1968 Saab Sonett Tires

The 1968 Saab Sonett uses two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both are 15-inch tire sizes, so the main distinction is not rim diameter but tire format and construction style. The Sonett III & V4 can use either of these fitments depending on how the car is being set up.

That means the next decision is whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move toward a radial-style setup. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should still be checked before changing from one construction type to the other, especially on a small sports car where tire profile can affect both appearance and available space.

The 1968 Saab Sonett uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. The radial 155R15 and the bias-ply 560-15 are both built for 15-inch wheels, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing systems are different.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still important to confirm actual wheel width before selecting a tire. Some of the available Sonett tires are intended for relatively narrow wheels, and that matters when comparing a radial to a bias-ply option or when checking whether the car still has its original-style wheel setup.

On a 1968 Saab Sonett, 560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system that reads differently from modern metric radial sizes such as 155R15.

Understanding that format helps when comparing period-style bias-ply tires to radial alternatives. A 560-15 is not just another way of writing 155R15; it represents a different construction type and a different style of tire. Before switching between them, check wheel width, vehicle clearance, and whether the goal is traditional presentation or radial-style road use.

For the 1968 Saab Sonett, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional vintage fitment format used on a 15-inch rim and differs from the Sonett’s 155R15 radial fitment in both construction and sizing convention.

That difference matters because a bias-ply setup affects both appearance and driving feel compared with a radial tire. Owners choosing 560-15 usually focus on a more period-style presentation, especially when selecting among blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall versions. Any move away from 560-15 should include a careful check of wheel width and clearance rather than assuming the alternative is interchangeable.

Radial equivalents for the 1968 Saab Sonett’s 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for owners who want radial construction with a more traditional visual character.

These equivalents provide different ways to move away from a standard bias-ply tire without leaving the 15-inch rim format. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent setup, but wheel width and vehicle clearance should still be verified on the car itself. Equivalent sizing is a useful guide, not an automatic guarantee of fitment.

A 1968 Saab Sonett can be set up with either a 560-15 bias-ply tire or a 155R15 radial, so the choice depends on how the car is meant to look and drive. Bias-ply keeps the tire presentation closer to a traditional vintage format, while radial options give the Sonett access to classic European-style blackwall tire choices.

The decision is usually less about right or wrong and more about the purpose of the car. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the traditional look of bias-ply construction, while a road-use owner may want to evaluate radial alternatives. Either way, confirm wheel width and inspect fender and steering clearance before changing construction, especially if the Sonett has had wheel or suspension changes over time.

Start with the two correct size paths for the 1968 Saab Sonett: 155R15 in radial construction or 560-15 in bias-ply construction. From there, the important factors are wheel compatibility, intended use, and whether the car should keep a traditional vintage presentation or move toward a classic radial setup.

Product choice then becomes more specific. In 155R15, the Sonett has several blackwall radial series from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. In 560-15, the differences include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several brands. Comparing the tire series, rim-width specifications, and the overall look you want on the car will narrow the field effectively.

The available sidewall styles for a 1968 Saab Sonett depend on the tire size and construction you choose. The 155R15 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-15 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall treatment an appearance decision tied closely to construction choice. A blackwall radial keeps the Sonett in a more European sports-car visual language, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more stylized vintage look. Since sidewall design changes the character of the car quickly, many owners choose the size and construction first, then use the sidewall treatment to refine the final presentation.

Tires for the 1968 Saab Sonett are available from several brands across its two fitment sizes. The 155R15 radial options include Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. The 560-15 bias-ply options include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare each tire within the correct size by construction type, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. On a small specialty car like the Sonett, those details shape how the tire looks on the wheel and whether the finished setup matches your restoration goals or intended road use.

For a period-style 1968 Saab Sonett, the starting point is deciding whether the car should present as a traditional bias-ply sports car or as a classic European radial-equipped car. A 560-15 bias-ply gives the most vintage-format appearance, while a 155R15 radial still suits the Sonett’s era and character in a distinctly European way.

The right choice depends on the kind of restoration you are pursuing. Owners focused on preserving an older visual language often begin with 560-15, then choose among blackwall or whitewall treatments. Owners aiming for a classic roadgoing European look often evaluate 155R15 blackwall radial series. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references and marque expertise remain the best final check.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Saab Sonett almost immediately. A 560-15 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R15 radial creates a cleaner classic European blackwall look. The difference is not only technical; it influences how the Sonett sits visually and how period-oriented the finished car appears.

Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision. The available radial options stay with blackwall styling, while the bias-ply choices can be blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall. Because the Sonett is such a compact and distinctive shape, small tire appearance changes are easy to notice. Matching construction and sidewall style to the restoration goal usually produces a more coherent result than choosing by size alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Saab Sonett even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can influence how a 155R15 or 560-15 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance is available during steering and suspension movement.

That is especially important when comparing bias-ply and radial constructions, since the car may no longer match its original-style setup. Checking actual wheel diameter and width is the first step, followed by a close look at steering clearance, fender space, and overall stance. A compact specialty car leaves less room for assumptions, so modified examples should always be measured carefully before tire selection.

Before driving a 1968 Saab Sonett on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and usable width, then confirm the tires clear the fenders and steering components through their full range of motion. It is also smart to look over the valve stems, verify inflation, and make sure the tires are seated properly on the wheels.

A broader chassis inspection is just as important on a collector car. Check for worn suspension parts, loose hardware, brake issues, and anything that could affect alignment or tire wear. After the first few drives, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven contact. Early inspection helps catch fitment problems before they become damage or drivability issues.

Tires on a collector 1968 Saab Sonett should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage use does not prevent tire aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a lightly used vintage sports car.

Storage habits make a difference as well. Keeping the Sonett away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition between drives. Pressure should be checked before use, not assumed, and any tire that shows visible deterioration deserves closer evaluation before road driving. A small, light car still relies on healthy tires for predictable behavior and safe clearance.