The 1973 Fiat 124 sits in an interesting place in Italian car history, covering practical sedan and wagon duty while also extending into the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider that gave the 124 name real enthusiast appeal. That mix matters when choosing tires, because this model year uses both bias-ply and radial fitments across different sub-models, all on 13-inch rims. Depending on the exact version, the primary sizes are 560-13, 600-13, 155R13, or 165R13, with choices that range from traditional whitewall bias-ply tires to blackwall radial designs from Michelin and Dunlop. The right decision starts with the exact sub-model, then balances period-style appearance, construction type, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Fiat 124
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1973 Fiat 124, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. All of them fit 13-inch rims, but fitment varies by both construction and application, with bias-ply sizes for some sedan and wagon configurations and radial sizes for others, including the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider. The first step is confirming the sub-model, then deciding whether the goal is traditional bias-ply appearance or the radial fitment used on that version.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1973 Fiat 124, this size serves the Special Sedan T.C. radial fitment and gives the buyer a more modern sizing format than the older numeric bias-ply designation. Available choices center on blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, including Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet series options. This size makes sense when the car is set up for the original radial-style fitment and the wheel width matches the tire's intended range.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 560 indicating an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and the 13 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1973 Fiat 124, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment used on the Special Sedan T.C., making it the size to examine when a period-style presentation is more important than switching to radial construction. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in classic bias-ply series. It is the right size to evaluate when preserving a vintage look on the correct sedan configuration is the main priority.
Fit(s): Special Wagons T.C., Sport Coupe, and Sport Spider
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, where 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1973 Fiat 124, this radial size is used on the Special Wagons T.C., Sport Coupe, and Sport Spider, so it covers several of the more driver-oriented applications in the lineup. Michelin and Dunlop offer blackwall choices in this size, with XAS, XAS-FF, and SP Sport Aquajet series options. This is the size to focus on when the vehicle already uses the wider radial fitment and the 13-inch wheels are confirmed.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 600 representing an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 13 denoting the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1973 Fiat 124, this size belongs to the Special Wagons T.C. bias-ply fitment and reflects a traditional sizing system that predates modern metric radial conventions. Available options are BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, offered in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. This size deserves close attention when restoring or maintaining a wagon that remains on its original-style bias-ply setup rather than a radial alternative.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1973 Fiat 124 because tire size and construction are not the same across the full range. Some versions were fitted with either bias-ply or radial choices, while the sport-oriented applications center on radial sizing, so identifying the exact model comes before choosing a tire.
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1973 Fiat 124 Special Sedan T.C.
The 1973 Fiat 124 Special Sedan T.C. uses either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply sizing on a 13-inch rim. That gives the buyer a clear choice between a metric radial fitment and a more traditional numeric bias-ply presentation, so wheel width and appearance goals should both be checked before selecting a tire.
The 1973 Fiat 124 Special Wagons T.C. uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply sizing. That makes construction choice central, since the wagon can be kept in a vintage bias-ply style or matched to the radial fitment, with wheel compatibility worth confirming before changing between the two.
The 1973 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe uses the 165R13 radial tire size. Tire selection here is less about choosing between multiple primary sizes and more about selecting the right blackwall radial product within that fitment, while confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheel setup.
The 1973 Fiat 124 Sport Spider also uses the 165R13 radial tire size. That keeps fitment straightforward, so the main decision becomes choosing among the available radial series and making sure the wheel width and overall vehicle setup still match the intended tire.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1973 Fiat 124
For the 1973 Fiat 124 bias-ply sizes, 560-13 and 600-13 each have three radial-equivalent options. For 560-13, the equivalents are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in those same categories. These options move from classic metric radial sizing to lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and the 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range should be checked against wheel width and vehicle clearance before any change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 1973 Fiat 124 Tires for Sale
Available 1973 Fiat 124 tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 155R13 and 165R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13 and 600-13. Buyers can compare construction, tire series, whitewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility across the product range.
Common 1973 Fiat 124 tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 13-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial construction, and how to choose between whitewall bias-ply tires and blackwall radial alternatives.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Fiat 124?
The 1973 Fiat 124 uses four primary tire sizes across its sub-model range: 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13. The Special Sedan T.C. uses 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, the Special Wagons T.C. uses 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply, and both the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider use 165R13 radial tires.
That means the first step is identifying the exact version of the car rather than choosing by year alone. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next questions are whether the car remains on a bias-ply or radial setup, whether the 13-inch wheels are still in place, and whether the vehicle has been modified in a way that affects tire width or clearance.
What size rim does a 1973 Fiat 124 use?
The 1973 Fiat 124 uses a 13-inch rim across all of its listed tire sizes. That includes the radial sizes 155R13 and 165R13 as well as the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizing systems and constructions differ.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, because wheel width also matters when comparing different tires in the same 13-inch diameter. It is worth checking the actual wheel on the car before ordering, especially if the Fiat has replacement wheels or if a move from bias-ply to radial is being considered.
Why does the 1973 Fiat 124 have more than one tire size?
The 1973 Fiat 124 has more than one tire size because the sedan, wagon, coupe, and spider applications were not all fitted the same way. Some sub-models use one radial and one bias-ply option, while the Sport Coupe and Sport Spider center on 165R13 radial fitment only.
That variation makes sub-model identification more important than simply matching the model name. A sedan owner may be deciding between radial and bias-ply presentations, while a Sport Spider owner is really choosing among radial products in the correct size. Verifying the actual wheels and the car's current setup helps avoid selecting a tire that matches the year but not the configuration.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Fiat 124?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1973 Fiat 124. It is used on the Special Sedan T.C. as the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment, while 155R13 serves as the radial-format alternative associated with that same sub-model family.
Choosing between those two directions affects more than the sidewall lettering or the size code. Bias-ply and radial tires can call for different wheel-width considerations and may change the car's overall character, so the sedan's current wheel setup, suspension condition, and clearance should all be checked before moving away from the intended construction.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 600-13?
Radial equivalents for 600-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. Those give a 1973 Fiat 124 owner several modern radial sizing paths to compare against the original numeric bias-ply format.
Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range is 4-5 inches, and the actual wheel width, section width, and clearance around the body and suspension all deserve attention before changing from 600-13 bias-ply to any radial-equivalent size.
What should I check before converting my 1973 Fiat 124 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the car's exact sub-model and original primary size, then compare the intended radial equivalent for that bias-ply size. On a 1973 Fiat 124, 560-13 relates to 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, while 600-13 relates to 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13.
Wheel width is one of the first practical checks, since the bias-ply and radial options do not always share the same ideal rim range. It also helps to inspect steering clearance, suspension condition, and fender space on the actual car, especially if it has aftermarket wheels, replacement springs, or other changes that can affect radial fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1973 Fiat 124 tire?
The most important factors are the exact sub-model, the correct primary tire size, and whether the car is using a bias-ply or radial setup. A 1973 Fiat 124 may need 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, or 600-13, so the right starting point is always matching the tire to the specific sedan, wagon, coupe, or spider application.
After size and construction are settled, compare the details that affect how the car will look and be used. Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and load figures where given can all shape the choice. A restoration-oriented wagon may lean toward a whitewall bias-ply, while a driver-focused Sport Spider may stay with a blackwall radial.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Fiat 124 tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size and construction chosen for the 1973 Fiat 124. The radial options in 155R13 and 165R13 are blackwall tires, while the bias-ply choices in 560-13 and 600-13 are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.
That makes sidewall choice part of the overall presentation of the car rather than a separate cosmetic detail. A whitewall bias-ply changes the visual character of a sedan or wagon substantially, while the blackwall radial look suits the radial-format fitments. The best match depends on whether the goal is a traditional appearance or a more understated driver-style setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Fiat 124?
Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all have tire options for the 1973 Fiat 124 across the applicable sizes. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial fitments in 155R13 and 165R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply 560-13 and 600-13 selections.
Brand matters most after the correct size and construction are already established. Once the fitment is narrowed down, compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width requirements in that size rather than choosing strictly by name. That approach keeps the tire aligned with the car's intended use and avoids mixing brand preference with basic fitment decisions.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Fiat 124?
A period-style 1973 Fiat 124 usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and, where applicable, the traditional construction used on that version. For the Special Sedan T.C. and Special Wagons T.C., that may mean looking closely at 560-13 or 600-13 bias-ply options if the goal is a distinctly vintage presentation.
Appearance still needs to be balanced against how the car will actually be used. A Fiat intended for shows or restoration-focused display may lean toward the bias-ply look, while a regularly driven example may remain in the correct radial format for its setup. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references are worth checking before settling on details.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Fiat 124?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1973 Fiat 124 because bias-ply and radial tires present the car differently even when they share the same 13-inch wheel diameter. On this model, the bias-ply options also bring whitewall styling into the picture, while the radial choices are blackwall tires in metric sizing.
That difference is especially important on a sedan or wagon where whitewall bias-ply tires can create a more traditional look. By contrast, the blackwall radial options give a cleaner and more restrained presentation that may suit a Sport Coupe or Sport Spider. The right choice depends on whether the restoration emphasizes period style, driving use, or both.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Fiat 124?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Fiat 124 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Changes such as aftermarket 13-inch wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension lowering, replacement springs, or body repairs can all influence how a 155R13, 165R13, 560-13, or 600-13 tire sits on the car.
That is why the actual vehicle should be checked before selecting a tire by catalog size alone. Steering clearance, fender room, and wheel width become especially important when comparing bias-ply tires with radial alternatives, since a modified car may no longer match the wheel and clearance assumptions of a stock Fiat 124.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Fiat 124 on new tires?
Begin with the basics: confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, inspect the wheels for damage, and make sure the tires seat properly on the rims being used. It also helps to check inflation, valve stems, lug hardware, and visible clearance around the suspension, fenders, and steering components before the car goes back into regular road use.
A short test drive followed by another inspection is a sensible next step on a collector-era Fiat. Watch for rubbing, vibration, or uneven stance, and recheck pressure after the first outings. Cars that sit for long periods also benefit from a general brake and suspension inspection so the new tires are not masking other road-use issues.
How should 1973 Fiat 124 tires be maintained on a collector vehicle?
Collector-car tires on a 1973 Fiat 124 should be inspected regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. That applies to both the blackwall radial options and the whitewall bias-ply choices, since age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage on a low-use vintage car.
Clean storage helps preserve the tires between drives. Keeping the Fiat away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce premature aging, and maintaining proper inflation helps prevent flat spotting during longer periods of inactivity. Before any extended drive, a fresh visual inspection is a smart habit regardless of tread depth.
