1968 Saab 95 & 96 Tires

The 1968 Saab 95 & 96 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes fit a 15-inch wheel, so the difference is not wheel diameter but tire type, sizing format, and the overall look and feel you want for the car.

Choosing between them starts with the wheel and vehicle setup already on the car. A Saab kept in a restoration-oriented presentation may point toward the 560-15 bias-ply size, while a driver-oriented car may lead toward the 155R15 radial. Wheel width, construction preference, and tire clearance should all be confirmed before making the change.

The tire fitments associated with the 1968 Saab 95 & 96 use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 155R15 radial size and the 560-15 bias-ply size, so either primary fitment stays within the same wheel diameter even though the sizing systems are different.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small vintage European car. Actual wheel width should be checked before selecting a tire, because the available products span different recommended rim-width ranges. Confirming the wheel dimensions on the car is especially important if the Saab has replacement wheels or a non-original setup.

560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 designation represents an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1968 Saab 95 & 96, it identifies the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern radial or metric size.

That older sizing format matters because it often leads owners to compare appearance as much as dimensions. A 560-15 can be found in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, so the choice affects presentation as well as construction. Any move from 560-15 to a radial alternative should include a check of wheel width and overall tire clearance.

On the 1968 Saab 95 & 96, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common on many vintage vehicles and is offered in traditional bias-ply construction rather than as a standard radial in its primary fitment role.

That matters because a bias-ply tire changes both the look and the driving character compared with a metric radial. Owners often choose 560-15 when they want a more traditional presentation, especially with blackwall or whitewall styling. Before selecting it, confirm that the wheel width matches the tire’s requirements and that the rest of the car is set up for that construction choice.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent. Those two options give Saab owners a choice between a conventional Euro-metric radial format and a radial intended to preserve a more vintage visual impression.

Even though both are valid radial alternatives to 560-15, they should be treated as fitment options to evaluate rather than automatic replacements. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance still need to be checked on the actual car. The associated rim-width range for these equivalents is 4-5 inches, which makes wheel confirmation an important first step.

Either can be appropriate, because the 1968 Saab 95 & 96 is associated with both 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial fitments. The bias-ply route suits owners who want a more traditional sizing format and vintage presentation, while the radial route keeps the car in a classic European radial size on the same 15-inch rim diameter.

The better choice depends on how the Saab is used and how closely the owner wants to follow a restoration-oriented look. A car driven regularly may lead toward a radial, while an appearance-first project may lean toward bias-ply. Either way, wheel width, suspension condition, and clearance should be checked before settling on one construction over the other.

Start with the correct primary size and construction: 155R15 radial or 560-15 bias-ply, both on 15-inch rims. From there, the decision becomes more specific. You should compare whether the car is being kept in a traditional restoration-oriented style or used more as a road car where a classic radial format may make more sense.

After the basic fitment is settled, compare the product details that affect actual compatibility and presentation. Rim-width requirements vary by tire, and the available choices also differ by tire series, sidewall treatment, load figures where stated, and overall construction style. Looking at the vehicle’s current wheels before choosing is especially helpful on older cars with replacement parts.

The sidewall choices for the 1968 Saab 95 & 96 depend on the tire size you select. In 155R15 radial form, the available tires are blackwall. In 560-15 bias-ply form, the available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, which creates a broader appearance range for restoration-minded owners.

That difference makes sidewall style part of the larger construction decision. A blackwall radial keeps the car in a classic European look, while whitewall bias-ply options introduce a more decorative period-style presentation. The best choice depends on how the Saab is being finished visually and whether traditional appearance matters more than maintaining the radial sizing format.

The 1968 Saab 95 & 96 has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand availability depends on the size and construction you choose, with 155R15 focused on radial offerings and 560-15 covering a broader group of bias-ply choices.

Brand alone should not be the only factor in the decision. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire is intended as a classic road radial, a traditional bias-ply, or a specialty-style option. On a car like this Saab, those differences often matter more than the name on the sidewall.

For a period-style presentation, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the most traditional-looking starting point on a 1968 Saab 95 & 96. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, which gives the owner room to shape the car’s visual character.

That does not automatically make every 560-15 the right restoration choice, because exact originality can vary by market, documentation, and how the specific car was delivered. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare period photos, marque-club guidance, and vehicle-specific historical references. For many projects, though, the main decision is traditional bias-ply appearance versus radial practicality.

Tire construction changes more than driving feel on a restored 1968 Saab 95 & 96; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 560-15 bias-ply keeps an older sizing convention and opens up whitewall options, while a 155R15 radial presents the car in a classic Euro-metric blackwall style.

That distinction matters because different restorations aim for different outcomes. Some owners want the car to read as distinctly late-1960s in stance and tire presentation, while others want a cleaner driver-oriented look that still suits the Saab’s period. Matching the tire construction to the wheel, trim, and overall finish helps the completed car look coherent rather than mixed in era.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Saab 95 & 96 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or brake conversions can all influence how a 155R15 or 560-15 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.

That is why the actual car should be checked before choosing between radial and bias-ply options or moving to a radial equivalent. A 15-inch diameter match alone is not enough. Looking at wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space helps prevent problems, especially on a compact car where small dimensional changes can have a noticeable effect.

Before driving a 1968 Saab 95 & 96 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire seating, then verify inflation pressure and make sure there is no interference at full steering lock. It is also wise to check the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.

A short, careful road test is a smart next step on any collector vehicle. Listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. Because this Saab can use either bias-ply or radial tires, the owner should also be sure the tire choice matches the wheel dimensions and the car’s intended use before settling into regular road miles.

Tires on a collector 1968 Saab 95 & 96 should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of age-related deterioration. Low-use classics can look fine at a glance while still developing condition issues from time, storage, and long periods of sitting rather than from visible mileage alone.

Proper pressure and storage matter just as much as occasional driving. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. It also helps to look over the tires before any longer trip, since collector cars often spend more time parked than driven and can reveal problems only when put back into use.