1962 Simca covered an unusually wide slice of the European market, from the compact rear-engine 1000 to established family sedans such as the Aronde and the larger Vedette-derived cars. That variety matters when choosing tires, because 1962 Simca models do not all share one size or even one wheel diameter. Across seven model lines, nine tire sizes appear, with several models offering a period bias-ply size alongside a radial alternative and others using sizes unique to that specific model. The smartest place to start with 1962 Simca is by confirming your exact model first, then deciding whether you want era-correct bias-ply character or radial road manners where both constructions exist.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1962 Simca
Nine tire sizes appear across the 1962 Simca range, and they vary by model rather than carrying across every car the make built that year. For some models, the key decision is bias-ply versus radial within the same general fitment family, while for others the first step is confirming the correct 12-, 14-, or 15-inch rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Simca model and intended use.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12-in rim
155R12 is a euro-metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 12-inch rim diameter, using the conventional 80-series radial profile for this style of metric sizing. Product variety is not shown here for this size, so the main takeaway is that it is the radial fitment specific to the Simca 1000 rather than a universal 1962 Simca size. Choose it when your 1000 is set up for the radial alternative and you want to stay with the smaller 12-inch fitment used by that model.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): 1000|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 indicates the nominal section width and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. Product variety is not shown here for this size, and it is specific to the Simca 1000 rather than shared across the wider 1962 Simca range. Choose this size when you are keeping a 1000 in its bias-ply format and want the period construction associated with early-1960s small European cars.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Arlane|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a euro-metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, using the conventional 80-series profile for this metric format. It is available from Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall versions, and speed ratings vary by product: Michelin offers H-rated versions to 130 mph and V-rated versions to 149 mph, while tube status is tubeless where marked TL. This size is specific to the Simca Arlane and suits owners who want the radial option on that larger 15-inch fitment with a choice of appearance details.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Arlane|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
6.50-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 denotes the nominal section width and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. Product variety is not shown here for this size, and it belongs to the Simca Arlane rather than the full 1962 Simca lineup. It is the period-style choice for an Arlane owner who wants to remain with bias-ply construction on the original 15-inch type of fitment.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Aronde, Castel, Elysee, Etoile|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
155R14 is a euro-metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter, using the conventional 80-series profile associated with this metric radial format. It is available from Michelin and Firestone in blackwall form, and one version carries a T speed rating to 118 mph while load figures reach 990 pounds at 44 psi where stated. This size is shared by the Aronde, Castel, Elysee, and Etoile and is the radial path for owners who want those mid-range Simca models on a 14-inch fitment with more modern road behavior.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Aronde, Castel, Elysee, Etoile|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 as the nominal section width and a 14-inch wheel diameter, even when the decimal is omitted in the code. BFGoodrich offers this size in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, all in bias-ply construction, with load figures of 906 pounds at 30 psi where specified. This size is shared by the Aronde, Castel, Elysee, and Etoile and is the natural choice for owners focused on period look and early-1960s steering feel rather than converting those cars to radial construction.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Aronde|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
5.75-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.75 identifies the nominal section width and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Product variety is not shown here for this size, and it is specific to certain 1962 Simca Aronde applications rather than the four-model 14-inch group. It matters mainly because Aronde buyers should confirm whether their car uses the common 14-inch fitment or this separate 15-inch bias-ply setup before moving on to product selection.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Vedette|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
165-15 is a numeric bias-ply size using a 165 nominal section-width designation and a 15-inch wheel diameter. Product variety is not shown here for this size, and it is specific to the Simca Vedette rather than shared with the smaller Simca sedans. It is the bias-ply route for Vedette owners who want to retain the traditional construction associated with that larger, older-platform car.
Year(s): 1962|Fit(s): Vedette|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
165R15 is a euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, following the conventional 80-series profile for this style of metric radial marking. It is available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, with load figures ranging from 1168 pounds at 35 psi to 1170 pounds at 36 psi. This size is specific to the Simca Vedette and suits owners who want a radial alternative on the 15-inch wheel while still choosing among several sidewall appearances.
Seven 1962 Simca model lines are covered here, and tire size varies notably from one model to another. Some cars pair a bias-ply size with a radial alternative on the same general wheel diameter, while others stand apart with their own 12-, 14-, or 15-inch fitment. Select your model below to narrow the field and see the tire sizes and products that apply to that specific 1962 Simca.
1962 Simca 1000
The Simca 1000 was the make's compact rear-engine sedan, aimed at buyers who wanted economical European packaging in a very small footprint. Its tires mount on 12-inch wheels, which immediately separates it from the larger Aronde-family cars and the bigger 15-inch Simcas in the lineup.
Arlane was one of Simca's larger traditional sedans, tied to the Vedette family and carrying a more substantial road-car presence than the smaller Simca 1000. Its tire options mount on 15-inch wheels, with one bias-ply size and one radial size serving that model's fitment range.
The Aronde was one of Simca's best-known family cars, recognized for bridging postwar practicality with a distinctly French take on the everyday sedan. Most Aronde fitments center on 14-inch wheels, but this model also appears with a separate 15-inch bias-ply application, so Aronde owners need to confirm wheel diameter before choosing tires.
Castel sits within the Aronde family and reflects Simca's habit of offering closely related sedans with different trim identities and market positioning. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the choice is between a radial metric size and a traditional numeric bias-ply counterpart.
Elysee was another Aronde-series variant, aimed at buyers who wanted a slightly more distinctive presentation without stepping outside Simca's mainstream family-car formula. It uses 14-inch wheel fitments, sharing the same radial-versus-bias choice seen on several of the other Aronde-based models.
Etoile was part of the broader Aronde range and carried the same compact French sedan character that made Simca competitive in the European family-car market. Its tire fitments mount on 14-inch wheels, with either the radial 155R14 or the bias-ply 560-14 depending on how the car is being equipped.
The Vedette represented Simca's larger, more established sedan line, with roots that gave it a different character from the lighter Aronde-based cars. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and owners commonly choose between the bias-ply 165-15 and the radial 165R15 depending on the kind of driving and presentation they want.
Twenty-eight products are available across four tire sizes for 1962 Simca vehicles. 185R15 brings four radial choices from Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, blackwall, and narrow whitewall; 155R14 has two radial blackwall options from Michelin and Firestone; 560-14 has three BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall and whitewall styles; 165R15 offers four radial choices from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and whitewall styles.
These answers focus on the real 1962 Simca questions: which models use 12-, 14-, or 15-inch tires, when a bias-ply size has a radial counterpart, what sidewall styles exist, and how to care for collector-car tires that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1962 Simca vehicles?
1962 Simca vehicles use nine different tire sizes across seven model lines: 155R12 and 5.60-12 for the Simca 1000; 185R15 and 6.50-15 for the Arlane; 155R14, 560-14, and 5.75-15 for the Aronde; 155R14 and 560-14 for the Castel, Elysee, and Etoile; and 165-15 plus 165R15 for the Vedette. Rim diameters therefore span 12, 14, and 15 inches. Where rim-width guidance appears in current tire offerings, it is size-specific rather than universal across the whole make.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire choice on a 1962 Simca. Start by identifying the exact model, then confirm whether your car belongs to the 12-inch Simca 1000 group, the 14-inch Aronde-family group, or one of the 15-inch applications such as Arlane or Vedette. If you already know the wheel diameter but not the tire construction you want, the next step is deciding whether to stay with bias-ply character or move to a radial option where both exist.
What does 5.60-12 mean on a 1962 Simca tire?
On a 1962 Simca, 5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. The dash format and period application identify it as a bias-ply construction rather than a radial. In the 1962 Simca range, that size belongs to the Simca 1000.
Modern buyers often mistake the first number for tread width or overall diameter, but on this kind of period numeric sizing it is the tire's nominal width class. That matters because a 5.60-12 should be compared with the Simca 1000's 155R12 radial alternative, not with the 14-inch and 15-inch sizes used on other Simca models. If your 1000 is still on its original-style 12-inch wheels, this code points you toward the small-car bias-ply fitment rather than any larger family-sedan application.
Do all 1962 Simca models use the same tire size?
No. 1962 Simca models split across several distinct fitment groups. The Simca 1000 uses 12-inch sizes, the Aronde family centers on 14-inch sizes with one separate 15-inch Aronde application, and the Arlane and Vedette use 15-inch sizes of their own. Even within one model line, some cars have a bias-ply size and a radial counterpart rather than one single tire choice.
That variation is why identifying the exact model matters before comparing brands, sidewalls, or construction types. A Vedette owner choosing between 165-15 and 165R15 is making a different decision from an Aronde owner choosing between 560-14 and 155R14, and both are very different from a Simca 1000 owner working with a 12-inch wheel. Once the model is confirmed, the tire search becomes much more straightforward and avoids crossing into the wrong rim diameter.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 560-14 or the 155R14 for my 1962 Simca?
For a 1962 Simca Aronde, Castel, Elysee, or Etoile, the 560-14 is the bias-ply option and the 155R14 is the radial option on the 14-inch fitment. The 560-14 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form, while 155R14 appears in blackwall radial form from Michelin and Firestone. The radial size also carries a T speed-rated version to 118 mph and includes a load figure of 990 pounds at 44 psi where stated.
Choose between them by deciding what role the car will play. A restoration or show-focused Simca often stays closer to period character with the bias-ply 560-14, especially if sidewall appearance matters. A Simca driven more regularly may benefit from staying within the 155R14 radial family for a more modern feel on the road. Either way, confirm that your car is one of the 14-inch models before narrowing down brand and sidewall details.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Simca tires?
1962 Simca tire choices span several sidewall looks, depending on size. The 560-14 bias-ply size comes in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The 165R15 radial size also appears in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The 185R15 radial size adds blackwall and narrow whitewall choices along with a redline option, while 155R14 remains a blackwall radial fitment.
Sidewall choice affects the visual character of the car as much as the tire size itself. Early-1960s European sedans are often most at home on blackwall tires, but whitewall widths and specialty treatments can matter on larger, more formal Simca models or on a personalized restoration. If appearance accuracy is important, compare your car's market, trim level, and restoration goal before settling on a sidewall treatment rather than treating every 1962 Simca as if it wore the same style.
What brands make tires for 1962 Simca vehicles?
Several brands cover 1962 Simca applications. 185R15 is available from Coker Classic and Michelin, 155R14 from Michelin and Firestone, 560-14 from BFGoodrich, and 165R15 from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich. Those brands span both radial and bias-ply offerings, depending on the size and model involved.
Brand choice on a 1962 Simca usually follows the size first and the visual or driving goal second. A buyer working with 560-14 is choosing among BFGoodrich bias-ply sidewall treatments, while a Vedette owner using 165R15 can compare several radial brands and sidewall styles. Once the correct size is confirmed, look at the brand's sidewall presentation, load and pressure figures where shown, and the overall character you want from the finished car.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1962 Simca tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by tire size on 1962 Simca applications. For 185R15, current radial offerings cover 4.5 to 6 inches on some Michelin versions and 5.00 to 6.50 inches on others. The 155R14 Firestone radial fits 4.00 to 5.50 inches, 560-14 bias-ply fits 3.50 to 4.00 inches, and 165R15 radial products fit 4.50 to 6.00 inches.
Those ranges show why wheel measurement matters before ordering, especially if your Simca has replacement wheels or has been restored more than once over the years. Rim diameter alone does not answer the whole question. A 14-inch wheel for a 560-14 bias-ply setup is narrower than the wheel range accepted by a 155R14 radial, and the same principle applies within the 15-inch group. Measure the actual wheel and compare it against the tire you want to run.
Do 1962 Simca tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements vary by size and by product on 1962 Simca applications. The Michelin 185HR15 and 185VR15 versions are marked TL, which identifies them as tubeless products, while some other 185R15 products do not carry that marking in the size description here. No tube marking appears in the 155R14, 560-14, or 165R15 descriptions shown here, so the exact tube decision should be matched to the specific tire and wheel combination rather than assumed from size alone.
The important practical point is that a tire's construction and a wheel's original design are two separate questions. Many collector-car wheels were built in ways that still lead owners to use tubes even when a modern reproduction tire can be found in tubeless form. Before mounting a 1962 Simca tire, verify the tire's own sidewall marking and inspect the wheel condition, valve-stem arrangement, and bead-seat design so the setup matches the hardware actually on the car.
Can the original 1962 Simca wheels be used with both tire sizes on the same model?
Often yes, but only within the same model's original wheel diameter group. A 1962 Simca 1000's 155R12 and 5.60-12 both use 12-inch wheels, the Aronde-family 155R14 and 560-14 both use 14-inch wheels, the Arlane's 185R15 and 6.50-15 both use 15-inch wheels, and the Vedette's 165-15 and 165R15 both use 15-inch wheels. The exception is the Aronde line overall, because one Aronde application also appears in 5.75-15.
Wheel diameter compatibility does not automatically mean every original wheel width is ideal for every tire within that size family. That is especially important when moving from a narrow bias-ply fitment to a radial alternative. If your 1962 Simca still has its original wheels, confirm both the wheel diameter and the wheel width before treating a bias-ply and radial option as interchangeable. That extra step matters most on Aronde applications, where 14-inch and 15-inch fitments both appear under the same model name.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1962 Simca when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1962 Simca should sit in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, clean off road grime, and avoid leaving the car on damp ground. Bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more noticeably during long static periods, while any collector tire can suffer from sidewall aging if it lives near heat and ozone.
For cars that sit for extended stretches, moving the 1962 Simca periodically or supporting it in a way that reduces prolonged load can help preserve the tire shape. Cars driven only a few times each season benefit from the same routine every year: check inflation, inspect sidewalls before moving, and keep the storage environment stable. Good storage habits matter just as much as tread depth on low-mileage collector tires, because age and environment often limit service life before wear does.
How long do tires on a 1962 Simca typically last?
On a 1962 Simca, tire life is usually judged by age and condition more than mileage. Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly after about five to seven years in service, and many owners begin serious replacement consideration as tires approach the ten-year mark, even if tread still looks deep. The DOT date code and the tire's storage history matter more than odometer readings on a low-use vintage car.
A lightly driven Simca can wear out a tire chemically long before it wears it out mechanically. Rubber hardens, sidewalls can craze or crack, and internal structure can age even when the car rarely leaves the garage. That is why a clean-looking tire is not automatically a young tire. When evaluating an older 1962 Simca, look beyond tread depth and inspect date codes, sidewall condition, and long-term storage habits before deciding that an existing set still has dependable service life left.
How often should tires on a 1962 Simca be inspected?
Tires on a 1962 Simca should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Check inflation, visible cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign that the car has developed a slow leak while parked. If your setup uses tubes, include valve stems and stem grommets in that inspection because air-loss problems may come from the tube hardware as much as from the casing itself.
Frequent inspection is especially important on collector cars because they often spend more time parked than running. A Simca that looked fine at the last event may have aged another season in storage or developed a pressure loss since the previous drive. A quick walk-around before leaving the garage catches many of the issues that matter most on an older car, and it gives you time to address a marginal tire before turning a short pleasure drive into a roadside problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1962 Simca Aronde?
A 1962 Simca Aronde would have been rooted in the bias-ply era, even though radial alternatives now exist in some Aronde-family sizes. The Aronde appears here with 560-14 and 5.75-15 bias-ply fitments as well as the 155R14 radial option, so the historically safe starting point for authenticity is to verify which wheel diameter your car actually carries and then treat bias-ply construction as the baseline period type. Original-equipment branding can vary by market and should not be assumed from modern reproduction offerings.
For a serious restoration, the right answer is not just "an Aronde tire" but the correct size, wheel diameter, construction, and sidewall look for your exact car. European-market family sedans of this period were commonly seen with modest blackwall presentation, but trim level and country can change expectations. If you are building a judged car, compare your wheel size and period photos with factory literature or a Simca marque club before finalizing a tire choice, especially if your Aronde may be one of the 15-inch applications.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1962 Simca?
Yes. On a shown 1962 Simca, judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction type, and sidewall appearance very quickly because those details shape the car's stance and period impression. A radial on a car judged for strict originality can stand out just as much as an incorrect whitewall treatment or the wrong wheel diameter. That matters even more on European cars, where many models originally wore relatively restrained tire styles.
What counts as correct depends on the event. A touring-class or driver-quality Simca may have much more freedom to use radial tires for road use, while a concours setting may expect the size family and sidewall treatment to match factory or period-delivery practice closely. If your 1962 Simca is headed for judging, confirm the accepted standards with the event organizers or a Simca club before committing to a tire, especially if your model offers both bias-ply and radial paths.
What is the difference between Michelin XVS and Coker Classic radial tires for the 1962 Simca Arlane?
For the 1962 Simca Arlane's 185R15 size, Michelin XVS and Coker Classic radial products differ in sidewall presentation, speed rating, and wheel-width coverage. Coker Classic offers a redline 185R15 with a 5.00 to 6.50-inch rim-width range and a load figure of 1355 pounds at 35 psi. Michelin XVS appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall form, with H-rated versions to 130 mph and a V-rated version to 149 mph, using 4.5 to 6 inches on one version and 5.00 to 6.50 inches on others.
Those differences make the choice more about the finished personality of the Arlane than about one tire simply replacing another. A buyer focused on sidewall style might prefer the Coker Classic redline or Michelin's whitewall look, while a buyer who wants a specific speed symbol on the sidewall may lean toward one of the Michelin XVS versions. The right pick starts with your wheel width and the appearance you want the car to carry, then narrows down to the exact radial specification.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1962 Simca tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1962 Simca tires can be suitable for highway use when the tire size, condition, and speed rating match the car's intended use. Among the radial offerings shown here, 155R14 includes a T-rated version to 118 mph, 185R15 includes H-rated versions to 130 mph and a V-rated version to 149 mph, and the other sizes should be judged by their exact construction and condition. On a well-sorted Simca, the age of the car's brakes, steering, suspension, and overall mechanical condition usually matters at least as much as the tire's theoretical speed capability.
The practical issue is not whether a reproduction tire can exceed normal American highway speeds on paper, but whether the whole 1962 Simca is prepared for sustained road use. Fresh, properly inflated tires in the correct size are only one part of the equation. Before planning longer highway driving, make sure the tires are free of age cracking, the pressures are appropriate, and the car itself is mechanically stable enough for the speeds you expect to run.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1962 Simca tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1962 Simca depends on the exact tire size and product. Examples here include 560-14 at 906 pounds maximum load at 30 psi, 165R15 at 1168 pounds at 35 psi or 1170 pounds at 36 psi depending on product, 185R15 at 1355 pounds at 35 psi on one offering, and 155R14 at 990 pounds at 44 psi on one Firestone version. Those figures are tire ratings, not a one-pressure-fits-all recommendation for every Simca model.
Use the vehicle manufacturer's original pressure guidance as your baseline for normal service, then compare it with the tire maker's rated pressure for the exact reproduction or radial product you are using. Do not transfer a pressure from a 15-inch Arlane or Vedette tire to a 14-inch Aronde-family tire, and do not assume a bias-ply and radial should be run the same just because they fit the same model family. Correct pressure starts with the exact tire on the car.
What should I check before taking a 1962 Simca on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1962 Simca, inspect every tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, uneven wear, and correct inflation. Check that each tire is holding pressure, look over the spare, and examine the valve stems closely. If your setup uses tubes, make sure the stems sit straight and show no cracking or chafing, because tube-related air loss can spoil a trip just as easily as tread damage.
Treat the tires as one part of a wider pre-trip inspection on a sixty-plus-year-old car. A Simca headed out for an event or touring drive should also have its brakes, wheel bearings, cooling system, and basic fluid condition checked before departure. On the tire side, the goal is simple: confirm that every casing is sound, every pressure is stable, and the spare is truly ready to use. That preparation turns an older car from a local cruiser into a much more confident road companion.
