1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Tires

The 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is associated with two primary tire sizes: 560-15 in bias-ply construction and 155R15 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim, and the covered Base model can use either of these fitment paths depending on the tire type and overall setup being chosen.

That means the main question is not just size, but whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial format. On a car that has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years, checking the actual wheel width and available clearance before selecting either size is still an important step.

The tire sizes associated with a 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia both use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 560-15 bias-ply size and the 155R15 radial size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the construction and sizing format differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though, especially on a vintage Volkswagen that may no longer have its original wheels. Actual wheel width still matters because available tires within these sizes have different recommended rim-width ranges, and that can influence which specific product is the better match for the car.

On a 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, 560-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 portion represents an approximate nominal section width of 5.60 inches, and the 15 indicates the tire fits a 15-inch wheel. It is a traditional vintage sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.

For an owner, that matters because 560-15 points toward a period-style bias-ply tire choice with its own look and construction character. It also separates this fitment from the 155R15 radial option, so anyone comparing the two should confirm wheel width, driving goals, and the appearance they want before making a final selection.

For the 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, 560-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system and is offered in classic bias-ply product lines from brands such as Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall and whitewall choices available.

That makes 560-15 the natural direction for owners who want a traditional vintage look and a period-style construction. Anyone considering a change from this size to a radial alternative should compare the actual wheel width, the tire's intended use, and available clearance instead of assuming that any radial with the same rim diameter will behave the same way.

The radial equivalents associated with 560-15 are 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is the available 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for owners who want a radial construction while retaining a more traditional tire presentation.

Those options serve different goals, so the choice should be made carefully. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent setup, and the owner should still compare the car's actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and suspension before treating either equivalent as a workable alternative.

A 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia can be set up around either the 560-15 bias-ply size or the 155R15 radial size, so the decision comes down to the kind of car you want to drive and present. Bias-ply keeps the vintage construction and styling language, while radial fitment moves toward a more modern tire format within the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

For a restoration-oriented car, the bias-ply route often makes the strongest visual statement, especially with traditional sidewall treatments. For regular road use, a radial option may be more appealing, but the owner should still verify wheel width, inspect suspension and steering clearance, and make sure the car's current setup supports the change.

Start with the two fitment paths associated with the 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial. From there, the important choices are construction type, 15-inch wheel compatibility, intended use, and whether the car should lean toward period-style presentation or a more modern radial approach.

Once the size and construction direction are settled, compare the available products by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification. A carefully restored Ghia and a frequently driven Ghia may call for very different priorities, so appearance, wheel setup, and how the car will actually be used should shape the final choice.

Sidewall style depends on which tire size and construction you choose for a 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. The 155R15 radial options are offered in blackwall form, while 560-15 bias-ply tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions across several classic tire lines.

That creates a meaningful appearance decision, especially on a car whose styling is so strongly influenced by proportions and detail. A blackwall usually keeps the look simpler and sportier, while a whitewall adds a more decorative vintage presentation. The right choice depends on the car's restoration theme, wheel style, and the overall look being pursued.

The 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand choice varies by size and construction, with the 155R15 radial category covering several European-style radial series and the 560-15 bias-ply category covering traditional blackwall and whitewall options.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It makes more sense to compare which brand offers the construction, sidewall treatment, tire series, and rim-width range that best match the car. Narrowing the decision that way helps separate a restoration-oriented bias-ply purchase from a radial selection meant for different driving expectations.

For a period-style 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, the 560-15 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it uses a vintage sizing convention and is available in traditional blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments. That combination aligns well with the visual character many owners want from a restored late-1960s Ghia.

Appearance goals still vary, so the best choice depends on whether the car is being restored with a restrained original-style look or a more personalized vintage presentation. When exact originality matters, compare the tire's construction and sidewall treatment with marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation before settling on a final specification.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia more than many owners expect. A 560-15 bias-ply tire presents the car with a more traditional vintage stance and sizing language, while a 155R15 radial introduces a more modern metric format even though it still fits the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

That difference becomes especially noticeable when sidewall style is part of the restoration plan. Bias-ply choices can add blackwall or whitewall character, while the radial options stay blackwall and more understated. Matching construction to the intended era feel of the car helps avoid a finished look that seems visually inconsistent with the rest of the build.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia even when the tire size itself is one of the known fitments. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowered ride height, or body and fender work can all change how a 560-15 or 155R15 tire sits and clears the car.

That is why the actual setup on the car matters more than the badge on the decklid alone. Any Ghia that has been modified should have its wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance checked at steering lock and through suspension movement before new tires are selected, especially when changing from bias-ply to radial construction.

Before driving a 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the intended direction and seated properly, and verify that inflation matches the tire's requirements. It is also smart to check suspension, steering components, and brake condition on a car that may have spent long periods in storage.

A short clearance check is just as important once the car is back on the ground. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for any fender or suspension interference, and recheck fasteners and pressure after the first few miles. That simple routine helps catch setup problems before they become road-use problems.

Tires on a collector 1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss, even if the car is only driven occasionally. Low-use vintage cars often spend more time parked than driven, so tire condition can change from age and storage exposure as much as from mileage.

Storage habits make a difference on a Ghia that sees seasonal or hobby use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce flat spotting. Any tire that shows aging or condition concerns deserves a closer inspection before road use.