By 1967, Volkswagen had grown far beyond the Beetle, offering a family of compact rear-engined cars that ranged from the familiar Type 1 and stylish Karmann Ghia to the roomier Type 3 Fastback, Squareback, and Station Wagon. That wider lineup means 1967 Volkswagen tire fitment is not a one-size-fits-all question. Five models use six distinct sizes, with each model pairing a radial option and a bias-ply counterpart, so the decision usually comes down to identifying the correct model first and then choosing between period-style construction and more modern road manners. Before picking a tire, confirm whether your Volkswagen is on 14-inch or 15-inch wheels and which size family belongs to that model.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1967 Volkswagen
Six tire sizes are used across 1967 Volkswagen vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. Each model has a radial size and a bias-ply counterpart, so the real choice is usually between construction style and intended use once you have confirmed the correct model and rim diameter. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps match the tire to the way your Volkswagen will be driven or restored.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): Beetle, Karmann Ghia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
155R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and a 15-inch rim diameter, and on 1967 Volkswagen models it is specific to the Beetle and Karmann Ghia rather than the whole lineup. It is available from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form, with tube status and speed rating varying by product: Michelin X appears as 82T TL, Michelin XAS as 82H TT, and Michelin XAS-FF as 82H TL, while Firestone F560 is offered without a speed letter in the size marking. This is the 15-inch radial choice for owners who want a size associated with Beetle and Ghia applications while staying with a classic metric radial format.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): Beetle, Karmann Ghia|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 represents the nominal section width and 15 is the rim diameter, and for 1967 Volkswagen it is specific to the Beetle and Karmann Ghia. It is available from Firestone and US Royal with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and these products are tube type by tradition of the size even though tube markings are not called out in the size field. This is the bias-ply route for owners focused on a distinctly period appearance and traditional driving character on Beetle and Ghia models.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): Fastback, Squareback|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
165R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters and a 15-inch rim diameter, and on 1967 Volkswagen models it belongs to the Fastback and Squareback rather than the Beetle family. It is available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and blackwall styles, all as radial construction. This is the 15-inch radial option for Type 3 owners who want the correct size family for a Fastback or Squareback with a broad choice of sidewall looks.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): Fastback, Squareback|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.00 indicates the nominal section width and 15 identifies the rim diameter, and on 1967 Volkswagen it is reserved for the Fastback and Squareback. BFGoodrich offers this size in both wide whitewall and blackwall styles in bias-ply construction. This size suits Type 3 owners who want a traditional bias-ply presentation that matches the era and the model-specific 15-inch fitment family.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): Station Wagon|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 185 millimeters and a 14-inch rim diameter, and for 1967 Volkswagen it is exclusive to the Station Wagon. It is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, with speed ratings varying by product: Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic carry H ratings to 130 mph, while Phoenix appears without a speed letter in the size marking; tube status also varies by product, with Michelin marked TL. This is the radial choice for the Station Wagon owner who needs the larger 14-inch size family used on that model.
Year(s): 1967|Fit(s): Station Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
700-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.00 is the nominal section width and 14 is the rim diameter, and it applies only to the 1967 Volkswagen Station Wagon. BFGoodrich offers it in blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, both in bias-ply construction. This is the period-style 14-inch choice for Station Wagon owners who want the traditional look and feel associated with a bias-ply setup.
Five 1967 Volkswagen models are covered here, and tire size changes with the model rather than staying constant across the make. That matters because a Beetle or Karmann Ghia uses a different 15-inch size family than a Fastback or Squareback, while the Station Wagon moves to a 14-inch fitment entirely. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire sizes that apply to your specific Volkswagen.
1967 Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle was the heart of the Volkswagen line in 1967, valued for its simplicity, unmistakable shape, and broad appeal as an everyday compact. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the choice here centers on either a 155R15 radial or a 560-15 bias-ply depending on how original or road-oriented you want the car to feel.
The Fastback was part of Volkswagen's Type 3 range, giving buyers a sleeker, more modern shape than the Beetle while keeping the brand's rear-engine character. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, with 165R15 as the radial option and 600-15 as the bias-ply counterpart for owners chasing a more traditional presentation.
The Karmann Ghia combined Volkswagen mechanical familiarity with hand-finished coachbuilt styling, making it one of the most elegant cars in the lineup. It uses 15-inch tires like the Beetle, with a 155R15 radial option or a 560-15 bias-ply for owners who want a more era-authentic sidewall and stance.
The Squareback gave the Type 3 line its most practical body style, blending compact Volkswagen packaging with more cargo utility than the Beetle-based models. It rides on 15-inch tires, and its fitment centers on either 165R15 radial construction or 600-15 bias-ply depending on the car's restoration direction and use.
The Station Wagon brought Volkswagen buyers a roomier Type 3-based wagon with a distinct role in the 1967 range. Unlike the other models here, it uses 14-inch tires, with 185R14 in radial form and 700-14 in bias-ply form, so confirming the wagon model first is especially important.
Thirty-seven products are available across six tire sizes for 1967 Volkswagen vehicles. 155R15 spans Firestone and Michelin radials in blackwall form; 560-15 covers Firestone and US Royal bias-ply tires with narrow and wide whitewalls; 165R15 includes Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich radials in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles; 600-15 uses BFGoodrich bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall options; 185R14 brings Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein radials in blackwall and narrow whitewall form; 700-14 uses BFGoodrich bias-ply blackwall and narrow whitewall options. Confirm your size and construction choice first, since tube status and speed ratings can vary within some sizes.
These FAQs help sort out the model-by-model size split across 1967 Volkswagen vehicles, the choice between radial and bias-ply construction, and practical details like sidewall style, tubes, rim width, storage, and highway use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1967 Volkswagen vehicles?
1967 Volkswagen vehicles use six sizes across five models. Beetle and Karmann Ghia use either 155R15 radial or 560-15 bias-ply, Fastback and Squareback use either 165R15 radial or 600-15 bias-ply, and the Station Wagon uses either 185R14 radial or 700-14 bias-ply. The 15-inch groups stay within their own model families, while the Station Wagon stands apart on 14-inch rims.
Rim width ranges vary by size. 155R15 products span 4.00 to 5.50 inches where stated, 560-15 spans 4.5 to 5.50 inches, 165R15 spans 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-15 spans 4.00 to 5.00 inches depending on product, 185R14 spans 4.00 to 6.50 inches, and 700-14 spans 5.00 to 5.50 inches. That makes model identification the first step, followed by confirming the actual wheel before settling on a tire.
What does 560-15 mean on a 1967 Volkswagen tire?
On a 1967 Volkswagen, 560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 portion refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. That size belongs to Beetle and Karmann Ghia applications in this year and make, not to the Fastback, Squareback, or Station Wagon.
A 560-15 buyer is usually balancing authenticity and appearance more than decoding modern metric information. This size is offered in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms, which can change the visual character of the car without changing the basic fitment. If your goal is an era-right look for a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle or Karmann Ghia, this numeric bias-ply format is the one to understand first.
Do all 1967 Volkswagen models use the same tire size?
No, 1967 Volkswagen models do not all share one tire size. Beetle and Karmann Ghia use 155R15 or 560-15, Fastback and Squareback use 165R15 or 600-15, and the Station Wagon uses 185R14 or 700-14. Even within the same make and year, the Type 1, Type 3, and wagon applications split into different size families.
That difference matters because it affects both rim diameter and the visual scale of the finished car. A buyer who knows only that the vehicle is a 1967 Volkswagen still needs to identify the model before choosing a tire. Once the model is confirmed, the remaining decision usually becomes whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or move to a radial in the matching model-specific size.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 155R15 or the 560-15 for my 1967 Volkswagen?
For a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle or Karmann Ghia, 155R15 is the radial choice and 560-15 is the bias-ply choice. Both are 15-inch sizes for the same model family, but they represent different tire constructions. The radial route centers on a classic metric size with blackwall offerings, while the bias-ply route includes traditional whitewall treatments that suit a more period-focused presentation.
The practical decision comes down to how you use the car and how original you want it to look and feel. A show-oriented restoration often leans toward the bias-ply format, while a driver that sees regular road miles often leads owners toward a radial in the matching model-specific size. Keep the choice within the Beetle and Karmann Ghia family, since these sizes do not cross over to the Fastback, Squareback, or Station Wagon.
What sidewall styles are available for 1967 Volkswagen tires?
1967 Volkswagen tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles depending on size. The radial 155R15 appears in blackwall, 165R15 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, and 185R14 comes in blackwall and narrow whitewall. The bias-ply 560-15 offers narrow and wide whitewall choices, 600-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 700-14 comes in blackwall and narrow whitewall.
Sidewall style can change the car's visual character as much as the size itself. Blackwalls tend to suit a cleaner, more understated appearance, while whitewalls can push the look toward a stronger period statement. For a 1967 Volkswagen judged for originality, the right sidewall treatment matters along with size and construction, so owners chasing a precise restoration should compare the tire to period photos and event-specific standards before deciding.
What brands make tires for 1967 Volkswagen vehicles?
Several brands cover 1967 Volkswagen fitments. 155R15 comes from Firestone and Michelin, 560-15 from Firestone and US Royal, 165R15 from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich, 600-15 from BFGoodrich, 185R14 from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, and 700-14 from BFGoodrich. That mix gives Volkswagen owners both American-brand classics and well-known European-style radial options depending on model and size.
Brand choice should follow the size and construction your specific model uses, not the other way around. Once the model is pinned down, compare sidewall style, tube marking, and any speed-rating details within that size family. That is especially useful on 155R15 and 185R14, where Michelin appears in more than one series and the speed-letter markings are not identical across every product.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1967 Volkswagen tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1967 Volkswagen tires vary by size. 155R15 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims where stated, 560-15 spans 4.5 to 5.50 inches, 165R15 spans 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-15 spans 4.00 to 4.50 inches in one version and 4.50 to 5.00 inches in another, 185R14 spans 4.00 to 6.50 inches, and 700-14 spans 5.00 to 5.50 inches.
Those ranges matter because a tire that is correct in diameter can still be a poor match if the wheel is too narrow or too wide for the product. This is especially important on cars that have had wheels swapped over the years. Measure the actual wheel or confirm its width before ordering, particularly if your 1967 Volkswagen has been restored, modified, or converted from its original wheel setup.
Do 1967 Volkswagen tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1967 Volkswagen tires depend on the size and the exact product. In 155R15, Michelin XAS appears as TT while Michelin X and Michelin XAS-FF appear as TL, so tube status varies by product within that size. In 185R14, Michelin MXV appears as TL, while other 185R14 products do not all use the same style of marking in the size field.
That means tube fitment should be confirmed on the exact tire you choose rather than assumed from the vehicle alone. On older wheel designs, the wheel condition and whether it is appropriate for tubeless service also matter. If you are working with original 1967 Volkswagen wheels, especially on a restoration, check both the tire's sidewall marking and the wheel's condition before final assembly.
Can the original 1967 Volkswagen wheels be used with both tire sizes for the same model?
Within each 1967 Volkswagen model family, the paired radial and bias-ply options share the same rim diameter. Beetle and Karmann Ghia use 15-inch sizes in both 155R15 and 560-15, Fastback and Squareback use 15-inch sizes in both 165R15 and 600-15, and the Station Wagon uses 14-inch sizes in both 185R14 and 700-14. That means the diameter side of the wheel match is consistent within each model's two-size choice.
The next step is confirming wheel width against the specific tire you want to use. Some sizes cover a broader wheel-width range than others, and the ranges do not overlap perfectly in every case. A 1967 Volkswagen owner considering a switch between radial and bias-ply should verify the wheel width before mounting, rather than assuming every original wheel is equally suited to every tire offered for that model.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1967 Volkswagen when the tires are fitted?
A 1967 Volkswagen should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that can accelerate rubber aging. Clean, properly inflated tires hold up better in storage than underinflated ones. Bias-ply tires also tend to develop flat spotting more readily during long static periods than radials, so the construction on your car affects how noticeable the first miles can feel after storage.
For cars that sit for long stretches, move the vehicle periodically or use stands if the storage plan and suspension setup allow it. Keep the tires off wet concrete when possible and check pressure before the car goes into storage and again before it comes out. A collector 1967 Volkswagen benefits from the same kind of careful storage routine as its paint, chrome, and upholstery.
How long do tires on a 1967 Volkswagen typically last?
Tire life on a 1967 Volkswagen is usually better judged by age and condition than by mileage alone, since many collector cars are driven sparingly. A good rule is to evaluate the tires closely once they reach five to seven years of age and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if the tread still looks deep. The DOT date code on the tire is the starting point for that conversation.
A lightly used classic can still age out its tires long before it wears them out. Sidewall cracking, hardening, repeated pressure loss, or visible deformation matter more than odometer readings on a vintage Volkswagen. If the car has been stored for years or its tire age is unclear, an age check and close inspection are wise before putting it back into regular road use.
How often should tires on a 1967 Volkswagen be inspected?
Tires on a 1967 Volkswagen should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and pressure loss, and include the spare in the routine. On products that use tubes or may use tubes depending on the exact tire, valve stems and tube-related air retention deserve special attention as well.
Frequent inspection matters because vintage cars often spend more time parked than driven, and age-related issues can appear without much warning. A quick visual and pressure check before a local drive is good practice, while a more thorough inspection is smart before a tour, event, or highway trip. Catching a tire issue early on a 1967 Volkswagen is easier and cheaper than dealing with body or suspension damage after a failure.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1967 Volkswagen Beetle?
A 1967 Volkswagen Beetle would have been associated with bias-ply tire practice in its era, and within this year-and-make family the Beetle uses either 560-15 bias-ply or 155R15 radial sizing. For an originality-minded owner, the bias-ply format aligns more closely with the period, while the radial represents a later-style construction choice in the same 15-inch wheel diameter. Original-equipment branding should be confirmed through factory literature or marque specialists rather than assumed.
The most accurate restoration path usually starts with the body style and market, then narrows to the right size, construction, and sidewall appearance. A concours-oriented 1967 Volkswagen Beetle may be judged on whether the tire looks era-correct as much as whether it physically fits the car. Period brochures, club resources, and event judging manuals are the best next step if the goal is precise historical fitment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1967 Volkswagen?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1967 Volkswagen because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction, and sidewall style immediately. A Beetle or Karmann Ghia on 560-15 bias-ply tires presents differently from the same car on 155R15 radials, and the same principle applies to the Type 3 models and Station Wagon. A mismatch in size family, sidewall treatment, or construction can make an otherwise well-restored car look off-period.
Owners preparing a 1967 Volkswagen for show use should think beyond simple wheel diameter. Whitewall width, blackwall versus whitewall appearance, and whether the tire reads as a traditional bias-ply or a later-style radial all influence authenticity. Event standards vary, so marque clubs and the rules for the specific judging venue are the right place to verify what will pass comfortably and what may cost points.
What is the difference between Michelin X and Michelin XAS for the 1967 Volkswagen?
For a 1967 Volkswagen using 155R15, Michelin X and Michelin XAS are both radial options, but their sidewall markings and tube details differ. Michelin X appears as 155R15 82T TL, while Michelin XAS appears as 155HR15 82H TT. That means the X carries a T speed rating to 118 mph with tubeless marking, while the XAS carries an H speed rating to 130 mph with tube-type marking.
Those differences matter when a buyer is balancing authenticity, setup, and intended road use within the same nominal size. A car already configured around a tube-type approach may lead naturally toward the XAS, while a tubeless-oriented setup may point elsewhere. The key is to confirm both the wheel arrangement and the exact sidewall marking you want before making the final choice for a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle or Karmann Ghia.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1967 Volkswagen tires safe for highway driving?
1967 Volkswagen tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly matched to the car, and used within the limits marked on the tire. Among the radial sizes here, 155R15 includes T-rated products to 118 mph and H-rated products to 130 mph, while 185R14 includes H-rated products to 130 mph. Other products appear without a speed letter in the size marking, and the bias-ply sizes should be approached with the expectations of a traditional vintage construction.
In real use, the tire is only one part of the equation on a vintage Volkswagen. Brakes, steering, suspension condition, wheel integrity, and the car's general mechanical state often matter more than the raw speed capability of the tire during normal interstate driving. A careful pre-trip inspection and realistic cruising pace are more meaningful to safety than choosing the highest speed letter alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1967 Volkswagen tires?
Inflation pressure on 1967 Volkswagen tires depends on the exact size and product. Load-and-pressure figures include 155R15 Firestone at 1045 pounds at 44 psi, 560-15 at 970 pounds at 32 psi, 165R15 at roughly 1168 to 1170 pounds at 35 to 36 psi, 600-15 at 1150 pounds at 32 psi, 185R14 at 1323 pounds at 35 psi on Phoenix and 1323 pounds at 51 psi on Vredestein, and 700-14 at 1360 pounds at 32 psi.
Those numbers are tire capacity figures, not a blanket instruction to run every product at its maximum marked pressure. The best practice is to start with the factory recommendation for your specific 1967 Volkswagen model and compare it with the tire maker's guidance for that exact reproduction or radial product. Pressure should always be set by the actual tire on the actual car, not borrowed from a different size or construction.
What should I check before taking a 1967 Volkswagen on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1967 Volkswagen, inspect all five tires for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check valve stems, and if your chosen product is tube type or may use tubes, pay close attention to air retention and the condition of the spare as well. A long-stored vintage tire that looks acceptable in the garage can still become troublesome once it heats up on the road.
The tire inspection should be part of a broader age-appropriate pre-trip routine. Wheel fastener torque, brake feel, steering play, fluid leaks, and charging-system health all deserve a look on an older Volkswagen before a touring event or highway run. Tires are the only part touching the road, but they deliver their best results only when the rest of the car is equally ready for the trip.
