1979 Volkswagen Scirocco Tires

The 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco came from an era when compact German sport coupes balanced sharp styling with light weight and nimble road manners. As a front-wheel-drive hatchback with a distinctly European character, it rewards owners who pay close attention to details that affect both stance and drivability. For this model year, the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco uses a 175/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim. That keeps the tire decision focused less on decoding multiple fitments and more on choosing the right radial within the correct size, with Blackwall styling available in the Avon CR6ZZ series. For restoration-minded owners and drivers alike, wheel width, overall condition, and intended road use should guide the final choice.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco

The 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco uses one primary tire size: 175/70R13, a radial fitment on a 13-inch rim. The same size applies to the covered Gas sub-model, so the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which radial tire best suits the car's intended use, appearance, and wheel setup.

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175/70R13Metric radial
Fit(s): (Gas)
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

A 175/70R13 tire uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco, that means a modern metric radial format rather than an older bias-ply sizing system, which suits the car's late-1970s European design and road-going character. In this size, the available product selection includes the Avon CR6ZZ with a Blackwall sidewall and radial construction. Choosing within 175/70R13 comes down to confirming wheel width, preserving the car's intended proportions, and matching the tire to how the Scirocco will actually be driven.

Explore 175/70R13 Tires

1979 Volkswagen Scirocco Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco. The covered Gas version uses the same primary tire size, so tire selection centers on the correct radial specification, wheel compatibility, and the kind of road use the car will see.

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1979 Volkswagen Scirocco (Gas)

The 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco (Gas) uses the same 175/70R13 radial fitment as the model core. That keeps the choice focused on selecting the right tire within that size, while still checking wheel width and the actual condition of any original or replacement 13-inch wheels.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco Tires for Sale

Available 175/70R13 choices for the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco focus on radial construction in the Avon CR6ZZ series with a Blackwall sidewall. The key comparison points are correct size, 13-inch rim compatibility, and the stated rim-width range for the wheel on the car.

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Radial Tires

Avon CR6ZZ | 175/70R13 82H A29

Avon - CR6ZZ

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.5 - 6.0 in
WEIGHT19.53 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs for the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco focus on 175/70R13 fitment, 13-inch rim questions, radial tire selection, restoration-minded appearance, and the wheel, suspension, and maintenance checks worth making before road use.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco?

The 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco uses a 175/70R13 radial tire. That size combines a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter, making it a straightforward late-1970s metric radial fitment rather than a vintage alphanumeric or numeric bias-ply size.

Using the correct size helps preserve the Scirocco's proportions and keeps the tire choice aligned with the wheel diameter the car was built around. The next checks are the actual wheel width on the car, whether the car still has its original 13-inch setup, and whether any suspension or wheel changes have altered clearance.

What size rim does a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco use?

The 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco uses a 13-inch rim with its 175/70R13 tire size. The available radial product in this fitment is built for that 13-inch diameter and carries a stated rim-width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches.

Rim diameter is the first non-negotiable check, since a 13-inch tire must be mounted on a 13-inch wheel. Rim width matters too, especially on older cars that may have replacement wheels, so confirming both width and overall wheel condition helps avoid selection mistakes and supports proper tire shape and clearance.

Does the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco Gas use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco (Gas) sub-model uses the same 175/70R13 radial tire size as the model core. That makes sub-model identification less of a complication than on vehicles where different trims or packages use different diameters or profiles.

Even with shared fitment, it is still worth confirming what is actually on the car today. Older Sciroccos sometimes pass through several owners, and wheel substitutions can change what fits properly, so checking the wheel diameter, width, and the car's current stance remains an important step before choosing a replacement tire.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 175/70R13 tire for a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco?

Start with the basics: the correct 175/70R13 size, radial construction, and a true 13-inch wheel. After that, compare practical details such as the wheel-width range, the tire's intended character, and whether the car is being kept close to stock appearance or used more actively on the road.

A good choice for a Scirocco should suit both the wheel and the way the car is driven. It also helps to inspect the existing wheels for damage or corrosion and think about whether the car still sits at factory ride height, since those factors can influence clearance and the overall look once the new tires are installed.

What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco tires?

The available 175/70R13 product for the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco uses a Blackwall sidewall. That gives the car a clean, understated presentation that works naturally with a late-1970s European sport coupe without pushing the look toward a whitewall or raised-letter style.

Sidewall style matters most when appearance is part of the decision, especially on a collector car that still carries period details. A Blackwall keeps the visual emphasis on the Scirocco's low-profile hatchback shape, but the buyer should still make sure the tire's overall size, wheel fit, and intended use line up with the car's setup.

What brands offer tires for the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco?

The available tire offering in 175/70R13 for the 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco comes from Avon. It is part of the CR6ZZ series and uses radial construction with a Blackwall sidewall, which keeps the selection focused on a specific style and specification rather than a wide spread of brands.

With a narrow product assortment, the buying decision becomes more about fitment and intended use than brand comparison. Attention should go to the correct size, the tire's rim-width compatibility, and whether the car still uses the expected 13-inch wheel package, especially if it has seen wheel changes over the years.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco?

A period-style starting point for a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco is the correct 175/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. Keeping the original size format helps maintain the car's visual balance and avoids changing its stance with a tire that departs too far from the proportions associated with this model year.

Appearance is only part of the equation on a restoration-minded Scirocco. The chosen tire should also suit the wheel width actually on the car and the way the car will be used, whether that means occasional shows, fair-weather driving, or more regular road time with close attention to fit and condition.

Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco restoration?

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco restoration because tire size has a strong effect on the car's stance, wheelwell appearance, and overall presentation. Staying with the proper 175/70R13 radial format keeps the restoration grounded in the proportions expected for this generation of Scirocco.

A restoration-focused choice should also account for the actual wheels on the car, since replacement wheels can alter width and fit. When exact originality is important, tire selection is best paired with vehicle-specific historical references so the final look supports the restoration rather than merely filling the correct rim diameter.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco even when the intended size remains 175/70R13. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, altered springs, or body modifications can all change how much space the tire has during steering and suspension movement.

That matters because a correct-size tire can still create problems if the wheel setup has changed from stock. Checking wheel diameter, width, and the car's current ride height before ordering helps prevent clearance surprises, especially on an older hatchback where previous owners may have made changes that are not obvious at first glance.

What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco on new tires?

Before driving a 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco on new tires, inspect the wheels for bends, cracks, corrosion, and bead-seat condition, then make sure the suspension and steering components are in sound shape. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the new tires should be checked for proper seating and consistent clearance at the front and rear.

Older collector cars often sit for long periods, so it also helps to look for fluid leaks, brake issues, and any signs that the car has settled unevenly. A short, careful initial drive can reveal rubbing, vibration, or pull that should be addressed early, before the car is taken on faster roads or longer trips.

How should 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco be maintained?

175/70R13 tires on a collector 1979 Volkswagen Scirocco should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread wear. Low-mileage collector use can leave a tire looking serviceable while cracking, flat spotting, or long storage gradually affect its road readiness.

Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and condition. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors can reduce deterioration, while periodic movement and inspection make it easier to catch air loss, sidewall damage, or uneven wear before the Scirocco returns to regular road use.