1973 Saab 95 & 96 Tires

The 1973 Saab 95 & 96 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with this model and both use a 15-inch rim diameter, so the size decision is tied closely to tire construction and the look or driving character the owner wants to preserve.

That means the first question is not simply wheel diameter, since both options share the same rim size. The more useful next step is confirming whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or use the radial format, then comparing wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before settling on a specific tire.

The 1973 Saab 95 & 96 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 155R15 and 560-15. That shared rim diameter simplifies one part of the fitment decision, because the choice between the two sizes centers more on construction type than on switching to a different wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only one part of proper fitment, so wheel width still deserves attention before a tire is selected. That becomes especially important when comparing a radial with a bias-ply tire or when the car has replacement wheels, since actual wheel width and tire profile can affect compatibility and clearance.

On a 1973 Saab 95 & 96, 560-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 designation represents a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, while 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system than the metric radial format and gives the car a more traditional period appearance.

That older size code also signals a different construction style, so it should not be treated the same as a radial marked 155R15. Buyers usually compare 560-15 when they want bias-ply construction, vintage sidewall choices such as blackwall or whitewall, or a restoration-oriented tire presentation on the Saab.

For the 1973 Saab 95 & 96, 560-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is separate from the model’s 155R15 radial fitment, even though both sizes share the same 15-inch rim diameter and can appear as valid tire choices for this car.

That distinction matters because construction affects more than the label on the sidewall. A bias-ply selection changes the tire’s appearance and presentation, and any move from 560-15 to a radial alternative should include checks for wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming the two constructions behave the same way.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 as an 80-series metric radial and 560R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Those are the two meaningful radial alternatives associated with the original 560-15 size on the 1973 Saab 95 & 96, and they represent two different ways to move away from a traditional bias-ply construction.

The practical difference is that 155R15 follows a conventional Euro-metric radial format, while 560R15 is intended to keep a more traditional visual character. A 4 to 5 inch rim-width range is relevant when considering these equivalents, and wheel width, tire dimensions, and body clearance should all be confirmed before making the change.

A 1973 Saab 95 & 96 can be approached either way because both a 560-15 bias-ply fitment and a 155R15 radial fitment are associated with the car. The right choice depends on the owner’s priorities, whether that means maintaining a more traditional tire style or using the radial format already tied to this model.

Bias-ply choices usually matter most when vintage appearance is the main goal, especially with blackwall or whitewall styling in mind. Radial choices make more sense when the owner wants to stay within the Saab’s radial-size format, but any change in construction still deserves a careful look at wheel width, dimensions, and clearance.

Start with the two correct primary sizes: 155R15 for radial construction and 560-15 for bias-ply construction. From there, the decision comes down to how the car is used and how it should look, because the Saab can be outfitted with either a period European radial presentation or a more traditional vintage bias-ply style.

After size and construction are settled, compare details that actually affect the result, such as brand, tire series, sidewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility. That approach helps narrow the choice without guessing, especially on a collector car where wheel changes, restoration goals, and intended road use can all shape the final tire selection.

Sidewall style depends on which primary tire size is being considered. The 155R15 radial options are offered in blackwall form, while the 560-15 bias-ply choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That creates a clear visual split between the radial assortment and the more appearance-focused bias-ply offerings.

That difference is useful when the tire needs to support a certain presentation rather than simply fill the wheel opening. A blackwall radial keeps the look understated and European, while a whitewall bias-ply can shift the Saab toward a more vintage restoration style, provided the chosen construction still suits the car’s wheel and use.

The 1973 Saab 95 & 96 has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Those brands are spread across both primary fitments, with the 155R15 radial side leaning toward European-style and classic radial series, while the 560-15 bias-ply side includes several traditional vintage tire lines.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase, because the more meaningful distinctions are often construction, series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility. It is more productive to compare brands within the correct size and intended tire style than to treat all available options as serving the same purpose on the Saab.

For a period-style 1973 Saab 95 & 96, the first choice is whether the car should present as a radial-equipped European small car or lean toward a more traditional bias-ply look. The two relevant starting points are 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction, both on a 15-inch rim diameter.

That decision shapes the car’s visual character more than any single brand choice. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the tire decision against marque literature, period photos, or club guidance, while those focused on appearance alone can choose between understated blackwall radial options and more traditional bias-ply styling.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1973 Saab 95 & 96 because the car’s two primary fitments come from two different sizing traditions. A 155R15 radial gives the Saab a classic Euro-radial appearance, while a 560-15 bias-ply creates a more old-style profile and opens the door to whitewall sidewall treatments.

That visual difference matters on a compact car where the tire makes up a noticeable part of the overall stance. Choosing between those constructions should be done with the whole restoration in mind, including wheel width, ride height, and whether the goal is a restrained European presentation or a more overtly vintage look.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Saab 95 & 96 even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body modifications can influence how either a 155R15 radial or a 560-15 bias-ply sits within the wheel opening and steering range.

That is why an older Saab should be checked as it actually sits today, not only by year and model. Tire selection becomes much easier when the wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance are verified first, especially on a car that may have been restored, repaired, or updated over time.

Before driving a 1973 Saab 95 & 96 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm proper mounting, and make sure there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. It also helps to check overall vehicle condition, including alignment-related wear patterns and the condition of the wheel hardware.

A collector Saab should also be looked over for issues unrelated to the tire itself, such as weak shocks, tired springs, or steering play that can affect how the new tires behave. Tire pressure, even tread contact, and any sign of rubbing during a short initial drive are worth monitoring right away.

Tires on a collector 1973 Saab 95 & 96 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread. Low-mileage collector cars often spend long periods parked, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, bulges, and cuts deserve just as much attention as tread wear.

Storage conditions matter too, especially for a lightly used vintage Saab. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspections before each season or longer drive can catch problems early before they turn into road-use issues.