1973 Saab 97 Tires

The 1973 Saab 97 uses two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both are 15-inch fitments, but they represent different tire-design approaches, so the choice is not just about size code alone.

The practical next step is confirming what is already on the car. A Saab 97 that has been running radial tires may be best evaluated around 155R15 options, while a car kept in a more traditional format may point toward 560-15. Wheel width, overall condition, and any past changes to wheels or suspension should be checked before changing construction.

The 1973 Saab 97 uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 155R15 and 560-15. That shared rim diameter helps simplify selection, because the main decision is construction type rather than a switch between different wheel diameters.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still worth checking actual wheel width before choosing a tire. The available products in these sizes do not all share the same rim-width specification, and a car that has replacement wheels may not match an original-style setup. Verifying the wheel itself avoids unnecessary guesswork.

Yes. The 1973 Saab 97 Base is associated with the same two tire sizes as the model overall: 155R15 radial and 560-15 bias-ply. That means the Base sub-model does not introduce a separate wheel diameter or a unique third size to sort through.

Even with shared fitment, the owner still has an important choice to make. A radial setup and a bias-ply setup can change the car’s look and feel, so it helps to inspect the tires and wheels already in place before selecting replacements. That is especially useful on a collector vehicle that may have been changed over time.

For the 1973 Saab 97, 560-15 is the bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply format, and it differs from the car’s 155R15 radial fitment not only in construction but also in the way the size is written and interpreted.

That difference matters because a buyer may be choosing between preserving a more vintage tire presentation and moving to radial construction. The wheel diameter remains 15 inches, but construction changes should still be checked against wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance. Sidewall style also becomes part of the decision in 560-15 because blackwall and whitewall versions exist.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 is an 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is a bias-look radial equivalent that keeps a more traditional sizing character while using radial construction.

Those choices serve different goals, so they should be evaluated carefully rather than treated as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with the equivalents, and the owner should also check the actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance before moving from a bias-ply setup to either radial alternative.

That decision depends on what matters most for the car. A 560-15 bias-ply keeps the Saab 97 in a traditional format, while 155R15 gives it a radial fitment, and 560R15 offers a bias-look radial path for owners who want a more vintage visual character without staying with bias-ply construction.

A restoration-oriented car may lead an owner toward bias-ply styling, while a road-driven car may push the decision toward radial choices already associated with the model. The best approach is to confirm the wheel setup on the car, decide how important original-style appearance is, and then compare the available products within the construction type that matches that goal.

Start with the fact that 155R15 is the Saab 97’s radial fitment on a 15-inch wheel. From there, compare the available radial products by series, intended character, rim-width specification, and details such as load figures or sidewall presentation where those differences matter to the way the car will be used.

The available 155R15 choices are all blackwall radials, but they span several brands and tire families, including Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein. That makes this less about finding the correct size and more about matching the tire to the car’s use and appearance. A careful wheel-width check is especially worthwhile if the Saab has replacement wheels.

Sidewall style depends on which of the Saab 97’s two tire sizes you are considering. The 155R15 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-15 bias-ply selection includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall appearance a meaningful part of the buying decision, especially on a small classic where tire presentation is very visible. A blackwall radial keeps a restrained European look, while a whitewall bias-ply creates a more deliberately vintage impression. The right choice depends on whether the car is being kept understated, restoration-oriented, or simply styled to suit the owner’s taste.

The 1973 Saab 97 has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Those brands are spread across the two primary sizes, with the radial 155R15 group centered on Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, and the 560-15 bias-ply group including Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. The stronger buying filters are still correct size, construction type, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility. Once the owner knows whether the car will stay with 155R15 radial or 560-15 bias-ply, the brand list becomes far more useful because it can be viewed in the context of actual fitment and appearance goals.

A period-style 1973 Saab 97 can be approached in two different ways. The 560-15 bias-ply size keeps the car in a traditional vintage format, while 155R15 maintains the classic Euro-metric radial fitment also associated with this model. The more appropriate direction depends on which period character the owner wants the car to reflect.

For a distinctly vintage presentation, the bias-ply size opens the door to blackwall and whitewall treatments that change the car’s visual tone. A more restrained European look points naturally toward the blackwall radial choices in 155R15. When exact historical authenticity matters, marque-specific references and period photos are worth consulting before settling on a final construction and sidewall style.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1973 Saab 97; it also changes the car’s visual presence. A 560-15 bias-ply gives a more traditional vintage profile, while a 155R15 radial presents the car with a more familiar European radial look. A 560R15 bias-look radial can bridge those two ideas.

Because the Saab 97 is a compact, character-driven classic, the tire sidewall and profile are easy to notice. Whitewall bias-ply options create a more stylized period impression, while blackwall radials keep the appearance cleaner and more understated. Matching construction to the restoration theme usually produces a more satisfying result than choosing by size code alone.

Yes. Even though the 1973 Saab 97 uses 15-inch tire sizes, modifications can still affect which tire works best on the car. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all influence clearance and how comfortably a tire sits within the available space.

That matters even more when moving between 560-15 bias-ply and 155R15 radial constructions, because construction changes can alter the overall setup you are working with. The safest approach is to inspect the actual wheels on the car, confirm their width, and check fender and steering clearance at full lock and full suspension movement before committing to a replacement tire.

Before putting a 1973 Saab 97 back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tires themselves for proper seating and condition. It also helps to look over the steering and suspension for obvious wear, since a classic car with loose components can make any fresh tire feel less settled than it should.

After installation, confirm pressure, recheck lug security after initial driving, and watch for any rubbing during turns or suspension movement. Collector cars often sit for long periods, so it is wise to keep an eye on air loss, sidewall condition, and tread wear during the first few outings. A short test drive and visual reinspection can catch problems early.

Collector-car tires on a 1973 Saab 97 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and loss of air pressure, whether the car is running 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials. Low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a seldom-driven Saab.

Storage practices are important too. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition between drives. It is also worth moving or driving the Saab periodically rather than letting it sit in one place for extended stretches. Routine visual checks before each outing are a smart habit on any vintage vehicle.