1968 Opel Kadett Tires

The 1968 Opel Kadett reflects the compact European-car formula that made small, efficient imports so appealing in the late 1960s. Light weight, simple proportions, and modest wheel-and-tire dimensions are part of what gives the Kadett its distinct road feel and period character today. This model uses a 155R13 radial on a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about multiple primary sizes and more about choosing the right tire within that format. Available options center on blackwall radial tires from Michelin and Dunlop. For a restoration-minded owner, the real priorities are maintaining the correct overall look, confirming wheel compatibility, and checking condition before regular road use.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Opel Kadett

The 1968 Opel Kadett uses one primary tire size: 155R13, a radial fitment for a 13-inch rim. That same size is shared across the covered Base and Wagon models, so the main decision is choosing the right tire within that size, including brand, tire series, and whether the tire's appearance and construction suit a more restoration-oriented or regular road-use goal.

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

The 155R13 size uses a euro-metric radial format, with 155 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 13 indicating rim diameter in inches. On a 1968 Opel Kadett, that keeps the fitment in the compact radial format associated with many small European cars of the period. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet giving the buyer a more specific period-style character to compare. This size is the right starting point when the goal is preserving the Kadett's light, tidy presentation without moving away from its intended wheel diameter.

Explore 155R13 Tires

1968 Opel Kadett Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment for the covered 1968 Opel Kadett sub-models is straightforward, with the same primary size used across both versions. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on the expected wheel and tire setup before choosing between the available radial options.

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1968 Opel Kadett Base & Wagon

The 1968 Opel Kadett Base & Wagon uses the tire sizes shown below. Confirm the wheel diameter and intended use before choosing a product.

Associated Tire Sizes

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 Opel Kadett Tires for Sale

Available 155R13 choices focus on radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop. The product grid is where to compare series differences, rim-width compatibility where stated, and details such as load or tire designation within this compact euro-metric size.

Showing 2 of 2
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
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs focus on 1968 Opel Kadett tire size, 13-inch rim fitment, radial-tire selection, period-style appearance, and the checks that matter before putting a low-use collector car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1968 Opel Kadett?

The 1968 Opel Kadett uses a 155R13 radial tire. That primary size applies across the covered Base and Wagon configurations, making the fitment more straightforward than on vehicles that split by trim or package. In practical terms, the size choice is already narrowed to one compact euro-metric radial format on a 13-inch rim.

Once the size is confirmed, the next step is comparing the available 155R13 products by brand, tire series, and wheel compatibility. If the car has been modified over the years, it is still wise to verify the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle before installation, since an older Kadett may no longer be on its original wheel setup.

What size rim does a 1968 Opel Kadett use?

The 1968 Opel Kadett uses a 13-inch rim with its 155R13 tire size. That rim diameter is built directly into the tire code, and it matches the primary fitment used across the covered sub-models. For a buyer choosing replacement tires, 13-inch wheel diameter is the first wheel specification that must stay consistent.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width and overall condition still deserve attention before mounting new tires. Some 155R13 products also include stated rim-width guidance, which helps when the car has aftermarket wheels or uncertain wheel history. Checking the wheel itself prevents mismatches that a simple size code alone may not reveal.

Do all 1968 Opel Kadett sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1968 Opel Kadett Base and Wagon both use the same 155R13 radial tire size. That means sub-model choice does not create a separate primary fitment decision here, and the owner can concentrate on selecting the most appropriate tire within that shared size and construction format.

Even with shared fitment, it still helps to confirm that the car has not been changed from its expected wheel-and-tire setup during years of use or restoration. A Kadett fitted with non-original wheels, altered suspension, or a different rim width can affect mounting and clearance, so a quick inspection remains worthwhile before committing to a particular 155R13 tire.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1968 Opel Kadett?

Start with the correct size and construction: 155R13 radial on a 13-inch rim. From there, the real comparison points are brand, tire series, blackwall appearance, and any stated rim-width or load information that helps match the tire to the wheel and the car's intended use. For a compact European car, preserving the right overall look often matters as much as the specification itself.

A restoration-minded owner may lean toward a tire whose styling suits the Kadett's late-1960s presentation, while a regular driver may focus more on the specific product details within the same size. Wheel width, tread condition expectations, and the car's actual setup should all be verified before purchase, especially if the Kadett has been changed from stock over time.

What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Opel Kadett tires?

The available 155R13 tires for a 1968 Opel Kadett are offered in blackwall form. That keeps the appearance simple and consistent with the understated look many small European cars of the era carry best. In this size, sidewall choice is not about selecting between multiple stripe or whitewall treatments, but about choosing the right tire within a traditional blackwall presentation.

Because sidewall style is consistent, selection shifts toward the tire series and brand that best match the car's visual goal and road use. Blackwall tires are often the natural fit for a clean, restrained Kadett restoration, but the owner should still check the actual wheel setup and overall stance of the car so the finished look remains balanced and appropriate.

What brands offer tires for the 1968 Opel Kadett?

Michelin and Dunlop both offer tires in the 155R13 size for the 1968 Opel Kadett. The available series include Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, giving the buyer a choice between two established brand lines within the same compact radial fitment. Both are blackwall radial options built around the Kadett's 13-inch wheel diameter.

Choosing between brands should come down to the specific tire series details, the wheel requirements of the car, and the presentation you want on the finished vehicle. Rather than treating brand alone as the deciding factor, compare the tire designation, any rim-width guidance, and how closely the tire suits a road-going Kadett versus a more restoration-oriented car.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Opel Kadett?

A period-style 1968 Opel Kadett tire choice starts with the correct 155R13 radial size and a blackwall presentation. That combination maintains the compact, restrained look that suits the car's European character without introducing a larger modern size or a more aggressive sidewall treatment. Within that size, the buyer can compare available Michelin and Dunlop offerings by series and construction details.

If exact originality matters beyond general period style, the best next step is to compare the car against marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific historical sources. For most restoration-minded owners, staying with the correct size, radial format, and a modest blackwall appearance is the most important foundation before considering finer product distinctions.

Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1968 Opel Kadett restoration?

Yes, correct tire fitment matters because tire size and overall presentation have a visible effect on how a 1968 Opel Kadett sits and looks. Using the proper 155R13 size helps keep the car aligned with its intended compact proportions, while the available blackwall radial style supports a clean, appropriately understated appearance for a restored or preserved car.

Fitment also affects practicality, since the right wheel diameter and compatible rim width help avoid mounting or clearance surprises. A restoration does not need unsupported claims about exact factory details to benefit from staying close to the proper tire format. Getting the size, wheel compatibility, and visual character right usually has the biggest impact on the finished result.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Opel Kadett?

Yes. A 1968 Opel Kadett may originally use a 155R13 radial on a 13-inch rim, but wheel changes, suspension alterations, or body modifications can affect whether that tire still matches the car's present setup. Even when the tire size remains the right starting point, aftermarket wheels can change width and other fitment factors in ways that deserve inspection.

A careful check should include actual wheel diameter, wheel width, visible clearance at the fenders and suspension, and any signs that the car sits differently than expected. Older vehicles are often changed over time, so it is smart to verify the Kadett in front of you rather than assuming every surviving car still matches its original wheel-and-tire arrangement.

What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Opel Kadett on new tires?

Before driving a 1968 Opel Kadett on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper 155R13 size. It is also wise to check inflation, valve stems, tread seating, and general clearance around the fenders and suspension before the first regular road miles.

A collector car that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention to brakes, steering response, and any signs of rubbing once the car is rolling again. The tire itself is only one part of the readiness check. Looking for cracks, leaks, bulges, or uneven wear elsewhere on the old setup can help catch issues before they interrupt a longer outing.

How should 155R13 tires on a collector 1968 Opel Kadett be maintained?

155R13 tires on a collector 1968 Opel Kadett should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for any slow air loss that may develop while the car sits. Low-use classics often age out tires before they wear them out, so visual condition matters as much as remaining tread.

Storage conditions make a difference as well. Keeping the Kadett away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls during inactive periods. It also helps to move the car occasionally or avoid leaving it parked for very long stretches in one position, since long-term static storage can be hard on older collector tires.