By 1960, Citroen stood apart from most European makes with a range that mixed basic postwar transportation with some of the most technically ambitious cars on the road. The humble 2CV prioritized economy and simplicity, while the DS and ID carried Citroen’s reputation for advanced engineering and unmistakable design. Tire choice across 1960 Citroen models varies by model rather than staying uniform, with the 2CV using two radial sizes and the DS and ID sharing a larger radial fitment of their own. The first thing to confirm on a 1960 Citroen is which model you have, because that determines the correct tire size before you compare brand, construction details, or driving intent.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1960 Citroen
Three tire sizes are used across 1960 Citroen vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The key decision is identifying your model first, since the 2CV, DS, and ID do not all use the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right Citroen.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): CV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 380 mm rim diameter
The 155-380 is a Euro-metric radial size used specifically on the 1960 Citroen CV, with 155 indicating nominal section width in millimeters and 380 indicating rim diameter in millimeters. This size is a radial fitment for the 2CV rather than a universal 1960 Citroen size. It is the model-specific choice for owners keeping the CV on its original metric wheel system and preserving the car’s characteristic factory-style fitment.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): CV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
The 155R15 is a Euro-metric radial size used specifically on the 1960 Citroen CV, with 155 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim diameter. Firestone and Michelin offer this size in blackwall form, and tube status and speed rating vary by product: Michelin examples include T-rated tubeless, H-rated tube-type, and H-rated tubeless versions, while the Firestone example is marked simply 155R15. This size suits 2CV owners who are working with 15-inch wheels and want a radial option that stays in the small, narrow profile the car was built around.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): DS, ID|Construction: Radial|Rim: 400 mm rim diameter
The 165-400 is a Euro-metric radial size for the 1960 Citroen DS and 1960 Citroen ID, with 165 indicating nominal section width in millimeters and 400 indicating rim diameter in millimeters. This is the shared DS and ID fitment rather than a size used across the whole 1960 Citroen range. It is the right starting point for buyers restoring or maintaining Citroen’s larger hydraulic-suspension cars on their original metric wheel setup.
Three Citroen model lines are covered for 1960. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough here; the 2CV uses different fitments from the DS and ID, and the DS and ID share the same larger metric size. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the products that apply to that specific Citroen.
1960 Citroen CV
The 1960 Citroen CV, better known as the 2CV, was Citroen’s minimalist economy car, engineered for light weight, low running costs, and remarkable ride compliance on rough roads. Its tires mount on either 380 mm or 15-inch rims depending on the size used, so wheel type matters as much as the tire itself when sorting out fitment on a 2CV.
The 1960 Citroen DS was one of the most advanced sedans of its era, famous for its aerodynamic shape, sophisticated ride, and forward-looking engineering. Its tires mount on 400 mm rims, which sets it apart from the 2CV and makes the correct metric fitment central to an accurate DS setup.
The 1960 Citroen ID shared much of the DS platform and appearance, but served as the more accessible member of Citroen’s big-car range. Like the DS, it uses a 400 mm rim-based tire fitment, so the buyer’s focus should be on preserving the correct metric wheel-and-tire relationship for the car.
Four products are available across three tire sizes for 1960 Citroen vehicles. The 155R15 has four radial choices from Firestone and Michelin, all in blackwall style; tube status and speed rating can vary between products in this size, so confirm the exact sidewall marking before selecting.
These answers focus on the model-by-model sizing used across 1960 Citroen vehicles, including the difference between the 2CV’s two radial fitments and the DS and ID metric setup, plus wheel compatibility, sidewall style, storage, and road-use checks.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1960 Citroen vehicles?
1960 Citroen vehicles use three tire sizes across the range: 155-380 for the Citroen CV, 155R15 for the Citroen CV, and 165-400 for the Citroen DS and Citroen ID. The 2CV is the only model with two size options, while the DS and ID share the same 400 mm metric fitment. Where product dimensions are established, 155R15 mounts on a 15-inch rim with a 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range depending on the tire.
The practical takeaway is that year and make are only the starting point on a 1960 Citroen. A 2CV owner needs to determine whether the car is on 380 mm metric wheels or 15-inch wheels, while DS and ID owners need the larger 400 mm metric size. Checking the actual wheel before choosing a tire is the fastest way to avoid crossing up two very different Citroen fitment families.
What does 155-380 mean on a 1960 Citroen tire?
On a 1960 Citroen, 155-380 is a Euro-metric radial size used on the CV. The 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, and the 380 refers to the rim diameter in millimeters rather than inches. That makes it a true metric-wheel fitment, not an interchangeable 15-inch size with a similar-looking section width.
That distinction matters because 380 mm wheels require a tire built for that exact bead-seat diameter. A 2CV owner comparing 155-380 with 155R15 should treat the wheel as the deciding factor first and the tire brand second. If the car still wears its original-style metric rims, staying with the proper metric size preserves the intended fit and avoids mounting problems.
What does 165-400 mean on a 1960 Citroen tire?
On a 1960 Citroen, 165-400 is a Euro-metric radial size used by the DS and ID. The 165 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, while 400 indicates the rim diameter in millimeters. It is not a 15-inch or 16-inch equivalent by name alone, and it belongs to Citroen’s larger-car metric wheel system for that year.
For a DS or ID owner, that means the correct tire search starts with the 400 mm wheel, not with a rough inch conversion. These cars were engineered around a distinctive wheel-and-tire relationship, so keeping the proper metric size supports the correct stance and mounting fit. If a car has changed hands many times, confirm the wheel marking before assuming the tire size from appearance.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 155-380 or the 155R15 for my 1960 Citroen?
For a 1960 Citroen CV, the choice between 155-380 and 155R15 is primarily a wheel-fitment decision because both are radial sizes, but they mount to different rim diameters. The 155-380 fits 380 mm metric rims, while the 155R15 fits 15-inch rims. Neither should be treated as a casual substitute for the other just because the section width appears similar.
The best approach is to verify which wheels are actually on your 2CV today. Owners preserving an original metric-wheel arrangement will usually stay with 155-380, while owners running 15-inch wheels need 155R15. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, then it makes sense to compare brand, tube-type versus tubeless construction, and any speed-rating differences within the 155R15 offerings.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Citroen tires?
The available 1960 Citroen products in 155R15 are blackwall radials from Firestone and Michelin. Blackwall styling is also consistent with the restrained, functional look many European cars of this period wore, especially compact and technical models where flashy sidewall treatments were not part of the original character. No whitewall variation appears within the currently covered 155R15 products.
For most 1960 Citroen buyers, blackwall remains the safest visual choice if authenticity and period appearance matter. That is especially true on the 2CV, DS, and ID, where understated sidewalls fit the cars’ original design language better than decorative treatments common on many American cars of the same era. Sidewall style should still be chosen after the correct size and wheel diameter are settled.
What brands make tires for 1960 Citroen vehicles?
1960 Citroen coverage here includes Firestone and Michelin in 155R15. Firestone offers the F560 Radial in blackwall form, while Michelin appears with the X, XAS, and XAS-FF lines in the same basic size family. All of those examples are radial constructions, which suits Citroen’s long association with radial tire use in the postwar period.
Brand choice on a 1960 Citroen often comes down to how closely you want to match a traditional European feel versus simply staying within the correct size and overall character. Michelin carries strong historical resonance for French and continental applications, while Firestone gives another radial option in the same narrow 15-inch category. Once the model and wheel size are verified, comparing the exact size marking on the sidewall becomes the next step.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1960 Citroen tires require?
Rim-width guidance is established for 155R15 tires used on the 1960 Citroen CV. Depending on the product, 155R15 fits a 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range. That makes it important to match the tire not only to a 15-inch wheel diameter, but also to a wheel width that falls within the tire maker’s approved range.
This matters most on cars that may have had wheel changes over the years. A 2CV owner moving between brands or tire series in 155R15 should confirm the actual wheel width before mounting, especially when preserving original steering feel and avoiding sidewall distortion. If your car uses 155-380 or 165-400 metric rims, keep the same careful approach and verify the wheel itself before ordering.
Do 1960 Citroen tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1960 Citroen tires can vary by size and by product. Within the 155R15 choices for the Citroen CV, Michelin examples include both tube-type and tubeless versions, while another Michelin option is marked tubeless and the Firestone example does not carry a tube marking in the size string. That means 155R15 should be treated as a size where tube status varies by product rather than assuming one answer for every tire.
The practical step is to match the tire’s sidewall marking to the wheel and valve arrangement on your car. Tube-type and tubeless fitments should not be mixed casually, especially on older wheels where rim design and condition matter. If your 2CV, DS, or ID is being restored to a particular standard, confirm the exact tire version before finalizing the setup.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1960 Citroen when the tires are fitted?
A 1960 Citroen should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors, welders, or compressors. Keep the tires clean, properly inflated, and off surfaces that trap moisture. Because collector cars often sit for long periods, moving the car occasionally or using stands can help reduce flat-spotting and stress on the carcass during storage.
That advice is especially useful on lightly driven cars such as a 2CV, DS, or ID that may spend more time parked than on the road. Even radial tires benefit from a stable, cool environment and occasional position changes. If the car is stored for a season, check inflation again before the next drive rather than assuming the tires held pressure perfectly during downtime.
How long do tires on a 1960 Citroen typically last?
On a 1960 Citroen, tire age usually matters more than mileage because many collector cars cover very little distance each year. A sensible rule is to start evaluating tires closely once they reach the 5- to 7-year range and to treat around 10 years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code, along with visible condition, helps establish the tire’s true age.
That approach is more realistic for hobby vehicles than waiting for the tread to wear out. A lightly used DS, ID, or 2CV can still age its tires through time, temperature swings, and static loading. If the sidewalls show cracking, the tread hardens, or the car has an uncertain storage history, replacement should move higher on the priority list even if the tire still looks serviceable at first glance.
How often should tires on a 1960 Citroen be inspected?
Tires on a 1960 Citroen should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, embedded objects, bulges, abnormal wear, and signs of pressure loss. On any setup using tube-type tires, the valve stem and tube-related air retention deserve the same attention as the outer casing.
Frequent inspection is especially important on older cars because tire trouble can be amplified by vintage suspension geometry, narrow tire footprints, and long periods of inactivity between drives. A quick walkaround before leaving the garage catches most obvious issues early. For touring events or highway travel, include the spare in the inspection so it is more than just dead weight in the trunk.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1960 Citroen DS?
The 1960 Citroen DS uses 165-400, and radial construction is the correct general era fit for a car like the DS. Citroen was closely associated with radial tire technology in this period, so a radial metric size is consistent with the car’s original engineering character. What should not be assumed without further research is a market-specific original brand or trim-specific variation.
For an owner restoring a DS to a high standard, the important points are the correct 400 mm metric rim fitment, the proper size, and a period-appropriate radial appearance. If the car is destined for concours judging, verify any country-specific or delivery-specific details through a Citroen club or marque specialist. That extra step matters more than chasing a generic answer that may not match your exact car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1960 Citroen?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1960 Citroen, especially on cars valued for their engineering originality and distinctive stance. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice whether the car has the proper size family, the right construction type for the era, and a sidewall appearance that suits the model. On a DS or ID, the correct metric fitment is a major part of the car’s visual and mechanical identity.
For a 2CV, the same principle applies, although the car’s simplicity can make incorrect wheel-and-tire combinations stand out even more quickly. A tire that changes the wheel diameter, sidewall look, or overall proportion may not stop the car from being driven, but it can weaken authenticity. If you plan to compete, use event rules and marque-club guidance to confirm what a specific judging standard expects.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1960 Citroen CV?
The 1960 Citroen CV used narrow radial tires consistent with Citroen’s postwar design philosophy, and both 155-380 and 155R15 appear within the 2CV family coverage for this year. The key original-equipment question is not just section width, but whether the car remains on its metric-wheel arrangement or has 15-inch wheels. That wheel distinction determines which of the two radial size families is correct for the car in front of you.
For restoration work, preserving the proper wheel-and-tire relationship is usually more important than chasing a broad one-size-fits-all answer. A 2CV that still carries its original-style metric wheels should stay with the corresponding metric tire, while a car on 15-inch wheels needs the proper 155R15 setup. If you are aiming for exact factory presentation, compare your wheel markings and consult 2CV specialists before finalizing the tire choice.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1960 Citroen tires safe for highway driving?
1960 Citroen tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their speed rating. In the 155R15 range for the Citroen CV, Michelin examples include T-rated tires with a 118 mph ceiling and H-rated tires with a 130 mph ceiling. Those ratings are comfortably above normal U.S. highway speeds, although a 1960 Citroen’s braking, suspension condition, and overall mechanical state remain just as important as the tire itself.
The larger question is whether the entire car is ready for sustained road use. A DS, ID, or 2CV with fresh tires but neglected steering, suspension, or hydraulic systems is still not a relaxed highway car. Before any extended trip, confirm the tire’s sidewall marking, inflation, and age, then treat the rest of the vehicle with the same seriousness you give the tires.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1960 Citroen tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1960 Citroen should follow the factory recommendation for the model and the rating information on the tire itself rather than borrowing a number from another Citroen size. Within the 155R15 range, one Firestone example carries a maximum load of 1045 pounds at 44 psi. That figure is the tire’s rated maximum load pressure, not automatically the pressure you should run on every 1960 Citroen application.
The safest method is to start with the vehicle maker’s recommended pressure for your exact model and tire size, then confirm that the tire you choose is appropriate for that use. A 2CV on 155R15 should not be inflated by guesswork simply because another radial of similar width exists. If you change tire series or switch between tube-type and tubeless versions, recheck the pressure guidance for that specific product.
What should I check before taking a 1960 Citroen on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1960 Citroen, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that the size on the car matches the wheel it is mounted on, especially if you own a 2CV where 155-380 and 155R15 are both possible but not interchangeable. If the car uses any tube-type tire, inspect the valve stem carefully and make sure the spare is serviceable as well.
A longer-drive check should also include the broader systems that matter on a vintage Citroen. On a DS or ID, that means treating the hydraulic and braking systems as part of the same safety routine; on a 2CV, steering feel and general chassis condition deserve equal attention. Tires are only one piece of road readiness, but they are the one part of the car always in contact with the pavement.
