The 1971 Lancia Fulvia sits in a distinctive corner of Italian motoring, known for its compact dimensions, front-wheel-drive engineering, and strong competition heritage. Enthusiasts gravitate to the Fulvia because small differences in trim and performance version can change the character of the car, and that matters when choosing tires. Tire fitment for the 1971 Lancia Fulvia spans both radial and bias-ply choices, with 14-inch and 13-inch applications depending on the sub-model. That opens the door to decisions about period-style appearance, construction type, and brand selection rather than simply picking any vintage tire. The right choice starts with the exact Fulvia variant and the wheel setup currently on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Lancia Fulvia
The 1971 Lancia Fulvia uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Some versions use a 14-inch radial or a 14-inch bias-ply option, while the Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF uses a 13-inch radial size. Identifying the specific Fulvia variant and confirming whether the car still has its original wheel diameter should come before comparing brands or constructions.
Fit(s): Coupe & Coupe Rallye and HF 1.3 Coupe Sport
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
A 145R14 is a Euro-metric radial tire with a nominal section width of 145 millimeters, radial construction, and fitment for a 14-inch rim. On the 1971 Lancia Fulvia, this size serves as a narrow, traditional radial fitment for certain coupe-based versions. Available choices include Firestone and Camac offerings in blackwall form, including the F560 Radial and BN313 Radial series. This size suits buyers who want to stay with a slender European radial presentation while comparing product details such as rim-width range, load capacity, and brand character.
Fit(s): Coupe & Coupe Rallye, HF 1.3 Coupe Sport, and Sedan 2C & GTE
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
A 520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.20 designation refers to nominal section width and the 14 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1971 Lancia Fulvia, it represents the period-style bias-ply fitment used across several sub-models with 14-inch wheels. Available examples center on Premium Sport Lowrider tires with narrow whitewall styling in more than one whitewall treatment. This size makes the most sense for owners pursuing a traditional bias-ply look and feel, while still checking wheel width and overall vehicle setup before installation.
A 175R13 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 175-millimeter nominal section width and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. For the 1971 Lancia Fulvia, this size is tied to the Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF and stands apart from the 14-inch applications used elsewhere in the range. Its main practical significance is not sidewall or series choice, but confirming that the car truly carries the correct 13-inch wheel setup. That verification matters because a Fulvia with changed wheels or later substitutions can easily lead a buyer toward the wrong diameter.
A 155R14 is a Euro-metric radial tire with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and fitment for a 14-inch rim. On the 1971 Lancia Fulvia, this size applies to the Sedan 2C & GTE and gives that sub-model a different radial fitment from the narrower 145R14 coupe applications. Product choices include blackwall radials from Michelin and Firestone, including the Michelin X Radial and Firestone F560 Radial series. This size is the right place to focus if the car is a sedan and the goal is a classic European radial look with brand and specification choice.
Sub-model fitment on the 1971 Lancia Fulvia is not uniform, so the exact version of the car matters before choosing a tire. Some Fulvia variants share the same 14-inch radial and bias-ply options, while others move to a different radial size or even a different wheel diameter.
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1971 Lancia Fulvia Coupe & Coupe Rallye
The Coupe & Coupe Rallye use 14-inch fitments that include both a radial and a bias-ply choice. That gives the owner a clear decision between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a classic narrow radial approach, with wheel condition and restoration goals guiding the final selection.
The Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF stands apart with its own 13-inch radial fitment rather than the 14-inch sizes seen elsewhere in the Fulvia range. Tire selection here starts with confirming the 13-inch wheel diameter, then choosing a radial that matches the car's intended road use and overall setup.
The HF 1.3 Coupe Sport shares the same 14-inch radial and 14-inch bias-ply choices used on certain other Fulvia coupe variants. That means the main decision is whether to preserve a period-style bias-ply look or stay with a narrow radial format more in line with classic European road use.
The Sedan 2C & GTE uses its own 14-inch radial size, while also sharing the 520-14 bias-ply option found on other Fulvia models. Choosing between them comes down to construction preference, visual style, and making sure the car still wears wheels compatible with the intended tire.
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 1971 Lancia Fulvia Tires for Sale
Available 1971 Lancia Fulvia tire choices span Firestone, Camac, Michelin, and Premium Sport, with differences in radial versus bias-ply construction, blackwall versus narrow whitewall appearance, and tire series such as F560 Radial, Michelin X Radial, BN313 Radial, and Premium Sport Lowrider.
These FAQs focus on 1971 Lancia Fulvia tire size differences by sub-model, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, radial and bias-ply choices, product selection, and the inspection steps worth taking before putting a classic Fulvia back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
The 1971 Lancia Fulvia does not use one universal tire size across the full model range. Depending on the sub-model, primary fitments include 145R14, 520-14, 175R13, and 155R14. Coupe & Coupe Rallye and HF 1.3 Coupe Sport versions use 145R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply, the Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF uses 175R13 radial, and the Sedan 2C & GTE uses 155R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply.
That means the first step is confirming the exact Fulvia variant before choosing a tire. Wheel diameter matters just as much, because the 175R13 application uses a 13-inch rim while the other sizes use 14-inch wheels. On cars that have been restored or modified over the years, checking the wheels currently on the car can prevent ordering the right style in the wrong size.
What size rim does a 1971 Lancia Fulvia use?
A 1971 Lancia Fulvia can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 145R14, 520-14, and 155R14 fitments are built around 14-inch wheels, while the 175R13 fitment used on the Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF is built around a 13-inch wheel.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else, especially on a vintage car that may no longer have its original wheels. After diameter, wheel width also deserves attention because some available tires carry defined rim-width ranges. A careful check of the stampings or actual measurements on the wheel can save time and keep the tire search focused on options that suit the car's current setup.
Do all 1971 Lancia Fulvia sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1971 Lancia Fulvia sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Some coupe-based models share 145R14 radial and 520-14 bias-ply choices, the Sedan 2C & GTE uses 155R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply, and the Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF uses a separate 175R13 radial fitment.
That variation matters because the right tire decision is tied to both model identity and wheel diameter. A buyer looking at a Fulvia coupe, sedan, or HF variant should verify the exact sub-model name before narrowing choices by brand or appearance. It is also wise to inspect the wheel size currently mounted, since decades of ownership changes can blur the line between original-style fitment and later substitutions.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
The 520-14 fitment for the 1971 Lancia Fulvia is a bias-ply tire size. It appears as a 14-inch option on the Coupe & Coupe Rallye, HF 1.3 Coupe Sport, and Sedan 2C & GTE, alongside radial sizes on those same general model groups.
Choosing 520-14 usually means pursuing a more traditional vintage presentation and bias-ply construction feel rather than a radial-style setup. Available products in this size focus on narrow whitewall styling, so appearance can play a major role in the decision. Wheel width should still be checked carefully, especially where a tire carries a stated 3.50 to 4.00 inch rim-width range.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
That depends on the exact Fulvia sub-model and the result you want from the car. The 1971 range includes both radial and bias-ply primary fitments: 145R14, 155R14, and 175R13 appear as radial sizes, while 520-14 is the bias-ply option used on several 14-inch applications.
A radial choice generally suits owners who want to stay with a classic European radial format, while a 520-14 bias-ply may better support a period-style visual presentation. The best path is to confirm the correct size for the sub-model first, then compare wheel diameter, wheel width, and the way the car is used. Restoration priorities and the current wheel setup should steer the construction decision.
What should I check before choosing between bias-ply and radial tires for a 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
Start by verifying the Fulvia's exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1971 range includes both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments and not every version uses the same construction options. Then confirm whether the car is currently set up for a radial size such as 145R14, 155R14, or 175R13, or for the 520-14 bias-ply fitment.
From there, inspect the wheel width, the space around the tire, and the overall condition of suspension and steering components. On a collector car, past restorations or wheel changes can alter what is actually mounted. Choosing between constructions is easier once the car's present configuration is understood and the intended balance between period appearance and road-use preferences is clear.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
The first consideration is the exact sub-model, because a 1971 Lancia Fulvia can use 145R14, 520-14, 175R13, or 155R14 depending on the version. After confirming size, the next decisions are construction type, sidewall appearance, and the brand or tire series available within that fitment.
A coupe owner choosing between 145R14 radial and 520-14 bias-ply is making a different decision from a Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF owner who first needs the correct 13-inch radial size. It also helps to compare wheel-width compatibility, load figures where shown, and the visual style you want. On a Fulvia, the best choice usually comes from matching size accuracy with the car's current wheels and intended use.
What brands offer tires for the 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
Tires for the 1971 Lancia Fulvia are available from Firestone, Camac, Michelin, and Premium Sport, depending on the size. Firestone appears in 145R14 and 155R14 radial fitments, Camac also appears in 145R14, Michelin appears in 155R14, and Premium Sport covers the 520-14 bias-ply application.
Brand choice should still follow fitment first rather than reputation alone. A Fulvia owner shopping for a sedan's 155R14 radial has different options than someone choosing a 520-14 bias-ply for a coupe or sedan application. Once the right size is confirmed, compare the tire series, sidewall style, and any stated rim-width or load information to narrow the field in a practical way.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Lancia Fulvia tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1971 Lancia Fulvia tires are blackwall and narrow whitewall, depending on size and construction. The radial sizes offered in 145R14 and 155R14 appear in blackwall form, while the 520-14 bias-ply choices are centered on narrow whitewall presentations.
That gives the Fulvia owner a meaningful appearance decision once the correct size has been identified. Blackwall radials tend to preserve a restrained European look, while a narrow whitewall 520-14 creates a more stylized vintage presentation. Sidewall style should be chosen after the fitment is confirmed, since appearance options vary by tire size and cannot be assumed across the entire Fulvia range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
A period-style 1971 Lancia Fulvia tire choice starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model, then narrows to construction and appearance. For some versions that means choosing between a radial size such as 145R14 or 155R14 and the 520-14 bias-ply option, while the Coupe Rallye 1.6 HF stays with its own 175R13 radial fitment.
Bias-ply tires usually create the most traditional vintage presentation where 520-14 applies, especially with narrow whitewall styling available in that size. Radials maintain a classic European look in the sizes designed around them. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, comparing the car against marque references or restoration records is a smart final step before settling on brand and sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
Tire construction can noticeably influence how a restored 1971 Lancia Fulvia presents, even when wheel diameter is correct. The Fulvia's available radial sizes keep a narrow classic European look, while the 520-14 bias-ply option introduces a more traditional vintage character, especially when paired with narrow whitewall styling.
That visual difference matters because a restoration can lean toward restrained road-car authenticity or toward a more stylized period impression. Construction should still follow the sub-model's proper size range rather than appearance alone. Once size is settled, sidewall treatment becomes the finishing detail that helps the tires support the overall restoration theme without overstating originality.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Lancia Fulvia?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Lancia Fulvia. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can influence which tire size works properly, especially on a car that already has both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments across the model range.
A modified Fulvia should be measured rather than assumed to match stock-style fitment. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension points is especially important before choosing between 145R14, 155R14, 175R13, or 520-14. Small vintage cars leave less room for guesswork, so the current physical setup should guide the final tire decision.
What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Lancia Fulvia on new tires?
Before driving a 1971 Lancia Fulvia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then check that the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model. It also helps to look over the valve stems, confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire in use, and make sure there is no interference at full steering lock.
A broader road-use check should include sidewall condition on any remaining older tires, lug hardware, visible suspension wear, and signs of uneven alignment that could affect the new set. A short initial drive followed by another inspection is worthwhile on a collector car. That second look can reveal rubbing, air loss, or seating issues before the Fulvia is driven any meaningful distance.
How should tires on a collector 1971 Lancia Fulvia be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1971 Lancia Fulvia should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Whether the car uses radial sizes such as 145R14, 155R14, or 175R13, or a 520-14 bias-ply setup, low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging.
Storage habits matter just as much as road use on an older Fulvia. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires' condition, while periodic movement can reduce long-term flat spotting. Any cracking, bulges, cuts, or repeated air loss should be addressed promptly so the car stays safe and enjoyable when it does go out on the road.