The 1977 Lancia Scorpion came to the U.S. as a compact mid-engine Italian sports car with sharp wedge-era styling and a very different personality from larger grand tourers of the period. Its light, nimble character makes tire choice especially important, because the right size helps preserve both stance and road manners. This application uses radial tires in two 13-inch fitments, 165R13 and 185/70R13, so the first step is confirming which setup is on the car. From there, the choice centers on Euro-style blackwall options or a more appearance-driven sidewall treatment in 185/70R13. That matters whether the goal is faithful period character, spirited road use, or simply sorting out an altered wheel and tire setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1977 Lancia Scorpion
The 1977 Lancia Scorpion uses two radial tire sizes, and both fitments share the same 13-inch rim diameter. The key question is not wheel diameter but which tire setup is actually on the car, since the Base sub-model can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to tread and sidewall style, brand, and the kind of road feel or period appearance you want to preserve.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated in the size code, though it is commonly treated as an 80-series style radial. For the 1977 Lancia Scorpion, this size leans toward a traditional European fitment feel and is available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop across XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet lines. It is a useful choice for owners who want a narrower, classic-looking radial presentation on the correct rim diameter.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size that spells out three things clearly: 185 millimeters of nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On a 1977 Lancia Scorpion, it represents a lower-profile radial format than 165R13 while staying on the same wheel diameter. Available choices include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with several distinct tire series in the mix. This size deserves a closer look when appearance preference and product variety matter as much as basic fitment.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1977 Lancia Scorpion Base can use both of the primary tire sizes found on this page. That makes wheel and existing tire setup more important than trim identification when selecting a replacement.
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1977 Lancia Scorpion Base
The 1977 Lancia Scorpion Base can use either of the two radial 13-inch tire sizes associated with this model. Tire selection comes down to confirming which size is currently fitted, then deciding whether the priority is a classic Euro-style blackwall look or the broader product and sidewall variety available in 185/70R13.
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.
Best 1977 Lancia Scorpion Tires for Sale
Available 1977 Lancia Scorpion tires center on 165R13 and 185/70R13 radial fitments, with choices from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Vredestein. The main comparison points are tire series, blackwall versus redline or wide whitewall styling, and rim-width compatibility within the 13-inch setup.
Common 1977 Lancia Scorpion tire questions usually come down to confirming whether the car uses 165R13 or 185/70R13, understanding what those sizes mean, and comparing sidewall style, brand, and road-use considerations before mounting new tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1977 Lancia Scorpion?
A 1977 Lancia Scorpion uses radial tires in two primary sizes: 165R13 and 185/70R13. Both sizes are tied to 13-inch wheels, and the covered Base sub-model can use either fitment depending on the wheel and tire setup on the car.
That means the first job is confirming what is actually mounted now rather than assuming every Scorpion uses one size. Check the sidewall markings, confirm the wheel diameter, and compare wheel width before choosing between the narrower Euro-metric 165R13 and the wider 185/70R13 option.
What size rim does a 1977 Lancia Scorpion use?
The tire fitments associated with the 1977 Lancia Scorpion use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 165R13 and 185/70R13 are built around that same wheel diameter, so a correct replacement tire still needs to match a 13-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, because tire selection can also depend on wheel width. Several available products include rim-width guidance, so it is worth confirming both dimensions on the car, especially if the Scorpion has had aftermarket wheels fitted at some point in its life.
What does 165R13 mean on a 1977 Lancia Scorpion?
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 165 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On this car, it is one of the two primary radial tire sizes used on the 13-inch setup.
Because this format does not state an aspect ratio in the size itself, buyers often need a little more context than they would with a modern metric size. It is best suited to owners who want to preserve a classic European tire presentation while still confirming wheel width, clearance, and overall setup before replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1977 Lancia Scorpion tire?
Start by confirming whether the car uses 165R13 or 185/70R13, since both sizes apply to the 1977 Lancia Scorpion and both use radial construction on 13-inch rims. Once size is settled, compare tire series, sidewall appearance, brand, and any rim-width guidance that matches the wheels on the car.
The practical choice often comes down to how the Scorpion is used and how you want it to look. A narrower Euro-style blackwall presentation points one direction, while 185/70R13 opens up more visual and product variety. Load figures, tire weight, and intended road use can also help narrow the field.
What sidewall styles are available for 1977 Lancia Scorpion tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1977 Lancia Scorpion include blackwall across both primary sizes, plus redline and wide whitewall in 185/70R13. That gives the car a wide range of visual directions, from understated European sports-car character to a more customized or style-driven presentation.
Appearance should be matched to the size and overall theme of the car rather than chosen in isolation. Blackwall keeps the look closest to a traditional performance-oriented radial, while redline or wide whitewall can change the car’s visual tone considerably. Tire size, wheel width, and intended use should still stay ahead of cosmetics.
What brands offer tires for the 1977 Lancia Scorpion?
The 1977 Lancia Scorpion has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Vredestein. Depending on size, those brands appear in series such as Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic.
Brand choice is best treated as part of a larger comparison rather than the only decision. Different offerings can vary by sidewall treatment, tire series character, rim-width range, and published load figures. After confirming size, compare the product details that affect how the Scorpion will look and how closely the tire matches the wheel setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1977 Lancia Scorpion?
A period-style 1977 Lancia Scorpion usually starts with choosing the correct primary size already associated with the car, either 165R13 or 185/70R13, and then selecting a radial with an appropriate visual character. Blackwall options are the most natural route for a classic European sports-car presentation.
The best visual result comes from matching tire size, sidewall style, and wheel setup rather than focusing on one feature alone. Owners pursuing exact restoration standards should also compare the car against marque references, period photography, or build-specific documentation before deciding that any one tire appearance is definitive.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1977 Lancia Scorpion?
On a 1977 Lancia Scorpion, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial rather than bias-ply. That means the appearance differences are less about bias-ply versus radial shape and more about whether the tire is a classic Euro-style blackwall, a sport-oriented radial series, or a decorative sidewall treatment.
A restored car can look noticeably different depending on whether it wears 165R13 or 185/70R13 and whether the sidewall is plain black, redline, or wide whitewall. Keeping the visual theme consistent with the car’s era and wheel setup usually matters more than chasing a dramatic sidewall style that changes the Scorpion’s character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1977 Lancia Scorpion?
Yes. A 1977 Lancia Scorpion may accept either 165R13 or 185/70R13 in its primary fitment range, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can affect which tire works cleanly on the car. Even when rim diameter stays at 13 inches, the rest of the setup still matters.
Owners should verify wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and steering clearance before treating an existing setup as standard. Cars that have been lowered or changed from stock wheel specifications deserve extra attention, because a tire that suits one Scorpion may need closer checking on another with a different stance or wheel package.
What should I inspect before driving a 1977 Lancia Scorpion on new tires?
Before driving a 1977 Lancia Scorpion on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tire size matches the intended setup, and make sure each tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and visible suspension or steering wear.
A short clearance check can prevent surprises once the car is rolling. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for interference near the fenders and inner wheel wells, and recheck pressure after the first miles. On a lightly used collector car, it also helps to confirm alignment and brake condition before extended road use.
How should tires on a collector 1977 Lancia Scorpion be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1977 Lancia Scorpion should be checked regularly for air pressure, tread condition, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking, especially if the car spends long stretches parked. Low-use vintage cars often age tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage.
Keeping the car out of prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. Periodic movement prevents long stationary load points, and a visual inspection before each outing is a smart habit. Any tire showing persistent air loss or age-related deterioration deserves closer professional evaluation.
