1960 Facel Vega sits in a fascinating corner of the luxury-car world, blending French coachbuilt style with grand touring ambition across exclusive coupes, sedans, and the smaller Facellia. Tire choice matters more than usual here because the model range does not share a single fitment story: four models use seven distinct sizes, split across both bias-ply and radial constructions and across 14-inch and 15-inch rims. Some sizes are unique to one model, while the Facel and Facellia overlap on 14-inch options. Before choosing a tire for a 1960 Facel Vega, the first step is confirming the exact model, then deciding whether you want era-correct construction or a more modern radial driving feel where applicable.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1960 Facel Vega
Seven tire sizes are used across 1960 Facel Vega models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with identifying the correct model and wheel diameter first, then choosing between bias-ply and radial construction where both types appear on the same model family. Understanding those differences before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
8.45-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the final number indicating a 15-inch rim. This Excellance-specific size appears as a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch wheel. It suits buyers restoring an Excellance to a period-style look and feel on the correct rim diameter.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Excellance|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
815-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the size code denoting nominal section width and fitment on a 15-inch rim. BFGoodrich offers it in Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline styles, and both available examples are bias-ply products with load capacity rated at 1610 pounds at 32 psi. Because this size is specific to the Excellance rather than universal across 1960 Facel Vega, it is the right choice for buyers who have confirmed that model and want a period-correct bias-ply presentation.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Facel|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a euro-metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, with the missing aspect ratio conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. Coker Classic and Michelin offer this size in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Blackwall styles, and speed ratings vary by product with H-rated choices capped at 130 mph and V-rated choices capped at 149 mph; the Michelin versions are tubeless. This size is specific to the Facel and makes sense for owners who want a radial construction in the correct 15-inch diameter.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Facel|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
775-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, using the first number as nominal section width and the final number for a 15-inch rim. BFGoodrich and Firestone offer it in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Goldline styles, with load capacities reaching 1490 pounds at 32 psi. Because this size is limited to the Facel, it is the period-style 15-inch bias-ply option for owners who want the look and road manners associated with earlier construction.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): Facel, Facellia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 14-inch rim diameter, with the unstated aspect ratio conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein offer this size in Blackwall form, and the available products include H-rated versions with a 130 mph ceiling; Michelin marks its example as tubeless, so tube status can vary by product. Shared by the Facel and Facellia, this size suits owners of those 14-inch cars who want a radial tire with a more modern driving character.
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with nominal section width expressed in the first number and a 14-inch rim in the second. This size serves the Facel and Facellia as the bias-ply counterpart to the 14-inch radial fitment. It is the natural choice for buyers focused on period-correct construction and appearance on those two models.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): HK 500|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with nominal section width in the first number and a 15-inch rim diameter in the second. Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire offer it in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall styles, with load capacities ranging from 1450 pounds at 32 psi up to 1550 pounds at 32 psi where stated. Used only on the HK 500, this is the model-specific 15-inch bias-ply fitment for owners seeking an authentic grand touring-era presentation.
Four 1960 Facel Vega models are covered here, and tire size varies by model rather than carrying across the entire make. That matters because an HK 500, an Excellance, a Facel, and a Facellia do not all share the same wheel diameter or the same construction choices. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that match it.
1960 Facel Vega Excellance
The Excellance was Facel Vega's dramatic four-door luxury sedan, known for its formal proportions and hand-built exclusivity. Its tires mount on 15-inch rims, and its fitment stays within period-style bias-ply sizing rather than crossing into the 14-inch options used elsewhere in the range.
The Facel represented the make's upscale grand touring coupe tradition, combining French luxury presentation with serious road-car intent. It appears with both 15-inch and 14-inch tire fitments depending on the setup, which makes model-specific size confirmation especially important before moving to a product choice.
The Facellia was the smaller, more accessible sports model in the Facel Vega family, with a lighter and more nimble character than the larger V8 cars. Its tires mount on 14-inch rims, and its fitment choice comes down to bias-ply versus radial construction within that diameter.
The HK 500 stands as one of the marque's best-known high-speed grand touring coupes, admired for its blend of continental styling and effortless power. Its tires mount on 15-inch rims, and its fitment remains a single bias-ply size rather than the mixed 14-inch and radial choices seen on other 1960 Facel Vega models.
Twenty-five products are available across five tire sizes for 1960 Facel Vega vehicles. 815-15 comes from BFGoodrich in bias-ply form with Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline styles; 185R15 comes from Coker Classic and Michelin as radial tires in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Blackwall; 775-15 comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone as bias-ply tires in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Goldline; 165R14 comes from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein as Blackwall radials; 670-15 comes from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire as bias-ply Blackwall and Wide Whitewall options. Confirm size and construction first, since tube marking and speed rating can vary within some radial sizes.
These answers focus on how 1960 Facel Vega tire fitment changes from model to model, how the 14-inch and 15-inch sizes differ, and how bias-ply versus radial choices affect originality, appearance, and driving use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1960 Facel Vega vehicles?
1960 Facel Vega vehicles use seven sizes across four model lines. The Excellance uses 8.45-15 and 815-15, the Facel uses 185R15, 775-15, 165R14, and 5.90-14, the Facellia uses 165R14 and 5.90-14, and the HK 500 uses 670-15. Rim diameters span both 14-inch and 15-inch applications, so fitment starts with identifying the exact model and then confirming the wheel diameter on the car.
Where rim-width guidance appears, it stays size-specific rather than universal. 815-15 works with 5.00 to 6.50-inch rims, 185R15 with roughly 4.5 to 6.5-inch rims depending on product, 775-15 with 4.50 to 6-inch rims depending on product, 165R14 with about 4.0 to 6.0-inch rims depending on product, and 670-15 with roughly 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims depending on product. That makes the year and make only the starting point; wheel diameter and the actual model still matter before choosing a tire.
What does 815-15 mean on a 1960 Facel Vega tire?
On a 1960 Facel Vega, 815-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The first number is the nominal section width in the older inch-based sizing system, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For this year and make, 815-15 belongs to the Excellance and mounts on a 15-inch rim.
That size is available in more than one sidewall presentation, including Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline, but it remains a bias-ply choice either way. If you are sorting through Excellance fitment, 815-15 should be treated as a period-style size rather than compared directly to the radial metric options used elsewhere in the 1960 Facel Vega range. Confirm the wheel itself before ordering, since the Excellance also appears with another 15-inch bias-ply size.
What does 185R15 mean on a 1960 Facel Vega tire?
On a 1960 Facel Vega, 185R15 is a euro-metric radial size. The 185 is the section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 15 is the rim diameter in inches; when no aspect ratio is printed in this style, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. Within this year and make, 185R15 is a Facel-specific 15-inch radial fitment.
That matters because 185R15 is not just a different code for a bias-ply 15-inch tire. It points you toward a radial tire family with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall options, and it also brings speed-rating differences depending on the product chosen. If your 1960 Facel Vega Facel is being sorted for regular road use rather than strict period presentation, 185R15 is the metric radial path to research more closely.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R14 or the 5.90-14 for my 1960 Facel Vega?
For a 1960 Facel Vega Facel or Facellia, the choice between 165R14 and 5.90-14 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction on a 14-inch wheel. The 165R14 is a radial size offered in blackwall form by Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, while 5.90-14 is the bias-ply counterpart for the same model pair. Both belong to those two models, not to the Excellance or HK 500.
A buyer focused on factory-era appearance will usually lean toward the bias-ply route, while a buyer prioritizing more modern radial road manners will usually look at 165R14 first. Neither size should be treated as a blanket fitment for every 1960 Facel Vega. Start by confirming that your car is a Facel or Facellia on 14-inch wheels, then decide which construction better suits how the car will be used and judged.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Facel Vega tires?
Sidewall style depends heavily on size. The 815-15 is available in Narrow Whitewall and Whitewall-Redline, 185R15 appears in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Blackwall, 775-15 comes in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Goldline, 165R14 is available in Blackwall, and 670-15 appears in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. That means the sidewall look is tied to both the model and the size, not just to the year and make.
For a 1960 Facel Vega, sidewall choice can shape the car's visual character almost as much as the wheel itself. Blackwalls tend to suit a restrained European grand touring look, while whitewalls, redlines, and goldlines can push the car toward a more period-styled or show-oriented presentation. Before choosing by appearance alone, make sure the sidewall treatment exists in the exact size that belongs to your specific model.
What brands make tires for 1960 Facel Vega vehicles?
Several brands cover 1960 Facel Vega fitments, but each size has its own brand group. BFGoodrich covers 815-15 and shares 775-15 with Firestone, Coker Classic and Michelin cover 185R15, Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein cover 165R14, and Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire cover 670-15. Brand choice therefore follows the tire size first, then the sidewall style and construction you want.
That size-by-size spread is useful because it keeps the search realistic. An HK 500 owner looking at 670-15 has a different brand field than a Facellia owner looking at 165R14, and an Excellance owner in 815-15 has a narrower range centered on BFGoodrich. Once the model and size are confirmed, compare the available sidewall style, load rating where shown, and any tubeless or speed-marking details that may matter for how the car will be driven.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1960 Facel Vega tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1960 Facel Vega applications. The 815-15 fits 5.00 to 6.50-inch rims, 185R15 spans about 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on product, 775-15 ranges from 4.50 to 6 inches depending on product, 165R14 spans roughly 4.0 to 6.0 inches where published, and 670-15 runs from about 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on product. Those ranges are size-specific and should not be transferred from one fitment to another.
That matters most on models such as the Facel, where both 14-inch and 15-inch sizes appear across different fitment paths. Rim diameter still comes first, but rim width is the next check that keeps the sidewall profile and tread shape within the tire maker's intended range. If your wheel has been changed at some point in the car's life, measure it before choosing a tire rather than assuming every original-looking wheel is the same width.
Do 1960 Facel Vega tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements on 1960 Facel Vega tires depend on the exact size and product. Michelin 185R15 and Michelin 165R14 examples are marked TL, meaning tubeless, while bias-ply sizes such as 815-15, 775-15, and 670-15 do not carry a TL marking in the available examples. Because tube marking is not uniform across every product family, tube use should be confirmed on the specific tire you choose and matched to the wheel condition and design.
That is especially important on collector cars, where original wheels may have surface corrosion, riveted construction, or other age-related issues that affect sealing. A tubeless-marked radial does not automatically mean every original wheel should be run without a tube, and a bias-ply tire should not be assumed either way without checking the individual product and wheel. If there is any doubt, confirm the sidewall marking and consult a shop familiar with vintage wheels before mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1960 Facel Vega when the tires are fitted?
A 1960 Facel Vega should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that age rubber. Keep the tires at proper pressure, roll the car periodically if possible, and avoid parking long term on damp concrete or contaminated surfaces. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting during static storage, while any older-style tire can suffer sidewall aging if the environment is poor.
If the car will sit for a long season, moving it occasionally or supporting it in a way that reduces prolonged loading can help preserve shape. Storage habits matter just as much on a lightly used grand tourer as they do on a high-mileage car, because time, sunlight, and ozone age collector tires even when tread wear is minimal. A clean, stable storage environment protects both blackwall and whitewall sidewalls from premature cracking and discoloration.
How long do tires on a 1960 Facel Vega typically last?
On a 1960 Facel Vega, tire life is usually an age question before it is a mileage question. Collector-car tires should be evaluated closely once they are around five to seven years old, and many owners begin planning replacement as they approach the ten-year mark regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code, sidewall condition, and how the car has been stored all matter more than odometer use alone.
That is especially true on specialty fitments, where a car may spend long periods parked and then be expected to cruise at road speed without warning. A tire can look attractive on the outside yet still be aged by heat cycles, ozone, or long static loading. If you are unsure how old the tires on a 1960 Facel Vega are, check the date code first and treat age as a core replacement factor alongside visible cracking, vibration, or loss of pressure retention.
How often should tires on a 1960 Facel Vega be inspected?
Tires on a 1960 Facel Vega should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and pressure loss, and check that the spare is still serviceable. If your chosen tire setup uses tubes or tubeless valves on older wheels, the stems and sealing surfaces deserve the same attention as the tread and sidewalls.
Frequent inspection is good practice because these cars often see irregular use patterns: long storage periods followed by enthusiastic road use. A short local drive can hide problems that become obvious only at sustained speed, especially if a tire has developed a flat spot or a wheel has begun to leak down slowly. Making inspection routine helps catch age-related issues early and gives you time to correct them before they interrupt a trip.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1960 Facel Vega Facel?
For a 1960 Facel Vega Facel, both bias-ply and radial-era fitments appear within the model's size range, with 775-15 and 5.90-14 representing bias-ply sizing and 185R15 and 165R14 representing radial sizing depending on the application. By 1960, a European luxury-performance car such as a Facel could plausibly intersect with both construction types, but the exact original fitment can still vary by market, wheel, and specification. The key point is that the Facel itself does not collapse to one universal tire story.
If originality matters, confirm your car against factory literature, period photographs, and Facel Vega marque specialists before settling on a final size and sidewall treatment. Construction type, wheel diameter, and even sidewall appearance can all affect how correct the car looks in a judged setting. Use the model-specific fitment as a strong starting point, then refine the decision around your individual car rather than assuming every 1960 Facel left the factory with the same tires.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1960 Facel Vega?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1960 Facel Vega is judged for authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car wears the proper construction type for its restoration approach, the correct overall size family, and a sidewall style that suits the era and market. A radial blackwall on one car and a bias-ply whitewall on another can each be defensible in the right context, but the wrong combination can look obviously out of period.
That does not mean every show uses the same standard. Some events reward strict factory-style restoration, while others are more tolerant of tasteful safety-minded upgrades if the outward appearance remains sympathetic to the era. Before preparing a 1960 Facel Vega for serious judging, compare the chosen tire to period references and check the expectations of the club or event that will evaluate the car. Tire construction and sidewall styling are small details that can make a large visual difference.
What is the difference between Michelin XVS and Coker Classic Radial for the 1960 Facel Vega?
For a 1960 Facel Vega Facel in 185R15, Michelin XVS and Coker Classic Radial approach the same size with different details. Coker Classic appears in a redline version with a published load figure of 1355 pounds at 35 psi and a 5.00 to 6.50-inch rim range, while Michelin XVS appears in narrow whitewall and blackwall forms, uses 15-inch rims, and carries H-rated and V-rated versions with tubeless marking. Michelin's published rim ranges also vary slightly by version.
That means the choice is not just brand preference. Sidewall appearance, speed marking, and the exact wheel width on your car can all influence which 185R15 product makes the most sense. For a restoration-minded owner, the visible sidewall treatment may decide the matter; for a road-use owner, the speed rating and wheel-width match may matter more. Either way, compare the exact 185R15 product rather than treating every tire in that size as interchangeable.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1960 Facel Vega tires safe for highway driving?
1960 Facel Vega tires can be suitable for highway use when the size, construction, speed rating, age, and condition all match the way the car will be driven. Among the radial fitments, 185R15 appears in H-rated versions up to 130 mph and a V-rated version up to 149 mph, while 165R14 appears in H-rated form up to 130 mph where marked. Bias-ply sizes such as 815-15, 775-15, 5.90-14, 8.45-15, and 670-15 should be approached with the normal expectations of vintage construction and older vehicle dynamics.
In real use, the car's brakes, suspension condition, steering, alignment, and general mechanical health are often more limiting than the tire's rating on a well-kept collector car. Highway safety depends on the whole system, not just the sidewall code. If the car will spend meaningful time at sustained speed, make sure the tires are fresh, correctly inflated, and appropriate to the wheel and model, then keep driving expectations in line with the character of a hand-built 1960 grand tourer.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1960 Facel Vega tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1960 Facel Vega should follow the vehicle recommendation first and the tire maker's rated pressure information second. Published load-and-pressure figures vary by size: 815-15 is shown at 1610 pounds at 32 psi, 775-15 at 1490 pounds at 32 psi, 670-15 at either 1450 pounds at 32 psi or 1550 pounds at 32 psi depending on product, 185R15 at 1355 pounds at 35 psi in one example, and 165R14 at 1102 pounds at 51 psi in one example. Those are tire-specific ratings, not blanket vehicle settings.
That distinction is important because the pressure that supports a tire's maximum load is not automatically the pressure your particular Facel Vega should run on the road. Start with the factory recommendation for your exact model if you have it, then confirm that the chosen tire's pressure range supports that use. Do not transfer a pressure figure from a 14-inch radial to a 15-inch bias-ply, or from one product line to another, just because the numbers appear on the same year-make page.
What should I check before taking a 1960 Facel Vega on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1960 Facel Vega, inspect all four road tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Check valve stems, and if your setup involves tubes or older wheels, pay attention to sealing condition and any signs of slow leakage. Confirm wheel fastener tightness, then include the tires in a broader pre-trip look at brakes, fluids, cooling, belts, and lighting.
Longer trips put a collector car into the exact conditions that expose deferred maintenance. A tire that seems fine around town may run hotter, vibrate more, or lose pressure during sustained highway use, especially after long storage. Giving the tires a careful inspection before departure reduces the chance that a preventable rubber issue becomes the problem that ends the day. The spare deserves the same scrutiny, since it is often the oldest tire on the car.
