gives a more traditional vintage presentation, while Euro-metric radial sizes like 155R13 and 165R13 bring the look associated with later touring-oriented fitments. On this Fiat, that difference is especially noticeable because both constructions appear within the model range.
A careful restoration plan should consider how the tire profile and sidewall treatment work with the wheel design and the car’s overall stance. Whitewall bias-ply tires can create a distinctly classic finish, while blackwall radials tend to look cleaner and more understated. The right answer depends on the specific 124 version and the visual era the finished car is meant to reflect.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Fiat 124?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Fiat 124 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Replacement wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork repairs can all change how a tire sits and clears. That matters across the 124 range because several sizes and two construction types are involved.
A modified car should have its wheel diameter and width confirmed before tire selection, not just its model year and name. Clearance at the inner fender, outer fender, and steering range is worth checking on any Fiat 124 that no longer sits exactly as delivered. This is especially important when moving from a bias-ply size toward a radial equivalent.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Fiat 124 on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 Fiat 124 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the chosen tire, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating and even positioning on the wheel. A quick visual review can prevent problems from showing up on the road.
It also helps to confirm there is no rubbing at full steering lock or under normal suspension movement, especially on a car with replacement wheels. On a collector Fiat 124, alignment condition and brake drag are worth checking at the same time, since either issue can affect how the new tires wear and how the car feels on its first drive.
How should tires on a collector 1968 Fiat 124 be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1968 Fiat 124 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration. Low-use cars can develop cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or gradual air loss even when tread wear is minimal. That applies whether the car is on blackwall radials or on traditional whitewall bias-ply tires.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older Fiat. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, while periodic movement can reduce long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, inspect the sidewalls and tread closely and make sure the tires still suit the wheel setup currently on the car.
