In 1968, Citroen stood apart from nearly every mainstream European automaker, building advanced front-wheel-drive cars whose engineering and ride quality gave the DS, ID, and wagon-based SW a character all their own. A 1968 Citroen buyer today is often balancing originality with practical road use, especially because these cars sit at the intersection of French design innovation and serious collector interest. Across all three models, two radial tire sizes appear: 180-380 and 185R15. The first thing to confirm is whether you want the original metric-wheel fitment or a 15-inch radial alternative before narrowing the choice to the exact model and product style.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1968 Citroen
Two tire sizes are used across 1968 Citroen models, and both sizes apply to the DS, ID, and SW rather than being limited to one body style. The real decision starts with wheel diameter, because 180-380 is a metric-wheel radial while 185R15 fits a 15-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the wheels already on the car.
Year(s): 1968|Fit(s): DS, ID, SW|Construction: Radial|Rim: 380 mm
180-380 is a metric radial size in which 180 refers to nominal section width in millimeters and 380 refers to the wheel diameter in millimeters, making it specific to cars using the original metric wheel setup. This size is the original-style radial fitment used across the 1968 Citroen DS, ID, and SW range. It is the right path for owners preserving the factory metric-wheel configuration and the distinctive look and feel associated with these cars. Confirm that your wheels are the correct 380 mm type before choosing it, because it is not interchangeable with a 15-inch rim.
Year(s): 1968|Fit(s): DS, ID, SW|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
185R15 is a radial size with a nominal section width of 185 millimeters on a 15-inch wheel, and in this older Euro-metric form the aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. It is available from Coker Classic and Michelin in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Blackwall versions, with tubeless construction in the Michelin offerings and speed ratings that vary by product between H at 130 mph and V at 149 mph. This size suits owners running 15-inch wheels who want a radial tire with several sidewall styling choices. Rim width support varies by product, so it is worth matching the tire to the actual wheel before making a final selection.
Three 1968 Citroen models are covered here: the DS, ID, and SW. All three can use the same two tire sizes, so the key question is less about model-specific fitment than whether the car retains metric wheels or has been set up for 15-inch tires. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and the tire options that apply to that car.
1968 Citroen DS
The 1968 Citroen DS was the marque's flagship saloon, known for its aerodynamic shape, advanced suspension, and unmistakably French approach to comfort and engineering. DS models in this year can be found with either the original 380 mm wheel fitment or a 15-inch setup, so the wheel itself is the first thing to verify before choosing tires.
The 1968 Citroen ID shared much of the DS platform and visual identity while serving as the simpler, more accessible member of the family. Like the DS, the ID uses either 380 mm or 15-inch wheel-based tire sizing depending on how the car is equipped, so identification of the actual wheel remains more important than the badge alone.
The 1968 Citroen SW is the wagon-bodied member of the range, prized today for its utility, unusual styling, and the same smooth-road character that defines the larger Citroen family. SW models follow the same tire pattern as the sedans, mounting either a 380 mm metric-wheel tire or a 15-inch radial depending on the wheels fitted to the car.
Four products are available across two tire sizes for 1968 Citroen vehicles. 185R15 includes four radial choices from Coker Classic and Michelin in Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Blackwall styles. Confirm your wheel diameter first, since the year also uses 180-380 metric-wheel radials.
These FAQs focus on the wheel-diameter split that matters most on a 1968 Citroen, along with sidewall style choices, radial tire setup details, and the storage habits that help protect a lightly used collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1968 Citroen vehicles?
1968 Citroen DS, ID, and SW models use two tire sizes: 180-380 and 185R15. Both sizes apply across all three model lines, but they do not mount on the same wheel diameter. The 180-380 size fits a 380 mm metric wheel, while 185R15 fits a 15-inch wheel. For 185R15, rim width support ranges from 4.5 to 6.5 inches depending on the specific tire.
That means the first fitment question for a 1968 Citroen is not simply DS versus ID versus SW. It is whether the car still has its original metric wheels or has been fitted with 15-inch wheels. Once that is confirmed, the correct size becomes much easier to narrow down, and then you can choose the sidewall style and speed rating that best fits the way the car will be used.
What does 180-380 mean on a 1968 Citroen tire?
On a 1968 Citroen, 180-380 is a metric radial size. The 180 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, and the 380 refers to the wheel diameter in millimeters. That makes it different from a conventional inch-based size such as 185R15, even though both are radial constructions used on the same year and make.
The practical takeaway is that a 180-380 tire belongs on a Citroen still using the factory-style metric wheel arrangement. Owners restoring a DS, ID, or SW for authenticity often start here, because the wheel and tire format are part of what makes these cars distinctive. Before ordering, physically confirm the wheel diameter rather than assuming a previous owner left the car in its original wheel configuration.
What does 185R15 mean on a 1968 Citroen tire?
On a 1968 Citroen, 185R15 is an older Euro-metric radial size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this style of older metric sizing, the profile is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial unless a different aspect ratio is explicitly stated.
That size matters because it fits a 15-inch wheel, not the original 380 mm metric wheel used by many Citroen applications of the period. If your DS, ID, or SW is already on 15-inch wheels, 185R15 opens the door to several sidewall appearances and more than one speed rating. The cleanest way to avoid mistakes is to verify the wheel first and then choose the exact 185R15 product that matches your intended use.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 180-380 or the 185R15 for my 1968 Citroen?
The choice between 180-380 and 185R15 for a 1968 Citroen is primarily a wheel-diameter decision, not a bias-ply-versus-radial decision, because both are radial sizes. The 180-380 preserves the original metric-wheel layout associated with many DS, ID, and SW cars, while 185R15 is the correct fit only for cars running 15-inch wheels. Both sizes appear across the full 1968 Citroen range.
For an originality-minded restoration, keeping the car on its proper metric wheels often points toward 180-380. For a Citroen that already wears 15-inch wheels, 185R15 is the logical path and offers more visible sidewall choices. The most important buyer step is to confirm what is on the car now, because a 380 mm tire and a 15-inch tire are close enough in concept to confuse shoppers but not interchangeable in real fitment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Citroen tires?
For 1968 Citroen applications in 185R15, sidewall styles include Redline, Narrow Whitewall, and Blackwall. Coker Classic offers a Redline version, while Michelin XVS is available in Narrow Whitewall and Blackwall form. Those sidewall choices all fit the same basic 15-inch size but create very different visual results on a DS, ID, or SW.
Most owners pursuing a distinctly European, factory-minded appearance gravitate toward a blackwall or a restrained whitewall rather than a more overtly American custom look. A redline can still suit a personalized car, but it changes the visual character immediately. If appearance matters as much as fitment, choose the sidewall style after you have settled the wheel diameter question, because that keeps originality and aesthetics in the right order.
What brands make tires for 1968 Citroen vehicles?
1968 Citroen tires in 185R15 are available from Coker Classic and Michelin. Coker Classic offers a radial in Redline form, while Michelin XVS appears in both Narrow Whitewall and Blackwall styles, with H- and V-rated versions. Those brand choices all serve the same year and make, but they differ in appearance and, in Michelin's case, speed rating.
Brand choice on a 1968 Citroen often comes down to how you want the finished car to present itself. Michelin has especially strong period resonance on a French car of this era, while Coker Classic gives owners a different styling direction in the same general size. Once the size and wheel diameter are confirmed, comparing sidewall style, speed rating, and rim-width compatibility is the best way to narrow the field.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1968 Citroen tires require?
For 1968 Citroen fitments in 185R15, approved rim width ranges depend on the tire. Michelin XVS versions fit rims from 4.5 to 6 inches or 5.0 to 6.5 inches depending on the exact version, and the Coker Classic 185R15 fits 5.0 to 6.5-inch rims. That means the same nominal size can still have slightly different wheel-width compatibility from one product to another.
The practical step is to measure or confirm the actual wheel before final tire selection, especially on a car that may have been converted from metric wheels or modified over time. Staying within the tire maker's approved rim-width range helps preserve proper section shape and contact patch behavior. It also avoids the common mistake of assuming every 185R15 is interchangeable across every 15-inch Citroen wheel without checking the details.
Do 1968 Citroen tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements on 1968 Citroen tires depend on the specific tire. The Michelin 185R15 products are marked TL, which means tubeless. No blanket tube statement should be applied across every 1968 Citroen fitment without checking the sidewall marking on the exact tire and considering the wheel design that tire will be mounted on.
That matters because a car's wheel condition and rim type can influence the final setup even when the tire itself is tubeless-capable. On a collector Citroen, especially one with older wheels, many owners also inspect valve stems, sealing surfaces, and wheel condition at the same time. Treat the tire marking as the first answer, then confirm that the wheel is suitable for the intended tubeless or tube-type installation.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1968 Citroen when the tires are fitted?
A 1968 Citroen should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Keep the car in a cool, dry space, maintain proper inflation, and move it periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Radial tires generally resist storage flat-spotting better than old bias-ply designs, but they still benefit from regular movement.
Long static storage is especially hard on collector cars because the tires age whether the car is driven or not. If the Citroen will sit for an extended period, rolling it occasionally or supporting it in a way that reduces sustained load can help preserve tire shape. Storage habits are one of the simplest ways to protect a hard-to-replace vintage tire setup and keep the car ready for the next driving season.
How long do tires on a 1968 Citroen typically last?
Tires on a 1968 Citroen should be judged more by age than by miles. A good rule is to evaluate them closely once they reach the five-to-seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement threshold even if the tread still looks usable. Collector cars often accumulate very little mileage, so time, heat cycles, and storage conditions matter more than tread wear alone.
The easiest way to keep that timeline grounded is to check the date code and compare it with the tire's present condition. Cracking, hardening, vibration, or uneven wear can justify replacement earlier. Because a DS, ID, or SW may spend long periods off the road and then be asked to travel at sustained speeds, age-based tire planning is more realistic than waiting for the tread to look worn out.
How often should tires on a 1968 Citroen be inspected?
Tires on a 1968 Citroen deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful one before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, puncture damage, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. If the car uses a setup that involves tubes, check valve stems and watch for slow leaks as part of the routine.
That habit matters more on a vintage Citroen than on a modern daily driver because collector cars may sit for weeks between outings. A tire can look fine at a glance and still show age-related issues once closely examined. Building a two-minute pre-drive walkaround into your routine helps catch problems before they interrupt a trip or cause damage to a car that may already require specialized service and parts.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1968 Citroen DS?
A 1968 Citroen DS was originally associated with radial construction, and the 180-380 metric size reflects the factory-style wheel and tire approach most enthusiasts associate with these cars. The DS, along with the ID and SW, also appears with 185R15 fitment when the car is using 15-inch wheels. No original-equipment brand should be assumed for every market and trim without checking period literature and marque sources.
For restoration work, the most authentic starting point is usually the wheel format the car left the factory with. If the DS retains metric wheels, that strongly points toward the 180-380 style fitment. If the car has already been converted to 15-inch wheels, 185R15 can be appropriate for the current configuration, but owners aiming for concours-level accuracy should compare the car against period manuals, club guidance, and market-specific references.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1968 Citroen?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1968 Citroen is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, wheel format, and sidewall appearance all affect whether the car looks period-correct. On a DS, ID, or SW, an obviously incorrect wheel diameter or an out-of-character sidewall treatment can stand out quickly to knowledgeable judges and marque enthusiasts.
The level of scrutiny depends on the event. A local show may be forgiving, while marque-focused judging can be much stricter about tire size and visual character. If the goal is competitive authenticity, confirm whether the car should be on metric wheels or 15-inch wheels first, then choose a sidewall style that suits the era and market. Citroen clubs and model-specific forums are usually the best final authority on event-specific expectations.
What is the difference between Michelin XVS H-rated and V-rated tires for the 1968 Citroen?
For a 1968 Citroen in 185R15, Michelin XVS appears in both 185HR15 93H TL and 185VR15 93V TL versions. The H rating carries a 130 mph ceiling, while the V rating carries a 149 mph ceiling. Both are radial, both fit 15-inch wheels, and both are offered in Blackwall form, while a Narrow Whitewall Michelin XVS also appears in the H-rated version.
Most owners will choose between them based on the exact look they want and the way they prefer to equip the car, rather than any need to approach those speed ceilings in normal vintage-car use. A 1968 Citroen is far more likely to be limited by age, condition, suspension setup, and overall mechanical state than by the difference between H and V speed ratings. Still, it is useful to match the tire specification to your restoration goals and driving expectations.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1968 Citroen tires safe for highway driving?
1968 Citroen tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, properly mounted on the correct wheels, and in sound condition. The 185R15 Michelin XVS options carry H and V speed ratings, which correspond to 130 mph and 149 mph ceilings. Those ratings are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, though the practical road limit of a vintage Citroen is more likely to be determined by the car's overall mechanical condition than by the tire rating alone.
Highway safety on a DS, ID, or SW starts with fresh rubber, correct inflation, and confidence that the wheel diameter matches the tire exactly. Age, storage history, alignment, suspension condition, and braking performance all matter on a car from this era. If the tires are older, show sidewall fatigue, or have an uncertain service history, address that before planning sustained-speed driving even if the tread still appears respectable.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1968 Citroen tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1968 Citroen should be set by the vehicle's factory guidance and the exact tire you are using, not by copying a number from a different size. One 185R15 Coker Classic product carries a maximum load of 1355 pounds at 35 psi. That figure is a tire rating reference, not automatically the operating pressure every DS, ID, or SW should run in service.
The safest approach is to begin with the original Citroen pressure recommendation for the model and wheel setup, then confirm that it remains appropriate for the reproduction or replacement tire chosen. Pressure affects ride, steering feel, tread wear, and casing stress, especially on a suspension design as distinctive as Citroen's. Treat each size on its own terms and avoid transferring pressure assumptions from 180-380 to 185R15 or between different 185R15 products.
What should I check before taking a 1968 Citroen on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1968 Citroen, inspect all four tires and the spare for pressure retention, visible cracking, tread condition, cuts, punctures, bulges, and valve-stem condition. Make sure the car is wearing the correct tire for its wheel diameter, since 180-380 and 185R15 are not interchangeable. If the car uses a tube-related setup, confirm that stems and sealing points are in good order as well.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip check on a car of this age. A longer outing also calls for attention to brakes, suspension, steering feel, fluid levels, and the overall readiness of the car. Citroen's engineering can be wonderfully capable when sorted, but a vintage road trip is much easier when the tire condition, inflation, and wheel compatibility are settled before you leave the garage.
