The 1972 American Motors Hornet arrived during a period when compact American cars were expected to do more than basic commuting, and the Hornet earned attention for offering practical packaging with enough personality to support everything from everyday use to enthusiast ownership. Tire fitment on this exact model centers on 14-inch bias-ply sizes, with multiple period sizing systems appearing across the Hornet range, including 6.45-14, 695-14, C78-14, and D70-14. That gives owners a mix of traditional replacement paths, sidewall-style choices, and in some cases modern radial-equivalent comparisons. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel setup before choosing a restoration-oriented look or a more road-use-focused alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 American Motors Hornet
The 1972 American Motors Hornet uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a single universal fitment across the entire range. All of these are bias-ply tires for 14-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether your Hornet is a 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air), 8 Cyl., Wagon, or Hornet X before comparing sidewall styles, tire series, or radial-equivalent options where available.
A 6.45-14 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format, where the leading number refers to nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 14-inch rim diameter. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits buyers aiming to preserve the driving character and appearance associated with period tire construction. Product selection should stay focused on matching the exact size and wheel setup rather than substituting by appearance alone. This size matters most when narrowing fitment for the specific Hornet configuration that uses it, especially if the car has not retained its original wheel package.
Fit(s): 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air), 8 Cyl., and Wagon
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
A 695-14 tire is another vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.95 designation indicating nominal section width and the 14 identifying rim diameter. On the 1972 Hornet, it is one of the more versatile fitments because it appears across several sub-models and has the broadest product assortment. Available choices include BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear options in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, and raised white letter styles. It is also the main size to evaluate if period-style bias-ply fitment is the goal but a radial-equivalent comparison is still under consideration.
C78-14 uses the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply system, where the letter identifies the tire's size class, the series number refers to the profile family, and the 14 indicates rim diameter. This keeps the Hornet in a period bias-ply fitment category while using a sizing convention common to later classic-era American cars. The practical value of C78-14 is that it gives owners a recognizable factory-era style format and also opens the door to modern radial-equivalent comparison sizes. It is important to confirm that your exact Hornet sub-model calls for C78-14 before treating it as interchangeable with the other 14-inch bias-ply sizes used elsewhere in the range.
D70-14 is a vintage alphanumeric bias-ply tire size, with the letter and series number identifying its fitment class and the 14 designating the wheel diameter. Within the 1972 Hornet lineup, this size is tied to a more specific sub-model application rather than the full model range. Available products center on Firestone Wide Oval offerings, including raised white letter, redline, and pin white stripe sidewall treatments, which makes appearance choice a major part of the decision. This is the size to examine closely when a Hornet X owner wants the right 14-inch bias-ply format along with a distinctly performance-era sidewall presentation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1972 American Motors Hornet because the covered configurations do not all use the same primary tire size. Several overlap on 695-14 or C78-14, but the exact sub-model is still the best starting point before comparing bias-ply options or considering a radial-equivalent path.
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1972 American Motors Hornet 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air)
The 1972 American Motors Hornet 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air) uses vintage 14-inch bias-ply fitments, with its tire choice centered on smaller numeric sizing rather than the wider mix seen elsewhere in the Hornet range. That makes exact size confirmation especially important before choosing a period-style replacement or moving to a radial-equivalent comparison.
The 1972 American Motors Hornet 8 Cyl. shares its fitment across 695-14 and C78-14 bias-ply sizes, both on 14-inch rims. Tire selection here comes down to confirming which of those two formats is on the car now, then deciding whether traditional bias-ply appearance or a radial-equivalent comparison better suits the intended use.
The 1972 American Motors Hornet Wagon follows the same general tire-fitment pattern as the 8 Cyl. model, using either 695-14 or C78-14 in bias-ply construction. Owners should verify the wheel and current tire setup first, then compare available period-style choices or radial-equivalent options where that size supports them.
The 1972 American Motors Hornet X uses alphanumeric 14-inch bias-ply fitments, with C78-14 and D70-14 both appearing in its range. That makes the Hornet X the sub-model where exact wheel-and-tire confirmation is especially important, since sidewall presentation and tire-series choice can noticeably change the car's finished look.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1972 American Motors Hornet
For the 1972 American Motors Hornet, two primary sizes have radial-equivalent options: 695-14 and C78-14. Both can be compared to 175R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P195/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These choices move from a taller traditional metric format to progressively lower-profile P-metric alternatives. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies, and any conversion should still be checked against wheel dimensions, overall tire size, and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (695-14)
P185/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (695-14)
P195/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (695-14)
175R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (C78-14)
P185/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (C78-14)
P195/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (C78-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1972 American Motors Hornet Tires for Sale
Available 14-inch Hornet tire choices center on bias-ply products from BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, and Firestone. Depending on size, buyers can compare series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, Power Cushion, and Wide Oval along with blackwall, whitewall, redline, pin white stripe, and raised white letter sidewall styles.
Hornet owners usually need to sort out exact tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, radial-equivalent choices for certain sizes, and the sidewall or series details that shape a restoration-style look or practical road-use setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 American Motors Hornet?
A 1972 American Motors Hornet can use 6.45-14, 695-14, C78-14, or D70-14, depending on the exact sub-model. All four are bias-ply tire sizes for 14-inch rims, but they are not universal across the entire Hornet lineup. The 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air), 8 Cyl., Wagon, and Hornet X do not all share the same fitment pattern.
The practical first step is identifying the exact Hornet sub-model and checking what size is already mounted on the car. Since multiple vintage sizing systems are involved, a 14-inch rim alone does not make every Hornet tire size interchangeable. Wheel width, current tire-to-body clearance, and any prior wheel changes should be confirmed before replacing what is on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 1972 American Motors Hornet use?
The 1972 American Motors Hornet uses 14-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. That applies across the 6.45-14, 695-14, C78-14, and D70-14 sizes, even though the tire sizing formats differ between numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply designations.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so a 14-inch wheel should not be treated as the whole answer. Vintage tire sizes can also depend on wheel width and the exact sub-model's intended tire size range. Checking the wheel currently on the car is especially important if the Hornet has aftermarket wheels or if the original wheel package may have been changed over time.
Do all 1972 American Motors Hornet sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1972 American Motors Hornet sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air) uses 6.45-14 or 695-14, the 8 Cyl. and Wagon use 695-14 or C78-14, and the Hornet X uses C78-14 or D70-14. All are 14-inch bias-ply fitments, but the actual size varies by configuration.
That variation means the sub-model name is a key part of choosing the right tire. It also helps explain why two Hornets with the same model year can wear different sidewall styles or tire series while still staying within correct period-type sizing. Before ordering, compare the sub-model, wheel size, and the tire size already fitted to the car.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 695-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 American Motors Hornet?
On the 1972 American Motors Hornet, 695-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It appears on several Hornet sub-models and remains one of the main period-style fitments for buyers who want the traditional construction and presentation associated with early-1970s American compact cars.
Bias-ply and radial tires should not be treated as the same choice just because they may share a similar application range. If the goal is to keep the car in its vintage construction style, 695-14 bias-ply options provide that route. If the goal is to compare radial alternatives, the wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance still need to be reviewed before changing constructions.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 695-14 on a 1972 American Motors Hornet?
Radial equivalents for 695-14 on a 1972 American Motors Hornet include 175R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P195/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches.
Those options give different sizing formats and profile families rather than one automatic substitute. A buyer considering the change should compare the existing wheel width, the tire's overall proportions on the car, and available steering or fender clearance. That is especially important on an older vehicle where wheels, springs, or stance may no longer match the original setup.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1972 American Motors Hornet?
That choice depends on whether the priority is preserving the Hornet's period-style construction or evaluating a modern radial equivalent where one exists. The primary Hornet fitments are bias-ply, and radial-equivalent sizes are available for 695-14 and C78-14. Sizes such as 6.45-14 and D70-14 remain centered on the original bias-ply format in this fitment range.
A restoration-oriented Hornet often stays with bias-ply construction to retain the traditional look and setup. A road-use-focused owner may want to compare one of the radial-equivalent sizes, but that should be done carefully rather than by assumption. Wheel width, tire clearance, and the exact sub-model's size application all deserve confirmation before changing from the original construction type.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1972 American Motors Hornet?
Start by confirming that 695-14 is the actual size used on your 1972 American Motors Hornet sub-model. Once that is established, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall presentation, rim-width specification, weight, and whether you want to stay with a traditional bias-ply product or only use the size as a reference point for radial-equivalent comparison.
Within 695-14, choices span BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear offerings in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion. That means the decision is as much about the car's intended appearance and use as the raw size itself. A driver-quality Hornet and a restoration-focused Hornet may favor very different sidewall treatments within the same fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 American Motors Hornet tires?
Available sidewall styles for 1972 American Motors Hornet tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, redline, pin white stripe, raised white letter, and raised white letter with blue streak treatment. The exact sidewall choices depend on the tire size, since 695-14 and D70-14 do not share the same product mix.
Sidewall style can change the visual character of the Hornet even when the tire size remains correct. A plain blackwall gives a restrained period look, while redline or raised white letter styling creates a more performance-oriented presentation. It helps to settle on the exact sub-model and tire size first, then compare sidewall options that actually exist within that fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 American Motors Hornet?
Tires for the 1972 American Motors Hornet are available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, and Firestone, depending on the exact tire size. The broadest assortment appears in 695-14, while D70-14 centers on Firestone Wide Oval offerings with several distinct sidewall treatments.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, tire series, and sidewall style rather than as a standalone decision. Some Hornet owners will be looking for a quieter visual presentation, while others want a strong early-1970s muscle-era look from redlines or raised white letters. Matching the brand and series to the correct size is more important than chasing a name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 American Motors Hornet?
A period-style 1972 American Motors Hornet should begin with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, whether that is 6.45-14, 695-14, C78-14, or D70-14. The right choice is less about one universal tire and more about staying within the Hornet's proper 14-inch bias-ply fitment family for the configuration you own.
Once the size is confirmed, appearance choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, pin white stripe, or raised white letter styling can shape the finished look. Exact originality can vary by how the car was equipped when new, so buyers pursuing a highly accurate restoration should compare the tire choice against marque references, historical photos, and vehicle-specific documentation before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 American Motors Hornet?
Tire construction affects more than ride and road feel on a restored 1972 American Motors Hornet; it also changes how the car presents visually. The primary Hornet fitments are bias-ply, so staying with bias-ply construction preserves the traditional period-style tire profile and presentation associated with the car's original era.
A radial alternative can still be worth considering for some owners, especially where equivalent sizes exist for 695-14 or C78-14, but the visual impression may differ from a full bias-ply setup. That is why construction choice should be made alongside the restoration goal. A car built for judged authenticity and one built for regular road use may arrive at different answers.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 American Motors Hornet?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 American Motors Hornet even when the tire size seems correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or bodywork differences can all change how a 14-inch bias-ply tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance it has during turning or suspension travel.
That matters even more on a Hornet because several vintage tire sizes are used across the model range. A car that has been changed from its original wheel setup may no longer respond the same way as a stock example. Before mounting new tires, inspect wheel dimensions and check for clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension points rather than relying on model-year fitment alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 American Motors Hornet on new tires?
Before driving a 1972 American Motors Hornet on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, inflation pressure, and basic clearance around the fenders and suspension. It is also smart to confirm that all four tires match the intended size and construction for the car's setup, especially if the Hornet has changed hands or seen older wheel substitutions.
A short low-speed check is useful before regular road use so you can watch for rubbing, pull, vibration, or any sign that the tire is not seated or tracking correctly. Collector cars also deserve a close look at steering and suspension wear, since fresh tires can reveal problems that old worn tires were masking. Small issues are easier to correct before longer drives.
How should 695-14 tires on a collector 1972 American Motors Hornet be maintained?
695-14 tires on a collector 1972 American Motors Hornet should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even on low-mileage cars, tires should be examined for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss. Collector use does not prevent age-related deterioration, especially if the car sits for long periods.
Storage environment matters almost as much as mileage, so it helps to keep the Hornet away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. The tires should also be inspected before each driving season and before any longer trip. A Hornet that looks fine at rest can still have age or condition issues that deserve attention before road use.
