1956 Facel Vega Tire Fitment Guide

1956 Facel Vega vehicles use one listed tire size: 670-15. That size applies to the 1956 Facel Vega FYS and mounts on a 15-inch rim. Listed products in this size show rim-width ranges of 4.50 to 5.00 inches on some applications and 5.00 to 6.00 inches on others, so the exact wheel width should be checked against the specific tire chosen.

That simplicity makes the year-and-make choice easy, but it does not eliminate setup verification. A buyer with a stock-style FYS should start with 670-15, then confirm the wheel's actual width, decide between blackwall and wide whitewall styling, and compare the individual tire's load rating and construction details before making a final selection.

On a 1956 Facel Vega tire, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.70 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Because it is a traditional numeric bias-ply designation, it does not use the later alphanumeric or metric-style coding seen on newer tires.

That matters because a modern buyer may expect the size code to reveal more dimensional detail than a mid-century bias-ply tire normally does. When choosing a 670-15 for a 1956 Facel Vega, the useful comparisons are the tire's sidewall style, wheel-width range, and stated load capacity rather than looking for modern metric-style aspect ratio information in the size code itself.

Yes. The listed 1956 Facel Vega model range for this year uses the same size, 670-15, and that application is shown for the FYS. There is no split here between different model-specific sizes or wheel diameters within the year-and-make grouping.

That gives buyers more freedom to focus on presentation and intended use instead of sorting through multiple fitment paths. Even so, an owner should still compare the actual wheel on the car with the tire's approved rim-width range, especially on a car that may have seen restoration work or wheel changes over the decades.

1956 Facel Vega tires in 670-15 are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. Firestone and Universal Vintage Tire are offered in blackwall versions, while US Royal and Coker Classic are offered with wide whitewall styling. That gives the FYS owner two distinct visual directions while staying within the correct listed size and bias-ply construction family.

The best choice depends on how the car is being presented. A blackwall often suits a more understated sporting look, while a wide whitewall leans into the formal luxury image many mid-1950s grand touring cars carried. For judged events, owners should compare the chosen sidewall treatment with period photos, factory literature, and marque-club guidance for their market and restoration goal.

Four brands are represented for 1956 Facel Vega in 670-15: Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. All are bias-ply offerings in the correct 15-inch size, with blackwall and wide whitewall options spread across the range rather than concentrated in a single brand.

That variety lets an owner choose a tire that matches the car's visual character without stepping outside the listed fitment. A buyer comparing brands should look at sidewall style first, then review wheel-width range and stated load capacity on the exact tire under consideration. For a hand-built European luxury car like the FYS, the visual finish of the tire can influence the car's overall presentation almost as much as the size itself.

For the 1956 Facel Vega in 670-15, the listed Firestone option is a blackwall bias-ply tire rated at 1450 pounds at 32 psi with a 4.50-to-5.00-inch rim-width range. The listed Coker Classic option is a wide whitewall bias-ply tire rated at 1550 pounds at 32 psi with a 5.00-to-6.00-inch rim-width range. Both fit a 15-inch wheel, but they differ in presentation, approved wheel-width range, and stated load capacity.

That means the decision is not simply about brand name. Owners should match the tire to the wheel that is actually on the car and decide whether a blackwall or wide whitewall better suits the restoration. On a car like the FYS, where styling is part of the appeal, that visual difference can be just as important as the numerical spec differences.

1956 Facel Vega tires in 670-15 use a 15-inch rim, but the approved rim width depends on the specific product. Listed examples include 4.50 to 5.00 inches for some 670-15 tires and 5.00 to 6.00 inches for others. That makes wheel width a product-by-product check rather than something to assume from the size code alone.

An FYS owner should measure the wheel or confirm its specification before settling on a particular tire series. A tire that shares the correct 15-inch diameter may still be intended for a narrower or wider rim than another 670-15 offering. Matching the wheel to the tire's approved width range helps preserve proper tread shape, steering response, and overall appearance.

The listed 670-15 product information does not show a tube-type or tubeless marker in the size field, so the practical approach for a 1956 Facel Vega is to verify the sidewall marking on the exact tire and consider the construction of the original wheel before installation. On many mid-1950s applications, tube use can depend as much on wheel design and condition as on the tire itself.

That is especially important on an older collector car whose wheels may have been refinished, repaired, or replaced over time. Before fitting a 670-15 to a 1956 Facel Vega, confirm whether the selected tire is intended for tube use, inspect the wheel for cleanliness and integrity, and replace valve stems or tube hardware as needed during installation.

A 1956 Facel Vega should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires tend to develop temporary flat-spotting more readily during long static periods, so keeping the car moving occasionally or supporting it appropriately during extended storage helps reduce that effect.

Proper storage protects both the tire structure and the appearance of the sidewalls, especially on wide whitewalls. Keep inflation checked during the off-season, avoid parking on wet soil or bare concrete for long periods, and clean the tires with mild soap and water rather than harsh dressings. Those habits matter on a low-production luxury car where presentation and ride quality are both part of the ownership experience.

Tires on a 1956 Facel Vega should be judged primarily by age, condition, and storage history rather than miles alone. A sound rule for collector vehicles is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are about five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as a strong point for replacement consideration, even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the tire is the starting point for that timeline.

That approach matters because many collector cars see limited annual mileage, which can leave old tires looking better than they really are. Sidewall cracking, hardening, repeated air loss, or visible deformation are stronger warning signs than tread depth by itself. On a 1956 Facel Vega, age-related deterioration can undermine ride quality and safety long before the tire appears worn out in the usual modern sense.

Tires on a 1956 Facel Vega should be checked before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and inspect valve stems closely during the same walk-around. Because older collector cars often sit for stretches between use, these quick checks catch age-related issues early.

A more thorough inspection at regular intervals is also worthwhile, especially if the car has been stored or recently returned to the road. Remove any debris from the tread, inspect the spare, and pay attention to how the car feels during the first few miles. If vibration, pull, or repeated low pressure appears, the tires and wheels should be evaluated before continuing normal use.

A 1956 Facel Vega FYS would have been fitted in period with bias-ply tires, which was still the standard construction for luxury and performance cars of the mid-1950s. The listed fitment for the year and model is 670-15, and the available reproductions follow that same traditional bias-ply format. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so the safest historical anchor is the correct size, construction type, and sidewall presentation.

For an owner restoring an FYS, that means starting with a 670-15 bias-ply tire and then deciding whether blackwall or wide whitewall best fits the car's period appearance. Factory brochures, period photos, and marque-club sources are the right places to refine that choice further. On a rare car like a Facel Vega, event-specific judging standards can be more exacting than simple year-and-make fitment.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1956 Facel Vega because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall styling quickly. A 670-15 bias-ply tire aligns with the period character of the FYS, while a visibly modern construction or an out-of-era sidewall treatment can change the car's stance and visual authenticity even before anyone studies smaller details.

That does not mean every event applies the same standard, but originality classes generally reward a tire that looks and sits as the car would have in the mid-1950s. Before a concours or marque gathering, compare your chosen blackwall or whitewall treatment against period imagery and club guidance. Tire choice is one of the easiest ways to either reinforce or undermine an otherwise careful restoration.

For the 1956 Facel Vega in 670-15, the listed US Royal option uses a wide whitewall sidewall and carries a stated maximum load of 1450 pounds at 32 psi with a 4.50-to-5.00-inch rim-width range. The listed Firestone version is a blackwall with the same stated load and pressure figure and the same 4.50-to-5.00-inch rim-width range. The key distinction between them is visual character rather than wheel diameter or overall fitment category.

That makes the choice especially relevant on a show-oriented FYS. An owner aiming for a more formal luxury presentation may lean toward the wide whitewall look, while a more restrained touring appearance may favor a blackwall. Since both sit within the same size and general load range, the car's restoration theme should drive the decision more than any expectation of a radically different fit.

A properly selected and properly maintained 670-15 bias-ply tire can be suitable for normal road use on a 1956 Facel Vega, but the tire should be judged as part of the whole vehicle's condition rather than in isolation. The listed products here do not show a modern speed-rating letter, which is common for period-style bias-ply tires. On a mid-1950s grand touring car, braking condition, suspension health, steering accuracy, and tire age may be more limiting in real-world driving than outright engine capability.

For longer or faster travel, the sensible approach is to keep speeds appropriate to the car's age, setup, and condition and to avoid treating a collector-car bias-ply tire like a modern high-speed radial. Fresh rubber, correct inflation, and a sound chassis matter more than any single catalog figure. If the car has been dormant, a full roadworthiness inspection is prudent before routine highway use.

The listed 670-15 tires for 1956 Facel Vega include load-and-pressure figures of 1450 pounds at 32 psi on some products and 1550 pounds at 32 psi on others. Those numbers are manufacturer ratings for the tire itself, not automatic instructions to inflate every FYS tire to the same pressure in service. Factory vehicle recommendations and actual wheel-and-tire combination should guide the final setting.

Start with the original owner's manual or factory service guidance if available, then compare that recommendation with the selected tire's published rating. Pressure should never be borrowed casually from a different size or construction type. After inflation, watch how the car rides, steers, and wears its tread, and make only careful adjustments consistent with the tire maker's limits and the car's original specifications.

Before a longer drive in a 1956 Facel Vega, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check valve stems, verify that the spare is serviceable, and make sure the wheels are clean and secure. Because the FYS is a mid-century grand tourer, tire condition should be reviewed alongside brakes, steering, suspension, fluids, and cooling rather than as a separate concern.

A few careful minutes in the garage can prevent the kind of roadside problem that spoils a trip and risks damage to a rare car. Pay extra attention if the car has been stored for an extended period or if the tires are several years old. The first miles should be treated as a shakedown, with an ear out for vibration, pull, or thumping that suggests the tires or wheels need closer inspection.