The 1973 Citroen DS stands apart from most cars of its era, pairing advanced engineering with a ride and road presence that still feels distinctly French. Long valued by enthusiasts for its aerodynamic shape, sophisticated suspension, and touring character, the DS asks for a tire choice that respects both appearance and real-world drivability. For this year, the 1973 Citroen DS uses radial 180R15 or 185R15 tires on 15-inch rims. That opens the door to choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline styles, with period-minded series from Michelin, Coker Classic, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. The right selection starts with confirming your DS sub-model and deciding how closely you want to balance restoration style with road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Citroen DS
The 1973 Citroen DS uses two primary tire sizes, 180R15 and 185R15, and both are radial fitments on 15-inch rims. Because both DS 19A Sedan and DS 21 Sedan are associated with these sizes, the key decision is less about construction and more about confirming the exact wheel setup on the car, then choosing the tire series and sidewall style that best suits its appearance and intended use.
180R15 is a classic Euro-metric radial size, with 180 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 15 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1973 Citroen DS, this size preserves the period-style metric format associated with European touring cars of the era. Available choices center on Michelin XAS versions in blackwall and narrow whitewall form, which gives the buyer an appearance decision as well as a fitment decision. This size is worth considering when maintaining a distinctly European tire presentation matters as much as the basic dimensions.
185R15 is also a Euro-metric radial size, using a 185-millimeter nominal section width with radial construction on a 15-inch rim. For the 1973 Citroen DS, it offers a broader range of product choices, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline options across several tire series. Michelin XVS, Coker Classic, Avon Turbosteel, and Universal Sport all appear in this size, giving the buyer more room to compare appearance, rim-width suitability, and load-related specifications. It is a useful size to evaluate when you want the widest product selection while staying within a proper radial format for the car.
Tire fitment is fairly straightforward across the covered 1973 Citroen DS sub-models, since both sedan versions are associated with the same two radial tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car remains on the intended 15-inch wheel setup before choosing between 180R15 and 185R15 options.
1
1973 Citroen DS 19A Sedan
The 1973 Citroen DS 19A Sedan is associated with both 180R15 and 185R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. That means the selection process centers on confirming the wheels currently on the car, then deciding whether a narrower Michelin-style presentation or a wider field of 185R15 choices better matches the car's use and appearance goals.
The 1973 Citroen DS 21 Sedan also uses 180R15 and 185R15 radial tire sizes on 15-inch rims. Tire choice comes down to verifying which size suits the car's present wheel setup, then comparing available sidewall treatments and tire series to match either a more restoration-oriented look or regular road-driving priorities.
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 1973 Citroen DS Tires for Sale
Available 1973 Citroen DS tire choices focus on radial 180R15 and 185R15 fitments, with Michelin, Coker Classic, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire offerings. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline styles along with differences in tire series, rim-width range, and select load-related specifications.
Owners of a 1973 Citroen DS usually want clarity on whether 180R15 or 185R15 belongs on the car, how those sizes relate to the 15-inch wheel, and how to choose among radial series, sidewall styles, and maintenance considerations before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Citroen DS?
A 1973 Citroen DS uses two primary tire sizes: 180R15 and 185R15. Both are radial tires sized for 15-inch rims, and both appear across the covered DS sedan sub-models. That means the car stays within a classic Euro-metric radial format rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply size.
The practical next step is confirming which size matches the wheels actually installed on the car today. Many collector cars have seen wheel changes over time, and even when both sizes are associated with the model, wheel width and overall clearance still need to be checked before settling on one tire size or series.
What size rim does a 1973 Citroen DS use?
The 1973 Citroen DS uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 180R15 and 185R15. In those size codes, the final 15 identifies the wheel diameter, so both fitments stay within the same basic rim-diameter family even though the tire widths differ slightly.
Rim diameter is only the starting point, especially on a vintage European car. The wheel should also be checked for width and overall condition before choosing a tire, since available 180R15 and 185R15 products do not all share the same rim-width range and some are better suited to narrower or wider 15-inch wheels.
Do all 1973 Citroen DS sub-models use the same tire size?
The 1973 Citroen DS 19A Sedan and DS 21 Sedan are both associated with the same two tire sizes: 180R15 and 185R15. In that sense, fitment is consistent across the covered sub-models because both use radial tires on 15-inch rims rather than splitting into separate diameter or construction types.
That consistency helps, but it does not remove the need to inspect the car itself. A DS that still has its intended wheel setup may accept either of those associated sizes, while a car with replacement wheels or prior fitment changes needs a closer look at wheel width, tire clearance, and the exact tire style being considered.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1973 Citroen DS tire?
Start with the correct primary size, either 180R15 or 185R15, and confirm that the tire matches the car's 15-inch wheel setup. From there, the main differences are tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width compatibility. Because the DS is a distinctive touring car, visual character can matter almost as much as raw size.
A buyer comparing options should think about how the car will actually be used. A restoration-oriented DS may call for a more traditional European look, while a regularly driven car may benefit from the broader product selection found in 185R15. Wheel width, tire construction details, and the overall look of the sidewall should all be part of the decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Citroen DS tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1973 Citroen DS include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size and series. Blackwall appears in both 180R15 and 185R15 offerings, narrow whitewall is available in Michelin options, and redline appears in selected 185R15 choices.
That variety means sidewall style can be used to shape the car's overall presentation without changing away from the correct radial format. A blackwall usually gives the most understated look, narrow whitewall adds a refined vintage accent, and redline creates a sportier visual statement. The best choice depends on the appearance you want and the exact tire series that suits your wheel.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Citroen DS?
Tires for the 1973 Citroen DS are available from Michelin, Coker Classic, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Michelin appears in both 180R15 and 185R15 sizes through the XAS and XVS lines, while 185R15 also includes Coker Classic, Avon Turbosteel, and Universal Sport options.
Brand choice is only part of the picture, since each line brings its own mix of sidewall styling, rim-width range, and tire-series character. A useful comparison starts by narrowing the correct size, then looking at whether you want a more traditional European presentation, a redline appearance, or a broader 185R15 product field for the DS.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Citroen DS?
A period-style 1973 Citroen DS tire choice usually starts with staying in the correct radial 15-inch format and then selecting between 180R15 and 185R15 based on the car's actual wheel setup. Michelin XAS and XVS options naturally suit the DS's European character, while blackwall or narrow whitewall treatments can preserve a restrained vintage look.
Appearance goals should be weighed alongside fitment and intended use. Some owners want a more understated touring presentation, while others may prefer the extra visual emphasis of a redline in 185R15. When exact historical originality matters, marque-specific references and restoration records are the right place to confirm the most appropriate visual treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Citroen DS?
On a 1973 Citroen DS, construction affects appearance less through a bias-ply-versus-radial debate and more through how the radial tire is styled and proportioned. Both primary fitments are radial, so the visible differences come from the selected size, sidewall treatment, and tire series rather than a switch between construction families.
That makes details such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or redline especially important on a restored DS. The tire's visual role is significant because the car's body and stance are so distinctive. Choosing a tire that suits the car's shape, wheel width, and intended presentation usually matters more than chasing a generic one-size-fits-all restoration formula.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Citroen DS?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Citroen DS even when the intended sizes are 180R15 and 185R15. Changes to wheel width, offset, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can alter how comfortably a tire fits within the available space around the wheel opening and steering components.
A DS that has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes should be checked carefully before a tire is chosen. The size code alone does not account for every variable. Tire-to-fender clearance, steering sweep, and wheel compatibility deserve attention first, especially since different products within the same size can carry different rim-width recommendations.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Citroen DS on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Citroen DS on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure the tires are seated correctly. The car should also be checked for obvious suspension issues, uneven wheel alignment symptoms, and any signs that the tire could contact the body or suspension while steering.
A brief road test should come only after those basics are covered. Collector cars often sit for long periods, so it is also wise to inspect brake operation, valve stems, and any existing signs of air loss. A careful recheck after the first miles helps confirm that the selected 180R15 or 185R15 setup is behaving as intended.
How should tires on a collector 1973 Citroen DS be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1973 Citroen DS should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is low, a seldom-driven car can develop age-related issues such as cracking, flat spotting, or gradual air loss. That matters whether the car wears 180R15 or 185R15 radial tires.
Good maintenance includes keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when stored. The tires should also be examined for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear before each driving season and before any longer trip. A vintage car that looks fine at rest can still have tire-condition issues that deserve attention.
