1964 Fiat Tire Fitment Guide

1964 Fiat vehicles use fourteen sizes across six model groups. The 1100 uses 155R14, 520-14, 165R14, and 560-14. The 1200 & 1500 and 1300 & 1500 use 155R13 and 560-13. The 1500 uses 145R14, 520-14, 165R14, and 5.90-14. The 1600 uses 155R15 and 560-15. The 1800 uses 165R15, 590-15, 175R14, and 6.40-14.

That spread means year and make alone are not enough for a correct starting point. Some Fiats in this range are on 13-inch wheels, some on 14-inch, and some on 15-inch, with certain models offering both radial and bias-ply choices in the same wheel diameter. Confirm the exact model first, then compare the size already on the car against the wheel diameter and any original fitment references you trust.

On a 1964 Fiat, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 portion refers to nominal section width in inches, while 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 Fiat range, that size belongs to the 1200 & 1500 and 1300 & 1500 models, and it appears in traditional bias-ply construction rather than radial construction.

That matters because a numeric size reads very differently from a modern metric radial code. If you are comparing 560-13 with 155R13 on the same Fiat model family, the choice is not just about the number on the sidewall but also about construction, sidewall appearance, and driving character. Matching the old-style numeric code usually points you toward a more period-authentic presentation.

No, 1964 Fiat models do not all use the same tire size. The range spans 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch applications, and the individual model groups have their own combinations. Even where two models share one size, such as 520-14 for the 1100 and 1500 or 155R13 for the 1200 & 1500 and 1300 & 1500, that sharing does not extend across the whole make.

For a buyer, that means the model name matters as much as the year. A 1964 Fiat 1600 and a 1964 Fiat 1800 may both have 15-inch options, but they do not use the same full set of sizes. Start with the exact model designation on the car, then verify the wheel diameter and compare the tire you are considering against what is already fitted.

For a 1964 Fiat 1200 & 1500 or 1964 Fiat 1300 & 1500, 155R13 is the radial choice and 560-13 is the bias-ply choice. The radial options come in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop, while the bias-ply options come from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. Both sizes fit the same 13-inch wheel diameter for those model groups, but they represent two different construction philosophies.

Choose the bias-ply path when restoration correctness, vintage sidewall shape, and period visual character are the priority. Choose the radial path when the car will see more regular road use and you want a modern radial construction in the same general application. Either way, confirm the wheel width against the tire you are considering, because rim-width recommendations differ by individual size and product.

1964 Fiat tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. Most of the radial sizes, including 155R14, 165R14, 155R13, 145R14, 155R15, and 175R14, appear in blackwall form. Many of the bias-ply sizes add whitewall options, such as 560-14 in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, 560-13 in narrow and wide whitewall, and 560-15 in narrow and wide whitewall.

For a 1964 Fiat, blackwall usually gives the most restrained European look, especially on sporty or understated restorations. Whitewall choices can make sense when a car is being restored to a market presentation or owner preference that favored a dressier appearance. The important point is to match sidewall style not only to the era, but also to the exact personality of the specific Fiat model you are restoring.

1964 Fiat tire applications are covered by a broad mix of brands, including Michelin, Firestone, Pirelli, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Camac, Premium Sport, US Royal, Coker Classic, American Classic, and Avon. Brand coverage changes by size. For example, 165R14 comes from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, while 165R15 comes from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich.

That variety gives owners different ways to approach the same car. Some sizes lean toward European radial names with strong period associations, while others lean toward classic American whitewall and bias-ply offerings. Once you know your model and tire size, compare brands within that size by construction, sidewall style, speed rating where shown, and wheel-width compatibility rather than choosing by brand name alone.

Rim-width recommendations vary by size on 1964 Fiat applications. Examples include 155R14 at 4.00 to 5.50 inches, 520-14 at 3.50 to 4.00 inches, 165R14 at either 4.0 to 5.5 or 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on product, 560-14 at 3.50 to 4.00 inches, 155R13 at 4.00 to 5.50 inches, and 145R14 at 4.00 to 5.00 inches. On the larger sizes, 165R15 commonly fits 4.50 to 6.00 inches, while 590-15 fits 4.00 to 4.50 inches where that figure appears.

Those ranges show why wheel width matters just as much as wheel diameter. Two tires may both fit a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel but still call for different rim widths to sit correctly. Before committing to a tire for a 1964 Fiat, measure the actual wheel on the car or confirm the wheel specification with a trusted marque source rather than assuming every same-diameter wheel is interchangeable.

Inner-tube requirements can vary by size and by product on 1964 Fiat tires. Some radial products are clearly marked TL for tubeless, such as Michelin X in 155R14 and Michelin XAS-FF in 155R15, while one 155R15 Michelin XAS is marked TT for tube type. Many bias-ply sizes do not carry a tube marking in the size description, so the practical rule is to verify the exact sidewall marking and the wheel design being used.

That is especially important on a collector Fiat because the tire itself is only part of the decision. An older wheel design, a tube-type tire, or a product line with mixed tube markings within the same nominal size can all change the setup. Check the specific tire marking, inspect the wheel condition, and make sure the valve stem and any tube choice are appropriate to the exact tire you install.

On many 1964 Fiat models, the radial and bias-ply choices for that model share the same rim diameter. The 1200 & 1500 and 1300 & 1500 pair 155R13 with 560-13 on 13-inch wheels, the 1600 pairs 155R15 with 560-15 on 15-inch wheels, and the 1100 and 1500 each have 14-inch radial and bias-ply options. The 1800 is the exception because its available sizes span both 14-inch and 15-inch applications.

Shared diameter does not automatically mean every original wheel is correct for every tire within that model. Rim-width recommendations still differ by size, and that can affect whether a particular wheel is a good match. If your 1964 Fiat still has its factory-style wheels, confirm both the diameter and the actual measured width before moving between bias-ply and radial alternatives.

A 1964 Fiat should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so it does not sit in one position for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to temporary flat-spotting during storage, while any older-style sidewall can suffer if exposed to heat and ozone.

For a seasonal collector car, careful storage often matters more than annual mileage. If the Fiat will sit for an extended period, some owners prefer to roll it occasionally or support the car in a way that reduces long static loading. The goal is to preserve sidewall condition, prevent moisture damage, and avoid discovering age-related issues only after the car is back on the road.

Tires on a 1964 Fiat should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A collector car can show plenty of remaining tread and still be due for close evaluation after about five to seven years, with replacement often considered as tires approach ten years from the date code. That guideline applies whether the car is on radial or bias-ply tires, because time, storage conditions, and heat cycles matter greatly on low-use classics.

The practical step is to read the DOT date code and inspect the tire as a whole, not just the tread face. Sidewall cracking, hardening, repeated air loss, impact damage, and persistent vibration all deserve attention before another driving season. On an infrequently used 1964 Fiat, age can quietly overtake mileage, so regular evaluation is part of responsible ownership.

Tires on a 1964 Fiat should be checked before every drive and given a closer inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracks, weathering, cuts, bulges, unusual tread wear, and any sign that pressure is not being held consistently. If the car uses a tube-type tire or a tube-based setup, valve stems and tube-related air loss deserve extra attention as part of that routine.

A quick inspection is especially important on a classic that may sit between drives. Low annual mileage can hide problems because deterioration often happens in storage, not on the road. Make the spare part of the same routine, since an aged or neglected spare is of little use when you actually need it on a longer trip in a 1964 Fiat.

For a 1964 Fiat 1100, the period-correct starting point is bias-ply construction, because that remained standard on many cars of this era even as radial technology was gaining ground in Europe. Within the 1100 application, both 520-14 and 560-14 appear as bias-ply options, while 155R14 and 165R14 represent radial alternatives in the same general model family. Original fitment could vary by market, wheel, and specification.

That means the right restoration answer depends on the exact car you are preserving. If the goal is authenticity for judging or a faithful visual restoration, bias-ply construction and an era-appropriate sidewall style usually belong at the top of the conversation. For model-by-model or market-specific confirmation, compare the car’s surviving wheel and tire evidence with factory literature or a knowledgeable Fiat club before making a final choice.

Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1964 Fiat is being prepared for show judging. Judges and marque experts often look at overall size, construction type, and sidewall appearance because those details strongly affect stance and historical accuracy. A modern radial on a car judged for factory-style authenticity, or an overly dressy whitewall treatment on a model that would more typically wear blackwalls, can stand out quickly.

That does not mean every show follows the same standard. Some local events are far more relaxed, while concours-level judging may reward careful attention to period-correct tire presentation. The best approach is to decide whether your Fiat is being restored for authenticity, touring, or a blend of both, then verify the event’s expectations with the relevant club, registrar, or judging guide before the car is finished.

On a 1964 Fiat in 165R14, Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic are both blackwall radial choices, but their published details are not identical. The Michelin XAS carries an H speed rating and fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims in that size, while the Vredestein Sprint Classic also carries an H speed rating, supports 4.0 to 5.5-inch rims, and shows a maximum load of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. In 175R14, Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic again overlap as blackwall radial options, with the Vredestein showing a 1,235-pound maximum load at 51 psi.

For a Fiat owner, the takeaway is to compare the exact size and wheel on the car, not just the brand or the fact that both are radials. Wheel-width range can influence which tire is a better match for a particular rim, and published load or pressure figures can matter when you are trying to stay close to the intended character of the car. Choose by fitment details first, then by brand preference.

Many 1964 Fiat tire options are suitable for normal highway use when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and inflated properly. Several radial choices carry H speed ratings with a 130 mph ceiling, such as 165R14, 155R13, 155R15, 590-15 in Avon form, and 175R14, while 155R14 Michelin X carries a T rating with a 118 mph ceiling and 560-13 includes an S-rated option with a 112 mph ceiling. Other products do not show a speed letter in the size marking and should be treated according to the manufacturer’s own guidance.

In practice, a sound 1964 Fiat is usually limited more by vehicle age, brakes, suspension condition, and general mechanical readiness than by the upper speed capability of a reproduction tire. Highway confidence comes from the whole system working together. Before any sustained road use, make sure the tires match the wheels, hold pressure, show no age damage, and suit the kind of driving the car will actually see.

Inflation pressure on a 1964 Fiat depends on the exact tire size and product. Examples include 520-14 at 1230 pounds maximum load at 60 psi, 560-14 at 906 pounds at 30 psi, 560-13 at 850 pounds at 30 psi, 145R14 at 880 pounds at 44 psi, 155R15 at 1045 pounds at 44 psi, 560-15 at 970 pounds at 32 psi, 165R15 at 1168 to 1170 pounds at 35 to 36 psi, 590-15 at 1050 pounds at 32 psi, and 175R14 at 1235 pounds at 51 psi where those figures are published.

Those numbers are tire ratings, not universal set-and-forget running pressures for every 1964 Fiat. Use the factory handbook or marque guidance for the car’s intended operating pressure, then compare that with the tire maker’s own recommendations for the exact product you choose. Avoid transferring a pressure figure from one size to another, because the tire’s load capacity and construction are part of the equation.

Before a longer drive in a 1964 Fiat, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation, and confirm that the spare is equally serviceable. If the setup uses a tube-type tire, pay close attention to valve stems and any signs of slow leakage. A larger touring plan also deserves a quick look at wheel fasteners, suspension condition, and the basic brake and steering systems that share the work with the tires.

Longer trips put sustained heat and time on an older car, so small issues matter more than they do on a short local outing. The tire check should be part of a broader readiness routine rather than a separate task. On a 1964 Fiat, confidence on the road comes from knowing the tires are fresh enough, correctly sized, and properly mounted before the rest of the journey begins.