In 1973 Opel brought European compact-car character to the U.S. market with sporty, efficient models that appealed to buyers who wanted something lighter and more nimble than a typical domestic sedan. The 1900 and Manta carried that German small-car identity in different body styles, while the Opel sedan rounded out the range with a more traditional entry point. Tire choice across 1973 Opel vehicles is not one-size-fits-all: all three models can use a 13-inch radial, but the bias-ply alternatives vary by model. The first step is confirming whether you have a 1900, Manta, or Opel sedan, then deciding whether you want radial road manners or a more period-correct bias-ply look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1973 Opel
Three tire sizes are used across 1973 Opel vehicles, and they vary by model rather than applying evenly across the whole range. The key choice starts with identifying your model, then deciding whether you want the shared 13-inch radial option or the bias-ply size associated with that specific car. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car's intended look and use.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 1900, Manta, 1973 Opel|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a radial metric size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter; when no aspect ratio is shown in this style, it conventionally refers to an 80-series profile. This size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, and the Michelin versions are tubeless while the overall speed rating in this size is H, or 130 mph. Because it fits every 1973 Opel model, it is the universal choice across the year and make. It suits owners who want a period European radial format with more modern road manners than a bias-ply tire.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 1900, Manta|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 600 denotes nominal section width in the older numeric system and the 13 denotes a 13-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styling, with load capacity marked at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. This size is specific to the 1900 and Manta rather than universal across 1973 Opel vehicles. It is the stronger fit for owners aiming for a more period-correct bias-ply appearance on those two models.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 1973 Opel|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 560 representing nominal section width in the older bias-ply system and 13 indicating the 13-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, and one version carries an S speed rating, or 112 mph, while load capacity is marked at 850 pounds at 30 psi. This size is specific to the 1973 Opel sedan and does not apply across the rest of the make's lineup. It makes the most sense for an owner focused on authentic small-car bias-ply proportions and vintage sidewall styling.
All three sizes mount on 13-inch wheels, so the main wheel check is confirming that the rim width matches the tire you choose.
1973 Opel Models
Three Opel models are covered for 1973. They do not all use the same full tire menu, so identifying your exact model matters before choosing a bias-ply size, even though every model shares the same 165R13 radial option. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1973 Opel 1900
The 1973 Opel 1900 was the practical face of Opel's U.S. lineup, giving buyers a compact European sedan with straightforward styling and everyday usability. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, with a choice between the shared 165R13 radial and the model-specific 600-13 bias-ply depending on whether driving character or period appearance matters more to you.
The 1973 Opel Manta brought coupe styling and a sportier personality to the Opel range, making it one of the more distinctive German imports of the era. It also uses 13-inch wheels, and its tire choices mirror the 1900 with the same 165R13 radial option and the same 600-13 bias-ply alternative.
The 1973 Opel sedan served as the simpler, more traditional compact in the lineup, aimed at buyers who wanted European economy and modest dimensions without the Manta's sport-coupe image. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels as well, but its bias-ply size is 560-13 rather than 600-13, so this model needs its own fitment check.
Eight products are available across three tire sizes for 1973 Opel vehicles. The 165R13 radial comes from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, 600-13 bias-ply options come from BFGoodrich in narrow and wide whitewall styles, and 560-13 bias-ply options come from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow or wide whitewalls. Confirm your model first, since the bias-ply size changes between cars.
These FAQs cover how 1973 Opel tire sizing changes between the 1900, Manta, and Opel sedan, how the radial-versus-bias decision affects the car's character, and what to check for fitment, storage, and road use on a lightly driven collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1973 Opel vehicles?
Three sizes fit 1973 Opel vehicles: 165R13, 600-13, and 560-13. The 165R13 radial fits all three models—the 1973 Opel 1900, 1973 Opel Manta, and 1973 Opel Opel sedan. The 600-13 bias-ply fits the 1900 and Manta, while the 560-13 bias-ply is used only on the Opel sedan. All three sizes mount on 13-inch rims, but their wheel width requirements differ: 165R13 uses 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 600-13 uses 4.00 to 4.50 inches, and 560-13 spans either 3.50 to 4.00 inches or 4.00 to 4.50 inches depending on the tire.
That means year and make alone are not enough if you want a bias-ply tire for a 1973 Opel. Owners of a 1900 or Manta can compare radial and 600-13 bias-ply choices, while Opel sedan owners need to stay with 165R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. Before ordering, confirm the exact model and measure the wheel width if the car has had wheels swapped over the years.
What does 165R13 mean on a 1973 Opel tire?
On a 1973 Opel tire, 165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R means radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this older metric format, the aspect ratio is not written out, and it conventionally corresponds to an 80-series profile. For 1973 Opel applications, this size appears in blackwall radial form and carries an H speed rating on the available products, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling.
For most buyers, 165R13 is the easiest modern-driving choice because it fits every 1973 Opel model and reflects the European radial format these cars are often associated with. It is still important to verify wheel width, since this size is intended for a broader rim range than the bias-ply alternatives. If your goal is factory-era feel and appearance rather than radial behavior, compare it against the correct model-specific bias-ply size before deciding.
Do all 1973 Opel models use the same tire size?
Not completely. Every 1973 Opel model in this group can use the 165R13 radial, but the bias-ply choice changes by model. The 1973 Opel 1900 and 1973 Opel Manta use 600-13 as their bias-ply option, while the 1973 Opel Opel sedan uses 560-13. All of them share a 13-inch rim diameter, so the main difference is the tire size and the wheel-width range each one expects.
That split matters most for restorations and for buyers who want a vintage sidewall style. If your car is a 1900 or Manta, a 600-13 whitewall bias-ply is the model-correct older format. If your car is an Opel sedan, the equivalent vintage-format choice is 560-13 instead. When a seller simply says "1973 Opel," always narrow it down to the exact model before choosing a bias-ply tire.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R13 or the bias-ply size for my 1973 Opel?
For a 1973 Opel, the choice is mainly between radial construction and the model-correct bias-ply size. The 165R13 radial fits the 1900, Manta, and Opel sedan, while the bias-ply choice is 600-13 for the 1900 and Manta or 560-13 for the Opel sedan. Radials and bias-ply tires do not drive the same way, even when they fit the same wheel diameter. The radial option follows the later European tire format, while the bias-ply options preserve an earlier look and feel.
Choose the radial if your priority is regular road use and you want the car to feel more settled in contemporary traffic. Choose the correct bias-ply size if the goal is a more authentic visual presentation for a period-style restoration or show-oriented car. The smartest first step is deciding how you use the car most often, then matching that use to the proper model-specific size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Opel tires?
Sidewall style depends on size for 1973 Opel tires. The 165R13 radial options come in blackwall form. The 600-13 bias-ply size is offered with either a narrow whitewall or a wide whitewall, and the 560-13 bias-ply size is also available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That gives buyers a clear split between a European-style blackwall radial look and a more vintage American-market whitewall bias-ply presentation.
For a 1973 Opel that is being restored in a distinctly period U.S. style, the whitewall bias-ply options can change the car's personality significantly. For a sportier or more understated appearance, the blackwall radial is usually the cleaner visual fit. Sidewall style affects authenticity and aesthetics more than fitment, so it makes sense to decide what appearance you want before narrowing down the exact tire.
What brands make tires for 1973 Opel vehicles?
Three brands cover 1973 Opel applications: Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with the spread changing by size. The 165R13 radial is available from Michelin and Dunlop. The 600-13 bias-ply size comes from BFGoodrich, and the 560-13 bias-ply size comes from BFGoodrich and Firestone. That gives the radial size a more European-flavored brand mix, while the bias-ply sizes lean toward classic American-brand presentation.
Brand choice for a 1973 Opel usually follows the kind of result you want. A buyer chasing a period European radial feel will naturally look at 165R13 first, while someone restoring a whitewall-equipped compact may focus on BFGoodrich or Firestone in the proper bias-ply size. After choosing the correct size, compare sidewall styling and any load or speed markings that matter for how the car is driven.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1973 Opel tires require?
Rim width depends on the size you choose for a 1973 Opel. The 165R13 radial fits rims from 4.50 to 6.00 inches wide. The 600-13 bias-ply fits 4.00 to 4.50 inch rims. The 560-13 bias-ply spans two wheel-width ranges depending on the tire: some versions fit 3.50 to 4.00 inches, while others fit 4.00 to 4.50 inches. All of these sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter.
That is why wheel width is just as important as wheel diameter when setting up a 1973 Opel. A car may still have its original narrow steel wheels, or it may have been changed to a wider aftermarket wheel over time. Measure the wheel before finalizing a tire choice, especially if you are moving from a bias-ply size to 165R13 radial or choosing among the 560-13 bias-ply versions.
Do 1973 Opel tires require inner tubes?
The 165R13 radial products for 1973 Opel use tubeless construction in the available Michelin versions, while the Dunlop product does not carry a tube-type marking in its size description. The bias-ply products in 600-13 and 560-13 do not show TL or TT markings in the size description here, so the practical requirement can vary with the wheel and the exact tire design rather than resting on one blanket rule for every Opel application.
The best approach is to confirm tube use against the exact tire's sidewall marking and the condition and design of the wheel you plan to run. Original-style steel wheels, older valve-hole configurations, and restoration-level setups can influence the answer. Inner tubes should never be assumed interchangeable across sizes, so verify tube compatibility only after the final tire size and tire model are settled.
Can the original 1973 Opel wheels be used with all 1973 Opel tire sizes?
Original 1973 Opel wheels can potentially be used with all three tire sizes only if the wheel is a 13-inch rim and falls within the correct width range for the specific tire. The shared point is diameter: 165R13, 600-13, and 560-13 all mount on 13-inch wheels. The limits come from width, with the radial expecting a wider range than some of the narrower bias-ply options.
That means a 13-inch wheel alone is not enough proof of compatibility. A narrow original wheel may suit one of the bias-ply choices yet fall outside the preferred range for the radial, while a wider wheel may be right for 165R13 but not ideal for a narrow 560-13 setup. Confirm the wheel width and the exact model before assuming one original wheel can support every size choice.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1973 Opel when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1973 Opel should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Tires age faster when exposed to UV light, heat, and ozone, even if the car is driven very little. Because 1973 Opel owners may choose either radial or bias-ply tires, it is worth remembering that bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more readily during long stationary periods than radials.
If the car will sit for extended stretches, keep the tires at proper inflation, move the car periodically, or use stands if the storage plan and chassis support points allow it. Clean, dry floors are better than damp ground, and tire dressings with harsh solvents are best avoided. A little storage discipline goes a long way toward preserving sidewalls, ride quality, and appearance.
How long do tires on a 1973 Opel typically last?
Tires on a 1973 Opel should be judged by age and condition more than by mileage. Collector cars often wear out their tires on the calendar rather than on the road, so a careful evaluation around five to seven years is sensible, with replacement strongly considered as the tires approach ten years from their date code. Cracking, hardening, vibration, or irregular wear can shorten that timeline regardless of tread depth.
A 1973 Opel that is driven only on fair-weather weekends can still need tires long before the tread looks consumed. Sidewalls, carcass flexibility, and stored heat cycles matter just as much as miles. Check the DOT date code on modern tires, keep a simple maintenance log, and treat age-related decline as a normal part of preserving a vintage car rather than a sign that the tire was heavily used.
How often should tires on a 1973 Opel be inspected?
Tires on a 1973 Opel should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, embedded debris, uneven wear, and slow pressure loss. Since some 1973 Opel setups may involve older-style wheels and reproduction bias-ply tires, valve stem condition and bead seating deserve attention as well, especially on cars that have been parked for long periods.
That pre-drive habit is especially important on a low-use classic because problems often develop in storage, not while accumulating miles. A short driveway inspection can reveal a flat-spotted tire, a sidewall issue, or a pressure drop before it becomes a roadside problem. If the car has a spare, inspect that too, because a vintage spare is often forgotten until it is suddenly needed.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1973 Opel 1900?
For a 1973 Opel 1900, the period-correct construction type would ordinarily be bias-ply if you are restoring to an earlier factory-era appearance, while the 165R13 radial reflects the metric radial format that also fits the car and all other 1973 Opel models. Within the 1900's size choices, 600-13 is the bias-ply option associated with that model. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so size and construction are more reliable first checkpoints than chasing a brand name.
If you are preparing a serious restoration, confirm the exact expectations for your car through Opel marque specialists, literature, and judging guides tied to the event where the car will appear. Some owners prioritize the look of a numeric bias-ply whitewall, while others prefer the European character of a blackwall radial. Starting with the right size and construction keeps the restoration conversation on solid ground.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1973 Opel?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1973 Opel, especially if the event emphasizes originality or era-correct presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice the overall size, the construction type, and the sidewall treatment before they notice finer tire details. A radial where a period-style bias-ply look is expected, or a broad whitewall where a cleaner blackwall presentation suits the car's character, can change how authentic the car appears.
That does not mean every judged Opel must wear the same kind of tire, because event standards vary. A well-driven touring car may intentionally wear 165R13 radials, while a more historically styled car may look right on the proper numeric bias-ply size for its model. Before a major show, compare your tire choice against marque-club guidance and the style standards of the event rather than relying on appearance alone.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF for the 1973 Opel?
For a 1973 Opel in 165R13, Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF share the same basic size, blackwall sidewall style, radial construction, H speed rating, tubeless format, and 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range. The practical differences visible here are in tire series name and weight, with the XAS-FF shown at 20 pounds and the XAS shown at 9 pounds. Both remain squarely within the same fitment family for the Opel applications that use 165R13.
Because the visible specifications overlap so heavily, this comparison is less about fitment and more about choosing the exact radial series you prefer within the 165R13 category. If you are narrowing the choice between those two, use your own priorities—such as period appearance, brand-series preference, and how closely you want the car to reflect a classic European radial presentation—to make the final call.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1973 Opel tires safe for highway driving?
1973 Opel tires can be suitable for highway driving when the size, condition, and construction match how the car is used. The 165R13 radial options carry an H speed rating, which corresponds to 130 mph, and one 560-13 product carries an S speed rating, which corresponds to 112 mph. Those ceilings are comfortably above ordinary U.S. highway speeds, but a 1973 Opel's age, brakes, steering, suspension, and overall mechanical condition matter just as much as the tire's speed symbol.
For a car that sees regular road use, the bigger question is often whether the tires are fresh, properly inflated, and appropriate to the wheel rather than whether the speed rating is high enough on paper. Highway safety on a vintage Opel depends on the entire package working together. Treat the tires as one part of a broader roadworthiness check, especially before longer trips or interstate driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1973 Opel tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1973 Opel should begin with the vehicle's factory recommendation for the exact model and tire type, then be checked against the tire's own load-and-pressure markings. Among the available tire options, 600-13 carries a maximum load of 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, and 560-13 carries a maximum load of 850 pounds at 30 psi. Those figures are tire-rating references, not universal front-and-rear operating pressures for every 1973 Opel application.
That distinction matters because a reproduction tire's maximum-rated pressure is not automatically the pressure that delivers the best ride, wear pattern, or handling balance on the car. Start with the factory guidance when available, then fine-tune within the tire maker's limits if the car's setup and use call for it. Never transfer a pressure figure from 560-13 to 600-13 or from a bias-ply setup to the 165R13 radial.
What should I check before taking a 1973 Opel on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1973 Opel, inspect each tire for cracking, bulges, cuts, punctures, irregular tread wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check that the wheel nuts are secure, verify that the spare is usable, and look closely at the valve stems and beads for signs of leakage or age. If the car has been sitting, a short local test drive can reveal vibration, flat-spotting, or pull that deserves attention before committing to distance.
Tire inspection should be part of a larger pre-trip routine on any 1973 Opel. Brake feel, steering play, fluid levels, cooling system health, and charging reliability are just as important on a vintage German compact as the tires themselves. The goal is not simply to avoid a flat, but to make sure the entire car is ready to run at sustained speed without turning a pleasant drive into a preventable breakdown.
