1970 Simca 1118 Tires

The 1970 Simca 1118 uses two primary tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with this model, and both are built for 13-inch wheels. That means the choice is not simply about wheel diameter, but also about which tire construction and presentation best suit the car.

The practical next step is confirming which setup is already on the car and which direction matches your goals. A Simca kept close to period appearance may stay with 520-13 bias-ply, while a car already using radial-format tires may point you toward 145R13. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should always be checked before changing from one construction or equivalent-size approach to another.

The primary tire sizes used on a 1970 Simca 1118 both fit a 13-inch rim. That applies to the 145R13 radial size and the 520-13 bias-ply size. Rim diameter is therefore consistent across the main fitment choices, even though the tire sizing systems and construction types are different.

Knowing the wheel is 13 inches is only part of the fitment picture. The actual wheel width still matters, especially if you are considering a radial equivalent for the 520-13 size or comparing products that call out a specific rim-width range. It is worth measuring the wheels on the car, since older vehicles are often changed over time and small differences can affect tire shape and clearance.

Yes. The 1970 Simca 1118 Sedan uses the same two primary tire sizes tied to this model: 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply. In other words, the sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique third size. The main distinction remains the choice between radial and bias-ply construction.

That makes selection simpler, but it does not remove the need to inspect the car itself. A Sedan may now wear replacement wheels or may already have been converted from one tire type to the other. Looking at the current wheel width, confirming the tire size stamped on the sidewall, and deciding whether appearance or road-use character matters more will help narrow the correct replacement.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1970 Simca 1118. It uses the older numeric sizing format commonly seen on vintage vehicles, with the nominal section width expressed in inches and the wheel diameter following the dash. On this Simca, 520-13 represents the traditional-construction option rather than the radial-format choice.

That matters because moving from 520-13 to a radial alternative is more than a simple size-name change. Construction affects the tire's look and the type of options available, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations in the bias-ply range. Before changing away from 520-13, confirm the wheel width and compare the intended replacement against the car's fender and suspension clearances.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those three sizes represent different radial sizing conventions: 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the 75-series P-metric radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the 70-series P-metric radial equivalent. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with this size.

These alternatives give a 1970 Simca 1118 owner several radial-format paths without treating any one of them as automatic interchangeability. A 4- to 5-inch rim-width range is relevant when evaluating radial conversion from 520-13, and the actual wheel on the car should be checked carefully. Tire section, overall dimensions, steering clearance, and the car's present ride height all deserve a quick review before selecting an equivalent.

The 1970 Simca 1118 can be approached either way because both a primary radial size, 145R13, and a primary bias-ply size, 520-13, are used on the model. Bias-ply makes sense for owners focused on traditional presentation, especially with available whitewall styles. Radial fitment appeals to owners who want to stay with a more modern construction format within the correct 13-inch wheel diameter.

The better choice depends on how the car will be used and how closely you want the tire's visual character to reflect an older look. A collector car shown in period style may lean toward 520-13, while a car driven more regularly may keep or move toward radial sizing. Any change in construction should include a check of wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearances at both the front and rear.

Start by deciding whether the car should remain with 520-13 bias-ply construction or use the 145R13 radial size. Both fit a 13-inch rim, but they reflect different tire formats and different visual character. That makes construction choice the first filter, followed by sidewall appearance, brand preference, and any wheel-width considerations tied to the specific tire being considered.

After the size direction is clear, compare the available products by intended use. A restoration-oriented Simca may benefit from the traditional look of the bias-ply offerings, while a driver already set up around radial tires may be better matched to the 145R13 options. It also helps to look at maximum load figures and rim-width requirements where they are stated, rather than assuming every tire in the same nominal size behaves identically.

Sidewall choices for the 1970 Simca 1118 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The 145R13 radial products are offered in blackwall form, while the 520-13 bias-ply range opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations. That creates a noticeable appearance difference even before construction type is considered.

The best sidewall choice depends on how you want the car to read visually. Blackwall usually gives the cleanest understated look, while narrow and wide whitewall bias-ply tires create a stronger period-style statement. Since sidewall style does not override fitment basics, match the look only after the correct size, wheel diameter, and any applicable wheel-width requirement have been confirmed for the car.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tire options for the 1970 Simca 1118. Michelin appears in the 145R13 radial range through the XAS-FF line, Firestone appears in both 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply offerings, and Premium Sport appears in the 520-13 bias-ply range. That spread gives buyers a useful mix of construction types and visual styles.

Brand should be considered alongside the tire's actual series, sidewall treatment, and dimensional compatibility rather than by name alone. For example, one brand may only be available in blackwall radial form, while another may offer several whitewall bias-ply presentations in the same primary size family. Looking at the complete specification for the exact tire will tell you more than choosing purely by brand preference.

For a period-style 1970 Simca 1118, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric format and traditional construction. Within that size, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That gives the car a more traditional small-car presentation than a modern-looking radial sidewall typically provides.

The exact visual target still matters. Some restorations look best with a restrained blackwall, while others benefit from a whitewall treatment that better fits the owner's preferred era impression. If absolute originality is important, compare your choice against model-specific historical references or marque guidance. A period-style tire can be visually convincing without automatically being the exact tire appearance the car wore when new.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1970 Simca 1118; it also changes how the car looks at a glance. The 520-13 bias-ply format gives a more traditional presentation and supports whitewall styling choices, while the 145R13 radial choices available here are blackwall tires with a more modern visual character. That difference can strongly influence the car's finished stance and personality.

Appearance-focused owners usually notice construction most in the sidewall and overall visual tone rather than in the size marking alone. A Simca restored for display may call for the older bias-ply look, while a car restored for regular road use may still justify a radial-format decision. Matching the tire's visual style to the wheel design, ride height, and overall restoration theme tends to produce the most convincing result.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1970 Simca 1118 even when the replacement tire is in one of the correct primary sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowering, spring changes, or body work can all influence whether a 145R13, 520-13, or a radial equivalent has adequate space around the suspension and fenders.

That is why a modified car should be measured rather than judged by catalog size alone. Check wheel diameter and width first, then inspect steering clearance at full lock and look for any signs of rubbing near the fender lip or inner wheelhouse. A small European car leaves less extra room than many larger classics, so modest setup changes can have a visible effect on tire fitment.

Before driving a 1970 Simca 1118 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter, verify that the wheel width suits the tire being installed, and confirm that each tire is seated properly and inflated correctly. It also helps to look over the suspension, steering components, and brake hardware for anything that could affect tracking or clearance once the car is back on the road.

A short low-speed test is a smart follow-up. Listen for rubbing, watch for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. On a collector-era car, it is also worth making sure the spare and any older remaining tires are in safe condition, since mixed ages and conditions can undermine the benefit of fitting fresh rubber to the car.

Collector-car tires on a 1970 Simca 1118 should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of slow air loss. That applies whether the car wears 145R13 radials or 520-13 bias-ply tires. Because many collector vehicles see limited mileage, age and storage conditions can become just as important as tread depth.

Good maintenance also means protecting the car from long periods of heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when stored. Rolling the vehicle occasionally can help avoid long-term flat spotting, and a visual inspection before each outing is wise on a low-use classic. Any tire showing structural damage, persistent pressure loss, or advanced weathering deserves closer evaluation before the Simca returns to the road.