1959 Simca sat at an interesting point in postwar European motoring, offering compact family cars with distinctly French character alongside the larger Vedette line. Buyers looking at a 1959 Simca today often cross paths with the Aronde, Arlane, Elysee & Montlry, and Vedette, and each brings slightly different tire considerations despite their shared period. Across these four models, seven sizes appear, with some models offering a choice between bias-ply and radial construction while others use model-specific fitments tied to either 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. The first step is confirming your exact model, then deciding whether you want the period feel of bias-ply or the road manners of a radial where both were offered.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1959 Simca
Seven tire sizes appear across the 1959 Simca range, and they vary by model rather than carrying across every car in the lineup. The real choice starts with identifying whether your Simca uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel, then narrowing further between bias-ply and radial construction where both were used for the same model family. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Arlane|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, using the older Euro-metric convention that typically implies an 80-series profile. This Arlane-specific size is available from Coker Classic and Michelin in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline styles, and tubeless construction appears across the range. Michelin examples also appear with H and V speed ratings, so speed capability varies by product. Choose 185R15 if your Arlane is set up for radial construction and you want a size that suits regular road use while staying visually appropriate to the period.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Arlane|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 15 is the wheel diameter. This size is specific to the Arlane within the 1959 Simca range. Bias-ply construction gives the car a more era-correct stance and driving character than a radial conversion. Choose 6.50-15 if preservation of original feel and period presentation matters more than updating the car to a later radial-style driving experience.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Aronde, Elysee & Montlry|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
155R14 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter, again using the older Euro-metric convention that generally indicates an 80-series profile. This size serves the Aronde and Elysee & Montlry rather than the full 1959 Simca line, and it is available from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form; tubeless construction appears here as well, with a T speed rating present on some products. For owners of these smaller Simcas who want a radial option with a restrained period look, 155R14 is the natural fit.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Aronde, Elysee & Montlry|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size where 5.60 represents the nominal section width in inches and 14 is the wheel diameter. This size is used by the Aronde and Elysee & Montlry, and it comes from BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. All examples share bias-ply construction and carry the same load-and-pressure figure of 906 pounds at 30 psi. Choose 560-14 when keeping these compact Simcas close to their original look and steering feel is the priority.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Aronde|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
5.75-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.75 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 15 identifying the rim diameter. This size is specific to the Aronde rather than universal across 1959 Simca models. Its 15-inch fitment separates it from the Aronde's 14-inch radial and bias-ply alternatives, so wheel diameter must be confirmed before moving further. Choose 5.75-15 only after verifying that your Aronde is actually equipped for the 15-inch setup.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Vedette|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
165-15 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal 165-millimeter width style designation and a 15-inch rim diameter as used on period European applications. This size is specific to the Vedette within the 1959 Simca range. Bias-ply construction keeps the larger Simca's road feel and visual stance aligned with late-1950s practice. Choose 165-15 if originality and period-correct presentation matter more than converting the car to radial behavior.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Vedette|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
165R15 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, using the classic Euro-metric format that conventionally reads as an 80-series radial. Vedette models use this size as the radial counterpart to 165-15, and it is available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Load figures in this size run from 1,168 pounds at 35 psi to 1,170 pounds at 36 psi. Choose 165R15 if your Vedette is being driven regularly and you want a radial option with several period-friendly sidewall treatments.
Four Simca model lines are covered for 1959, and tire choice changes with the model rather than staying uniform across the make. Aronde and Elysee & Montlry share 14-inch fitments, Arlane uses 15-inch sizes of its own, and Vedette has a separate 15-inch pairing in bias-ply and radial form. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that match that specific Simca.
1959 Simca Arlane
The Arlane sat within Simca's compact family-car orbit and shares the practical, efficient character that made late-1950s French sedans so appealing. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, with both a period-style bias-ply option and a radial alternative depending on how the car is equipped and how you want it to drive.
The Aronde was one of Simca's best-known postwar cars, valued for its clean styling and broad appeal in the European small-car market. Most Aronde fitments center on 14-inch wheels, though a separate 15-inch bias-ply application also appears, making wheel confirmation especially important before choosing a tire.
Elysee & Montlry variants belong to the Aronde family and carry the same compact French touring character, with trim and presentation differences rather than a completely separate mechanical identity. Their tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with one radial size and one bias-ply size shaping the choice between original feel and a more updated driving personality.
The Vedette was Simca's larger, more substantial offering, giving the make a presence beyond the compact-car class. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the key decision is between the bias-ply 165-15 for authenticity and the 165R15 radial for owners who want a more relaxed modern-road feel.
Thirteen products are available across seven tire sizes for 1959 Simca vehicles. 185R15 offers four radial choices from Coker Classic and Michelin with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline styling; 155R14 has two radial blackwall options from Michelin and Firestone; 560-14 has three BFGoodrich bias-ply versions in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 165R15 has four radial choices from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments. Confirm your model, size, and preferred construction before selecting, since speed ratings can vary within some radial sizes.
These FAQs sort out the differences between 14-inch and 15-inch Simca fitments, when bias-ply versus radial choice matters, and how sidewall style, storage, and road-use checks affect a collector-driven 1959 Simca.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1959 Simca vehicles?
1959 Simca vehicles use seven sizes across four model lines: 185R15 and 6.50-15 for the Arlane, 155R14, 560-14, and 5.75-15 for the Aronde, 155R14 and 560-14 for Elysee & Montlry, and 165-15 plus 165R15 for the Vedette. The 14-inch applications are confined to the Aronde family, while the Arlane and Vedette use 15-inch sizes. Rim-width guidance appears for several sizes, including 185R15 at roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 155R14 at 4.0 to 5.5 inches, 560-14 at 3.5 to 4.0 inches, and 165R15 at 4.5 to 6.0 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1959 Simca. Start by confirming whether you have an Arlane, Aronde, Elysee & Montlry, or Vedette, then verify whether the car is on its original wheel diameter or has been changed over time. If your model has both bias-ply and radial options, the decision becomes more about driving character and restoration goals than simple fitment.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1959 Simca tire?
On a 1959 Simca, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. That format predates modern metric sidewall conventions and does not communicate aspect ratio the way a later radial size would. In the 1959 Simca range, 560-14 belongs to the Aronde and Elysee & Montlry.
A 560-14 is the right language for a period-style restoration because it reflects the older bias-ply sizing system buyers would have seen in the late 1950s. It also points you toward the wheel itself, since 560-14 belongs on a 14-inch rim and uses a narrower rim-width range than the radial 155R14. If your car wears 14-inch wheels and originality matters, 560-14 is often the first size to evaluate.
Do all 1959 Simca models use the same tire size?
No, 1959 Simca models do not share one universal tire size. The Arlane uses 185R15 or 6.50-15, the Aronde spans 155R14, 560-14, and 5.75-15, Elysee & Montlry uses 155R14 or 560-14, and the Vedette uses 165-15 or 165R15. Even within one model family, construction and wheel diameter can differ, especially on the Aronde.
That variation is why model identification matters before looking at sidewall style or brand preference. A buyer with a Vedette should be comparing 165-series 15-inch tires, while an Elysee & Montlry owner should be focused on 14-inch options instead. If the car has changed hands over the years, checking the actual wheel diameter and the tire currently fitted is the quickest way to avoid chasing the wrong size.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165-15 or the 165R15 for my 1959 Simca?
For a 1959 Simca Vedette, 165-15 is the bias-ply choice and 165R15 is the radial choice. Both mount on 15-inch wheels, but they represent two different construction philosophies from two different driving eras. The bias-ply version suits owners focused on preserving original appearance and period driving feel, while the radial version reflects a more modernized road-going setup within the same general size family.
The practical decision comes down to how you use the car. A Vedette prepared for authenticity-minded shows will usually favor the bias-ply route, especially if the rest of the car is restored to factory-era character. A Vedette that sees regular secondary-road driving or longer outings often benefits from the radial path, provided wheel condition and width are appropriate for the specific tire you choose.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Simca tires?
1959 Simca tires come in several sidewall treatments depending on size. 185R15 appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline form; 155R14 stays in blackwall; 560-14 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; and 165R15 appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. That gives owners of Arlane, Aronde, and Vedette models room to tune the visual finish of the car without changing the basic fitment.
For a 1959 European car such as Simca, blackwall is usually the safest visual choice when originality is the goal, especially on compact models. Whitewall treatments can still be attractive on certain builds, particularly if the car has market-specific styling cues or a more formal presentation. The best approach is to match the sidewall style to the car's restoration theme rather than treating every available style as equally authentic.
What brands make tires for 1959 Simca vehicles?
1959 Simca fitments are covered by Coker Classic, Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and American Classic. The 185R15 radial appears from Coker Classic and Michelin, 155R14 from Michelin and Firestone, 560-14 from BFGoodrich, and 165R15 from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich. Brand choice changes with the size, so the right question is not just which brand you want, but which brands exist in the exact fitment your Simca uses.
That matters because two Simcas from the same year can lead you into entirely different product families. A compact Aronde on 560-14 is really a BFGoodrich bias-ply conversation, while a Vedette on 165R15 opens up several radial brands and multiple sidewall appearances. Once size is settled, compare brand character, sidewall presentation, and any speed-rating differences within that specific fitment.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1959 Simca tires require?
Rim width depends on the exact tire size used on the 1959 Simca. 185R15 works across roughly 4.5 to 6.5-inch rims depending on the tire, 155R14 appears at 4.0 to 5.5 inches where specified, 560-14 uses a much narrower 3.5 to 4.0-inch range, and 165R15 fits 4.5 to 6.0-inch rims. Those ranges are not interchangeable, even when two sizes share the same wheel diameter.
That makes wheel measurement just as important as reading the sidewall. A 14-inch Aronde wheel suited to 560-14 is not the same kind of rim as one intended for a 155R14 radial, and a 15-inch wheel can still be wrong if width is outside the tire's approved range. Measure the wheel or verify it against a known original specification before settling on a size.
Do 1959 Simca tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1959 Simca tires depend on the exact product and size. The radial products in 185R15 and 155R14 include tubeless examples, including Michelin pieces marked TL, while the 560-14 bias-ply products do not carry a tube or tubeless marking in the same way. Because construction era, wheel design, and product details can all influence the final setup, tube use should be confirmed against the specific tire and wheel combination.
The important point is not to assume that every old-car tire needs a tube or that every radial can simply be run tubeless on an older wheel. Wheel condition, bead-seat design, and the exact sidewall marking all matter. Before mounting anything on a 1959 Simca, confirm the recommendation for the product you plan to use and inspect the wheel closely if it has not been restored recently.
Can the original 1959 Simca wheels be used with both tire sizes offered for each model?
Sometimes yes, but only within the same wheel diameter and within the approved rim-width range of the tire. A Vedette using 165-15 or 165R15 stays within a 15-inch family, and an Aronde or Elysee & Montlry comparing 560-14 with 155R14 stays within a 14-inch family. The Aronde's separate 5.75-15 fitment is different, because it moves the discussion from a 14-inch wheel to a 15-inch wheel.
That means original wheels can often stay in place when moving between bias-ply and radial alternatives of the same diameter, but diameter alone is not enough. Rim width still has to suit the tire, and wheel condition matters just as much on a collector car that may have sat for years. If your 1959 Simca has a mixed history, confirm the wheel before assuming it matches the size you want.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1959 Simca when the tires are fitted?
A 1959 Simca should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated helps preserve their shape, and rolling the car occasionally prevents one part of the casing from carrying the load for too long. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to flat-spotting during long static storage compared with radials.
Owners who put a Simca away for a season often use tire cradles or jack stands, but the goal is support without creating suspension stress or leaving the tires half-deflated. If the car will sit for several months, inspect sidewalls before it goes into storage and again before it comes out. That habit matters on cars like the Aronde and Vedette, where age often becomes a bigger issue than miles.
How long do tires on a 1959 Simca typically last?
Tires on a 1959 Simca should be judged by age and condition more than mileage. Collector cars often accumulate far fewer miles than modern daily drivers, so tread depth alone can be misleading. A good rule is to begin evaluating the tires carefully once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat the ten-year mark as a point for serious replacement consideration, regardless of how much tread remains.
The easiest way to keep that schedule straight is to read the date code on the tire and record it with the car's maintenance history. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, or persistent air loss can move the replacement decision earlier. A low-mileage 1959 Simca that spends most of its time parked can still age its tires out long before it wears them out.
How often should tires on a 1959 Simca be inspected?
Tires on a 1959 Simca should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and signs that the tire is no longer holding pressure consistently. On cars using older-style fitments, valve stems and the general condition of the wheel deserve the same attention, since age-related failures often start there rather than in the tread itself.
That routine matters even more on a collector car that may sit for weeks or months between drives. A Simca that felt fine at the last local outing can develop a visible crack or a low tire during storage, especially if it lives in a hot garage or near ozone sources. Five minutes with a gauge and a visual walk-around is cheap insurance before a vintage car leaves the driveway.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1959 Simca Aronde?
A 1959 Simca Aronde would have been associated with period bias-ply practice in its original era, and the size family for that model includes 560-14 and 5.75-15 in bias-ply form alongside the later-appearing 155R14 radial option. That does not mean every Aronde left the factory in exactly the same specification across every market, but it does place bias-ply construction squarely in the authentic period context for the car.
For a faithful restoration, start by confirming the wheel diameter on the actual car and then compare it with period photos, manuals, and marque-club guidance. If the car is judged for originality, both the size format and the sidewall appearance can matter. A radial may still be a sensible road choice for some owners, but authenticity conversations on a 1959 Aronde usually begin with bias-ply construction.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1959 Simca?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1959 Simca because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size format, construction type, and sidewall appearance immediately. A compact French car from 1959 wearing an obviously modern-looking radial or an out-of-character sidewall treatment can look wrong even before anyone studies the rest of the restoration. The more serious the event, the more likely those details are to influence authenticity scoring or peer evaluation.
What counts as correct can vary by market, model, and the standards of a particular club or concours, so event-specific research is worthwhile. An Aronde in blackwall bias-ply form tells a different historical story than a Vedette on broad whitewalls, even if both can be attractive. If showing is important, settle the tire question early so the car's stance and presentation develop around the right look.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and Michelin choices for the 1959 Simca Arlane in 185R15?
For a 1959 Simca Arlane in 185R15, Coker Classic and Michelin approach the same general fitment with different presentation details. Coker Classic appears in redline form with a 5.00 to 6.50-inch rim range and a load figure of 1,355 pounds at 35 psi, while Michelin offers blackwall and narrow whitewall versions with rim ranges spanning roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the tire. Michelin examples also appear with H and V speed ratings in this size family.
That makes the choice less about whether one brand fits and more about what kind of Arlane you are building. A redline changes the visual tone of the car, while a blackwall or narrow whitewall keeps it closer to a restrained European presentation. If road-speed expectations matter to you, compare the exact sidewall marking on the Michelin tire you are considering rather than assuming every 185R15 carries the same rating.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1959 Simca tires safe for highway driving?
A properly matched, correctly mounted, and well-maintained tire can make a 1959 Simca suitable for normal highway use, but the answer depends on the exact size and construction. Some radial sizes in the Simca range carry explicit speed ratings, including T at 118 mph in 155R14, H at 130 mph in certain 185R15 examples, and V at 149 mph in some 185R15 versions. Bias-ply sizes here do not show that same style of speed marking, which reflects the older construction era more than an invitation to drive carelessly on modern roads.
In real use, the car's own brakes, steering, suspension, and overall mechanical condition are often more limiting than the tire's theoretical speed ceiling. A 1959 Simca should be driven within the comfort zone of the whole vehicle, not just the sidewall code. Before sustained highway travel, make sure the tires are age-sound, properly inflated, and suited to the wheel and use case.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1959 Simca tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1959 Simca should follow the factory recommendation for the car and the rating guidance of the tire itself, not a one-pressure-fits-all rule. Several Simca sizes carry clear load-and-pressure pairings, including 560-14 at 906 pounds at 30 psi, 185R15 at 1,355 pounds at 35 psi on one application, and 165R15 examples at 1,168 pounds at 35 psi or 1,170 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures describe the tire's rated capacity at a given pressure, not automatically the exact pressure your Simca should always run.
The safest approach is to begin with the original owner's manual or a trusted workshop reference for the car, then confirm that the selected reproduction or radial tire is being used within its intended range. Do not transfer a pressure figure from a 165R15 Vedette tire to a 560-14 Aronde tire just because both belong to the same make and year. Size, construction, and load capability all change the answer.
What should I check before taking a 1959 Simca on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1959 Simca, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and any sign of age-related separation. Check cold inflation pressures, verify that the tires are seated correctly on the wheels, and inspect the spare as carefully as the four tires on the ground. Valve stems deserve close attention on an older car, especially if the wheel and tire package has been on the car for many seasons.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine, but they are often the quickest way to prevent an avoidable roadside problem. A vintage Simca heading out for a club event or touring weekend should also have its brakes, fluids, lights, and cooling system checked in the same walk-around. If anything about the tire's age or condition feels questionable, resolve that before the trip rather than hoping a lightly used collector tire is still trustworthy.
