1956 Simca Tire Fitment Guide

1956 Simca vehicles in this range use two tire sizes: 155R14 and 560-14, and both apply to the 1956 Simca Aronde. Each size fits a 14-inch rim, but they are not the same type of tire. The 155R14 is a radial size, while the 560-14 is a bias-ply size. Rim width guidance differs by size where listed: 155R14 products include a 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range, while 560-14 products list a 3.50 to 4.00 inch range.

That means the first question is not simply whether your car is a 1956 Simca Aronde, but also whether you are trying to preserve an original-style bias-ply setup or move to a radial within the same 14-inch wheel diameter. If your wheels are original, checking the actual wheel width before choosing between the two sizes is the smart next step. That keeps you from selecting a tire that is correct in diameter but mismatched to the wheel's usable width.

A 560-14 tire for a 1956 Simca is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. Unlike a modern metric radial, this format does not use a metric section width or an R to identify radial construction. On the 1956 Simca Aronde, 560-14 is the period-style bias-ply option and is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.

That sizing language is familiar to many 1950s European and American collector vehicles, so it makes sense if your restoration goal is visual authenticity and era-correct construction. It also helps explain why a 560-14 is not simply interchangeable with a modern-looking size by name alone, even if both mount on 14-inch rims. When comparing products, focus on the construction type and approved rim width as much as the size code itself.

A 155R14 tire for a 1956 Simca is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. The R identifies radial construction. Where the full marking is shown as 155R14 80T TL, the 80 indicates the conventional 80-series profile, T is the speed rating, and TL means tubeless. On the 1956 Simca Aronde, this size represents the radial alternative to the original-style numeric bias-ply fitment.

That makes 155R14 easier for modern drivers to interpret because it follows a sizing language still recognizable today. It also means product details matter within the size, since one 155R14 may carry more complete sidewall markings than another. If you are comparing two radial choices for a 1956 Simca, look beyond the basic size code and check the full sidewall marking, rim width guidance, and any listed speed or load details before deciding.

For a 1956 Simca Aronde, the decision between 155R14 and 560-14 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction, since both fit 14-inch rims. The 560-14 is the traditional bias-ply size and carries the most period-correct look, especially with blackwall or whitewall styling. The 155R14 is the radial option and keeps the same basic wheel diameter while using a more modern tire design.

Owners restoring a 1956 Simca for a factory-era appearance usually lean toward the 560-14, while owners who plan to drive more regularly often prefer the radial format. Neither decision should be made by size code alone, though, because wheel width and the exact product marking still matter. A good approach is to decide first whether authenticity or more contemporary road manners is the priority, then confirm the wheel width and sidewall style that best fit your car.

Sidewall choices for 1956 Simca tires vary by size. The 155R14 radial options are offered in blackwall only, while the 560-14 bias-ply size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That gives the 560-14 the broader visual range if the appearance of the tire is an important part of the finished Aronde. All of those sidewall styles remain within the same basic bias-ply size family.

A blackwall usually suits a restrained European compact like the Aronde, especially if you want a clean, understated look. Whitewall choices can still be attractive on a 1956 Simca, but they create a more stylized presentation and should be matched to the way the car is restored and displayed. If authenticity for a specific market or show class matters, use sidewall style as part of the research rather than treating it as a purely cosmetic afterthought.

Three brands appear in the available tire options for 1956 Simca vehicles. Michelin and Firestone both offer the 155R14 radial size, while BFGoodrich offers the 560-14 bias-ply size. That split lines up with the two different construction paths available for the 1956 Simca Aronde. Within those choices, the radial offerings are blackwall tires, and the BFGoodrich bias-ply line adds blackwall plus two whitewall treatments.

Brand selection matters most once you have settled on size and construction, because the available makers are not evenly spread across both sizes. Michelin has especially strong period relevance in European motoring, while Firestone and BFGoodrich bring familiar American collector-tire recognition. For a 1956 Simca owner, the practical takeaway is simple: choose the size family first, then compare the brands that actually serve that size rather than trying to start with brand preference alone.

Rim width guidance for 1956 Simca tires depends on the size you choose. For 155R14 radial products, the listed rim width range is 4.00 to 5.50 inches. For 560-14 bias-ply products, the listed rim width range is 3.50 to 4.00 inches. Both sizes use a 14-inch rim diameter, but they do not share the same approved width range.

That difference is important because it is entirely possible to have the correct 14-inch wheel diameter but still have a wheel that is better suited to one size than the other. Before changing from a 560-14 bias-ply setup to a 155R14 radial, measure the wheel or confirm the wheel width with certainty. Getting that right helps maintain proper tire shape, predictable handling, and a cleaner, more settled fit on the car.

Inner-tube status on 1956 Simca tires depends on the exact product. One 155R14 radial is clearly marked TL, meaning tubeless, while another 155R14 listing does not carry a tube marking in the available information. The 560-14 bias-ply products are listed without TT or TL markings in the size field. Because those markings are not uniform across the available tires, tube use should be confirmed at the individual product level and against the wheel itself.

That matters especially on a mid-1950s car, where wheel design, bead condition, and restoration history can all affect whether a tubeless setup is appropriate. If your 1956 Simca still wears original or long-restored wheels, inspect them carefully and verify the intended tube arrangement before mounting tires. A marque specialist or tire professional familiar with older European wheels can help you avoid making assumptions from size code alone.

Original 1956 Simca wheels can often accept both listed tire sizes in terms of rim diameter, because both 155R14 and 560-14 mount on 14-inch rims. The bigger issue is rim width rather than diameter. The 155R14 radial is listed for a 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range, while the 560-14 bias-ply is listed for a 3.50 to 4.00 inch range. That means some 14-inch wheels may suit one size better than the other.

For a 1956 Simca Aronde owner, that makes wheel measurement a necessary part of the decision if you are considering a switch between constructions. A narrow wheel that is well matched to a 560-14 bias-ply may sit at the edge of the approved range for a radial, while a wider 14-inch wheel can push the decision in the other direction. Confirming width before purchase is the cleanest way to avoid fitment compromises.

A stored 1956 Simca should be kept in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls. Clean, dry tires last better than tires left with road film or moisture trapped against them. If your 1956 Simca is fitted with bias-ply 560-14 tires, expect them to flat-spot more readily during long static storage than the 155R14 radial option.

Moving the car periodically, maintaining proper inflation, and avoiding long-term loading on one contact patch all help preserve tire shape. Some owners also use tire cradles or place the car on stands during extended off-season storage, especially if the car sees very few miles. For a collector Simca, good storage habits matter as much as mileage because age, environment, and inactivity are what usually shorten tire life first.

Tires on a 1956 Simca usually age out before they wear out, because collector cars often see limited annual mileage. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires carefully once they reach about five to seven years of age, and to treat roughly ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the tire is the best starting point for determining age.

That age-based approach is more useful than trying to calculate lifespan by mileage on a lightly used Aronde. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, vibration, and repeated air loss are all reasons to act sooner. If the car has been restored and driven only occasionally, the tires can still be old enough to warrant replacement long before the tread is gone, so age should be part of every annual review.

Tires on a 1956 Simca should be inspected before every drive, and especially before any longer outing or event. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between uses. Check tread condition, verify inflation with a reliable gauge, and inspect the spare as well. If your setup uses tube-type components, valve stems and tube-related leakage deserve the same attention as the outer casing.

Frequent inspection matters on a 1956 Simca because low-use collector cars can sit long enough for age-related issues to develop quietly. A tire that looked fine at the last fuel stop may show weather checking or a softened valve stem months later after storage. Building a short inspection routine into every drive is one of the simplest ways to catch problems early and avoid discovering them only after the car is back on the road.

A 1956 Simca Aronde would have been associated with bias-ply construction when new, which fits the era and aligns with the available 560-14 bias-ply option. The 155R14 radial reflects the later appeal of radial construction on period cars and the broader French connection to radial technology, but the bias-ply format is the safer choice if your goal is to stay closest to a mid-1950s original-type specification. No specific original-equipment brand should be assumed without car-specific research.

That distinction matters because originality questions often turn on construction type first, then sidewall style and market-specific details after that. If your 1956 Simca is being restored to a judged standard, confirm the expected tire presentation with marque literature, period photos, or Simca club sources before finalizing your choice. A radial may suit the car well in use, but a bias-ply remains the more traditional answer for authenticity-minded restoration.

Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1956 Simca, especially in classes where originality is part of the judging standard. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice the overall tire profile, the construction type, and whether the sidewall style looks consistent with the era. On a 1956 Simca Aronde, a 560-14 bias-ply generally reads more period-correct than a modern-style radial, even though a 155R14 may still be a practical road choice.

The right answer depends on how the car will be evaluated. A touring-oriented or driver-focused event may be more accepting of radial construction, while a factory-authentic presentation may call for bias-ply dimensions and an appropriate sidewall treatment. If points matter, confirm the expected standard with the event organizers or a Simca marque club rather than relying on broad assumptions about what was common in the 1950s.

Both the Michelin X and Firestone F560 Radial serve the 155R14 size for the 1956 Simca and both are blackwall radial tires. The Michelin carries a fuller sidewall marking of 155R14 80T TL, which identifies an 80-series profile, T speed rating, and tubeless construction. The Firestone lists a 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range, a 990-pound maximum load at 44 psi, and a lighter listed weight than the Michelin. Those are concrete differences within the same basic radial size.

For a 1956 Simca owner, that means the comparison is less about whether either tire fits the Aronde and more about which set of published characteristics better aligns with your wheel and intended use. One buyer may value the fully marked sidewall and Michelin heritage, while another may focus on the Firestone's listed rim-width guidance and load information. Compare the exact product details rather than assuming all 155R14 radials are equivalent.

1956 Simca tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, properly mounted, correctly inflated, and in sound condition. Among the listed options, one 155R14 radial carries a T speed rating, which corresponds to 118 mph. The 560-14 bias-ply products are not shown with a speed letter in the available markings. On a 1956 Simca Aronde, the car's own braking, suspension, and overall vintage mechanical condition will usually matter as much as the tire itself in normal highway use.

That means safe road use starts with realism about the car, not just the tire. A freshly mounted reproduction tire does not override the limitations of a mid-1950s chassis or neglected steering and brake components. If you plan to use your 1956 Simca on sustained higher-speed roads, inspect the whole vehicle carefully and match your driving pace to the condition and character of the car rather than to the maximum figure shown by a tire speed rating alone.

Inflation pressure for 1956 Simca tires should begin with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the car and then be checked against the individual tire's published limits. Among the available products, the 560-14 bias-ply tires list a maximum load of 906 pounds at 30 psi, while one 155R14 radial lists a maximum load of 990 pounds at 44 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not blanket pressure settings for every 1956 Simca application.

The practical lesson is not to transfer one tire's pressure number to another size or construction type just because both fit the Aronde. Bias-ply and radial tires often operate differently, and the car's own recommended pressure may be lower than the tire's maximum-rated pressure. Use the owner's manual or trusted period service literature as the baseline, then confirm that your chosen reproduction tire is being run within its published limits.

Before a longer drive in a 1956 Simca, inspect each tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that the spare is usable, not just present, and look closely at valve stems and any signs of air loss. If your car uses a tube-related setup, pay extra attention to valve condition and slow leaks that can develop during storage. A visual inspection should be paired with a pressure check while the tires are cold.

Tires are only one part of the preparation, but they are one of the few things connecting a 1956 Simca to the road. A longer outing is also the right time to review wheel fasteners, steering play, brake feel, and the general condition of the suspension. Catching a weak spare, aging valve stem, or drying sidewall in the garage is far preferable to discovering it on the shoulder miles from home.