The 1971 Nissan 2000 comes from an era when small-displacement Japanese sports cars were building a serious enthusiast following with light weight, responsive handling, and a distinctly sporting character. For owners preserving that feel, tire choice has a direct effect on both appearance and the way the car presents on the road. This model can be fitted with either a 560-14 bias-ply tire or a 165R14 radial, both on 14-inch rims. That opens the door to traditional bias-ply styling or a more road-focused radial approach, along with blackwall and whitewall variations. The right choice depends on whether the priority is period-style presentation, driving manners, or a balanced restoration-minded setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Nissan 2000
The 1971 Nissan 2000 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down largely to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both fit a 14-inch rim. The first step is deciding whether the car should stay with the traditional 560-14 bias-ply look or use the 165R14 radial format, then confirming the actual wheel width and vehicle setup before selecting a tire.
A 165R14 uses a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated, and it is commonly understood as a Euro-metric radial size with a taller, traditional profile. For the 1971 Nissan 2000, this size is available in blackwall form from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Cinturato CA67, XAS, and Sprint Classic. It suits owners who want a radial tire in the correct overall vintage sizing style while still checking wheel-width compatibility and the car's present-day setup.
A 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 560 designates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and the 14 identifies the rim diameter. Its bias-ply construction gives the 1971 Nissan 2000 a more traditional tire format and visual character than a later-style radial. In this size, BFGoodrich options are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. It is the size to evaluate when period-style presentation matters most and when the car retains wheels suited to the narrower bias-ply rim-width range.
Tire fitment is straightforward here because the covered sub-model shares the same two primary tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire decision stays focused on the correct vehicle while you choose between bias-ply appearance and radial construction.
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1971 Nissan 2000 Sports
The 1971 Nissan 2000 Sports can use either a 165R14 radial or a 560-14 bias-ply tire on a 14-inch rim. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and a vintage-size radial, with wheel width and overall setup worth confirming before settling on one direction.
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 Nissan 2000 Tires for Sale
Available 1971 Nissan 2000 tires cover two distinct directions: blackwall radial choices from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in 165R14, and BFGoodrich 560-14 bias-ply options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form for a more traditional look.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1971 Nissan 2000, the difference between 560-14 bias-ply and 165R14 radial fitment, and the practical checks that matter before choosing tires for restoration or road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1971 Nissan 2000?
The 1971 Nissan 2000 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the 1971 Nissan 2000 Sports and both use a 14-inch rim, so the tire decision is not about wheel diameter first but about which construction and sizing style best suits the car.
That means the real choice is whether to keep a traditional bias-ply format or move to a vintage-size radial. Before selecting either size, confirm the wheel width actually on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years, and make sure the tire choice matches the intended appearance, road use, and overall setup.
What size rim does a 1971 Nissan 2000 use?
The tire sizes used on a 1971 Nissan 2000 are built for a 14-inch rim. Both the 165R14 radial and the 560-14 bias-ply share that same rim diameter, which helps narrow the fitment decision to construction type, tire profile, and wheel-width compatibility rather than a different wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a classic sports car. A 14-inch wheel still needs to be checked for width and condition, because the radial and bias-ply options here do not use the same rim-width range. A car with replacement wheels should be measured rather than assumed to have the original wheel configuration.
Does the 1971 Nissan 2000 Sports use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1971 Nissan 2000 Sports uses the same two primary tire sizes associated with this model: 165R14 in radial construction and 560-14 in bias-ply construction. There is no separate Sports-only size within this fitment, so the sub-model does not create an additional wheel-diameter or alternate-size complication.
What still matters is choosing the tire type that fits the car's purpose. A restoration-minded owner may focus on the 560-14 bias-ply path and its traditional sidewall options, while a driver looking for a vintage radial format may prefer 165R14. In either case, verify the actual wheels on the car before making the final selection.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1971 Nissan 2000?
560-14 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1971 Nissan 2000. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is offered here in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions that suit buyers looking for a more traditional vintage presentation.
Choosing 560-14 keeps the car in a period-style sizing format, but that also means checking the wheel carefully. The available 560-14 products are intended for relatively narrow rims, so a car wearing later replacement wheels may need closer measurement. It is also worth checking clearance and overall vehicle condition before returning to a bias-ply setup.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1971 Nissan 2000?
Either direction can make sense because the 1971 Nissan 2000 has both a 560-14 bias-ply fitment and a 165R14 radial fitment. Bias-ply tires keep a more traditional size format and appearance, while 165R14 gives the car a vintage radial sizing style from brands such as Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein.
The right choice depends on how the car is being used and presented. A restoration-oriented build may favor the visual character of the bias-ply size, while a driver may prefer staying with the radial format already associated with this model. Wheel width, current suspension condition, and the presence of aftermarket wheels should all be checked before changing construction.
What should I check before converting my 1971 Nissan 2000 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming that the car is actually set up for the 165R14 radial size rather than the 560-14 bias-ply size. Both use a 14-inch rim, but the available products show different rim-width ranges, so wheel width matters as much as diameter when moving from one construction type to the other.
A careful conversion check should also include tire-to-fender and steering clearance, the condition of suspension and steering components, and the actual wheel specification if the car has been modified. Even when the size is correct on paper, an older sports car can react differently to a construction change, so the full package should be evaluated before road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1971 Nissan 2000 tire?
Begin with the correct primary size path for the car: 165R14 if you want the radial fitment or 560-14 if you want the bias-ply fitment. From there, compare construction type, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and the overall presentation you want the car to have, because those factors shape the decision more than wheel diameter alone.
The available choices are meaningfully different. A 165R14 blackwall radial from Pirelli, Michelin, or Vredestein gives one kind of vintage road-going character, while a 560-14 BFGoodrich bias-ply can be selected in blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall form. Matching the tire to the actual wheels and the car's intended use keeps the selection process focused.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Nissan 2000 tires?
Sidewall style depends on which tire size you choose for the 1971 Nissan 2000. The 165R14 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-14 bias-ply options are available as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. That creates a clear visual split between the radial and bias-ply selections.
Appearance should be weighed alongside fitment and construction. A blackwall radial gives a clean, understated look in a vintage metric size, while the whitewall bias-ply options move the car toward a more traditional presentation. Sidewall style alone should not drive the decision, though, because wheel-width compatibility and the car's overall setup still need to support the chosen tire.
What brands offer tires for the 1971 Nissan 2000?
The 1971 Nissan 2000 has tire choices from Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, and BFGoodrich. Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein cover the 165R14 radial size, while BFGoodrich covers the 560-14 bias-ply size. That makes brand choice closely tied to the size and construction path you plan to use on the car.
A useful way to compare these options is by looking at what each brand represents within the available fitments rather than trying to rank them. The radial side offers several vintage-style blackwall series, while the bias-ply side offers one established series with multiple sidewall treatments. Choosing among them starts with the correct size, then moves to appearance and wheel compatibility.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Nissan 2000?
A period-style 1971 Nissan 2000 can reasonably be approached from two directions within the available fitments. The 560-14 bias-ply size gives the most traditional tire format and sidewall presentation, while the 165R14 radial retains a vintage overall sizing style in a later-style construction that still looks appropriate on many classic sports cars.
The best restoration choice depends on what kind of authenticity matters most to the owner. Some builds call for the visual character of a bias-ply tire, while others benefit from the cleaner blackwall radial look. When exact originality is important, compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references and the car's own restoration goals before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1971 Nissan 2000?
Tire construction changes the visual tone of a restored 1971 Nissan 2000 as much as it changes the fitment path. A 560-14 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage stance and opens the door to blackwall or whitewall styling, while a 165R14 radial presents the car with a more restrained blackwall look in a classic metric size.
That difference matters because classic sports cars can look noticeably different even when wheel diameter stays the same. A buyer restoring for show presentation may focus on the bias-ply format and sidewall treatment, while a driver-oriented restoration may lean toward the radial. Either way, the tire should complement the wheels, trim, and overall character of the finished car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Nissan 2000?
Yes, modifications can change how either 165R14 or 560-14 works on a 1971 Nissan 2000. Even though both sizes use a 14-inch rim, aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can affect clearance and make one tire choice more suitable than another.
A car that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or rebuilt over the years should be checked carefully before a tire is chosen by size alone. Measure wheel width, inspect steering and fender clearance, and confirm that the tire's construction matches the car's present setup. That extra step is especially important on an older sports car with unknown modifications.
What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Nissan 2000 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the overall condition of the tire installation on the 1971 Nissan 2000. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and each tire should be checked for proper seating, any signs of air loss, and adequate clearance at the fenders and during steering movement.
A broader inspection is just as important on a collector-era sports car. Look at suspension and steering components, confirm there are no cracks or bulges in any older tire still on the car, and make sure the wheels are the correct diameter and suitable width for the chosen size. A short test drive and recheck can help catch fitment issues early.
How should tires on a collector 1971 Nissan 2000 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1971 Nissan 2000 should be checked regularly for pressure, cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. Because cars like this are often driven less than modern daily vehicles, age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth when judging whether the tires remain roadworthy.
Good storage habits help preserve whichever size is on the car. Keep the Nissan away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are ready because the car has been sitting. Low-use classics benefit from more frequent visual checks, not fewer.