The 1968 Simca 1000 comes from an era when small European cars balanced compact dimensions, light weight, and everyday practicality with a distinctly continental driving character. That matters when choosing tires, because this exact model spans both 12-inch and 13-inch wheel fitments depending on sub-model, and it can appear with either bias-ply or radial sizing. The Bertone Coupe uses 145R13 or 5.50-13, while the Series uses 155R12 or 5.60-12. That split makes the first step simple but important: confirm the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before deciding whether period-style bias-ply appearance or radial road use is the better match for the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Simca 1000
The 1968 Simca 1000 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch fitments, while the Series uses 12-inch fitments, with both radial and bias-ply options appearing across the range. Before selecting a tire, confirm whether the car is a Coupe or Series and verify that the wheels still match the original diameter for that configuration.
145R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 145 millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1968 Simca 1000, this size belongs with the Bertone Coupe and reflects a more modern radial format than the period numeric bias-ply alternative. Available choices include Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form, with series such as Michelin XAS-FF and Firestone F560 Radial. This size makes sense for a Coupe owner focused on radial construction, but wheel width and the car's actual wheel setup should still be confirmed before final selection.
5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.50 figure refers to nominal section width in inches and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1968 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment path and suits owners aiming for a more period-style tire presentation. Bias-ply construction brings its own look and feel, so this choice is often tied as much to restoration character as to basic fitment. It is the size to evaluate when the Coupe still wears its 13-inch wheels and the goal is to stay closer to vintage tire construction.
155R12 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 155 millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 12-inch rim diameter. On the 1968 Simca 1000, this size applies to the Series rather than the Bertone Coupe, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment across the model line. Its format reflects the compact European radial sizing commonly associated with smaller-displacement cars of the period. This is the right size to investigate when a Series car retains its 12-inch wheels and the owner wants a radial tire rather than the companion bias-ply option.
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number indicating nominal section width in inches and the 12 designating rim diameter. For the 1968 Simca 1000 Series, it serves as the traditional bias-ply counterpart to the 155R12 radial size. That makes it especially relevant for owners who want a more vintage construction and appearance on a Series car with 12-inch wheels. Before choosing it, confirm that the wheels are still the correct diameter and that the tire choice matches the car's intended use, whether restoration-minded display or regular light road service.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 Simca 1000 because the tire size and rim diameter change between the Bertone Coupe and the Series. Identifying the exact version is the key first step, since one uses 13-inch tires and the other uses 12-inch tires, with both radial and bias-ply choices tied to that difference.
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1968 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe
The 1968 Simca 1000 Bertone Coupe uses 13-inch tire fitments and can be matched with either radial or bias-ply construction. That gives Coupe owners a clear choice between a more traditional period-style presentation and a radial setup, provided the car still carries the correct wheel diameter.
The 1968 Simca 1000 Series uses 12-inch tire fitments, with both radial and bias-ply sizing associated with that sub-model. Selection starts with confirming the 12-inch wheel setup, then deciding whether the car's purpose calls for vintage-style bias-ply appearance or a radial tire format.
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 Simca 1000 Tires for Sale
Available 145R13 products focus on radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Firestone. The main comparisons are tire series, construction details, rim-width compatibility where stated, and the kind of road-use or period-European appearance that best suits a Bertone Coupe running a 13-inch radial fitment.
The most common 1968 Simca 1000 tire questions center on sub-model fitment, 12-inch versus 13-inch wheels, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to choose a tire that fits the car's appearance and intended road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Simca 1000?
A 1968 Simca 1000 can use 145R13, 5.50-13, 155R12, or 5.60-12, depending on the exact sub-model. The Bertone Coupe uses the 13-inch fitments, 145R13 radial or 5.50-13 bias-ply, while the Series uses the 12-inch fitments, 155R12 radial or 5.60-12 bias-ply.
That means the correct starting point is not simply the model name, but the specific version of the car and the wheel diameter currently on it. Many collector cars have had wheels changed over time, so checking the sub-model and the actual rim size on the car is more important than assuming every 1968 Simca 1000 uses the same tire.
What size rim does a 1968 Simca 1000 use?
The 1968 Simca 1000 uses either a 12-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Bertone Coupe is associated with 13-inch tire sizes, while the Series is associated with 12-inch tire sizes, and both radial and bias-ply options exist within those diameters.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else, because a 12-inch tire and a 13-inch tire are not interchangeable. It is also worth checking wheel width and overall wheel condition, especially on an older imported car, since replacement wheels, restored steel wheels, or aftermarket pieces can change what tire size can be used safely.
Do all 1968 Simca 1000 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1968 Simca 1000 does not use one shared tire size across all sub-models. The Bertone Coupe uses 145R13 or 5.50-13, while the Series uses 155R12 or 5.60-12, so both tire size and rim diameter vary within the model line.
That difference affects more than just the number on the sidewall. It changes the wheel diameter you need to match, the construction choices you can consider for that sub-model, and the product selection available once you start comparing tires. Checking the exact sub-model first prevents ordering a tire that belongs to another Simca 1000 configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 145R13 tire for a 1968 Simca 1000?
A 145R13 tire for a 1968 Simca 1000 is relevant to the Bertone Coupe, so the first consideration is confirming that sub-model and its 13-inch wheels. From there, the main decisions are radial construction details, blackwall appearance, tire series, and any stated rim-width compatibility for the product being considered.
The available 145R13 choices include Michelin and Firestone, and they differ in series and specifications rather than just branding. It helps to think about how the car will be used, whether the goal is a more European period-style presentation or regular road driving, and whether the wheel width falls within the tire's intended range before making a final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Simca 1000 tires?
For the 145R13 fitment currently available for the 1968 Simca 1000, the sidewall style is blackwall. That suits the compact European character of the car and gives the tire a clean, restrained appearance rather than a wide whitewall or more decorative muscle-car-era treatment.
Sidewall style matters most when appearance is part of the decision, especially on a restored or carefully preserved car. A blackwall tire keeps the presentation understated, but it is still important to choose the correct size and wheel diameter first, since appearance should follow fitment rather than replace it as the main selection factor.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 Simca 1000?
In 145R13 for the 1968 Simca 1000, available tire brands include Michelin and Firestone. Those products are both radial blackwall options, and they give Bertone Coupe owners more than one way to approach a correct-size 13-inch tire without stepping outside the proper fitment category.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It should be weighed alongside tire series, construction details, wheel-width compatibility where stated, and the kind of look the car needs. For a small European collector car, the difference between two correct-size tires often comes down to presentation and setup compatibility rather than simply choosing by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Simca 1000?
A period-style 1968 Simca 1000 usually starts with choosing the correct sub-model fitment and then deciding whether bias-ply or radial construction better suits the car's character. The Bertone Coupe uses 145R13 or 5.50-13, while the Series uses 155R12 or 5.60-12, so the visual starting point depends on which version is being restored.
Bias-ply tires typically support a more vintage presentation, while radial sizes can still look appropriate on many restored European cars of this era. If exact originality is important, compare the tire choice against marque-specific references or restoration records, since size, construction, and sidewall appearance all influence how authentic the finished car looks.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Simca 1000?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1968 Simca 1000 as much as it changes the tire category itself. A bias-ply size such as 5.50-13 or 5.60-12 gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while radial sizes like 145R13 or 155R12 tend to create a more modern sidewall profile and visual stance.
That difference is worth thinking through before purchase, especially on a compact car where the tires are a noticeable part of the overall proportion. Construction should still follow the correct sub-model and wheel diameter, but once fitment is confirmed, the final choice often comes down to whether the restoration leans toward period-style authenticity or regular road-going practicality.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Simca 1000?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Simca 1000. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension alterations, or bodywork adjustments can alter the clearance and wheel dimensions that the original 12-inch or 13-inch tire sizes were meant to work with.
That is especially important on a small car with limited room around the tire. A Simca 1000 that no longer has its original wheel setup may need closer measurement before any replacement tire is chosen. Check wheel diameter first, then confirm width and available clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range before settling on a tire size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Simca 1000 on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 Simca 1000 on new tires, inspect the wheels for proper diameter, width, and condition, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the car's exact sub-model. It is also wise to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and basic suspension condition on an older vehicle.
A short road test should follow only after confirming air pressure, clearance, and even seating of each tire on the wheel. Collector cars that sit for long periods can hide issues such as worn steering components or uneven brake behavior, so the first miles should be cautious and should focus on tracking, vibration, and any sign of rubbing.
How should tires on a collector 1968 Simca 1000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1968 Simca 1000 should be checked regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and tread condition, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Older collector cars often age tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage alone, so appearance and sidewall condition matter as much as tread depth.
Proper storage helps preserve the tires between drives. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow deterioration, and periodic inspection remains important whether the car wears radial or bias-ply tires. Any tire that shows visible damage, persistent pressure loss, or age-related distress deserves closer evaluation before road use.
