The 1967 Simca represented the practical, compact side of European motoring, and the rear-engined Simca 1000 gave buyers a small sedan with distinctly Continental proportions and tire sizing. For a buyer working through 1967 Simca fitment, the key point is that one model uses four different size paths rather than a single universal answer. Two sizes are radial and two are bias-ply, and they split across both 12-inch and 13-inch wheel diameters, so the real choice is not just old-versus-new construction but also confirming which wheel diameter is actually on the car. Start by identifying your Simca 1000's wheel size, then narrow your choice by construction preference.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1967 Simca
Four tire sizes are used on 1967 Simca vehicles, and all of them apply to the Simca 1000 rather than being spread across multiple model lines. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car is on 12-inch or 13-inch wheels, then choosing between bias-ply and radial construction where applicable. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps match the tire to the car's current setup.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): 1000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
145R13 is a metric radial size with a 145-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter; when no aspect ratio is shown in this format, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This Simca 1000-specific size is available from Michelin and Firestone in Blackwall form, with tubeless variation by product and an H speed rating on the Michelin XAS FF, which carries a 130 mph ceiling. It suits owners who want a radial construction on a 13-inch wheel and are choosing between period European character and a straightforward reproduction-style radial. Firestone also publishes a load figure of 825 pounds at 44 psi for its version.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): 1000|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13-in rim
5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.50 refers to the nominal section width and 13 identifies the rim diameter. This size is specific to the Simca 1000 within the 1967 Simca range and keeps the car on a 13-inch wheel with traditional bias-ply construction. It is the more era-authentic route for an owner focused on original driving character and appearance rather than converting the car to a radial feel. Confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car before choosing it over 145R13.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): 1000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12-in rim
155R12 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 12-inch rim diameter, and this format is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial when no aspect ratio is stated. This Simca 1000-specific size represents the radial option for cars equipped with 12-inch wheels. It is the right path for an owner who wants radial construction but must stay with the smaller wheel diameter already on the car. Because wheel diameter differs from the 13-inch sizes, it should be chosen only after verifying the wheel itself.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): 1000|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
5.60-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 indicating nominal section width and 12 indicating rim diameter. This size is specific to Simca 1000 cars running 12-inch wheels, so it is not interchangeable with the 13-inch options without changing wheels. It appeals to restorers who want a traditional bias-ply construction on the smaller wheel package used within the model range. Wheel diameter is the first checkpoint before comparing it with 155R12.
One model is covered for 1967 Simca: the Simca 1000. Even with a single model, tire choice still varies, because the Simca 1000 appears with both 12-inch and 13-inch fitments and with either bias-ply or radial construction. Select the model below to continue into Simca 1000-specific fitment details and tire options.
1967 Simca 1000
The 1967 Simca 1000 was a compact French sedan with rear-engine packaging and a distinctly European tire profile compared with most domestic cars of the same period. Its tire choices span both 12-inch and 13-inch rims, which makes wheel diameter the first thing to verify before narrowing the choice to bias-ply or radial construction.
Two products are available across four tire sizes for 1967 Simca vehicles. In 145R13, Michelin and Firestone cover the radial 13-inch fitment in Blackwall form. Confirm your wheel diameter first, then check the individual product's tube status and speed marking before selecting.
These answers focus on the Simca 1000's split between 12-inch and 13-inch wheel fitments, the choice between bias-ply and radial construction, and practical details such as sidewall style, tube use, and long-term care for a lightly driven collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1967 Simca vehicles?
1967 Simca vehicles in this range center on the Simca 1000, and that model uses four sizes: 145R13, 5.50-13, 155R12, and 5.60-12. The 145R13 and 5.50-13 sizes mount on 13-inch wheels, while 155R12 and 5.60-12 mount on 12-inch wheels. Radial construction appears in the two metric sizes, and bias-ply construction appears in the two numeric sizes.
That means a 1967 Simca owner should not start with construction alone. Wheel diameter comes first, because a 12-inch tire and a 13-inch tire are not interchangeable on the same rim. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, the next decision is whether the car is being kept closer to its original bias-ply character or set up with a radial tire in the corresponding wheel size.
What does 145R13 mean on a 1967 Simca tire?
On a 1967 Simca, 145R13 is a metric radial size. The 145 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the rim diameter in inches. In this style of older Euro-metric sizing, the absent aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile.
For a Simca 1000 owner, that decoding matters because 145R13 is not just another way of writing 5.50-13. It identifies a radial tire for a 13-inch wheel, not a 12-inch fitment and not a bias-ply casing. If your car already wears 13-inch wheels and you want to stay with a European-style radial size, 145R13 is the size to compare first.
What does 5.50-13 mean on a 1967 Simca tire?
On a 1967 Simca, 5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. The first number refers to nominal section width in inches, and the 13 refers to the rim diameter in inches. Unlike a metric radial code, this format does not use an R to indicate radial construction.
That makes 5.50-13 the traditional style of size marking a 1960s European compact owner is likely to encounter on an originality-minded car. It shares a 13-inch rim diameter with 145R13, but it represents a different construction and a different period driving feel. If your Simca 1000 is being restored with an eye toward factory-era appearance, this format is often the one to evaluate first.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 145R13 or the 5.50-13 for my 1967 Simca?
For a 1967 Simca on 13-inch wheels, the difference between 145R13 and 5.50-13 is mainly construction. The 145R13 is a radial size, while the 5.50-13 is a bias-ply size. Radials generally appeal to owners who want a more modern road feel, while bias-ply tires better preserve the period-correct character associated with a mid-1960s compact.
The right choice depends on how your Simca 1000 is used and presented. A show-oriented car or faithful restoration often leans toward the bias-ply option, while a car driven more regularly may lead an owner toward radial construction. That comparison only applies after you confirm that the car actually has 13-inch wheels, because the Simca 1000 also appears with 12-inch fitments.
What brands make tires for 1967 Simca vehicles?
For 1967 Simca vehicles, the 145R13 radial size is available from Michelin and Firestone. Michelin's offering is the XAS FF, and Firestone's is the F560 Radial Tire. Both are Blackwall radials sized for 13-inch applications within the Simca 1000 range.
That brand choice matters most if your Simca is already confirmed to use 145R13. Michelin carries especially strong period-European recognition, while Firestone offers the same size with its own construction and published load specification. If your car is on a 12-inch wheel or you are pursuing a bias-ply fitment, start by confirming size and wheel diameter before narrowing the brand decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Simca tires?
1967 Simca tires in the available 145R13 radial products come in Blackwall form. That sidewall treatment suits the clean, utilitarian look expected on many European compacts of the period and avoids adding a more decorative American-style sidewall treatment to a French economy car.
For a Simca 1000 owner, sidewall style is part appearance and part authenticity. A simple Blackwall typically looks more at home on a 1967 Simca than a flashier treatment would, especially on a stock or lightly restored car. If presentation at shows matters, compare the sidewall look on the actual product to the character of the car and the restoration goal before making a final choice.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1967 Simca tires require?
Rim width guidance is available for the 145R13 size used on 1967 Simca vehicles. In that size, the Firestone radial fits rim widths from 4.00 to 5.00 inches. The rest of the Simca 1000 size range should still be checked against the wheel on the car and the specific tire's own fitment guidance before mounting.
That range is helpful because many small European cars of the era used narrow wheels, and even a correct diameter tire can be a poor match if the rim is too wide or too narrow. Measure the wheel or confirm its stamped width before choosing a tire, especially if the car has had wheels swapped at some point in its life.
Do 1967 Simca tires require inner tubes?
Tube use on 1967 Simca tires depends on the specific tire chosen. The Michelin 145R13 product is marked TL, which means tubeless. Other sizes and products should be checked by their individual sidewall marking or product specification, because tube status is not automatically the same across every size and construction.
That distinction matters on a Simca 1000 because wheel condition and wheel design can affect whether a tubeless tire is appropriate in practice. If the car still has original-style wheels, inspect the bead seat carefully and verify whether the wheel is suitable for tubeless service. Tube decisions should be made size by size and product by product rather than by assuming every 1967 Simca tire is handled the same way.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1967 Simca when the tires are fitted?
A 1967 Simca should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated and move the car periodically if possible. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage, while older-style sidewalls of any construction dislike heat and ozone exposure.
If the Simca 1000 will sit for months at a time, clean the tires, avoid petroleum-based dressings, and consider stands or cradles if the car is stored long term. That reduces casing stress and helps preserve roundness. Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on a collector car, because a tire can age out long before it wears out.
How long do tires on a 1967 Simca typically last?
Tires on a 1967 Simca usually age out before they wear out, especially on a collector-driven Simca 1000. A sound rule is to begin serious age evaluation around five to seven years and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves strong consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code is the starting point for that timeline.
Low annual mileage can create a false sense of security on an older compact. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, and long periods of inactivity affect grip and reliability even when the tread still looks serviceable. If the age is approaching that outer window, combine the date check with a close physical inspection and your intended use before deciding whether another driving season is wise.
How often should tires on a 1967 Simca be inspected?
Tires on a 1967 Simca should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded objects, and pressure loss. If your Simca 1000 uses tube-type tires or tubes within older wheels, include the valve stem area and any signs of slow leakage in that inspection.
A quick walkaround catches problems that are easy to miss on a lightly used collector car. Because a Simca may spend more time parked than driven, issues can develop between outings rather than during heavy mileage. Pre-drive inspection is especially important before highway use, long club tours, or events where the car will be operating at speed for longer than its usual local trips.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1967 Simca 1000?
A 1967 Simca 1000 would have been associated with bias-ply fitment in period, even though radial sizes are also available today in the same year-and-make range. The relevant sizes for the model include both numeric bias-ply and metric radial formats, split across 12-inch and 13-inch wheel diameters. For a market-correct restoration, the first thing to verify is which wheel diameter the car was built or later equipped with.
Original-equipment details could vary by market, running change, or prior owner modifications, especially on imported European cars. That is why restoration-minded owners should compare the surviving wheel and any period literature for their specific car before making a final tire decision. Marque clubs and Simca specialists are the best resource when the goal is exact factory-era presentation rather than a broadly correct replacement.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1967 Simca?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1967 Simca because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, sidewall appearance, and overall stance. A Simca 1000 restored for originality generally looks more authentic on an era-appropriate size and construction than it does on a visibly more modern alternative. Even when the wheel diameter is correct, a radial-versus-bias-ply change can alter the visual impression of the car.
That does not mean every event will judge the car the same way. Some shows are relaxed about road-oriented upgrades, while concours-style events can be more particular about construction and appearance. If points matter, verify the expectations of the specific event and compare them with your car's restoration goal before settling on a tire, especially if you are choosing between a metric radial and a numeric bias-ply size.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS FF and Firestone F560 for the 1967 Simca?
For a 1967 Simca using 145R13, Michelin XAS FF and Firestone F560 are both radial Blackwall choices, but they differ in details. The Michelin carries a 145HR13 74H TL marking, which means an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling and tubeless construction. The Firestone is also a 145R13 radial and publishes a rim width range of 4.00 to 5.00 inches plus a load figure of 825 pounds at 44 psi.
Those differences help separate the decision into driving intent and setup needs rather than size alone. An owner focused on period-European flavor may gravitate toward the Michelin name and specification style, while an owner cross-checking wheel width and load information may appreciate the Firestone's published figures. Either way, the comparison only applies if your Simca 1000 is on 13-inch wheels and you want a radial tire.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1967 Simca tires safe for highway driving?
1967 Simca tires can be suitable for highway driving when the tire is in sound condition, correctly mounted, properly inflated, and used within its speed rating. In the 145R13 size, the Michelin XAS FF carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to 130 mph. In real use, a 1967 Simca 1000's age, braking capability, suspension condition, and general mechanical state usually matter more than chasing the tire's maximum theoretical speed ceiling.
Safety on the highway is really about the complete package. A fresh, correctly chosen tire is only one part of the equation on a rear-engined 1960s compact. Before regular highway use, make sure the alignment, wheel condition, steering, brakes, and tire age all support the way the car will be driven, and keep expectations aligned with the car's original era and design.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1967 Simca tires?
Inflation pressure for 1967 Simca tires should follow the factory recommendation for the car and the tire manufacturer's own limits for the exact product. One published figure in this range is the Firestone 145R13 at 825 pounds maximum load at 44 psi, but that is a product rating, not a blanket operating pressure for every Simca tire or every size used on the Simca 1000.
Use the owner's manual or factory placard as the starting point for normal service pressure, then confirm that your chosen tire's construction and load rating are compatible with that guidance. Do not transfer a pressure figure from 145R13 to 5.50-13, 155R12, or 5.60-12 without verifying the product itself, because construction type and size format can change the correct approach.
What should I check before taking a 1967 Simca on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1967 Simca, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and do not forget the spare. Check valve stems closely, especially if the car uses tube-type assemblies or older wheels. Also confirm that the tires are evenly seated on the rims and that no tire shows signs of age-related separation or persistent air loss.
A longer trip in a Simca 1000 also deserves a broader mechanical review. Because the car is a vintage compact, the condition of brakes, cooling, steering, wheel bearings, and lighting should be treated with the same seriousness as the tires. A careful pre-trip inspection reduces the chance that an avoidable tire or wheel issue becomes the problem that sidelines the car far from home.
