1961 Citroen stood apart from most of the European market with cars that emphasized engineering ingenuity, ride quality, and efficient packaging. From the minimalist 2CV-based CV to the advanced DS and its more accessible ID sibling, Citroen covered very different kinds of drivers under one badge that year. Tire sizing was not universal across the range: the CV uses two radial sizes, while the DS and ID share a separate radial size of their own. That means the first step is confirming which model you have, and for a CV, confirming whether you need the original metric fitment or the 15-inch radial alternative before narrowing down product choices.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1961 Citroen
Three tire sizes appear across 1961 Citroen vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The main decision is confirming the correct model first, since the CV uses different sizes than the DS and ID, and the CV's two radial sizes do not mount on the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct wheel and vehicle.
Year(s): 1961|Fit(s): CV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 380 mm
155-380 is a euro-metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 380-millimeter rim diameter, a distinctly French fitment used on the 1961 Citroen CV rather than across the whole make. It is a model-specific size for the CV, reflecting Citroen's use of metric wheel standards on certain applications. Buyers pursuing an original-style CV fitment typically start here, since the appeal of this size is its close tie to factory-era wheel specification.
Year(s): 1961|Fit(s): CV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
155R15 is a euro-metric radial with a 155-millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter; by convention, this format is treated as an 80-series radial. Firestone and Michelin offer it in blackwall form, with tube status and speed rating varying by product: Michelin X is T-rated to 118 mph in tubeless form, while Michelin XAS appears in both H-rated tube-type and H-rated tubeless versions at 130 mph. This size is specific to the 1961 Citroen CV and suits owners who need a 15-inch radial fitment while choosing among touring-oriented and more specialized period-style radial options.
Year(s): 1961|Fit(s): DS, ID|Construction: Radial|Rim: 400 mm
165-400 is a euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 400-millimeter rim diameter, and it belongs to the 1961 Citroen DS and ID rather than the CV. This is a model-specific size tied to the larger Citroen platform and its distinctive metric wheel fitment. Buyers with a DS or ID should focus on this size first, because wheel diameter is the deciding factor before comparing any brand or tread-sidewall preference.
Three 1961 Citroen models are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; CV fitment differs from DS and ID fitment, and the CV itself appears with two different radial sizes depending on wheel setup. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and tire choices correctly.
1961 Citroen CV
The 1961 Citroen CV traces its roots to the famously simple 2CV family, a car engineered for light weight, comfort on rough roads, and everyday practicality rather than outright speed. Its tires mount on either a 380-millimeter or 15-inch rim depending on the size being used, so wheel diameter matters before any other choice. Owners often approach the CV with an eye toward preserving its unmistakably French character while keeping the car pleasant for regular use.
The 1961 Citroen DS was one of the most technically ambitious sedans of its era, known for its aerodynamic shape, advanced ride quality, and unmistakable road presence. Its tires mount on 400-millimeter rims, which sets it apart from the CV and makes model identification essential before choosing a size. DS owners usually care as much about preserving the car's engineering character as they do about simple replacement fitment.
The 1961 Citroen ID shared much of the DS platform's distinctive design and road manners while serving as the more accessible companion in the range. Like the DS, it uses tires that mount on 400-millimeter rims, so it follows the larger Citroen metric-wheel fitment rather than the CV pattern. That makes the ID a separate tire conversation from the smaller CV even though both came from the same showroom year.
Four products are available across three tire sizes for 1961 Citroen vehicles. The 155R15 has four radial choices from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form, while tube type and speed rating can vary between products even within that same size.
These answers focus on the three distinct 1961 Citroen fitments, including how the CV differs from the DS and ID, how metric and 15-inch radial sizing compares, and what to watch for with sidewall, tube, and long-term collector-car care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1961 Citroen vehicles?
1961 Citroen vehicles use three different tire sizes across the model range. The CV uses 155-380 and 155R15, while the DS and ID use 165-400. Those sizes do not all share the same rim diameter: 155R15 fits a 15-inch wheel, 155-380 fits a 380-millimeter wheel, and 165-400 fits a 400-millimeter wheel. For 155R15, the supported rim-width range runs from 4.00 to 5.50 inches on the products that publish that specification.
The practical takeaway is that a 1961 Citroen owner should identify the exact model before looking at tread pattern or brand. CV owners also need to verify which wheel is actually on the car, because the two CV sizes are not interchangeable without the matching rim diameter. If your car has been restored or converted at some point, checking the tire sidewall and measuring the wheel before ordering is the safest way to avoid a mismatch.
What does 155-380 mean on a 1961 Citroen tire?
On a 1961 Citroen, 155-380 is a euro-metric radial size. The 155 refers to a nominal section width of 155 millimeters, and the 380 refers to a 380-millimeter rim diameter rather than an inch measurement. That metric wheel standard is part of what makes many French applications feel unfamiliar to buyers who are used to 15-inch, 16-inch, or 17-inch sizing.
For a 1961 Citroen CV, this matters because a 380-millimeter wheel is not the same as a 15-inch wheel. A car fitted with 155-380 tires needs the corresponding metric rim, so a buyer should not assume any 155-width radial will substitute. When preserving an original French-wheel setup is important, this size is often the place to start before comparing exact tire offerings.
What does 155R15 or 165-400 mean on a 1961 Citroen tire?
On a 1961 Citroen, 155R15 is a radial size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter; in this format, the missing aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. The 165-400 size is also metric in section width, but its wheel diameter is 400 millimeters rather than 15 inches. Both are radial constructions, but they fit very different wheels and different Citroen models.
That distinction is especially important if you are comparing a CV with a DS or ID, or sorting out a car that has changed hands several times. A 1961 Citroen CV may use 155R15, while a 1961 Citroen DS or ID uses 165-400. Reading the full sidewall code, rather than just the width number, is what prevents ordering a tire that looks close on paper but cannot mount to the wheel on the car.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 155-380 or the 155R15 for my 1961 Citroen?
For a 1961 Citroen CV, the choice between 155-380 and 155R15 is not mainly about bias-ply versus radial behavior, because both sizes are radial. The real issue is wheel diameter: 155-380 fits a 380-millimeter rim, while 155R15 fits a 15-inch rim. That means the correct choice depends on the wheel your CV is wearing, not on a simple preference between two interchangeable sizes.
If your goal is to keep a metric-wheel CV true to its original-style setup, 155-380 is the natural direction. If your car uses 15-inch wheels, 155R15 opens the door to several Firestone and Michelin options in blackwall form. A quick sidewall check and wheel measurement should come before any brand comparison, because choosing the wrong rim standard stops the project before fitment even begins.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 Citroen tires?
1961 Citroen tires in the 155R15 size are available in blackwall form. That look suits the period and the European character of the CV, especially on cars restored with an emphasis on factory-style understatement rather than heavy decorative sidewall treatment. No alternate sidewall style appears within the available 155R15 choices, so the visual decision in that size stays close to the original spirit of the car.
For most 1961 Citroen buyers, that means sidewall appearance is straightforward once the correct size is confirmed. The bigger fitment question is still model and rim standard, since a CV, DS, and ID do not share the same tire size. If you are preparing a car for judged display, blackwall presentation generally aligns well with the clean, technical look Citroen favored in this era.
What brands make tires for 1961 Citroen vehicles?
Firestone and Michelin both serve 1961 Citroen applications in 155R15. Firestone offers the F560 Radial, while Michelin covers the size with the X, XAS, and XAS-FF. All of those are radial blackwall tires, giving CV owners a mix of classic touring and period-European radial choices within the same basic size.
Brand choice on a 1961 Citroen usually comes after the model and wheel are settled. A CV on 15-inch wheels can compare Firestone and Michelin within the same size family, while DS and ID owners first need to stay focused on the 165-400 metric fitment. Buyers who care about visual correctness, road feel, or a particularly French presentation often give Michelin special attention, but the wheel size still comes first.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1961 Citroen tires require?
For 1961 Citroen applications in 155R15, the published rim-width range is 4.00 to 5.50 inches on the products that include that measurement. That range appears on both Firestone and Michelin offerings in this size. The other Citroen sizes used in 1961, 155-380 and 165-400, are identified by their wheel diameter here, but no separate rim-width range accompanies them in the available tire information.
A CV owner considering 155R15 should confirm both the 15-inch diameter and that the wheel falls within the stated width range. On a restored car, especially one with replacement wheels or a conversion from metric rims, that check matters as much as the tire size itself. If your wheel width falls outside the published range, it is worth pausing before mounting any tire, even when the nominal size appears correct.
Do 1961 Citroen tires require inner tubes?
On 1961 Citroen 155R15 tires, tube status varies by product. Michelin X appears in tubeless form, Michelin XAS appears in tube-type form, and Michelin XAS-FF appears in tubeless form. That means a 155R15 owner cannot assume every tire in the same size mounts the same way, even though the section width and rim diameter match.
The safest approach is to confirm the exact sidewall marking of the tire you plan to use and make sure it matches the wheel and service setup on your car. On an older 1961 Citroen, wheel condition and valve hardware also deserve attention when changing between tube-type and tubeless products. Tube selection should follow the tire's own marking and the wheel's suitability, not just the size code.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1961 Citroen when the tires are fitted?
A 1961 Citroen should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls prematurely. Keep the car in a dry, temperature-stable space, maintain inflation, and roll it periodically so the same section of tread does not carry the load for months at a time. Radial tires generally tolerate storage better than old-style bias-ply tires, but long static periods still harden rubber and invite flat spotting.
Owners who store a 1961 Citroen through the off-season often benefit from moving the car occasionally or supporting it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch. That matters on lightly used collector cars, where tire age becomes more significant than tread wear. A clean floor, proper inflation, and protection from UV and ozone often do more for tire life than any dressing or cosmetic treatment.
How long do tires on a 1961 Citroen typically last?
On a 1961 Citroen, tire life is usually judged more by age than by mileage. A good collector-car rule is to start evaluating tires closely around the five- to seven-year mark and to treat roughly ten years from the DOT date code as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread still looks healthy. Low annual mileage can make old tires appear better than they really are.
That is especially true for cars such as a 1961 Citroen CV, DS, or ID that may spend long stretches parked between drives. Rubber can harden, crack, or lose resilience without ever wearing down in the usual sense. Checking date codes, sidewall condition, and how the tire holds pressure gives a much better picture of serviceability than tread depth alone on a hobby car.
How often should tires on a 1961 Citroen be inspected?
Tires on a 1961 Citroen should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire has lost pressure since the last use. On products that use tubes, valve stems and the condition of the tube-related hardware deserve the same attention as the casing itself.
Frequent inspection matters because many collector cars are driven intermittently, and problems often develop while the car is sitting rather than while it is accumulating miles. A 1961 Citroen that feels fine on a short neighborhood drive can still reveal age-related issues once heat builds up on a longer run. Making tire inspection part of every pre-drive routine is one of the simplest ways to protect both the car and its occupants.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1961 Citroen CV?
A 1961 Citroen CV belongs to an era when Citroen was already closely associated with radial technology, so a radial tire is consistent with the period character of the car. The CV appears with both 155-380 and 155R15 fitments depending on wheel setup, and the original-style direction for a given car depends on whether it retains metric or 15-inch rims. No specific original-equipment brand should be assumed without checking the car's market history and restoration background.
For a restoration-minded owner, the most important step is matching the tire to the wheel standard the car was built with or correctly restored to use. Market differences, replacement wheels, and decades of owner modifications can all change what is on the car today. Marque clubs and Citroen specialists are the best next stop if you are chasing exact factory presentation for a particular body style or delivery market.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1961 Citroen?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1961 Citroen, especially on cars judged for originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car carries the proper size family, the correct radial construction for the era, and a sidewall appearance that fits the period. A modern-looking substitute in the wrong rim standard can stand out quickly, even if the car is otherwise well restored.
That does not mean every event uses the same standard, but tire size, construction, and visual presentation are all part of the overall impression. A CV on the wrong wheel diameter or a DS wearing an obviously incorrect non-metric fitment can undermine an otherwise authentic restoration. If the car is being built for formal judging, event-specific standards from Citroen clubs and concours organizers are worth reviewing before final tire selection.
What is the difference between Michelin X and Michelin XAS for the 1961 Citroen?
For a 1961 Citroen in 155R15, Michelin X appears as a blackwall tubeless T-rated tire marked 82T TL, while Michelin XAS appears as a blackwall tube-type H-rated tire marked 82H TT. That means the X carries a 118 mph speed rating, and the XAS carries a 130 mph rating. The XAS also shares a published 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range with other 155R15 products that disclose wheel-width guidance.
In practical terms, the choice is less about chasing top speed in a small collector Citroen and more about selecting the construction details and period flavor you want. Tube-type versus tubeless service can affect how you set up the wheel, and the tire's character may matter to owners who want a distinctly European driving feel. Confirming wheel condition and intended use comes before treating one series as universally preferable.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1961 Citroen tires safe for highway driving?
1961 Citroen tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, properly mounted, correctly inflated, and in sound condition. Within the 155R15 choices, Michelin X carries a T rating to 118 mph, while Michelin XAS and XAS-FF carry H ratings to 130 mph. Those tire limits are well above ordinary U.S. highway speeds, but a 1961 Citroen's braking, suspension condition, and overall mechanical state matter at least as much as the speed symbol on the sidewall.
Highway confidence in a vintage Citroen comes from the whole package, not from the tire rating alone. Fresh rubber will not compensate for worn steering joints, tired shocks, or an overdue brake service. Before regular highway use, make sure the car tracks properly, holds pressure, and has tires appropriate to its wheel diameter, because the wrong metric-versus-inch fitment is a larger concern than pure speed capability.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1961 Citroen tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1961 Citroen should follow the factory recommendation for the vehicle along with the tire manufacturer's own maximum pressure marking for the exact tire. In 155R15, one Firestone F560 Radial is marked for a maximum load of 1,045 pounds at 44 psi. That figure is a tire capacity reference, not an automatic running pressure for every 1961 Citroen or every tire size in the range.
The right approach is to start with the vehicle handbook or marque reference for front and rear pressures, then confirm that those numbers are appropriate for the exact reproduction or replacement radial being used. A CV, DS, and ID should not all be treated the same just because they share the Citroen name. Pressure should always be checked cold, and any major change in handling or tread wear pattern is a sign to revisit the setting.
What should I check before taking a 1961 Citroen on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1961 Citroen on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the spare as well, since a vintage-car spare is often older than the four tires on the ground. If your chosen tire is tube-type, include valve stems and any signs of leakage around the tube-related hardware in the inspection.
A longer trip also calls for a broader mechanical review, especially on a car from 1961. Brakes, steering, suspension, lights, and fluid levels deserve the same attention as the tires, because collector cars often sit longer than modern daily drivers. The tire side of that checklist is simple but critical: correct size, healthy sidewalls, steady pressure, and a spare that is truly roadworthy rather than just present.
