1973 Saab Sonett Tires

The 1973 Saab Sonett uses two primary tire sizes: 155R15 in radial construction and 560-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 15-inch wheels, so the decision is centered more on tire type and driving goals than on switching wheel diameter.

Choosing between them starts with confirming how the car is currently set up and how it will be used. A Sonett kept in a restoration-oriented, traditional presentation may stay with 560-15, while a car already using the radial size may remain with 155R15. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing construction.

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

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so wheel width still deserves attention before mounting a new tire. Several 155R15 radial products fit rims in roughly the 4.0- to 5.5-inch range, and 560-15 products also vary by wheel-width suitability. Measuring the wheels on the car is especially worthwhile if the Sonett has been modified over the years.

The covered 1973 Saab Sonett III and Sonett V4 configurations share the same tire-size choices. Both use 155R15 as the radial fitment and 560-15 as the bias-ply fitment, all on 15-inch rims.

That means the sub-model question is less about different sizes and more about selecting the right type of tire for the car’s current setup and intended look. Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car, since collector vehicles sometimes carry replacement rims, suspension changes, or earlier tire choices that affect the final decision.

560-15 is the bias-ply tire size for the 1973 Saab Sonett. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format, and it represents the traditional construction option alongside the car’s 155R15 radial fitment.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and tire selection. In 560-15, the available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from several brands, so the buyer can stay within the traditional size while tailoring the visual presentation. Any move away from this construction should include a check of wheel width and vehicle clearance.

Radial equivalents for 560-15 on a 1973 Saab Sonett include 155R15 and 560R15. The 155R15 option is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, while 560R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent for buyers who want a more traditional visual style in radial construction.

These equivalents should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range for this conversion path is 4 to 5 inches, and the Sonett’s actual wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance still need to be confirmed. That is especially important on a compact sports car where small fitment differences can be more noticeable.

The 1973 Saab Sonett can be set up with either 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radial tires, so the better choice depends on the car’s purpose. Bias-ply suits a more traditional vintage presentation, while the radial fitment follows the car’s radial size path on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the visual character and sizing convention of 560-15, especially with blackwall or whitewall styling choices. A driver-focused owner may lean toward 155R15 or the 560R15 bias-look radial alternative. The deciding checks are wheel width, current suspension condition, and the available fender and steering clearance on the specific Sonett.

Start with the basics: 155R15 is the Sonett’s radial size, and all available products in this fitment use a blackwall presentation. The meaningful differences are brand, tire series, rim-width suitability, weight, and details such as load capacity where it is stated.

A buyer comparing Firestone, Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein options should think about how closely the tire matches the car’s intended use and the actual wheel on the vehicle. Some 155R15 products suit rims from 4.0 to 5.5 inches, while others narrow that range. That makes wheel measurement and a clear goal for the car just as important as choosing the brand name.

Sidewall style depends on which of the Sonett’s two tire sizes you choose. The 155R15 radial options are offered in blackwall only, while the 560-15 bias-ply size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall style one of the biggest appearance decisions on this car. A blackwall keeps things restrained and sporting, while the whitewall choices create a more pronounced vintage look. Since sidewall treatment changes visual character without changing the basic 560-15 size, it is a useful way to tune the car’s presentation while staying within the proper fitment family.

The 1973 Saab Sonett has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Brand availability depends on the chosen size, with 155R15 focused on radial products and 560-15 offering a broader mix of classic bias-ply styles.

Brand choice should be considered alongside construction, series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. For example, the radial side includes series such as Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic, while the bias-ply side includes Firestone Classic Bias Ply and US Royal Classic Bias Ply. Comparing the full combination usually leads to a better match for the car.

A period-style 1973 Saab Sonett often starts with the 560-15 bias-ply size because it preserves the car’s traditional numeric sizing format and vintage construction. That path also opens up blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, which can strongly influence how the finished car presents.

The best appearance choice depends on how closely the restoration is meant to reflect a specific car, market, or delivery style. Exact originality should be checked against marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific documentation. For an owner who wants a traditional look with radial construction, the 560R15 bias-look radial is another size worth evaluating carefully.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1973 Saab Sonett as much as it changes the size designation on the sidewall. A 560-15 bias-ply gives the car a distinctly vintage tire presentation, while a 155R15 radial introduces a more modern metric-style look even though both use 15-inch wheels.

That difference matters on a small, lightweight sports car where tire proportions are easy to notice. Buyers focused on authenticity of era often begin with bias-ply, then refine the look through blackwall or whitewall styling. Buyers who prefer radial construction should still consider how the sidewall shape and labeling support the overall restoration theme before making the final selection.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 Saab Sonett even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, lowered ride height, or bodywork differences can all change how a 155R15 or 560-15 tire sits in the car.

A modified Sonett should be measured rather than assumed to match original clearances. Wheel diameter still needs to remain at 15 inches for these primary sizes, but steering travel, inner clearance, and fender space deserve close attention before mounting tires. That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial construction, since dimensions and profile can differ even within the same general fitment family.

Before driving a 1973 Saab Sonett on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm proper mounting, and make sure the tires clear the body and suspension through full steering movement. It also helps to verify valve stems, wheel hardware, and inflation before the first road test.

A collector car that has sat for long periods deserves a broader walk-around as well. Look at brake condition, wheel bearings, suspension wear, and any signs of rubbing from the previous tire setup. A cautious initial drive lets the owner feel for vibration, pulling, or contact issues early, before the car is put into regular use or taken on a longer trip.

Collector-car tires on a 1973 Saab Sonett should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of slow air loss. That applies whether the car runs 560-15 bias-ply tires or 155R15 radials, since age and storage can matter just as much as mileage.

Long periods of inactivity call for extra attention to storage conditions and periodic inspection. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires’ condition, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting concerns. Before any extended drive, a fresh visual inspection and pressure check are simple steps that help keep a seldom-used Sonett road-ready.