1970 Fiat 850 Tires

A 1970 Fiat 850 uses one of four primary sizes depending on sub-model and construction choice: 155R13, 560-13, 145R13, or 520-13. Coupe, Sport, and Spider applications use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Sedan Special uses 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply.

The first step is confirming which sub-model you have, because the two fitment families are not the same. After that, decide whether the car should stay with a period-style bias-ply tire or use the radial size tied to that sub-model, then compare the available brands, sidewall treatments, and wheel-width requirements.

The covered tire fitments for the 1970 Fiat 850 all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies across the radial sizes 155R13 and 145R13 as well as the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 520-13.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, because the car still needs the correct tire-size family for its sub-model. It is also smart to verify actual wheel width before choosing a tire, especially if the Fiat has replacement wheels or if you are considering a radial equivalent for one of the bias-ply sizes.

No. The 1970 Fiat 850 Coupe, Sport, and Spider share one fitment family, while the Sedan Special uses a different one. The Coupe, Sport, and Spider use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, and the Sedan Special uses 145R13 radial or 520-13 bias-ply.

That split means a buyer should not treat every 1970 Fiat 850 as interchangeable for tires. Ordering by year and model alone can be too broad, so checking the exact body style first helps avoid moving into the wrong width range or selecting a bias-ply or radial size intended for the other sub-model group.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1970 Fiat 850 Coupe, Sport, and Spider. It uses the older numeric sizing format and belongs to the period-style construction choice for those sub-models, while 155R13 is the radial fitment in that same group.

That distinction matters because choosing 560-13 keeps the car in its traditional bias-ply format rather than simply changing brands within one construction type. A buyer comparing 560-13 to a radial alternative should also look at wheel width, intended appearance, and whether the car is being restored for vintage presentation or driven with a modern radial preference.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies when evaluating these alternatives.

Those sizes give a buyer several ways to move from an older bias-ply format into a radial sizing convention, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. Comparing wheel width, overall fit on the car, and clearance at the steering and fender edges is still important before making the change on a 1970 Fiat 850.

Both constructions are relevant on the 1970 Fiat 850, but the right choice depends on sub-model and ownership goals. Coupe, Sport, and Spider applications pair 560-13 bias-ply with 155R13 radial choices, while the Sedan Special pairs 520-13 bias-ply with 145R13 radial choices.

Bias-ply tires usually make more sense when period-style appearance and vintage construction are the priority. Radials are often the direction for owners who want to stay within the proper fitment family while using a more modern construction, but wheel width and actual vehicle clearance should be checked before moving away from a bias-ply setup.

Start by confirming that your 1970 Fiat 850 is one of the Coupe, Sport, or Spider applications that use 560-13. From there, the main decisions are whether you want a traditional bias-ply construction and which sidewall presentation fits the car, since 560-13 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.

Brand and tire series also shape the choice, with BFGoodrich and Firestone options available in classic bias-ply lines. Wheel-width compatibility matters as well, because the available 560-13 products are intended for slightly different rim-width ranges, so checking the actual wheel before selecting a tire is part of a careful fitment process.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size and construction chosen for the 1970 Fiat 850. Radial options in 145R13 and 155R13 are offered as blackwalls, while the bias-ply sizes include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices depending on the exact product and sub-model fitment.

That gives the Fiat owner some room to tune the car's visual character without changing the overall size family. A Spider or Coupe owner may lean toward a classic whitewall bias-ply presentation, while a radial blackwall can suit a more understated road-use approach, but the sidewall decision still needs to stay within the correct sub-model size.

Available brands for the 1970 Fiat 850 include Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the radial choices, while BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport cover the bias-ply side depending on whether the car uses the larger or smaller 13-inch fitment family.

The practical choice is less about picking a name first and more about matching brand offerings to the correct size, construction, and appearance goal. Some brands are tied to blackwall radial products, while others offer whitewall bias-ply styles, so the best comparison starts after the sub-model and preferred tire type have already been narrowed down.

A period-style 1970 Fiat 850 usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the specific sub-model. That means 560-13 for Coupe, Sport, and Spider applications or 520-13 for the Sedan Special, rather than moving immediately to a radial size that changes the construction character.

Once the right size family is confirmed, the appearance choice becomes more specific through blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall options where available. Buyers seeking exact restoration authenticity should compare tire appearance against period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific history, since a vintage-looking tire is not automatically the exact original presentation.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1970 Fiat 850 as much as the size itself. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in an older construction format that generally supports a more traditional visual impression, while a radial in 145R13 or 155R13 gives the car a more modernized presentation within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

Sidewall style then adds another layer, especially on the bias-ply sizes where whitewall choices are available. For owners balancing authenticity and drivability, construction is often the first appearance decision to make, since it shapes the overall character of the tire before brand, series, or whitewall width even enter the conversation.

Yes. A 1970 Fiat 850 may no longer have its original wheel or suspension setup, and changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or body modifications can affect how a correct-size tire actually sits on the car. That applies whether you are choosing a primary fitment or evaluating a radial equivalent.

Wheel diameter is consistent at 13 inches across these fitments, but width and clearance still need attention. Looking at the actual wheel size, checking space at the fender and steering range, and confirming that the tire matches the sub-model's intended size family will help prevent problems that a stock-spec tire page cannot see.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the tire size matches the Fiat's exact sub-model, and confirm that each tire seats correctly on the rim. It is also smart to check inflation, valve condition, and basic clearance at the suspension, fender edges, and steering positions.

A newly mounted tire can still reveal issues elsewhere on a vintage car, especially one that has seen long storage or prior modifications. Looking over wheel fasteners, alignment behavior, and any signs of rubbing during slow-speed driving helps make sure the 1970 Fiat 850 is ready for regular use rather than just properly sized on paper.

Collector-car tire care for a 1970 Fiat 850 starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and protection from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so sidewall cracking, tread deterioration, bulges, cuts, and recurring air loss still deserve attention.

Occasional movement and clean storage conditions help reduce flat spotting and preserve the tire's condition between drives. Owners should also keep an eye on how an older Fiat sits during storage, because suspension sag, underinflation, or long stationary periods can put extra stress on a small 13-inch tire even when tread wear looks minimal.