1973 Mercury Capri Tires

The 1973 Mercury Capri is associated with two primary tire sizes: 165R13 and 185/70R13. Both are radial tire fitments for a 13-inch wheel, so the basic tire decision is not about bias-ply versus radial, but about which of these two radial size formats matches the car’s actual setup.

A Capri that still carries its original-style wheel dimensions may use either size depending on how the car has been equipped over time. Checking the size stamped on the current tires, confirming wheel width, and comparing clearance at the fenders and steering are the practical steps before choosing between the narrower Euro-metric format and the wider lower-profile metric radial.

The 1973 Mercury Capri uses a 13-inch rim with both of its associated tire sizes, 165R13 and 185/70R13. That shared rim diameter simplifies the search somewhat, because the wheel diameter does not change between the two primary fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Tire selection should still include a check of actual wheel width, since the available products in these sizes are built around different rim-width ranges. That matters most when the car has replacement wheels, because two 13-inch wheels can still differ enough in width to influence which Capri tire size makes the most sense.

On a 1973 Mercury Capri, 165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, the R denotes radial construction, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In everyday terms, it is a traditional small-car radial format often associated with an 80-series profile.

That sizing style tends to appeal to owners who want a more classic radial look on a 13-inch Capri wheel. It is still important to match the tire to the actual wheel width and the car’s present stance, since a Capri that has been changed over the years may already be set up around the alternate 185/70R13 size instead.

Start with the correct primary size for the car’s actual wheel and tire setup, since the 1973 Mercury Capri is associated with both 165R13 and 185/70R13. After size, the main considerations are tire format, rim-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being kept close to a period-style look or driven with a more modern visual preference.

The available products also vary by series, brand, and some load and weight figures, so it helps to compare the details rather than choosing by size alone. A narrower Euro-metric presentation may suit one Capri, while another may benefit from the broader product variety available in 185/70R13, especially if appearance choices matter.

Sidewall choices for the 1973 Mercury Capri include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The 165R13 offerings are blackwall, while 185/70R13 includes blackwall options along with BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in redline and wide whitewall form.

That gives the Capri owner some real flexibility in the car’s finished appearance without changing wheel diameter. Blackwalls generally keep the presentation understated and sporty, while redlines or wide whitewalls create a stronger visual statement. The most sensible choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained European-flavored look or a more stylized restoration-oriented presentation.

Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Vredestein all offer tires in the sizes associated with the 1973 Mercury Capri. Michelin and Dunlop appear in both size families, while BFGoodrich, Avon, and Vredestein broaden the 185/70R13 selection with additional styling and series choices.

Choosing among those brands is less about naming a single best option and more about matching the tire to the car’s role. Some Capri owners will focus on a classic blackwall radial from a familiar European-style series, while others may want the visual effect of a redline or wide whitewall without leaving the correct 13-inch fitment family.

A period-style 1973 Mercury Capri usually starts with the correct 13-inch radial format and a tire that complements the car’s compact European-influenced character. The 165R13 size carries a traditional Euro-metric look, while 185/70R13 offers a broader range of period-flavored radial choices, including classic blackwall styles and some more expressive sidewall treatments.

The most appropriate choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained showroom-era impression or a more personalized vintage look. Exact originality should be verified through marque-specific references and vehicle history, but as a practical starting point, staying within the documented Capri size family preserves the car’s proportions far better than moving to an unrelated modern fitment.

On a restored 1973 Mercury Capri, construction is straightforward because both associated primary sizes are radial. The visible differences come more from the sizing format and sidewall treatment than from a bias-ply-versus-radial choice. A 165R13 Euro-metric radial presents differently than a 185/70R13 metric radial, even though both fit the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That means appearance decisions center on profile, tread-era character, and sidewall style rather than on preserving a bias-ply look. Blackwalls tend to keep the Capri’s presentation clean and sporting, while redline or wide whitewall options in 185/70R13 create a more stylized finish. Matching the tire’s visual tone to the rest of the restoration usually produces the best result.

Yes. Even though the 1973 Mercury Capri is associated with 165R13 and 185/70R13 on 13-inch rims, modifications can change what works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body work around the wheel openings can all affect how either tire size sits and clears.

That is why the current configuration matters more than assumptions based on model year alone. A Capri with replacement wheels may still use a 13-inch diameter but have different width or offset characteristics, so steering clearance, fender space, and overall tire-to-body relationship should be checked before settling on either of the two documented radial sizes.

Before putting a 1973 Mercury Capri back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the mounted tire size matches the intended fitment. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how the car tracks and how the tires wear.

A careful road-use check should also include tire pressure, valve stems, lug torque, and visible clearance at full steering lock. Collector cars that sit for long periods deserve extra attention to brake condition and any signs of rubbing from prior tire choices. Taking those steps helps the new 13-inch radial setup work as intended.

Collector-car tire care for a 1973 Mercury Capri starts with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and keeping the tires clean and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and moisture. Whether the car wears 165R13 or 185/70R13, low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Periodic inspection should include cracks, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, and slow air loss, especially if the Capri spends a lot of time parked. Moving the car occasionally, storing it on a clean surface, and watching alignment-related wear can help preserve the tires. Any sign of structural deterioration deserves attention before the next drive, even if the tread still looks usable.