1972 Fiat 124 Tires

The 1972 Fiat 124 uses four primary tire sizes across its different versions: 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13. The Special Sedan T.C. uses either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, the Special Wagons T.C. uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply, and the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radial.

That means the first fitment question is not just year and model, but the exact sub-model. Every listed size is built for a 13-inch rim, yet the construction type and section width differ, so checking the wheel setup on the car before ordering is still important, especially if the Fiat has been changed from its original-style wheels or suspension.

The primary tire fitments for the 1972 Fiat 124 all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 as well as the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13, so the basic wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizes vary by sub-model and construction.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. Wheel width still needs to suit the tire being considered, particularly when comparing a narrow bias-ply size with a radial alternative. A car that has aftermarket wheels, replacement steel wheels, or later-model rims deserves a quick width and clearance check before moving from one 13-inch size family to another.

The 1972 Fiat 124 has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the Special Sedan T.C., Special Wagons T.C., Sport Coupe, and Sport Spider. Some versions use a radial and bias-ply pairing, while the coupe and spider use the 165R13 radial size only, so the range reflects configuration differences within the same model line.

That variation matters because a tire that is correct for one 124 version is not automatically the right choice for another. The practical path is to confirm the exact sub-model first, then compare the tire size already on the car with the wheel diameter and width. That keeps selection focused on the fitment the specific Fiat was built to use.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1972 Fiat 124. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment associated with the Special Sedan T.C., while 155R13 serves as the radial counterpart in that same sub-model’s fitment range.

That distinction affects both appearance and selection. A 560-13 tire opens the door to period-style whitewall choices, while the radial alternative uses a different sizing convention and construction. Anyone moving between the two should compare wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance rather than assuming that sharing a 13-inch rim diameter makes the change automatic.

For a 1972 Fiat 124, 560-13 has three radial equivalents: 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. The 600-13 bias-ply size also has three radial equivalents: 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. In each group, the first is an 80-series metric radial, followed by a 75-series and then a 70-series P-metric alternative.

These equivalent sizes provide useful radial comparison points, but they are still alternatives that need to be checked against the car’s actual wheel and body setup. A 4-5 inch rim-width range is the reference point for the bias-ply fitments, and the final choice should account for wheel width, tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance before converting.

Start by matching the bias-ply size on the car to the correct radial equivalent family. On a 1972 Fiat 124, that means comparing 560-13 against 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, and comparing 600-13 against 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13 while keeping the 13-inch rim diameter in mind.

The next step is checking the actual wheels and the space around the tire. Radial alternatives use different sizing conventions and may call for a different wheel-width range than an older bias-ply tire. It also helps to inspect suspension condition, steering clearance, and any non-stock wheel changes so the conversion supports the way the Fiat is set up now.

Begin with the exact sub-model, because the 1972 Fiat 124 does not use one universal size. The choice may be between 155R13 and 560-13 on the Special Sedan T.C., between 165R13 and 600-13 on the Special Wagons T.C., or simply among 165R13 radial products for the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider.

After size is confirmed, the real decision becomes construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility. Radial blackwall options suit drivers who want a classic European tire format, while bias-ply whitewalls create a more traditional visual style. Comparing tire series, rim-width ranges, and load figures where available helps narrow the field without treating every 13-inch option as interchangeable.

Sidewall choices for the 1972 Fiat 124 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 are offered in blackwall form, while the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That makes sidewall style part of both the fitment and the appearance decision. A blackwall radial gives the Fiat a clean European presentation, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean more heavily into vintage styling. The right choice depends on which sub-model is being fitted and whether the goal is road-focused radial use or a more restoration-oriented look.

Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all have applicable tire offerings for the 1972 Fiat 124. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial side in 155R13 and 165R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply 560-13 and 600-13 sizes with classic whitewall-style options.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. It helps to sort the options by the exact tire size first, then by construction type, sidewall style, and tire series. That keeps a sedan, wagon, coupe, or spider owner from comparing products that may share a 13-inch rim diameter but belong to different fitment paths within the 124 range.

A period-style 1972 Fiat 124 starts with the tire size and construction that belong to the exact sub-model. The Special Sedan T.C. can follow either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply fitment, while the Special Wagons T.C. can use 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply. The Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radial.

From there, the visual direction becomes clearer. Bias-ply sizes with narrow or wide whitewalls create the most overt vintage presentation, while blackwall metric radials preserve a distinctly European look. If exact originality matters, period photos, factory literature, and marque-specific references are worth consulting before settling on a sidewall treatment or tire series.

Tire construction changes both the stance and the visual character of a restored 1972 Fiat 124. The radial fitments, 155R13 and 165R13, are presented in blackwall form and suit the clean, understated look many Fiat owners want. The bias-ply fitments, 560-13 and 600-13, bring a more traditional appearance through narrow or wide whitewall styling.

That difference matters most on cars being restored with a strong attention to period presentation. A bias-ply tire tends to signal an earlier visual style, while a blackwall radial keeps the car looking more European and road-oriented. Matching construction to the car’s intended finish often matters just as much as matching the nominal size.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Fiat 124 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension lowering, or bodywork repairs can all influence how a 13-inch tire sits in the wheel opening and how much steering clearance remains.

That is especially important when comparing bias-ply and radial alternatives, because they do not share the same sizing system. A Fiat that has been modified should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel before finalizing the tire choice. Measuring the actual wheel width on the car is a smart step whenever fitment has changed from stock-style hardware.

Before driving a 1972 Fiat 124 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting surfaces, then confirm that the tire size matches the car’s exact sub-model. It also helps to look over the suspension, steering components, and alignment condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for looseness or wear elsewhere.

A short road test should include checking for rubbing, vibration, and steady air retention. Collector cars that sit for long periods deserve extra attention to brake drag, wheel-bearing condition, and any cracking or damage on older spare tires as well. Good fitment is only part of safe road use; the surrounding chassis condition matters too.

Tires on a collector 1972 Fiat 124 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven tread wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources. Because these cars are often driven less frequently, visual condition and air retention deserve as much attention as tread depth.

Regular movement helps prevent long-term flat spotting, especially on cars that spend much of their time parked. It is also wise to check tire age and reinspect before any longer drive after storage. Even a low-mile Fiat can develop tire issues over time, so maintenance should focus on condition, storage environment, and readiness for actual road use.