1964 Alfa Romeo sat at an interesting point in the marque’s history, balancing competition-bred engineering with increasingly refined road cars for enthusiasts who wanted European handling and character. In the same model year, Alfa offered everything from the compact Giulia to the more substantial 2600, so tire choice is not uniform across the range. Three tire sizes appear across these three model lines, with the 1600 bridging both a 15-inch radial and a period-style 15-inch bias-ply option, while the 2600 stands apart with a 400mm millimetric radial. The first step is confirming your exact model, then deciding whether originality or modern radial road manners matters most for how you use your 1964 Alfa Romeo.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1964 Alfa Romeo
Three tire sizes were used across 1964 Alfa Romeo models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire range. The real choice starts with confirming whether your car uses a 15-inch wheel or the 2600’s 400mm wheel, then deciding whether your 1600 is better served by a period-style bias-ply look or a radial for more modern road behavior. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1600, Giulia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
155R15 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, using the classic Euro-metric convention that typically implies an 80-series profile. This size is available from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form, with both tube-type and tubeless versions, and speed ratings that vary by product from T at 118 mph to H at 130 mph. On a 1964 Alfa Romeo, this size serves the 1600 and Giulia rather than the full model range. It is the natural choice for owners who want a radial tire that suits regular road use while staying visually appropriate to a mid-1960s European car.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): 1600|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number is the nominal section width and the second number is the 15-inch rim diameter. Firestone and US Royal offer it with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, and the available examples carry a 970-pound maximum load rating at 32 psi. This size is specific to the 1964 Alfa Romeo 1600 rather than shared across every model. It best fits owners aiming for a more period-correct bias-ply appearance and traditional driving character on a restored 1600.
165R400 is a millimetric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width and a 400mm rim diameter, not a 15-inch wheel, so wheel diameter confirmation is essential before ordering. Michelin offers this size in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, and the available products are tube-type with an S speed rating, or 112 mph. This size is specific to the 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 and does not interchange with the 15-inch sizes used elsewhere in the range. It suits 2600 owners who need the proper millimetric fitment associated with that model’s more specialized wheel and tire setup.
Three 1964 Alfa Romeo models are covered here: the 1600, 2600, and Giulia. Tire size varies by model, so identifying the model matters before you narrow the choice to a specific tire size or construction. Select a model below to see its model-specific fitment history and the tires that apply to it.
1964 Alfa Romeo 1600
The 1964 Alfa Romeo 1600 sat in the marque’s sporting middle ground, combining compact Italian proportions with the lively character that made Alfa sedans and coupes so engaging in period. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and this model is the only one in the range that spans both a radial and a bias-ply fitment path. That makes the 1600 the key model for owners deciding between road-friendly radial behavior and a more traditional restoration look.
The 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 represented Alfa’s larger, more prestigious six-cylinder offering, with a more grand-touring personality than the smaller cars in the lineup. Its tires mount on 400mm wheels rather than 15-inch rims, which makes it distinct from the 1600 and Giulia at the fitment level. That millimetric setup is the first thing a 2600 owner should verify when replacing tires.
The 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia helped define the sporting sedan formula, pairing practical packaging with advanced engineering and unmistakable Alfa character. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the fitment path stays focused on a single radial size rather than splitting between constructions. For many Giulia owners, the main task is confirming the car remains on the correct wheel size and choosing the exact radial product that suits the way the car is driven.
Thirteen products are available across three tire sizes for 1964 Alfa Romeo vehicles. The 155R15 offers four radial choices from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form, the 560-15 offers four bias-ply choices from Firestone and US Royal in narrow and wide whitewall styles, and the 165R400 offers two Michelin radials in blackwall and narrow whitewall form. Confirm size and wheel type first, since tube requirements and speed ratings can vary within the 15-inch radial options.
These answers cover how 1964 Alfa Romeo tire fitment changes between the 1600, 2600, and Giulia, how the 15-inch and 400mm sizes differ, and what to watch for when choosing between radial, bias-ply, blackwall, and whitewall options on a collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1964 Alfa Romeo vehicles?
1964 Alfa Romeo vehicles use three tire sizes across the range: 155R15 for the 1600 and Giulia, 560-15 for the 1600, and 165R400 for the 2600. The two 15-inch sizes are not universal across every model, and the 2600 stands apart because its tire mounts on a 400mm wheel instead of a 15-inch rim. Rim width guidance also differs by size, with 155R15 commonly fitting 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-15 appearing on 4.5 to 5.50-inch rims, and 165R400 spanning roughly 4.50 to 7.0-inch rim widths depending on the tire.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident match. A 1600 owner may still need to decide between a radial and a bias-ply fitment path, while a 2600 owner needs to confirm the car remains on its proper millimetric wheel setup before moving any further. If you are looking at a Giulia, the fitment picture is simpler because it stays with 155R15 radial tires.
What does 560-15 mean on a 1964 Alfa Romeo tire?
On a 1964 Alfa Romeo, 560-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 designation is the nominal section width in the older numeric system, and the 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Unlike a modern metric radial code, it does not spell out an aspect ratio, and the construction type is bias-ply rather than radial. Within the 1964 Alfa Romeo range, this size belongs to the 1600.
That older numeric format matters because it usually points to a more traditional restoration approach. If your 1600 is being restored for a period-correct look, 560-15 makes visual and historical sense, especially with whitewall options. If your priority is more modern road manners instead, the 1600’s alternate 155R15 radial route is the comparison to make rather than trying to translate 560-15 into a later metric size by guesswork.
What does 165R400 mean on a 1964 Alfa Romeo tire?
On a 1964 Alfa Romeo, 165R400 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 400mm rim diameter. The key point is that 400mm is not the same as a 15-inch wheel. This size is used on the 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600, and the available examples carry an S speed rating, which corresponds to 112 mph, in tube-type construction.
That millimetric rim diameter is the part that catches many buyers off guard, especially if a car has changed hands several times or has seen wheel swaps over the years. Before choosing a tire for a 2600, confirm the wheel diameter directly on the wheel or against trusted marque references. Treat 165R400 as a dedicated fitment rather than something that can substitute freely with a 15-inch radial.
Do all 1964 Alfa Romeo models use the same tire size?
No, 1964 Alfa Romeo models do not all use the same tire size. The Giulia uses 155R15, the 2600 uses 165R400, and the 1600 can use either 155R15 or 560-15 depending on the fitment path being followed. That spread reflects the differences between Alfa’s compact sporting cars and its larger six-cylinder touring model. It also means wheel diameter and construction type both matter within the same model year.
The practical takeaway is that the model badge matters before brand or sidewall style does. A Giulia owner can concentrate on selecting the right 155R15 radial product, while a 2600 owner must stay within the 400mm fitment. A 1600 owner has the broadest decision, because the right answer can depend on whether the car is being restored to an earlier visual standard or prepared for regular road use.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 155R15 or the 560-15 for my 1964 Alfa Romeo?
For a 1964 Alfa Romeo 1600, the choice between 155R15 and 560-15 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 155R15 is a radial used on both the 1600 and Giulia, while the 560-15 is a bias-ply size specific to the 1600. The radial options are available only as blackwalls, while the bias-ply options include narrow and wide whitewall versions. Those differences make the two sizes distinct in both driving character and visual presentation.
Owners who want a more period-authentic feel and appearance often gravitate toward the 560-15 bias-ply route, especially on a restoration-focused 1600. Owners planning more regular road use usually prefer to stay with the 155R15 radial family. The important step is to choose your direction first and then confirm the wheel and application, rather than comparing the two sizes as if they were simply cosmetic versions of the same tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Alfa Romeo tires?
1964 Alfa Romeo tires span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles depending on size. The 155R15 radial choices for the 1600 and Giulia are blackwall only. The 560-15 bias-ply choices for the 1600 come in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, while the 165R400 radial for the 2600 appears in both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions. That creates a noticeably different visual palette across the model range.
For a mid-1960s Italian car, blackwall is usually the most conservative and broadly appropriate appearance, especially on sporting sedans and coupes. Whitewall preferences can be more market-specific and restoration-specific, so owners building a judged car should compare their choice against period photos, factory literature, and marque-club guidance. The sidewall look can change the car’s stance dramatically even when the wheel diameter and overall fitment stay correct.
What brands make tires for 1964 Alfa Romeo vehicles?
1964 Alfa Romeo tire coverage comes from Firestone, Michelin, and US Royal. Firestone and Michelin cover the 155R15 radial size, Firestone and US Royal cover the 560-15 bias-ply size, and Michelin covers the 165R400 radial size for the 2600. Within those ranges, Michelin appears on both 15-inch and millimetric Alfa applications, while Firestone and US Royal focus on the 15-inch sizes used on the smaller cars.
Brand choice matters most after the correct size and construction are settled. A 2600 owner is effectively choosing within Michelin’s millimetric offerings, while a 1600 owner has the broadest spread because that model crosses both radial and bias-ply territory. Once the fitment is narrowed down, compare sidewall style, tube status, and speed rating rather than assuming every brand’s version of the same nominal size serves the same purpose.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1964 Alfa Romeo tires require?
Rim width recommendations vary by tire size on 1964 Alfa Romeo vehicles. The 155R15 radial commonly fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims. The 560-15 bias-ply appears on 4.5-inch rims in some applications and also spans 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims. The 165R400 radial used on the 2600 covers a wider spread, from 4.50 to 6.00 inches on one version and 6.0 to 7.0 inches on another.
That variation is why the wheel itself should be checked before choosing a specific tire, especially on a car that may no longer be on its original wheels. Staying within the tire’s approved rim-width range helps preserve the intended tread shape and sidewall behavior. On the 2600 in particular, both wheel diameter and width deserve attention because the millimetric fitment is less forgiving of assumptions than the 15-inch sizes.
Do 1964 Alfa Romeo tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements vary by size and by product on 1964 Alfa Romeo tires. The 165R400 options for the 2600 are tube-type. The 155R15 radial family is mixed, with tubeless and tube-type versions both available depending on the exact Michelin or Firestone product. The 560-15 bias-ply products do not carry TT or TL markings in the available examples, so a buyer should verify the exact sidewall marking and wheel condition before finalizing the setup.
That matters because tube choice is tied not just to the tire but also to the wheel design and how the car is being restored. If your 1964 Alfa Romeo still uses original-style wheels, confirm whether the wheel and the selected tire are intended to run with a tube together. On a mixed-availability size like 155R15, do not assume one product’s tube status applies to another product with the same nominal dimensions.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1964 Alfa Romeo when the tires are fitted?
A 1964 Alfa Romeo should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone sources, and standing moisture, with the tires kept properly inflated and the car moved periodically if possible. Bias-ply tires such as the 560-15 can flat-spot more readily during long static storage, while radial tires like 155R15 and 165R400 generally recover more easily after sitting. Clean, dry floors and a stable indoor temperature help preserve both sidewalls and tread compounds over time.
If the car will sit for an extended season, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces continuous load on one contact patch. Tire covers can help block UV exposure, but they are not a substitute for proper storage conditions. A little prevention matters on a vintage Alfa Romeo, because tire aging often appears first in the sidewall long before the tread looks worn out.
How long do tires on a 1964 Alfa Romeo typically last?
Tires on a 1964 Alfa Romeo should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector cars often accumulate very few miles, so tread depth alone is not a reliable guide. A sensible rule is to inspect aging tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat roughly ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code and the tire’s overall condition should guide that decision.
This matters because a lightly used vintage Alfa can look road-ready while riding on tires that have hardened internally or started to crack externally. If the car is used for tours, longer drives, or spirited weekend outings, age-related caution matters even more than it would on a static display car. When in doubt, combine the tire’s age with a close visual inspection and the way the car has actually been stored.
How often should tires on a 1964 Alfa Romeo be inspected?
Tires on a 1964 Alfa Romeo deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough check before longer outings. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, tread damage, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. Tube-type applications deserve extra attention at the valve stem and around any wheel condition issues that could affect the tube. Cars that sit often can also develop flat-spotting or unnoticed weather checking.
A brief walk-around takes only a minute and can prevent a small storage-related issue from becoming a roadside problem. Before a tour or highway run, check cold inflation pressure, inspect the spare, and confirm the tires are still wearing evenly. Vintage Alfas are rewarding drivers’ cars, but they respond best when the tire condition is treated as part of regular mechanical stewardship rather than an afterthought.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1964 Alfa Romeo 1600?
For a 1964 Alfa Romeo 1600, the era itself strongly points toward bias-ply and early radial overlap depending on market and application, and both 560-15 and 155R15 appear within the 1600 fitment path. That makes the 1600 different from many simpler one-size vintage applications. The 560-15 is the more traditional bias-ply expression, while 155R15 reflects the period move toward radial construction on European cars. Original brand and market-specific details should be confirmed through factory literature or marque-club sources rather than assumed.
If your goal is a faithful restoration, the right answer may depend on body style, destination market, and how strictly the car is being judged. The safest path is to verify what your individual car wore when new and then match size, construction, and sidewall appearance as closely as possible. The broader point is that 1964 Alfa Romeo fitment sits in a transition era, so originality is not always as simple as choosing one modern equivalent.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1964 Alfa Romeo?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1964 Alfa Romeo, especially in classes that reward factory-correct appearance and period authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable marque enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size, construction type, and sidewall style suit the model and the era. A 2600 on the wrong wheel diameter, a 1600 wearing a visually inappropriate whitewall treatment, or a heavily modernized radial look on an originality-focused entry can all draw attention for the wrong reasons.
That does not mean every show expects the same standard. Touring events may be more accepting of practical radial choices, while marque judging can be much stricter about details. Before committing to a tire set for a show car, compare your planned fitment against period photos, factory references, and the judging guidance used by the club or event that matters most to you.
What is the difference between Michelin X and Michelin XAS for the 1964 Alfa Romeo?
For a 1964 Alfa Romeo in 155R15, Michelin X and Michelin XAS are both radial choices, but they differ in sidewall marking, speed rating, and tube status. Michelin X appears as a blackwall 155R15 82T TL, while Michelin XAS appears as a blackwall 155HR15 82H TT. That means the X carries a T speed rating, or 118 mph, and the XAS carries an H speed rating, or 130 mph. Both fit the same 15-inch diameter, and the XAS also shares a 4.00 to 5.50-inch rim range in the available examples.
For an owner, the practical difference is not simply brand prestige but the exact specification attached to the tire. One is a tubeless T-rated radial, while the other is a tube-type H-rated radial. On a 1964 Alfa Romeo, that can affect the setup you need and the style of use the tire supports, so the better choice depends on the wheel, the intended driving, and how closely you want to align with a particular period-correct radial character.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1964 Alfa Romeo tires safe for highway driving?
1964 Alfa Romeo tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size, condition, and construction are matched to the car. The 165R400 options for the 2600 carry an S rating, which corresponds to 112 mph. Within the 155R15 radial family, speed ratings vary by product from T at 118 mph to H at 130 mph. The 560-15 bias-ply examples do not carry a speed letter here, so they should be approached with the more conservative expectations typical of vintage bias-ply road use.
In real-world driving, the tire’s rating is only part of the picture. A 1964 Alfa Romeo also depends on period braking, suspension condition, alignment, and overall mechanical health, all of which can matter as much as the tire itself at normal highway speeds. The safest approach is to match the tire to the car’s intended use, keep it properly inflated, and avoid treating any vintage vehicle as if modern traffic conditions eliminate the need for extra margin.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1964 Alfa Romeo tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1964 Alfa Romeo should follow the car’s factory recommendation first, then be checked against the specific tire’s rated pressure and load information. Among the available examples, the 155R15 Firestone F560 carries a maximum load of 1045 pounds at 44 psi, while the 560-15 bias-ply products carry a maximum load of 970 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are maximum load-and-pressure pairings for those tires, not blanket inflation settings to apply across every Alfa model or every tire in the same nominal size.
That distinction matters because ride, handling, and tread wear can all suffer if maximum sidewall pressure is treated as the everyday operating target. Start with the owner’s manual or marque reference for the vehicle, then confirm the selected tire’s construction and rating. If your 1964 Alfa Romeo has been restored with a non-original wheel or a different tire series, it is wise to recheck inflation guidance with the tire manufacturer’s specifications in hand.
What should I check before taking a 1964 Alfa Romeo on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1964 Alfa Romeo on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and stable cold inflation pressure. Check the spare as well, since many collector cars carry an old spare that has aged out quietly. On tube-type applications such as the 165R400, pay attention to valve stem condition and any signs of leakage. The tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine that also includes brakes, fluids, belts, hoses, and wheel fastener security.
Longer drives place sustained heat and load into tires that may spend much of their lives on short local outings. A car that feels fine around town can reveal vibration, pressure loss, or age-related weakness once speeds and distances increase. Giving the tires a careful once-over before departure is especially worthwhile on a vintage Alfa Romeo, because it helps separate a memorable touring day from an avoidable roadside interruption.
