1963 Facel Vega came from one of France’s most distinctive luxury marques, blending continental coachbuilt character with grand touring ambition. By that point, the make’s range stretched from the larger, more formal Facel to the lighter Facellia, so tire choice is not one-size-fits-all across the lineup. Two models are covered here, with four total sizes across the year: the Facel can use both 15-inch and 14-inch fitments, while the Facellia stays with 14-inch sizes shared in radial and bias-ply form. The first thing to confirm on a 1963 Facel Vega is the model, then whether you want a period-correct bias-ply look or a radial tire better suited to regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1963 Facel Vega
Four tire sizes are used across 1963 Facel Vega vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole range. The real choice starts with identifying whether your car uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel, then deciding between bias-ply and radial construction where both types were offered within the year. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car and its intended use.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Facel|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 185 millimeters and a 15-inch rim diameter; in this format, the unstated profile is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This size is specific to the 1963 Facel rather than universal across the full 1963 Facel Vega range, and it is available from Coker Classic and Michelin in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall versions. Speed ratings vary by product, with Michelin offerings in H rating up to 130 mph and V rating up to 149 mph. It suits owners who want a radial construction on the larger Facel while still keeping a vintage appearance through traditional sidewall choices.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Facel|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
775-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.75 refers to the nominal section width and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1963 Facel, and it is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline sidewall styles. Load figures in this size reach 1,490 pounds at 32 psi on the available products. It is the natural choice for a larger Facel being restored with strong emphasis on period-correct bias-ply construction and authentic early-1960s presentation.
Year(s): 1963|Fit(s): Facel, Facellia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters and a 14-inch rim diameter; by convention, this unstated profile is treated as an 80-series radial. Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein offer this size in blackwall form, and the available products include H-rated versions up to 130 mph. Load information reaches 1,102 pounds at 51 psi on the Vredestein option. It fits both the Facel and Facellia where 14-inch fitment is appropriate and appeals to owners who want a more road-friendly radial in a compact vintage metric size.
5.90-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.90 refers to the nominal section width and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. This size serves both the 1963 Facel and 1963 Facellia, giving the two models a shared 14-inch bias-ply fitment within the year. Bias-ply construction is the defining feature here, and that construction keeps the look and road feel closer to what many restorers expect from an early-1960s European car. It is the right direction for owners prioritizing authenticity and traditional stance over the character of a modern radial.
Two 1963 Facel Vega models are covered here. Tire size does vary by model, which means identifying whether you have a Facel or a Facellia matters before narrowing the search to a specific size, rim diameter, and construction type. Select a model below to move into model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1963 Facel Vega Facel
The 1963 Facel was the marque’s larger and more formal grand touring car, carrying the hand-built, high-luxury character that made Facel Vega so distinctive. Its tire fitments span both 15-inch and 14-inch applications, so wheel diameter matters before choosing between the available radial and bias-ply options. Owners usually approach this model either from a preservation standpoint or as a fast continental touring car, and that choice often shapes the final tire direction.
The 1963 Facellia was the lighter, more compact Facel Vega offering, aimed at buyers who wanted French style and sporting character in a smaller package. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with both a radial metric size and a traditional bias-ply size available for that diameter. That makes the main decision less about model-level fitment variation and more about whether the car is being kept visually original or prepared for more regular driving manners.
Ten products are available across four tire sizes for 1963 Facel Vega vehicles. 185R15 comes in 4 radial choices from Coker Classic and Michelin with redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall styling; 775-15 has 4 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone in redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline; 165R14 offers 3 radial choices from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form. Confirm your model, wheel diameter, and preferred construction before selecting a tire.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model size split across 1963 Facel Vega, the difference between radial and bias-ply choices, available sidewall styles, and the storage and inspection habits that matter on low-use French collector cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1963 Facel Vega vehicles?
1963 Facel Vega vehicles use four sizes across two models: 185R15 and 775-15 for the Facel, plus 165R14 and 5.90-14 for both the Facel and Facellia. The 15-inch sizes mount on 15-inch wheels, while the 14-inch sizes mount on 14-inch wheels. Where rim-width guidance is available, 185R15 products cover roughly 4.5 to 6.5 inches, 775-15 products range from 4.50 to 6 inches depending on the tire, and 165R14 products cover about 4.0 to 6.0 inches depending on brand.
That means year and make alone are not enough on a 1963 Facel Vega. Start by identifying whether the car is a Facel or Facellia, then confirm whether it is wearing 14-inch or 15-inch wheels before choosing between bias-ply and radial construction. If your car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point, checking the actual wheel diameter and width is the safest first step.
What does 185R15 mean on a 1963 Facel Vega tire?
On a 1963 Facel Vega, 185R15 is a metric radial size. The 185 refers to a nominal section width of 185 millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this older Euro-metric style, no aspect ratio is printed, and the size is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial.
For a buyer, that makes 185R15 very different from a 775-15 even though both fit 15-inch wheels on the Facel. The radial construction changes the tire’s character, while available versions also differ in sidewall styling and speed rating. If your goal is to keep a larger Facel on a 15-inch wheel with a more modern radial layout, 185R15 is the format to focus on.
Do all 1963 Facel Vega models use the same tire size?
No, 1963 Facel Vega models do not all use the same tire size. The Facel uses four possible sizes across 14-inch and 15-inch applications, while the Facellia uses the two 14-inch sizes only: 165R14 in radial form and 5.90-14 in bias-ply form. The shared sizes across both models are the 14-inch options, not the 15-inch ones.
That distinction matters because the next step depends on the actual model and wheels on the car. A Facellia owner can stay focused on 14-inch fitment from the start, while a Facel owner needs to confirm whether the car is set up around 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the choice becomes much simpler and usually comes down to appearance expectations and driving style.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 775-15 or the 185R15 for my 1963 Facel Vega?
On a 1963 Facel Vega Facel, 775-15 and 185R15 both fit 15-inch applications, but they represent two different construction approaches. The 775-15 is a bias-ply size with classic American-style sidewall choices such as redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline, while the 185R15 is a radial size offered in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall versions. The radial options also include H- and V-rated Michelin versions, adding more variation within that size.
Choose 775-15 if your priority is a more period-correct restoration feel and appearance on a larger Facel. Choose 185R15 if you want to stay with a 15-inch fitment while moving to a radial tire more in line with regular road use and touring. Either way, confirm the wheel width before ordering, because the acceptable rim-width range depends on the specific tire you select.
What sidewall styles are available for 1963 Facel Vega tires?
1963 Facel Vega tires come in a broader range of sidewall styles on the 15-inch Facel sizes than on the 14-inch metric radial size. The 185R15 is available in redline, narrow whitewall, and blackwall form, while the 775-15 appears in redline, narrow whitewall, and goldline versions. The 165R14 radial choices are blackwall tires. The 5.90-14 fitment remains a traditional bias-ply direction for owners chasing an earlier visual character.
For most early-1960s European restoration work, blackwall or restrained whitewall treatments usually look more natural than aggressive muscle-era styling cues. That makes the sidewall choice almost as important as the size choice on a French GT car. If the car is being prepared for show judging, compare your sidewall style against period photos, marque references, and the standards of the event where the car will be judged.
What brands make tires for 1963 Facel Vega vehicles?
1963 Facel Vega fitments are covered by several well-known vintage and specialty tire brands. The 185R15 is available from Coker Classic and Michelin, the 775-15 from BFGoodrich and Firestone, and the 165R14 from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. That gives the year a mix of American-style bias-ply offerings and European-flavored radial options, depending on the size and wheel diameter involved.
Brand choice on a Facel Vega often follows the car’s personality as much as the measurements. Some owners want classic sidewall treatments and a strong period look, while others prefer a European radial with a more understated appearance. Narrow your search by model and size first, then compare brands within that exact fitment for sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and speed rating rather than choosing a brand in the abstract.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1963 Facel Vega tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size and sometimes by tire within the same size. For 185R15, available products cover about 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on brand and version. For 775-15, some tires are intended for 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims while others are built around a 6-inch rim. For 165R14, available guidance spans roughly 4.0 to 6.0 inches where published.
That variation is why wheel measurement matters before a 1963 Facel Vega owner commits to a tire. Two products in the same nominal size may not share the same ideal wheel-width window, especially in vintage bias-ply applications. Measure the wheel you actually have on the car and compare it with the exact tire you are considering instead of assuming every version of the size behaves the same way.
Do 1963 Facel Vega tires require inner tubes?
Tube status depends on the exact size and product chosen for a 1963 Facel Vega. The Michelin 185R15 and Michelin 165R14 offerings are marked TL, which identifies them as tubeless tires. Other products in these same year-make fitments do not all carry the same marking in the size description, so tube practice can vary by product and by wheel design, especially on older collector-car rims.
The safest approach is to check both the tire marking and the wheel type before final selection. An original wheel, a restored wheel, and a replacement wheel may not all call for the same setup even when the tire size is correct. If the car still has older rims or wire-wheel style hardware, confirm tube requirements with the tire maker or a marque specialist rather than assuming tubeless operation.
Can the original 1963 Facel Vega wheels be used with both tire sizes?
A 1963 Facel Vega can use more than one tire size only when those sizes share the same wheel diameter on that particular application. On the Facel’s 15-inch fitment, both 775-15 and 185R15 are 15-inch tires. On the 14-inch applications shared by the Facel and Facellia, both 5.90-14 and 165R14 fit 14-inch wheels. That confirms diameter compatibility within each pair.
Diameter compatibility does not automatically make every original wheel correct for every tire version. Rim width still needs to be checked against the exact tire you want, because some bias-ply products in 775-15 are aimed at narrower rims while some radial products accept a broader width range. Treat wheel diameter as the first screen, then verify width before making the final choice.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1963 Facel Vega when the tires are fitted?
A 1963 Facel Vega should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid long-term contact with damp concrete when possible, and move the car periodically if it remains on the ground. Bias-ply tires tend to develop temporary flat spotting more readily during static storage than radials.
Short storage intervals usually only require pressure checks and occasional movement, but longer layups call for more care. Many collector owners either roll the car a little every few weeks or place it on stands to reduce prolonged loading. If the car alternates between radial and bias-ply sets for different uses, mark their positions and inspect each set before returning it to service.
How long do tires on a 1963 Facel Vega typically last?
Tire life on a 1963 Facel Vega is usually governed more by age than by mileage. Collector cars often cover few miles, so tread depth can look healthy long after the rubber has begun to harden. A practical rule is to evaluate condition closely once a tire is around five to seven years old and to consider replacement as it approaches ten years, using the date code and the tire’s overall condition as your guide.
That age-based approach matters on a Facel Vega because a low-mileage car can still be riding on old rubber that no longer behaves as it should. Sidewall cracking, loss of flexibility, recurring air loss, or vibration that was not there before are all signs that age is catching up with the tire. Annual inspection by a knowledgeable vintage-tire professional is a good habit even when the car is driven sparingly.
How often should tires on a 1963 Facel Vega be inspected?
Tires on a 1963 Facel Vega should be inspected before every drive, with a more careful once-over before any extended outing. Check inflation, tread wear, cuts, sidewall cracking, bulges, and anything that suggests impact damage or age-related deterioration. On any setup that uses tube-type practice, include the valve stems and watch for slow pressure loss that can point to tube or stem issues as well as the tire itself.
Routine inspection is especially important on low-use collector cars because problems can develop while the car is parked rather than while it is being driven. A short local run and a long highway trip do not ask the same thing from old tires. Catching cracking, uneven wear, or pressure loss in the garage is far better than discovering it when the car is loaded for a tour.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1963 Facel Vega Facel?
For a 1963 Facel Vega Facel, the period-correct starting point is bias-ply construction, because bias-ply tires were still standard practice on many luxury and GT cars of the era even as radials were becoming more common in Europe. Within this year-make range, the Facel is associated with 775-15 in bias-ply form as well as radial alternatives such as 185R15 and 165R14 depending on wheel fitment. No single original-equipment brand should be assumed without factory literature or marque-specific confirmation.
That means restoration goals matter. If the car is being judged for originality, construction type, sidewall presentation, and overall stance will usually carry more weight than simply landing on a diameter that fits. Factory brochures, surviving unrestored cars, and Facel Vega clubs are the best resources for confirming what a particular market-delivery car wore when new.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1963 Facel Vega?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1963 Facel Vega, especially in concours or marque-focused events. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size, construction, and sidewall style suit the car’s era and character. A modern-looking radial or an overly aggressive sidewall treatment can stand out quickly on an early-1960s French luxury or sporting car if the event emphasizes authenticity.
The level of scrutiny depends on the event. A casual local show may reward overall presentation, while a serious originality class may expect the tire to look appropriate in section width, sidewall treatment, and construction type. Before choosing between radial and bias-ply, check the standards of the event you care about most and compare your planned tire against period photographs or marque-club guidance.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1963 Facel Vega Facellia?
On a 1963 Facel Vega Facellia, the historically appropriate baseline is again bias-ply construction, since that remained normal for many cars of the period even as radial adoption expanded. Within the fitments used on the Facellia, 5.90-14 represents the traditional bias-ply route and 165R14 represents the radial alternative on the same 14-inch wheel diameter. The exact tire supplied when new could vary by market and delivery practice, so original paperwork and marque references remain important.
For a restoration, the decision usually comes down to how closely the finished car needs to mirror early-1960s presentation. A 5.90-14 bias-ply generally aligns more naturally with that objective, while 165R14 gives the owner a radial choice without changing wheel diameter. If the car is destined for judged events, settle the originality question first and the brand question second.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1963 Facel Vega tires safe for highway driving?
1963 Facel Vega tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their construction and speed-rating limits. The radial offerings in 185R15 and 165R14 include H-rated products up to 130 mph, and the 185R15 also includes a V-rated option up to 149 mph. Bias-ply options such as 775-15 and 5.90-14 call for a more traditional driving mindset even when the car itself is capable of substantial speed.
In real-world use, the tire is only one part of the equation on a 1963 grand touring car. Brake condition, steering wear, suspension health, alignment, and the age of the rubber often matter more than the theoretical top-speed ceiling at normal American highway speeds. A well-maintained Facel Vega on fresh, correctly chosen tires is far better prepared for road use than one riding on old or mismatched rubber.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1963 Facel Vega tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1963 Facel Vega should be matched to the exact tire and then checked against the car’s factory guidance. Within these fitments, some load-and-pressure references are available: 185R15 reaches 1,355 pounds at 35 psi on one offering, 775-15 reaches 1,490 pounds at 32 psi on several offerings, and one 165R14 radial carries 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. Those numbers are tire ratings, not a blanket inflation recommendation for every product in the size.
Use the owner’s manual, factory placard information when available, and the tire maker’s guidance together rather than borrowing a pressure from another size. A 775-15 bias-ply and a 165R14 radial should not be treated as if they want the same inflation just because they can appear on the same year and make. Recheck pressures cold and revisit them any time you change load, wheels, or tire type.
What should I check before taking a 1963 Facel Vega on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1963 Facel Vega, inspect every tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Look closely at valve stems, confirm the spare is usable and inflated, and make sure each wheel fastener is secure. On a tube-type setup or any older wheel arrangement, include an extra check for slow leaks and stem condition because those problems can appear even when tread looks healthy.
A tire check should be part of a broader pre-tour inspection on a car of this age. Brakes, steering, cooling, belts, hoses, and fluid levels deserve equal attention before any serious mileage. The goal is not just to confirm that the tires fit the car, but to make sure the entire car is ready to use those tires safely over time and speed.
