The 1972 Subaru FF-1 came from an era when Subaru was still carving out its identity in the U.S. market, and its compact front-wheel-drive layout helped set it apart from many small cars of the period. Today, the FF-1 appeals to owners who appreciate unusual early import engineering and want a tire choice that respects both appearance and drivability. Tire fitment for the 1972 Subaru FF-1 centers on two 13-inch options: a 155R13 radial and a 6.15-13 bias-ply. That creates a meaningful choice between traditional vintage sizing and a radial setup, with Michelin and Dunlop radial offerings available in blackwall form. The right decision starts with the look you want and the wheel setup actually on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Subaru FF-1
The 1972 Subaru FF-1 uses two primary tire sizes, and both the Sedan and Wagon share the same fitment choices. A 155R13 radial and a 6.15-13 bias-ply both fit a 13-inch rim, so the real decision is not trim level but whether to stay with a vintage bias-ply style or move toward a period-appropriate radial construction.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1972 Subaru FF-1, this size represents the radial fitment choice and suits owners who want a more modern tire format while staying within the correct 13-inch rim diameter. Available examples include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. It is a strong size to evaluate when road use, radial construction, and a clean period-import appearance all matter.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.15 indicating nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the rim diameter. On the 1972 Subaru FF-1, this size preserves the vintage bias-ply construction that many restoration-minded owners associate with an earlier driving feel and a more traditional tire presentation. The key appeal of this fitment is not brand variety in the current assortment, but its role as the period-style bias-ply option for a 13-inch wheel. It is the size to consider when maintaining an older construction type matters as much as simple rim compatibility.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1972 Subaru FF-1 sub-models. Both the Sedan and Wagon share the same 13-inch tire-size choices, so selection comes down to construction, appearance, and wheel setup rather than a sub-model-specific size difference.
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1972 Subaru FF-1 Sedan
The 1972 Subaru FF-1 Sedan uses the same two primary tire choices as the model line as a whole: a 155R13 radial or a 6.15-13 bias-ply. That gives Sedan owners a clear choice between traditional vintage construction and a radial format while keeping the correct 13-inch rim diameter in view.
The 1972 Subaru FF-1 Wagon shares the same basic tire fitment pattern as the Sedan, with both 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply options. Wagon owners should focus on whether the vehicle still wears stock-type wheels or has been changed, then choose the construction and appearance that best suit the build.
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 Subaru FF-1 Tires for Sale
Available 155R13 choices focus on blackwall radial construction from Michelin and Dunlop. The main points to compare in the product grid are tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the overall look and specification suit a restoration-minded FF-1 or a more regularly driven car.
These FAQs for the 1972 Subaru FF-1 focus on its two 13-inch tire sizes, the difference between bias-ply and radial fitment, and the practical details that matter when choosing tires for restoration or road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 Subaru FF-1?
The 1972 Subaru FF-1 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the FF-1 and both use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction matches the car and the owner's goals.
Sedan and Wagon models share the same two size choices, which keeps sub-model fitment simple. The next step is confirming the actual wheels on the car, then deciding whether a vintage-style bias-ply presentation or a radial setup makes more sense for appearance, driving habits, and overall restoration direction.
What size rim does a 1972 Subaru FF-1 use?
The tire sizes used on the 1972 Subaru FF-1 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 155R13 radial and the 6.15-13 bias-ply size, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question, especially on an older imported car that may have seen wheel changes over time. It helps to confirm the wheel width as well, particularly when considering a radial, and to make sure the car still has adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering stops.
Do all 1972 Subaru FF-1 sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1972 Subaru FF-1 Sedan and Wagon share the same tire-size choices: 155R13 in radial construction and 6.15-13 in bias-ply construction. There is no split here where one sub-model uses a different rim diameter or a unique tire size.
That consistency makes tire shopping easier because the main decision does not depend on body style. Instead, owners can focus on whether the car is being kept in a more traditional period-style configuration or set up for radial road use, while still checking that the wheels currently on the vehicle match the intended tire.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.15-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1972 Subaru FF-1?
For the 1972 Subaru FF-1, 6.15-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common on many vintage vehicles, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the final number identifying the 13-inch rim diameter.
Choosing 6.15-13 keeps the car in its vintage construction family, which can matter to owners focused on a traditional look and feel. A buyer comparing it with the 155R13 radial should verify wheel condition, consider how the car will actually be driven, and avoid assuming that any change in construction carries over without checking fitment details.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1972 Subaru FF-1?
The 1972 Subaru FF-1 can be fitted with either a 6.15-13 bias-ply or a 155R13 radial, so the choice depends on how the car is being presented and used. Bias-ply keeps the tire in a more traditional vintage format, while 155R13 represents the radial fitment option for the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
A restoration-minded owner may lean toward bias-ply for period-style character, while someone planning more regular driving may prefer to evaluate a radial. The sensible approach is to confirm wheel width, inspect suspension and steering clearance, and make sure the car's current setup supports the construction being considered.
What should I check before converting my 1972 Subaru FF-1 from bias-ply to radial tires?
A move from 6.15-13 bias-ply to 155R13 radial on a 1972 Subaru FF-1 starts with confirming the wheel diameter and width, since both sizes use a 13-inch rim but radial tires can have different wheel-width expectations. It also helps to review the overall stance and condition of the car before making the change.
Steering clearance, fender space, suspension wear, and the actual wheel setup should all be checked before committing to the conversion. On a collector car, it is also worth deciding whether the priority is period-style appearance or radial construction, because that choice affects both how the car looks and how the tire selection process should be approached.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1972 Subaru FF-1?
Start with the basics: 155R13 is the radial size used on the 1972 Subaru FF-1, and it should match a 13-inch wheel that suits the tire's intended rim-width range. From there, the meaningful differences are the tire series, the brand, and whether the overall character fits a lightly restored import or a car that sees more regular road use.
Michelin and Dunlop offerings in this size both use a blackwall presentation, so appearance remains fairly clean and understated. A careful buyer should compare rim-width compatibility where stated, keep an eye on load capacity where available, and make sure the final choice suits the car's actual wheel setup rather than the assumption that every 13-inch wheel is the same.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Subaru FF-1 tires?
Among the available 155R13 radial products for the 1972 Subaru FF-1, the sidewall style is blackwall. That gives the FF-1 a restrained, period-appropriate import look rather than a more decorative sidewall treatment such as a whitewall or redline.
Sidewall choice matters because it changes the character of the car even when the tire size stays the same. A buyer trying to preserve an understated early-1970s compact presentation may find blackwall especially suitable, but it is still worth matching that look with the correct construction and confirming that the wheel and tire combination remains appropriate for the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 Subaru FF-1?
For the 1972 Subaru FF-1, the available 155R13 radial options come from Michelin and Dunlop. Those products appear in distinct tire series, including Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, giving buyers a choice within the radial side of FF-1 fitment.
Brand alone should not make the decision. The smarter comparison is whether the tire remains in the correct size, whether the wheel compatibility suits the car, and whether the tire's overall style aligns with a preservation-focused FF-1 or a driver-oriented example that benefits from a period-style radial presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Subaru FF-1?
For a period-style 1972 Subaru FF-1, the decision usually starts with construction. The 6.15-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional vintage sizing system, while the 155R13 radial reflects a more modern construction approach that still fits the FF-1's 13-inch wheel diameter.
Owners focused on an authentic restoration direction often use tire construction as an appearance choice as much as a mechanical one. Exact originality can depend on market, build timing, and vehicle history, so a highly detailed project benefits from checking marque-specific references, while a more general period-style build can use either fitment as a sensible starting point.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Subaru FF-1?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1972 Subaru FF-1 even when both choices share the same 13-inch rim diameter. A 6.15-13 bias-ply keeps the car in an older numeric format, while a 155R13 radial gives it a more modernized but still era-appropriate small-import look.
That difference matters on a compact car like the FF-1 because the tires are a visible part of its stance and character. Buyers restoring one should think about whether the goal is a more traditional vintage presentation or a road-oriented radial setup, then match that choice to the wheels actually installed on the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Subaru FF-1?
Yes. A 1972 Subaru FF-1 may have the correct tire size on paper, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height alterations, or bodywork modifications can all change whether a given tire works cleanly on the car. That matters whether the tire choice is 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply.
A careful check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension. Older cars often accumulate changes over time, so it is wise to inspect the actual setup before choosing tires rather than relying only on the original fitment pattern for the model.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Subaru FF-1 on new tires?
Before putting a 1972 Subaru FF-1 back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and proper size, verify that the tires are seated and inflated correctly, and look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear. It also helps to confirm that the tires clear the body and chassis throughout steering travel.
Road readiness on a collector-era compact goes beyond tread alone. A buyer should also watch for air loss, sidewall damage, uneven wear, and any vibration once the car is moving, since those signs can point to alignment, wheel, or suspension issues that affect how well the new tires perform.
How should 155R13 or 6.15-13 tires on a collector 1972 Subaru FF-1 be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1972 Subaru FF-1 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, or bulges, and periodic reviews of tread condition even if the car is driven only occasionally. Both 155R13 radial and 6.15-13 bias-ply tires benefit from consistent monitoring because age and storage conditions matter on low-mileage vehicles.
Storage habits make a difference as well. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires, while routine movement prevents a long-sitting car from being ignored until just before a drive, when problems are easiest to miss and most inconvenient to discover.
