The 1973 Nissan 1200 belongs to the era of compact, efficient imports that earned a following for simple engineering, light weight, and everyday usability. Today, surviving cars appeal to owners who want a small Japanese classic that still looks right on narrow 12-inch wheels. Tire selection for the 1973 Nissan 1200 centers on two primary fitments: 155R12 radial and 6.00-12 bias-ply. That gives owners a meaningful choice between a more traditional period-style bias-ply presentation and a radial option in the correct rim diameter. The right decision depends on how the car is being restored, driven, and equipped today.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Nissan 1200
The 1973 Nissan 1200 uses two primary tire sizes, both built for a 12-inch rim: 155R12 radial and 6.00-12 bias-ply. Because both sizes apply to the Fastback & Sedan, the main decision is not identifying a different sub-model fitment, but choosing the construction and appearance that best suit the car's restoration goals, wheel setup, and intended road use.
155R12 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 12 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1973 Nissan 1200, this size gives buyers a radial-format fitment while staying with the correct 12-inch rim diameter. It suits owners who want a more modern radial-style construction without moving away from the car's compact original wheel format. Before choosing it, confirm the actual wheel width and make sure the car still has the wheel and suspension setup intended for this size.
6.00-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 12 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1973 Nissan 1200, it preserves the traditional bias-ply construction associated with many small cars of the period and keeps the fitment on a 12-inch wheel. This size is the natural place to start for an owner focused on a more vintage driving feel or a restoration-oriented appearance. It is still important to verify wheel condition, wheel width, and clearance on any car that has been modified over the years.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1973 Nissan 1200 sub-models because the Fastback & Sedan share the same two primary tire-size choices. That means the real decision is construction and presentation rather than chasing a different size for one body configuration.
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1973 Nissan 1200 Fastback & Sedan
The 1973 Nissan 1200 Fastback & Sedan use the same 12-inch tire fitment options, with a choice between 155R12 radial and 6.00-12 bias-ply. That makes selection more about whether the car needs a traditional period-style bias-ply look or a radial-format alternative that still matches the wheel diameter.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs for the 1973 Nissan 1200 focus on its two primary 12-inch tire sizes, the difference between radial and bias-ply fitment, and the practical checks that matter before putting a compact vintage Nissan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Nissan 1200?
The 1973 Nissan 1200 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R12 in radial construction and 6.00-12 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for a 12-inch rim, so the car's tire choice centers on construction style rather than switching to a different wheel diameter.
That means the next step is deciding whether the car should keep a more traditional bias-ply presentation or use the radial-format option. Wheel width, wheel condition, and any changes made over the years should still be checked before choosing between the two sizes.
What size rim does a 1973 Nissan 1200 use?
The 1973 Nissan 1200 uses a 12-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 155R12 and 6.00-12. Even though the sizing systems are different, both are intended for the same 12-inch wheel diameter on this vehicle.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on an older compact car. It is still wise to confirm the actual wheel width and inspect for aftermarket replacements, since a non-original wheel can affect how comfortably either tire size works on the car.
Do all 1973 Nissan 1200 sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1973 Nissan 1200 Fastback & Sedan sub-models share the same tire-size choices. Both use either 155R12 radial or 6.00-12 bias-ply, so there is no separate size split between those covered body configurations.
That shared fitment makes the selection process simpler, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. A 1200 with replacement wheels, suspension changes, or long-stored original wheels should still be checked carefully before settling on one construction or the other.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 6.00-12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Nissan 1200?
6.00-12 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1973 Nissan 1200. It uses the older numeric sizing format, where the 6.00 figure refers to nominal section width and the 12 identifies the rim diameter in inches.
That makes 6.00-12 the more traditional construction choice for owners chasing a vintage tire look and feel on a 12-inch wheel. Before using it, check that the car's wheels are suitable for the tire and that no later modifications changed the clearance or stance.
Is 155R12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1973 Nissan 1200?
155R12 is the radial tire size used on the 1973 Nissan 1200. In that size code, 155 is the nominal width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 12 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
For a buyer, that means the 155R12 option keeps the car on the correct 12-inch rim diameter while moving to a radial-format fitment. The wheel width and the car's present-day setup should still be confirmed, especially if the Nissan has replacement wheels or suspension changes.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1973 Nissan 1200?
The 1973 Nissan 1200 can be equipped with either 6.00-12 bias-ply or 155R12 radial, so the choice depends on what matters most for the car. Bias-ply suits a more traditional period-style presentation, while the radial option follows a more modern construction format in the same 12-inch rim diameter.
A restoration-oriented car may point toward bias-ply, while a driver-focused car may lead an owner to consider the radial size. Either way, confirm the actual wheels on the vehicle and inspect clearance, since age, replacement parts, and modifications can affect the final decision.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1973 Nissan 1200?
Start with the two correct primary sizes for the 1973 Nissan 1200: 155R12 radial and 6.00-12 bias-ply. The most important decision is whether the car needs a traditional bias-ply construction or a radial-format tire while staying on the correct 12-inch rim diameter.
After that, look closely at the car's actual wheel setup and how the vehicle will be used. A more restoration-minded 1200 may suit the bias-ply route, while a regularly driven example may lead an owner to examine the radial option more closely.
How do I choose between the available 12-inch tire options for a 1973 Nissan 1200?
Choosing between the 12-inch tire options on a 1973 Nissan 1200 comes down to construction type and the kind of ownership experience you want from the car. The two primary paths are 6.00-12 bias-ply for a more vintage approach or 155R12 radial for a radial-format fitment.
That choice should be matched to the car's condition, wheel setup, and intended use rather than made by size code alone. A car kept close to its period presentation may favor bias-ply, while a car set up for regular road driving may justify a closer look at the radial option.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1973 Nissan 1200 tires?
The key rim-fitment detail for a 1973 Nissan 1200 is that both primary tire sizes use a 12-inch wheel diameter. That keeps the decision focused on construction and wheel suitability rather than changing to a different rim diameter for one size versus the other.
Even with the same diameter, older vehicles deserve a careful check of actual wheel width, condition, and any non-original parts. A replacement steel wheel, aftermarket wheel, or suspension change can influence how comfortably either the 155R12 or 6.00-12 works on the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Nissan 1200?
For a period-style 1973 Nissan 1200, 6.00-12 bias-ply is the natural starting point because it keeps the car in a vintage numeric tire format and traditional bias-ply construction. That makes it especially relevant for owners who want the small Nissan to retain an older visual character.
A radial 155R12 may still be considered, but it changes the construction approach even though it remains on a 12-inch rim. When originality matters beyond general period style, compare the car against marque literature, historic photos, or club guidance before making a final choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Nissan 1200?
Tire construction changes more than the technical makeup of the tire on a restored 1973 Nissan 1200. A 6.00-12 bias-ply generally supports a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 155R12 radial gives the car a more modern tire-format look within the same 12-inch wheel diameter.
That difference matters on a small car where tire profile and sidewall character are visually prominent. Owners restoring a 1200 for display or period flavor often start with the bias-ply option, while owners balancing appearance with road use may consider the radial size instead.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Nissan 1200?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Nissan 1200 even when the car is using one of the correct 12-inch tire sizes. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or bodywork differences can change clearance and how a tire sits on the car.
That is why the tire code alone should not be treated as the entire answer on an older vehicle. Check the wheel diameter and width on the car, then inspect steering and fender clearance before committing to either the 155R12 radial or 6.00-12 bias-ply option.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Nissan 1200 on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Nissan 1200 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall clearance at the front and rear. It is also smart to confirm that the car's suspension, steering components, and brakes are in sound condition, especially on a vehicle that may have been stored for long periods.
Once the tires are mounted, recheck inflation, look for any signs of rubbing, and make sure the car tracks cleanly at low speed before a longer drive. A vintage compact can be very sensitive to worn components, so fresh tires should be matched by a sound chassis.
How should tires on a collector 1973 Nissan 1200 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1973 Nissan 1200 should be checked regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, even if the car sees only occasional use. Low-mileage classics often age out tires by time and storage conditions long before tread wear becomes the deciding issue.
Good storage habits also matter. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are fine because the car was parked indoors. Regular checks help protect both appearance and drivability.
