1973 Volkswagen covered an unusually broad range, from the familiar Beetle and Karmann Ghia to Type 3 cars, the larger 411 and 412, and utility-minded transporters such as the Kombi and Campmobile. That variety means tire choice at the year-and-make level is not one-size-fits-all: nine model groups use six distinct sizes, with some sharing 14-inch radial fitments while others use 15-inch tires in either radial or bias-ply form. For many buyers, the real first step is confirming the exact model, then deciding whether a period-style bias-ply look or a radial driving feel makes more sense for the way the vehicle will be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1973 Volkswagen
Six tire sizes cover the 1973 Volkswagen range, and they vary by model rather than fitting every Volkswagen built that year. The key decision starts with identifying whether your vehicle uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel, then choosing between radial and bias-ply construction where both types appear within the year. Understanding that split before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct model and intended use.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 181, Campmobile, Kombi, Station Wagon|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185R14 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width and a 14-inch rim diameter, using the traditional Euro-metric convention that implies an approximately 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 181, Campmobile, Kombi, and Station Wagon, and it is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein in blackwall and narrow whitewall form; tube status and speed markings vary by product, with H-rated examples carrying a 130 mph ceiling. It suits owners who want a radial tire for regular road use while keeping the correct 14-inch fitment for Volkswagen's utility and wagon-based models.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 411 & 412, Karmann Ghia|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
155R15 is a narrow metric radial with a 155 millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, again using the classic Euro-metric profile convention. This size is specific to the 411 & 412 and Karmann Ghia, and it comes from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form; tube status varies by product, and speed ratings also vary by product with T-rated tires capped at 118 mph and H-rated tires capped at 130 mph. It is the better match when you want a slender 15-inch radial that reflects the lighter, more European sizing character used on these Volkswagen models.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 411 & 412|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number is the nominal section width designation and the last number is the 15-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 411 & 412, and it is available from Firestone and US Royal with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewalls. It appeals most to owners restoring a 411 or 412 with a period-correct bias-ply look and steering feel rather than aiming for a radial-style driving character.
165R15 is a metric radial size with a 165 millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, following the traditional Euro-metric convention for a tall-profile radial. This size is used on the 411 & 412, Beetle, Fastback, and Squareback, and it is available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. It is a strong choice for owners who want a 15-inch radial with broader brand and sidewall variety while staying within the sizing family commonly associated with many air-cooled Volkswagens.
Year(s): 1973|Fit(s): 411 & 412|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size that uses a nominal section-width designation ahead of the dash and a 15-inch rim diameter after it. This size is specific to the 411 & 412, and it is available from BFGoodrich and Avon in blackwall and wide whitewall form; speed markings vary by product, with H-rated examples carrying a 130 mph ceiling. It fits buyers pursuing a more authentic bias-ply presentation on a 411 or 412, especially where sidewall appearance matters as much as basic fitment.
600-15 is a numeric bias-ply size whose code uses a nominal section-width designation with a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is used on the Beetle, Fastback, Karmann Ghia, and Squareback, and it is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall versions. It is best suited to owners who want a 15-inch bias-ply tire for a more period-authentic look on these air-cooled passenger models rather than the road manners associated with a radial.
Nine 1973 Volkswagen model groups are covered here, spanning passenger cars, sporty coupes, family wagons, and transporter-based utility vehicles. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly; the first practical step is identifying the exact Volkswagen model before narrowing the choice to radial or bias-ply options where both exist. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and products.
1973 Volkswagen 181
The Volkswagen 181 is the boxy, open-bodied utility model often recognized in the U.S. as the Thing, with a more rugged personality than Volkswagen's passenger cars. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, setting it apart from most of the 15-inch car-based models in the 1973 Volkswagen range.
The 411 and 412 were Volkswagen's larger, more upscale Type 4 passenger cars, aimed at buyers who wanted more room and a more modern touring feel than a Beetle. Their tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and this model group has the widest fitment spread in the 1973 Volkswagen lineup, covering both radial and bias-ply choices.
The Beetle remained the defining Volkswagen in 1973, valued for its simplicity, familiar shape, and enduring collector appeal. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, with a choice between radial and bias-ply sizing depending on whether the goal is road use or a more traditional restoration look.
The Campmobile turned Volkswagen's transporter platform into a practical camper, prized today for slow-road touring and vintage travel culture. It uses 14-inch wheel fitment, which places it with Volkswagen's bus-based models rather than the 15-inch passenger-car line.
The Fastback was one of Volkswagen's Type 3 models, combining air-cooled character with a sleeker roofline and more contemporary family-car packaging than the Beetle. It uses 15-inch tires and shares both radial and bias-ply size paths with other Type 3 and Beetle-related fitments.
The Karmann Ghia paired Beetle-based engineering with Italian-influenced styling, making it one of the most appearance-sensitive tire choices in the 1973 Volkswagen range. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the model can take either a narrow radial fitment or a bias-ply option depending on the look and driving feel the owner wants.
The Kombi is the straightforward transporter version of Volkswagen's bus family, known for utility, cargo flexibility, and unmistakable shape. It uses 14-inch wheels, aligning its tire choice with the Campmobile, Station Wagon, and 181 rather than the 15-inch passenger cars.
The Squareback brought Type 3 practicality to the Volkswagen range, offering wagon-like cargo space in a compact air-cooled package. It rides on 15-inch tires and shares the same radial-versus-bias-ply decision found on several other car-based 1973 Volkswagen models.
Volkswagen's Station Wagon in 1973 belongs to the bus-based family and emphasizes passenger space and utility over the smaller footprint of the car line. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, sharing fitment with other transporter-oriented Volkswagen models from the same year.
Thirty-eight products are available across six tire sizes for 1973 Volkswagen vehicles. 185R14 comes in 4 radial choices from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewalls; 155R15 has 4 radial choices from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall; 560-15 has 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone and US Royal in narrow and wide whitewall; 165R15 has 4 radial choices from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 590-15 has 3 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich and Avon in blackwall and wide whitewall; 600-15 has 2 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall. Confirm size first, then check tube requirements and speed markings where they vary by product.
These answers focus on how 1973 Volkswagen tire fitment changes from one model to another, when a radial or bias-ply choice comes into play, and how sidewall style, tube type, and collector-car use affect the final decision.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1973 Volkswagen vehicles?
1973 Volkswagen vehicles use six sizes across nine model groups: 185R14 for the 181, Campmobile, Kombi, and Station Wagon; 155R15, 560-15, 165R15, and 590-15 for the 411 & 412; 165R15 and 600-15 for the Beetle, Fastback, and Squareback; and 155R15 plus 600-15 for the Karmann Ghia. The 14-inch and 15-inch fitments are not interchangeable across the range, so the wheel diameter is the first thing to confirm.
Rim-width guidance also varies by size. 185R14 products span roughly 4.00 to 6.50 inches, 155R15 products run around 4.00 to 5.50 inches, 165R15 products center on 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 560-15 runs from about 4.50 to 5.50 inches, 590-15 sits around 4.00 to 4.50 inches, and 600-15 falls around 4.00 to 5.00 inches. Matching the exact model to the correct tire size and wheel width range is a better starting point than trying to choose from year and make alone.
What does 560-15 mean on a 1973 Volkswagen tire?
On a 1973 Volkswagen, 560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.60 designation is the traditional nominal width code, while the 15 means the tire fits a 15-inch wheel. Within the 1973 Volkswagen range, this size is used on the 411 & 412 rather than across the whole lineup, and it reflects older sizing practice that predates the widespread use of modern metric tire labeling.
That matters because a 560-15 should be compared to other 15-inch bias-ply options and not mistaken for a metric radial simply because the wheel diameter matches. If your goal is an era-correct presentation on a Type 4 Volkswagen, the size code points you toward a traditional bias-ply look and feel. Confirm the wheel and the model first, then compare sidewall style and rim-width suitability within the 560-15 offerings.
Do all 1973 Volkswagen models use the same tire size?
No. 1973 Volkswagen used different tire sizes across its model range, and some models also have a choice between radial and bias-ply sizing. Bus-based and utility models such as the 181, Campmobile, Kombi, and Station Wagon use 185R14, while most passenger-car models stay on 15-inch fitments. The 411 & 412 is the broadest case, with four sizes spanning both radial and bias-ply construction.
That model split means identification comes before tire selection. A buyer who assumes every 1973 Volkswagen takes a Beetle-type 15-inch tire could easily overlook the 14-inch fitment used on transporter-based models. Even among the 15-inch cars, the Karmann Ghia can point toward a different narrow radial path than the Beetle or Squareback. Once the model is confirmed, the choice becomes much clearer and much easier to narrow by appearance and driving intent.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R15 or the 600-15 for my 1973 Volkswagen?
For a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, Fastback, or Squareback, the choice between 165R15 and 600-15 is mainly a radial-versus-bias-ply decision. The 165R15 is a metric radial used across several Volkswagen passenger models, while the 600-15 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. Both mount on 15-inch wheels, but they speak to different ownership priorities.
Choose 600-15 when visual authenticity and a period-style bias-ply presentation are the priority, especially for a restoration or show car. Choose 165R15 when you want a 15-inch radial option with broader brand and sidewall variety for regular use. Neither decision should be made by wheel diameter alone, because sidewall appearance, intended driving style, and the exact Volkswagen model all shape which direction makes the most sense.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Volkswagen tires?
1973 Volkswagen tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, but the spread depends on size. 185R14 appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall, 155R15 stays blackwall, 560-15 comes in narrow and wide whitewall, 165R15 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, 590-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 600-15 is offered in blackwall and wide whitewall.
For many Volkswagen restorations, blackwall is the most familiar visual direction, especially on sportier or more utilitarian models, while whitewall choices can suit owners building a more styled period look. The important point is to match sidewall treatment to both the vehicle's character and the era you want to capture. A Beetle, Ghia, or 411 can wear very different visual personalities depending on whether you choose blackwall, a modest white stripe, or a broader whitewall presentation.
What brands make tires for 1973 Volkswagen vehicles?
1973 Volkswagen tire sizes are covered by a wide mix of brands depending on the size. 185R14 is available from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein; 155R15 from Firestone and Michelin; 560-15 from Firestone and US Royal; 165R15 from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, and BFGoodrich; 590-15 from BFGoodrich and Avon; and 600-15 from BFGoodrich.
Brand choice matters most after size and construction are settled. Some sizes emphasize touring-oriented radial names with blackwall styling, while others lean into classic bias-ply presentation with whitewall options. If you already know your model and wheel diameter, narrowing by brand can be a useful final step based on sidewall appearance, tube type, and whether you want a more restoration-minded bias-ply or a classic radial in the proper footprint.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1973 Volkswagen tires require?
Rim width depends on the size chosen for the 1973 Volkswagen. 185R14 products cover roughly 4.00 to 6.50 inches, 155R15 generally runs 4.00 to 5.50 inches, 165R15 fits around 4.50 to 6.00 inches, 560-15 spans about 4.50 to 5.50 inches, 590-15 centers on 4.00 to 4.50 inches, and 600-15 falls around 4.00 to 5.00 inches. Those ranges are not interchangeable just because the wheel diameter matches.
That makes actual wheel measurement worthwhile before ordering, especially on Volkswagens that may have changed wheels over decades of ownership. A Beetle or Karmann Ghia wearing aftermarket rims may no longer match the original-width expectation. Staying within the appropriate range helps preserve sidewall shape and steering behavior, and it also reduces the chance of choosing a tire that technically fits the diameter but is poorly matched to the wheel itself.
Do 1973 Volkswagen tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements vary by size and by product on 1973 Volkswagen applications. The 185R14 options include tubeless examples, 155R15 includes both tube-type and tubeless products, and several of the bias-ply sizes do not carry one universal tube marking across every product. That means there is no single yes-or-no answer for the whole 1973 Volkswagen range.
The practical move is to check the exact sidewall marking on the tire you choose and pair that with the wheel design actually on the vehicle. Original steel wheels, restored rims, and replacement wheels can change what setup makes sense. If your chosen tire is tube-type, inspect the valve stem and tube condition as carefully as the casing itself. Treat tube choice as part of the final fitment decision, not an afterthought.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1973 Volkswagen when the tires are fitted?
A 1973 Volkswagen stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Clean the tires with mild soap and water only, keep them off standing moisture, and maintain normal inflation pressure during storage. Bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more readily during long static periods, while any older-style sidewall can suffer cosmetic cracking if exposed to heat and ozone.
If the Volkswagen will sit for months, roll it periodically or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch. A Campmobile or Station Wagon that carries more static weight can benefit especially from that practice. Tire covers help if the car or bus is stored where light exposure is unavoidable. Good storage habits preserve sidewall appearance and help the vehicle feel more predictable the next time it goes back on the road.
How long do tires on a 1973 Volkswagen typically last?
On a 1973 Volkswagen, tire age is usually more important than mileage because collector vehicles often accumulate miles slowly. A sensible rule is to begin careful age-based evaluation around five to seven years and to consider replacement as tires approach ten years, even if the tread still looks good. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the reference point for age, not the year the car was restored.
That matters because a lightly driven Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Kombi can still wear out its tires chemically before it wears them out mechanically. Long-term exposure to heat cycles, indoor ozone, and underinflation can shorten useful life. If the Volkswagen sees highway use, regular seasonal checks become even more important. Tread depth alone is not a reliable guide on a hobby car that spends much of its life parked between drives.
How often should tires on a 1973 Volkswagen be inspected?
Tires on a 1973 Volkswagen should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign that the tire has lost pressure since the last outing. On tube-type setups, the valve stem and tube-related sealing points deserve as much attention as the tread and sidewall.
Frequent inspections are especially important on older Volkswagens because many are driven intermittently, and storage gaps can hide slow deterioration. A short local drive in a Beetle or Squareback may not expose a problem that becomes serious at sustained road speed. Running your hand over the tread and visually checking both sidewalls before departure takes only a minute and can catch aging issues early, before they become a roadside interruption or a damaged wheel.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1973 Volkswagen Beetle?
For a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, bias-ply construction still reflects the traditional original-equipment era more closely than a modern classic radial, and 600-15 fits that historical pattern within the available Beetle sizes. At the same time, 165R15 has become a familiar radial path for many air-cooled Volkswagens. Original fitment could vary by market, production source, and owner history, so construction type is often the clearest authenticity clue before brand enters the picture.
If your Beetle is being restored for authenticity, start by deciding whether the car is being judged for factory-style presentation or prepared for regular driving. Bias-ply sizing and era-appropriate sidewall styling generally matter more in show settings than brand alone. For market-specific confirmation, especially on export cars or unusual trims, a Volkswagen marque club or factory literature remains the best source to cross-check what is most appropriate for your exact car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1973 Volkswagen?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1973 Volkswagen if the vehicle is being judged for originality or period presentation. Size, construction type, and sidewall style can all influence how authentic the car or bus appears. A radial on a vehicle restored to strict factory-era standards, or a sidewall treatment that looks out of place for the model's intended character, can stand out even to casual observers.
That does not mean every restored Volkswagen must use the same visual formula. A Beetle, a Karmann Ghia, and a Kombi can each support different authenticity expectations because they occupied different roles in the lineup. The important thing is internal consistency: the tire should make sense with the wheel, stance, and restoration goal. If you plan to enter judged events, compare your choice against period photos, factory literature, and club guidance before committing.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF for the 1973 Volkswagen?
For a 1973 Volkswagen using 155R15, Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF share the same size, the same 82H speed rating, the same 15-inch rim diameter, and the same 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range. The key difference in the available fitment details is tube status: XAS appears as tube-type, while XAS-FF appears as tubeless. Both are blackwall radial choices in the same overall size family.
That distinction matters most when you are matching the tire to the wheel and to the way the car is being restored or driven. A tube-type tire may align better with certain wheel and restoration preferences, while a tubeless version may suit buyers working with compatible wheels and a simpler road-going setup. Since the basic size and speed rating are the same, the decision comes down to wheel compatibility and how closely you want the final setup to follow your preferred period presentation.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1973 Volkswagen tires safe for highway driving?
1973 Volkswagen tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the correct size, condition, and construction are chosen for the vehicle. Several radial options carry clear speed ratings, including T at 118 mph and H at 130 mph, which are well above normal U.S. highway speeds. Bias-ply options remain suitable within their intended use, but they deliver a different on-road feel and should be treated like period-style tires on a vintage vehicle rather than as modern high-speed touring rubber.
In real use, a 1973 Volkswagen's braking, suspension design, loading, and general mechanical condition are often more limiting than the tire's speed symbol at ordinary road speeds. A properly sorted Beetle or 411 on fresh tires is a different proposition from a bus-based model carrying camping gear and running at its upper comfort range. Highway safety starts with matching the tire to the model, verifying inflation, and inspecting the entire vehicle before expecting sustained-speed confidence.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1973 Volkswagen tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1973 Volkswagen should begin with the factory vehicle recommendation for the exact model, then be checked against the tire's own maximum load and pressure marking. Available examples include 185R14 at 1,323 pounds with 35 psi or 51 psi depending on the product, 155R15 at 1,045 pounds at 44 psi, 165R15 around 1,168 to 1,170 pounds at 35 to 36 psi, 560-15 at 970 pounds at 32 psi, 590-15 around 1,018 to 1,050 pounds, and 600-15 at 1,150 pounds at 32 psi.
Those figures are not a one-pressure-fits-all recommendation. Maximum sidewall pressure is a rating reference, not always the operating pressure your particular Volkswagen should run. Front-to-rear balance can differ significantly on rear-engine cars such as the Beetle and Karmann Ghia, and bus-based models may call for their own approach. Use the owner's manual or factory placard as the baseline, then make sure the chosen tire's ratings are compatible with that intended operating range.
What should I check before taking a 1973 Volkswagen on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1973 Volkswagen, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, lodged debris, and pressure loss, and do not forget the spare. If the setup uses tubes, check valve stems and any signs of leakage around the stem area. A tire that looks fine parked in the garage can behave very differently after an hour of heat and sustained speed.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on a vehicle of this age. Wheel fasteners, brakes, steering feel, shock control, and the basic condition of the suspension should all be part of the same walkaround, especially on camper and transporter models that may be carrying more weight. A longer drive is where small age-related issues become obvious, so a careful inspection beforehand is one of the easiest ways to protect both the tire and the trip.
