1971 Simca 1204 Tires

The 1971 Simca 1204 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with this model, including the sedan and wagon, and both use a 13-inch rim diameter.

That means the key choice is not wheel diameter, but which construction and tire format make sense for the car in front of you. A 155R13 keeps the fitment in a European radial format, while 560-13 keeps the more traditional numeric bias-ply presentation. Before selecting either one, confirm the actual wheel width and make sure the car has not been changed with aftermarket wheels or other modifications.

The 1971 Simca 1204 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is using the 155R13 radial fitment or the 560-13 bias-ply fitment.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because wheel width also matters when choosing between these two sizes and among the available products. The radial and bias-ply options do not share the same rim-width range, so it is worth measuring the wheel before changing construction. That is especially important on a small imported car where replacement wheels may have been installed over time.

Yes. Both the 1971 Simca 1204 Sedans and the 1971 Simca 1204 Wagon use the same two tire-size paths: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. The sub-models do not introduce a separate rim diameter or an extra primary size.

That makes fitment simpler than on many classic vehicles, but the owner still needs to verify how the individual car is equipped today. A wagon or sedan may be wearing replacement wheels that favor one size more than the other, and appearance goals can also steer the decision. The practical question is less about sub-model differences and more about which construction suits the wheel, the look, and the intended use.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1971 Simca 1204. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, and the available tires in this size use bias-ply construction rather than radial construction.

That matters because a 560-13 tire brings a different appearance and wheel-width requirement than the radial alternatives tied to this car. Bias-ply choices in this size also include whitewall styling options, which can change the overall look of the vehicle more noticeably than the size code alone suggests. Any move away from 560-13 should be checked carefully against wheel width, clearance, and the desired period presentation.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series alternative, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series alternative. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with 560-13 here.

Those choices give the owner several ways to move from a numeric bias-ply size into radial sizing conventions, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches. It is smart to compare the actual wheel width on the car and check body and steering clearance before selecting any radial equivalent.

The 1971 Simca 1204 can be approached either way, since both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial fitments are associated with the model. Bias-ply keeps the car in a more traditional vintage tire format, while the radial size follows the car's period European radial presentation.

The better choice depends on what matters most on your particular car. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the visual character of bias-ply whitewalls, while a driver-focused owner may want to stay with the radial format. The wheel itself needs to be part of the decision, because the available products do not all share the same rim-width requirements. Checking the actual wheel before changing construction helps avoid an appearance or fitment mismatch.

Start with the two primary fitment paths for the 1971 Simca 1204: 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. The real decision is then shaped by construction, wheel width, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept in a more traditional vintage look or a period European radial format.

A small car like the 1204 can look noticeably different depending on whether it wears blackwall radials or whitewall bias-ply tires, so appearance matters as much as the size code. It also helps to compare the intended use of the car, since a lightly shown restoration may call for a different approach than a regularly driven example. Confirming the wheel width before buying is one of the most important practical steps.

The available 1971 Simca 1204 tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Blackwall appears with the radial 155R13 options, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations.

That gives the car owner a meaningful appearance decision rather than just a size decision. Blackwall radials tend to suit a restrained European look, while the whitewall bias-ply tires create a more decorative vintage presentation. Sidewall choice should still follow the correct size and wheel setup, because the visual style does not override the basic fitment requirements tied to the radial and bias-ply options.

Michelin and Dunlop offer radial choices for the 1971 Simca 1204 in the 155R13 format, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer bias-ply choices in 560-13. Those brand options also bring different tire series and sidewall treatments into the selection process.

Brand should be considered alongside the tire's construction and visual character, not in isolation. A Michelin or Dunlop radial may appeal to owners who want a European-style blackwall presentation, while BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply tires provide whitewall options that change the car's stance and overall look. Once the correct size path is chosen, comparing rim-width range and other product details becomes the practical next step.

For a period-style 1971 Simca 1204, the decision usually comes down to whether the car is being presented in its traditional 560-13 bias-ply format or in the 155R13 radial format associated with this model. Both can make sense, but they create different visual impressions on the car.

A restoration-oriented buyer should think about the overall theme of the vehicle rather than focusing only on the size code. Whitewall bias-ply tires can emphasize a vintage presentation, while blackwall radials can preserve a more European road-car look. When exact originality matters, the smartest approach is to compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references, marque-club guidance, and the wheel setup actually on the car.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1971 Simca 1204 more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially when paired with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial keeps the appearance more restrained and European in character.

That visual difference can influence the whole stance of the car, so construction should be chosen with the restoration goal in mind. A car aimed at period flavor may lean toward bias-ply, while one meant to reflect a later-era road-going setup may suit the radial format. Sidewall treatment also matters, because a whitewall can shift the appearance just as much as the construction itself.

Yes. Even though the 1971 Simca 1204 uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can still affect which tire works properly on the car. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body repairs can all influence whether the chosen radial or bias-ply setup is appropriate.

That is especially important when moving between 560-13 bias-ply and a radial alternative, because the wheel that suits one approach may not suit the other as well. It helps to measure the installed wheel and inspect clearance at full steering lock before finalizing a tire. On a small front-wheel-drive car, even minor changes can matter more than they would on a larger vehicle.

Before driving a 1971 Simca 1204 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are seated properly, and verify adequate clearance around the fenders and suspension. Tire pressure should be checked carefully, and the car should be examined for any signs of rubbing or uneven stance once the tires are installed.

A short, slow test drive is a smart follow-up, especially on an older imported car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. During that first drive, pay attention to steering feel, straight-line tracking, and any contact noises while turning. It is also worth rechecking pressure after the initial drive and confirming that all fasteners and wheel-mounting surfaces are secure.

Tires on a collector 1971 Simca 1204 should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through road mileage.

Proper storage makes a real difference, especially with a compact classic that may sit for long stretches between drives. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition. It also helps to move the car periodically or adjust its resting position to avoid long-term flat spotting, then give the tires another visual check before road use.