1971 Nissan covered an unusually broad slice of the market, from compact passenger cars to sporting coupes and light-duty pickups, reflecting the brand’s growing foothold in the United States during the early 1970s. That variety matters when it comes to tires, because the 1971 Nissan range spans seven models and eight distinct sizes rather than one shared fitment across the entire make. Some models give you a choice between era-correct bias-ply sizing and a radial alternative, while others are tied to a single size family. Before choosing a tire for 1971 Nissan vehicles, the first step is confirming the exact model and then deciding whether originality or modern road manners matters more to your build.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1971 Nissan
Eight tire sizes appear across the 1971 Nissan range, and they vary by model rather than carrying across every car and truck in the lineup. The real decision starts with identifying the correct model and rim diameter, then choosing between bias-ply authenticity and radial road manners where both constructions were used on the same model family. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps you narrow in on the right tire more quickly.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): 1200|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12-in rim
155R12 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters for a 12-inch wheel, and this fitment is specific to the 1971 Nissan 1200. It is a radial application, though no product range is presented here by brand or sidewall style for this size. For a 1200 owner, this is the more modern-format choice within that model’s two-size pairing and is the one to pursue if your car is already matched to the radial fitment.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): 1200|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12-in rim
6.00-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 denotes the nominal section width in inches and 12 is the wheel diameter, and it is specific to the 1971 Nissan 1200. It is a bias-ply application, though brand, sidewall, tube, and speed-rating details are not represented here for this size. For a 1200 being kept closer to period character, this is the traditional fitment style to compare against the radial alternative.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): 2000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters for a 14-inch wheel, and it is specific to the 1971 Nissan 2000. This size is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, with tubeless marking present on some products and H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph ceiling. For a 2000 roadster owner, this is the more modern-driving alternative to the model’s bias-ply option while still keeping an era-appropriate look.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): 2000, L320, L520|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 denotes the nominal section width in inches and 14 is the wheel diameter, and this fitment is shared only by the 1971 Nissan 2000, L320, and L520 rather than the full model range. It is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, with load ratings reaching 906 pounds at 30 psi. This is the traditional bias-ply route for owners aiming to preserve period stance and sidewall appearance on the roadster or early light-truck applications that used this size.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): 240|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
175R14 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 175 millimeters for a 14-inch wheel, and it is specific to the 1971 Nissan 240. This size is available from Michelin and Vredestein as a blackwall radial, with tubeless marking present on some products and H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph ceiling. For the 240 sports-car application, this size stays within the radial family and suits owners who want an era-correct European-style radial presentation.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): L320, L520, PL521|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14-in rim
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 denotes the nominal section width in inches and 14 is the wheel diameter, and it is shared by the 1971 Nissan L320, L520, and PL521. It is a bias-ply application, though brand, sidewall, tube, and speed-rating details are not represented here for this size. For these truck models, it is the size to follow when maintaining a traditional commercial-vehicle look and feel on the correct 14-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): PL510|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters for a 13-inch wheel, and it is specific to the 1971 Nissan PL510. This size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, with tubeless marking present on some products and H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph ceiling. For a PL510 that sees regular road use, this radial size gives you the modern-format option within that model’s original size family.
Year(s): 1971|Fit(s): PL510|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 denotes the nominal section width in inches and 13 is the wheel diameter, and it is specific to the 1971 Nissan PL510. It is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices, and load ratings reach 850 pounds at 30 psi. For a PL510 restored with a stronger original-era visual emphasis, this size keeps the car in the bias-ply family rather than the radial alternative.
Seven 1971 Nissan models are covered here, and tire size does vary by model. In practical terms, year and make alone are not enough for a confident choice, because the compact sedans, sports cars, and light trucks in the lineup used different rim diameters and, in several cases, different construction types. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire sizes that apply to it.
1971 Nissan 1200
The 1200 was Nissan’s small-displacement economy car for buyers who wanted simple, efficient transportation with compact proportions. Its tires mount on 12-inch wheels, and this model is one of the clearest examples in the 1971 Nissan range where the choice can come down to bias-ply originality versus a radial-format alternative.
The Nissan 2000 roadster sits at the sporting end of the 1971 Nissan family and remains one of the marque’s most recognizable open cars from the era. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, with both a traditional bias-ply path and a radial option depending on how the car is being restored or driven.
The 240 brought Nissan’s emerging sports-car identity into sharper focus and is closely associated with the brand’s rise among enthusiast buyers. Its tire fitment centers on a 14-inch wheel, and this model stays within a radial size rather than offering the bias-ply/radial split seen elsewhere in the range.
The L320 belongs to Nissan’s early compact truck family, built with straightforward utility in mind and a clear working-vehicle character. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and both of its applicable sizes remain in the bias-ply family for a traditional light-truck presentation.
The L520 continued Nissan’s compact pickup development with the same no-nonsense utility focus that made these trucks popular for light commercial use. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and like the L320, it remains centered on bias-ply fitments rather than later radial-style sizing.
The PL510 is one of Nissan’s most important early sedans, appreciated for its balanced proportions and enduring enthusiast following. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and owners commonly weigh a radial choice for regular driving against a bias-ply option for a more original visual character.
The PL521 pickup is part of Nissan’s small-truck lineage and is best known for its durable, practical role rather than passenger-car refinement. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and this model uses a single bias-ply size that suits an original-style truck restoration.
Fifteen products are available across five tire sizes for 1971 Nissan vehicles. 165R14 has three radial blackwall choices from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; 560-14 has three BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 175R14 has three radial blackwalls from Michelin and Vredestein; 165R13 has three radial blackwalls from Michelin and Dunlop; and 560-13 has three bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow or wide whitewall form. Confirm your size and construction preference first, since tube marking and speed-rating detail can vary by product.
These answers focus on how tire sizing changes across the 1971 Nissan car and truck range, when a model offers bias-ply and radial paths, and what to check for sidewall style, rim fit, storage, and road use before putting miles on a collector vehicle.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1971 Nissan vehicles?
1971 Nissan vehicles use eight sizes across seven model lines: 155R12 and 6.00-12 for the 1200; 165R14 and 560-14 for the 2000; 175R14 for the 240; 560-14 and 6.00-14 for the L320; 560-14 and 6.00-14 for the L520; 165R13 and 560-13 for the PL510; and 6.00-14 for the PL521. Rim diameters span 12, 13, and 14 inches, so there is no single year-wide fitment.
That spread means the first checkpoint is always the exact model, then the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. Where rim-width guidance is available, 560-14 suits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, 165R14 suits 4.0 to 6.0-inch rims depending on brand, 175R14 suits 4.5 to 6.0-inch rims, 165R13 suits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, and 560-13 suits 3.50 to 4.50-inch rims depending on brand. Confirm the actual wheel before choosing a tire.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1971 Nissan tire?
On a 1971 Nissan tire, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On 1971 Nissan vehicles, that size belongs to the 2000, L320, and L520 rather than the whole model range.
The practical takeaway is that 560-14 is not interchangeable with every 14-inch Nissan fitment from 1971 just because the rim diameter matches. It is also a bias-ply size, so it carries a different look and driving character than the radial 165R14 or 175R14 sizes used elsewhere in the lineup. If you are matching the tire to an early truck or roadster restoration, this code points you toward the traditional format.
Do all 1971 Nissan models use the same tire size?
No. 1971 Nissan models do not share one universal tire size. The compact 1200 uses 12-inch sizes, the PL510 uses 13-inch sizes, the 2000 and 240 use different 14-inch radial choices, and the L320, L520, and PL521 use 14-inch bias-ply truck-style sizes.
That matters because two owners can both have a 1971 Nissan and still need completely different tires. A PL510 owner comparing 560-13 and 165R13 is making a different decision from a 2000 owner comparing 560-14 and 165R14, and different again from a 240 owner who stays with 175R14. Identify the exact model first, then match the wheel diameter and construction type that make sense for your car or truck.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R14 or the 560-14 for my 1971 Nissan?
For a 1971 Nissan 2000, the choice between 165R14 and 560-14 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 165R14 is a radial blackwall offered by Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein, while 560-14 is a BFGoodrich bias-ply available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms.
That usually makes the decision less about basic fitment and more about the kind of car you want to present. A bias-ply 560-14 keeps the roadster in a more period-style format, especially if sidewall appearance is part of the restoration theme. A 165R14 radial suits owners who want a later-style driving feel while staying within an era-appropriate 14-inch size family. Check the wheel width before making the final call.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Nissan tires?
1971 Nissan tire choices span both blackwall-only radial offerings and bias-ply whitewall options in certain sizes. The radial sizes with current product coverage—165R14, 175R14, and 165R13—are blackwall tires. The bias-ply 560-14 comes in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, while 560-13 comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall.
For most Japanese compact cars and sports cars of the early 1970s, blackwall presentation is generally the safer visual direction when originality is the goal. Whitewall bias-ply choices can still make sense for a period custom look or for owners following a very specific restoration theme. The best approach is to decide whether your 1971 Nissan is being restored to factory style, period accessorized style, or simply to a personal era-correct taste.
What brands make tires for 1971 Nissan vehicles?
1971 Nissan tire coverage includes Pirelli, Michelin, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Dunlop depending on size. The 165R14 radial is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein; 175R14 from Michelin and Vredestein; 165R13 from Michelin and Dunlop; 560-14 from BFGoodrich; and 560-13 from BFGoodrich and Firestone.
Brand choice often follows the style of vehicle and the look you want as much as the size itself. European-style radials such as Michelin, Vredestein, and Pirelli fit naturally with sporting or enthusiast-oriented cars like the 2000, 240, and PL510, while BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options align well with traditional restoration themes. Once the correct size is established, compare sidewall appearance, construction, and wheel-width compatibility rather than treating all brands as interchangeable.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1971 Nissan tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1971 Nissan vehicles. For 165R14, radial products call for wheels from 4.0 to 6.0 inches wide depending on brand. For 175R14, the range is 4.5 to 6.0 inches. For 165R13, the available radial products suit 4.50 to 6.00-inch wheels. For 560-14, the bias-ply range is 3.50 to 4.00 inches, and for 560-13 it runs from 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on brand.
That spread is important because two tires with the same rim diameter may still call for different wheel widths. A 14-inch Nissan wheel that works with a 560-14 bias-ply may not be the ideal match for every 165R14 radial, even though both mount to a 14-inch rim. Measure the actual wheel or verify the wheel specification before ordering, especially if your 1971 Nissan has been restored with replacement wheels.
Do 1971 Nissan tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements vary by size and by product on 1971 Nissan vehicles. Michelin radial products in 165R14, 175R14, and 165R13 include tubeless markings on some versions, while other products in those same sizes do not always carry the same marking in the size description. The bias-ply sizes covered here do not consistently state tube status in the product naming, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination.
The safest approach is to treat tube use as a product-by-product and wheel-by-wheel decision rather than a blanket rule for every 1971 Nissan tire. Original-style wheels, wheel condition, and whether the tire itself is marked tube-type or tubeless all matter. If you are reusing older wheels, have the rim inspected carefully and confirm the exact tire’s sidewall marking before final installation.
Can the original 1971 Nissan wheels be used with both tire sizes on the same model?
Sometimes, but only within the same rim diameter and only after checking wheel width. A 1971 Nissan 1200 uses two 12-inch sizes, the 2000 uses two 14-inch sizes, the L320 and L520 each use two 14-inch bias-ply sizes, and the PL510 uses two 13-inch sizes. Matching rim diameter is the first requirement, but it is not the only one.
Wheel width is what decides whether both sizes are realistic on one wheel set. The strongest example is the 1971 Nissan 2000, where 560-14 bias-ply products suit 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims and 165R14 radial products call for roughly 4.0 to 6.0-inch rims depending on brand, creating only limited overlap. Before switching between size families on the same model, confirm the wheel itself rather than assuming any factory wheel will suit both equally well.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1971 Nissan when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1971 Nissan should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors and battery chargers, and on a dry surface with stable temperature if possible. Tires should be kept at proper inflation during storage. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to flat-spotting during long static periods than radials, so the bias-ply applications in the 1200, 2000, L320, L520, PL510, and PL521 deserve extra attention.
If the vehicle will sit for months, move it periodically or place it on stands in a way that protects the suspension and reduces constant carcass loading. Clean tires with mild soap and water only, and avoid dressings that can dry the rubber over time. Collector vehicles age their tires by time and environment as much as by mileage, so careful storage is one of the simplest ways to preserve both appearance and service life.
How long do tires on a 1971 Nissan typically last?
On a 1971 Nissan, tire life is usually better judged by age and condition than by miles traveled. Collector-car tires are commonly evaluated closely once they reach about five to seven years from manufacture, and many owners consider replacement by around ten years even if tread depth still looks usable. The manufacturing date should be checked on the tire itself rather than estimated from installation history.
That matters because many vintage Nissans spend long periods parked, and low mileage can hide age-related hardening or cracking. A radial on a regularly driven PL510 or 240 may age differently from a bias-ply tire on a lightly used L320 or show-oriented 2000, but time still remains the key factor. If there is any question about age, condition, or storage history, replacement is usually wiser than stretching service life.
How often should tires on a 1971 Nissan be inspected?
Tires on a 1971 Nissan should be inspected before every drive and especially before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, embedded debris, bulges, irregular wear, and signs of pressure loss. On vehicles running tube-type or possibly tube-requiring setups, valve stems and any signs of slow leakage deserve just as much attention as the tread itself.
A brief pre-drive inspection is especially important on vintage cars and trucks that may sit for weeks between uses. Problems often show up first as visible cracking, a low tire after storage, or a vibration that was not there previously. Building a routine around tire pressure, visual condition, and spare-tire condition helps catch trouble early and makes a 1971 Nissan much more dependable for local drives or events.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1971 Nissan 1200?
The 1971 Nissan 1200 uses 155R12 and 6.00-12 size families, and the period context matters here. Bias-ply construction was still common in earlier fitment practice, while radial sizing was becoming more established by the early 1970s, especially on compact imported passenger cars. That makes both size families relevant to the 1200, but the exact original fit can vary by market, wheel package, and how the car was delivered.
For a strict restoration, confirm the tire style against surviving factory literature, original photos, or a marque club focused on early Datsun and Nissan cars. A 6.00-12 bias-ply usually supports a more traditional visual result, while 155R12 reflects the radial-era shift that many imported compacts were undergoing at the time. The most accurate choice depends on the specific car you are restoring, not just the year alone.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1971 Nissan?
Yes, correct tire fitment can matter a great deal when a 1971 Nissan is judged for authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size, construction type, and sidewall appearance fit the era and the specific model. A radial where a bias-ply look is expected, or a wide whitewall on a car that would normally wear blackwalls, can stand out quickly.
That does not mean every restored Nissan must wear the same type of tire, but it does mean your tire choice should match the restoration goal. A concours-minded PL510 or 2000 may be judged more closely on visual authenticity than a driver-grade car, while a custom or period-modified build may allow more freedom. If you plan to show the vehicle, compare your intended size and sidewall style against club guidance before finalizing the set.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1971 Nissan?
For 1971 Nissan applications, Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic overlap in the 165R14 and 175R14 radial sizes, but they are not identical. In 165R14, Michelin XAS suits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims and weighs 20 pounds, while Vredestein Sprint Classic suits 4.0 to 5.5-inch rims, weighs 16 pounds, and carries a maximum load of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. In 175R14, Michelin XAS suits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, while Vredestein Sprint Classic suits 4.5 to 6.0-inch rims and carries a maximum load of 1,235 pounds at 51 psi.
Those details make wheel compatibility and the exact look of the build more important than the brand name alone. Both are blackwall radials aimed at period-appropriate classic use, but the acceptable rim-width range can steer one owner toward one product over the other. If your wheel width falls near the narrow end of the range, check the exact tire before choosing rather than assuming every 165R14 or 175R14 radial behaves the same.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1971 Nissan tires safe for highway driving?
1971 Nissan tires can be suitable for highway driving when the size, condition, inflation, and construction type all match the vehicle and intended use. Among the radial sizes with clear speed markings, H-rated versions of 165R14, 175R14, and 165R13 carry a 130 mph ceiling. Bias-ply sizes such as 560-14 and 560-13 are presented without the same kind of modern speed-letter emphasis, so they should be approached with the expectations appropriate to traditional vintage-tire construction.
In real-world collector use, the mechanical condition of a 1971 Nissan often matters as much as the tire’s speed ceiling. Brakes, steering, suspension, alignment, and wheel condition all influence highway confidence, especially on older trucks and sports cars. A fresh, correctly matched tire is only one part of the equation, so treat highway use as a whole-vehicle readiness question rather than a speed-rating question alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1971 Nissan tires?
Inflation pressure on 1971 Nissan tires should be matched to the exact size and the manufacturer’s guidance for that tire, then checked against the vehicle’s original recommendations where appropriate. Available load-and-pressure figures include 560-14 at 906 pounds at 30 psi, 560-13 at 850 pounds at 30 psi, 165R14 Sprint Classic at 1,102 pounds at 51 psi, and 175R14 Sprint Classic at 1,235 pounds at 51 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not universal vehicle settings.
That distinction is important because a tire’s maximum rated pressure is not automatically the best running pressure for every 1971 Nissan application. A light PL510, a 2000 roadster, and a small pickup can all place different loads on similarly sized tires. Start with the vehicle manual if available, then compare that recommendation with the exact reproduction or classic tire’s own specifications so you do not transfer one size’s pressure habit to another.
What should I check before taking a 1971 Nissan on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1971 Nissan, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, exposed cord, irregular wear, and air loss, then confirm cold pressure and look over the spare as well. On any setup that may use tubes or older-style wheels, pay close attention to valve stems and signs of slow leakage. Tires are only one part of pre-drive preparation on a vehicle of this age, but they are one of the easiest places to catch a problem early.
A sensible longer-trip check also includes wheel fasteners, wheel-bearing play, steering response, brake feel, and whether the car tracks straight without vibration. That matters even more on early Nissan trucks and sports cars, where age-related wear elsewhere in the chassis can show up first during sustained driving. Taking ten extra minutes in the garage is usually far easier than diagnosing trouble on the shoulder.
