1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Tires

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 sits in the practical European sedan and wagon tradition, where compact dimensions, light steering feel, and efficient road manners mattered as much as style. For owners today, tire choice is part of preserving that character because this Fiat can be fitted with either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims. That opens the door to traditional bias-ply whitewall presentation or a more modern blackwall radial approach from brands such as Michelin and Dunlop. The right choice depends on whether appearance, driving feel, wheel setup, and restoration goals take priority on your particular car.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice is tied mainly to construction rather than rim diameter since both fit a 13-inch wheel. One is a traditional 560-13 bias-ply size and the other is a 155R13 radial, so the first step is deciding whether you want a period-style bias-ply setup or a radial tire with a more modern sizing format.

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155R13Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Wagon
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500, this size suits owners who want a radial-format tire on the original 13-inch rim diameter. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is a useful option when road use and a more modern radial-style fitment are part of the plan, while still keeping the car in an appropriately scaled size range.

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560-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Wagon
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 560 indicating an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500, it represents the traditional bias-ply path and keeps the tire presentation aligned with an earlier period look. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone in classic bias-ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the size to evaluate when restoration appearance matters most or when the car is already set up around the narrower rim widths commonly used with this style of tire.

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1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered Wagon can use the same two tire sizes as the model core. Checking the sub-model still matters because the real decision is whether the car is staying with a bias-ply setup or moving to a radial-format tire on its 13-inch wheels.

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1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon can use either the 155R13 radial or the 560-13 bias-ply tire. That gives Wagon owners a clear choice between traditional whitewall bias-ply appearance and a radial-format alternative, with wheel width and overall vehicle setup worth confirming before settling on one direction.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500

For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial alternative. These choices move from a classic Euro-metric format to progressively lower-profile P-metric formats. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should be checked before making the change.

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1300 & 1500 Tires for Sale

Available 13-inch choices for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 include Michelin and Dunlop radial blackwalls in 155R13, along with BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. The main comparison points are construction, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility.

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80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS | 155HR13

Michelin - Michelin XAS-FF

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet | 155HR13

Dunlop - SP Sport Aquajet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD937 lbs
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 center on choosing between 560-13 and 155R13, understanding radial equivalents, and matching tire appearance and wheel setup to the way the car will be used.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch wheels, but they represent different tire types and different approaches to how the car is set up and presented.

Choosing between them starts with the car’s current wheel width and the kind of driving or restoration result you want. A bias-ply 560-13 keeps a traditional presentation, while a 155R13 follows a radial format. If the car has been modified over the years, confirm the actual wheels on the vehicle before selecting either size.

What size rim does a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 use?

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That means the 560-13 bias-ply and the 155R13 radial share the same wheel diameter even though they differ in sizing system and construction.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still needs attention before choosing a tire. The available products show different rim-width ranges depending on size and construction, which is especially important if the car has replacement wheels or if you are moving from a bias-ply setup to a radial one.

Does the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 Wagon uses the same two primary tire sizes as the model core: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. That keeps sub-model fitment simple because the Wagon does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique tire-size requirement.

The practical decision for Wagon owners is not a different size but a different tire strategy. A 560-13 bias-ply supports a more traditional look, while 155R13 offers a radial-format option. Check the actual wheel width on the Wagon and consider how original appearance, ride feel, and road use factor into the final choice.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500. It uses the older numeric sizing format, where the first number reflects nominal section width and the final number indicates the 13-inch rim diameter.

That matters because bias-ply and radial tires are not just different labels; they also follow different fitment conventions and often use different wheel-width ranges. If the car is already wearing radial tires or aftermarket wheels, inspect the wheel dimensions before returning to 560-13 so the tire matches the wheel and the intended appearance of the car.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 several radial-format alternatives tied to the original bias-ply size.

These are comparison sizes rather than automatic replacements, so the wheel and vehicle setup still need to be checked. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, and overall tire dimensions, suspension condition, and body clearance should be reviewed before making a conversion from the original bias-ply format.

What should I check before converting my 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare them with the radial size you are considering, such as 155R13 or one of the P-metric equivalents tied to 560-13. Radial conversion also calls for checking general clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering range.

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 can use both bias-ply and radial primary sizes, but that does not make every wheel-and-tire combination interchangeable. A car that has been restored, lowered, or fitted with replacement wheels deserves a closer look. Matching construction choice to the wheel setup and intended use usually prevents the most common fitment mistakes.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

A 560-13 tire for a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 should first be chosen by confirming that you want the bias-ply size rather than the radial 155R13 option. Then compare brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and the rim-width range tied to the specific product you are considering.

In this size, the visible differences matter because narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles can change the car’s presentation substantially. BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer 560-13 bias-ply options, but their wheel-width ranges are not identical. That makes it smart to match the tire not only to appearance goals, but also to the wheels actually installed on the car.

What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 tires?

The available sidewall styles for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 include blackwall in 155R13 radial tires, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in 560-13 bias-ply tires. Those options create a clear visual split between a more modern radial presentation and a more traditional collector-car look.

Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct size and construction are settled, not before. A whitewall treatment can suit a restoration-oriented car, while blackwall radial tires may better match a driver-focused setup. Because the sidewall choices are tied to specific sizes and constructions, confirm the tire format first and then refine the appearance.

What brands offer tires for the 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

The 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial category, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply tires with whitewall treatments.

Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the first filter. The more important starting points are the correct size, the construction type you want to run, and whether the car is being aimed toward road use or period-style appearance. After that, compare the available series and wheel-width details within the brand choices that match your setup.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

For a period-style 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the strongest visual starting point because it follows the older numeric format and is offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewalls. That gives the car a more traditional presentation than the blackwall 155R13 radial options.

Appearance goals should still be balanced against the actual wheel setup and how the car will be driven. Restoration-minded owners often prefer the bias-ply look, but exact originality can vary by market, trim history, and prior restoration choices. If authenticity is critical, compare the tire decision with marque-specific references before settling on sidewall style.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 because a 560-13 bias-ply and a 155R13 radial present the car in different ways. The bias-ply choices carry traditional whitewall styling, while the radial offerings in this fitment are blackwall tires with a more modern look.

That difference becomes especially noticeable on a compact European car where tire shape and sidewall treatment are easy to see. Owners restoring for a vintage appearance often begin with construction first, then sidewall style. A driver-oriented restoration may lean toward the radial path, but the finished look should still suit the car’s wheels and overall stance.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500?

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Replacement wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body repairs can all influence whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial works properly on the car.

That is why the actual wheel diameter and width should be checked before choosing between the available sizes. Clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel also deserves attention, especially on an older car that may have had several owners. A quick inspection usually reveals whether the current setup still matches the intended tire format.

What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 on new tires?

Before driving a 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and each tire should be checked for proper seating and adequate clearance around the body and chassis.

Older collector cars benefit from a careful walkaround after installation and again after the first short drive. Look for rubbing marks, uneven stance, air loss, or signs that the car tracks differently than expected. That process is especially worthwhile when changing from a bias-ply size such as 560-13 to a radial-format alternative.

How should tires on a collector 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1968 Fiat 1300 & 1500 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation matters just as much on low-mileage collector vehicles as it does on regularly driven cars.

Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the Fiat away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps protect both bias-ply and radial tires. Cars that sit for long periods should have their tires checked before every road outing, since age and storage can affect condition long before tread is worn out.