Chrysler Newport Tires
The Chrysler Newport spans a broad stretch of full-size American motoring, from the early 1960s through the early 1980s, and that long run covers a major change in how domestic cars were sized, equipped, and driven. Chrysler Newport moved through the era of big bias-ply whitewalls, into alphanumeric sizing, and eventually into modern radial fitments on later cars. That makes tire selection more involved than simply matching the model name, because the Newport uses several distinct size systems and also shifts from 14-inch to 15-inch wheels during production. Before choosing a tire, the first step is to confirm whether the specific Chrysler Newport is riding on 14-inch or 15-inch rims.
Chrysler Newport Tire Size Guide
Rim diameter changed during Chrysler Newport production, moving from 14-inch fitments to 15-inch fitments in 1969, and the sizes on this page cover both wheel diameters. Across 1961 to 1981, Chrysler Newport uses 13 distinct tire sizes spanning numeric bias-ply, alphanumeric bias-ply, alphanumeric radial, and metric radial formats. That progression reflects the model's movement from early 1960s full-size bias-ply sizing into later radial-era replacements.
800-14 is an early Chrysler Newport size used from 1961 through 1964 on 14-inch applications. The 800 designation is the nominal section width with the decimal omitted, and the 14 identifies a 14-inch rim diameter. Choose this size for early Newport fitments that call for the smaller of the two 1961-1964 options, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
850-14 is the larger numeric bias-ply size listed for Chrysler Newport from 1961 through 1964, also on 14-inch wheels. The 850 designation indicates nominal section width in the older numeric system, while the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. Choose this size if your early Newport uses the wider 14-inch fitment, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
825-14 appears on Chrysler Newport for 1965 and 1966 as one of three 14-inch size choices. The 825 code is a nominal section width in the traditional numeric bias-ply format, and the tire fits a 14-inch rim. Choose this size only after confirming the specific 1965-1966 configuration, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
855-14 is a mid-1960s Chrysler Newport size used from 1965 through 1967 on 14-inch wheels. The 855 number identifies the nominal section width in the older sizing system, and the 14 gives the wheel diameter. Choose this size for 1965-1967 cars that fall between the smaller 825-14 and larger 885-14 options, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
885-14 is the largest 14-inch numeric size listed for Chrysler Newport from 1965 through 1967. The 885 portion indicates nominal section width, and the tire is built for a 14-inch rim. Choose this size only after verifying the specific 1965-1967 Newport setup, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
855-15 is the sole listed Chrysler Newport size for 1969 and marks the move to a 15-inch wheel. The 855 number is the nominal section width in the numeric bias-ply system, while the 15 is the rim diameter. Choose this size for 1969 cars retaining their original-style 15-inch bias-ply fitment, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
H78-15 fits Chrysler Newport in 1971, 1973, and 1974 as one of the available 15-inch bias-ply sizes. In this alphanumeric system, H indicates the size and load class, 78 is the aspect-series designation, and 15 is the rim diameter; without an R, it is a bias-ply tire. Choose this size for period-correct early 1970s bias-ply presentation on 15-inch wheels, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
J78-15 is the larger companion 15-inch alphanumeric bias-ply size listed for Chrysler Newport in 1971, 1973, and 1974. The J marks a larger size class than H, 78 is the series designation, and the 15 is the wheel diameter; with no R in the code, construction is bias-ply. Choose this size when the car is equipped for the broader early-1970s 15-inch fitment, and because available products are bias-ply, a tube is required.
HR78-15 is a 15-inch Chrysler Newport size used from 1975 through 1978 during the transition into radial fitments. The H identifies the size class, 78 is the series designation, the R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter. Choose this size for later mid-1970s cars requiring the smaller of the listed 15-inch radial-type options while keeping the period alphanumeric look.
JR78-15 is the larger alphanumeric radial size listed for Chrysler Newport from 1975 through 1977 on 15-inch wheels. The J indicates a larger size class than H, 78 is the series number, the R marks radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter. Choose this size for 1975-1977 cars that call for the wider radial-era alphanumeric option rather than HR78-15.
GR78-15 appears for Chrysler Newport in 1978 as one of the 15-inch radial-era choices. The G identifies the size class, 78 is the series, the R denotes radial construction, and the tire fits a 15-inch rim. Choose this size only after confirming a 1978 Newport's specific configuration, since that model year carries more than one listed radial size.
195/75R15 fits Chrysler Newport from 1979 through 1981 as one of the later metric radial options on 15-inch wheels. The 195 is section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Choose this size for later cars calling for the narrower metric radial fitment, especially if a more modern driving feel is desired within the listed 15-inch range.
205/75R15 is the larger metric radial option listed for Chrysler Newport from 1979 through 1981, also for 15-inch rims. The 205 gives the section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter. Choose this size for later Newport applications needing the wider of the listed metric radials, with a broad range of sidewall styles available.
For 1965 and 1966, three sizes are listed on the same 14-inch wheel diameter, so buyers should confirm the specific trim level or body style before selecting a tire.
Chrysler Newport Tires by Year
The year listing below shows which tire sizes are associated with each Chrysler Newport model year and is the quickest way to narrow the field before comparing products. Chrysler Newport production changed from 14-inch to 15-inch wheels in 1969, so confirm which rim diameter the specific car carries before selecting a tire. In 1965 and 1966, more than two sizes are listed, which points to a configuration split within those model years rather than a wheel-diameter change.
1961 Chrysler Newport
- 800-14
- 850-14
1962 Chrysler Newport
- 800-14
- 850-14
1963 Chrysler Newport
- 800-14
- 850-14
1964 Chrysler Newport
- 800-14
- 850-14
1965 Chrysler Newport
- 825-14
- 855-14
- 885-14
1966 Chrysler Newport
- 825-14
- 855-14
- 885-14
1967 Chrysler Newport
- 855-14
- 885-14
1969 Chrysler Newport
- 855-15
1971 Chrysler Newport
- H78-15
- J78-15
1973 Chrysler Newport
- H78-15
- J78-15
1974 Chrysler Newport
- H78-15
- J78-15
1975 Chrysler Newport
- HR78-15
- JR78-15
1976 Chrysler Newport
- HR78-15
- JR78-15
1977 Chrysler Newport
- HR78-15
- JR78-15
1978 Chrysler Newport
- GR78-15
- HR78-15
1979 Chrysler Newport
- 195/75R15
- 205/75R15
1980 Chrysler Newport
- 195/75R15
- 205/75R15
1981 Chrysler Newport
- 195/75R15
- 205/75R15
Best Chrysler Newport Tires for Sale
Available Chrysler Newport tires span 7 brands and 37 products across sizes from 800-14 through 205/75R15, with bias-ply and radial choices depending on year. Confirm the exact size and 14-inch or 15-inch rim diameter on the car before selecting.
800-14 Products
These are the available products for 800-14.
850-14 Products
These are the available products for 850-14.
825-14 Products
These are the available products for 825-14.
855-14 Products
These are the available products for 855-14.
885-14 Products
These are the available products for 885-14.
855-15 Products
These are the available products for 855-15.
H78-15 Products
These are the available products for H78-15.
J78-15 Products
These are the available products for J78-15.
195/75R15 Products
These are the available products for 195/75R15.
205/75R15 Products
These are the available products for 205/75R15.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below addresses the sizing changes that run through Chrysler Newport production, including the 14-inch to 15-inch wheel shift, the move from bias-ply to radial-era sizing, and the practical differences between period-style and later radial choices.
Size Basics & Fitment
Chrysler Newport uses 800-14 and 850-14 for 1961-1964, 825-14, 855-14, and 885-14 for 1965-1966, 855-14 and 885-14 for 1967, 855-15 for 1969, H78-15 and J78-15 for 1971 and 1973-1974, HR78-15 and JR78-15 for 1975-1977, GR78-15 and HR78-15 for 1978, and 195/75R15 plus 205/75R15 for 1979-1981. The early sizes are 14-inch fitments, while 1969 and later listed sizes are 15-inch fitments.
That means the model name alone is not enough to choose a tire for a Chrysler Newport. Start with the model year, then confirm whether the car still carries its original wheel diameter and which specific size appears on the car, wheel, or period paperwork before moving to sidewall style or construction preferences.
On a Chrysler Newport, 800-14 is an older numeric bias-ply size used on early 1960s cars. The 800 portion is the nominal section width with the decimal omitted, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. It is not a metric size, and it does not decode the same way as later alphanumeric or radial sizes.
That older numeric format matters because it points you toward period-style bias-ply construction and 14-inch wheels rather than later radial substitutes. If your Chrysler Newport uses one of these early numeric sizes, match the exact size first, then choose the sidewall treatment that best suits the car's restoration goal or driving presentation.
A 1965 Chrysler Newport can show 825-14, 855-14, and 885-14 because more than one configuration used the same 14-inch wheel diameter that year. The split is not a change from 14-inch to 15-inch rims within 1965; it is a same-diameter variation across the model range. That is why several numeric bias-ply sizes appear under one year.
The practical takeaway is to identify the specific configuration of the 1965 Chrysler Newport, not just the production year. Checking the size on an existing tire, verifying wheel width, and comparing against factory literature or a Chrysler marque specialist will help narrow the choice between the smaller, middle, and larger 14-inch fitments.
Chrysler Newport uses both 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters across the years covered here. The 1961-1967 sizes listed are all 14-inch, 1969 moves to 15-inch, and every listed size from 1971 through 1981 remains a 15-inch fitment. The rim diameter is part of the size code on these Newport applications, whether numeric, alphanumeric, or metric radial.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment check because a 14-inch tire will not interchange with a 15-inch wheel. Before comparing whitewall width, radial versus bias construction, or brand, confirm the wheel size stamped on the rim or verify it on the car itself so the rest of the selection process starts from the correct foundation.
Crossply vs Radial
Chrysler Newport appears with both bias-ply and radial-era sizes across its production run, so the right choice depends on year and the look you want to preserve. Early numeric and non-R alphanumeric sizes are bias-ply applications, while later HR78-15, JR78-15, GR78-15, 195/75R15, and 205/75R15 are radial constructions in the available products. Both can be appropriate, but they serve different restoration and driving priorities.
Choose bias-ply for a more period-correct stance and appearance on earlier Chrysler Newport fitments, especially when authenticity matters. Choose radial construction when the car's listed size already falls in the radial era or when road manners are a higher priority, but stay within the sizes associated with your Newport's year and wheel diameter.
Radial tires can change how a Chrysler Newport feels on the road compared with bias-ply tires. In general, radials track more steadily, respond differently to road irregularities, and often give a more modern driving character, while bias-ply tires preserve a period-correct feel that suits many restorations. The later Chrysler Newport sizes on this page include both alphanumeric radial and metric radial options.
That difference matters most if you drive the Chrysler Newport regularly rather than display it. A car restored for show may benefit from staying with the construction style associated with its era, while a road-driven car may lead you toward one of the listed radial options that matches the car's year, width range, and 15-inch wheel fitment.
A Chrysler Newport should not be set up casually with a mixture of bias-ply and radial tires. The two constructions behave differently in cornering, ride response, and tracking, and the Newport's size listings already separate earlier bias-ply applications from later radial-era choices. Keeping one construction type across the full set is the more consistent approach.
If your Chrysler Newport currently has mixed constructions because of an older repair or partial replacement, treat that as a temporary situation rather than a final setup. When it is time to refit the car, choose a complete set in the size family appropriate to the year so handling balance, appearance, and overall behavior remain consistent.
Buying the Right Tire
A 1978 Chrysler Newport has two listed sizes: GR78-15 and HR78-15. Both are 15-inch radial-format alphanumeric sizes, but they represent different width classes, so the year alone does not settle the choice. The correct size depends on the specific configuration the car carries.
The best approach is to confirm the exact size already fitted, inspect the wheel diameter, and compare against original owner literature, build information, or a Chrysler specialist familiar with late-1970s full-size cars. That extra step is especially important on years like 1978, where more than one 15-inch radial size is associated with Chrysler Newport.
Chrysler Newport tires on this page appear in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, dual-white-stripe, goldline, and redline. Early 1960s numeric sizes lean heavily toward traditional whitewall treatments, while later 15-inch radial sizes expand the visual choices considerably. The available style depends on the exact size you are considering.
That variety lets a Chrysler Newport owner tune the look of the car to a factory-style restoration, a conservative driver, or a more personalized presentation. If authenticity matters, match the sidewall style to the era of the car first, then narrow the options within the correct tire size rather than choosing a sidewall treatment before fitment is settled.
Chrysler Newport tires in these sizes are available from BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, Coker Classic, STA, American Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Some brands concentrate on early bias-ply whitewall sizes, while others appear mainly in later radial 15-inch applications. Brand availability changes significantly by size and era.
That means the right way to shop Chrysler Newport tires is to identify the correct size first, then compare the brands that actually offer that fitment. Once the size is fixed, you can make a meaningful choice between appearance details such as whitewall width, sidewall style, and the general character of a period-style versus later radial construction.
Chrysler Newport fitments here include several tire series, such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Traxion, Star Series, American Classic Radial, Silvertown Radial, Tornel Classic, Coker Classic Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and UN106. The main difference is construction approach and presentation: some are traditional bias-ply lines for early fitments, while others are radial lines for later 15-inch applications. Sidewall styling also varies from blackwall to whitewall, goldline, redline, and stripe designs.
For a Chrysler Newport owner, series choice comes after you have established the right size and wheel diameter. Then you can decide whether you want an earlier bias-ply driving character, a later radial road feel, or a particular sidewall look that suits the period and personality of the car.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Chrysler Newport should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone sources, and prolonged moisture. Correct inflation matters even when the car is parked, because underinflation can encourage flat spotting and sidewall stress on a heavy full-size car. If the car sits for long periods, moving it periodically or using appropriate supports can help reduce static load on the tires.
Collector cars last longer on their tires when storage conditions are controlled as carefully as paint and interior conditions. For a Chrysler Newport that sees only occasional use, regular pressure checks and a stable storage environment usually do more to preserve the tires than low annual mileage alone.
Tires on a Chrysler Newport should be inspected at regular intervals even if the car is driven only occasionally. Look for changes in pressure, cracking, irregular wear, embedded objects, sidewall damage, and any sign that the tire is aging unevenly from long static storage. Older collector-car tires can deteriorate with time and environment even when tread depth still appears acceptable.
A practical routine is to inspect the Chrysler Newport before every outing and give the tires a more careful once-over several times a year. That habit is especially useful on cars with bias-ply tires, because long storage, curb contact, and underinflation can become visible only when you make inspection part of the car's normal pre-drive ritual.
A Chrysler Newport's tires should be replaced when age, cracking, casing condition, persistent flat spotting, bulges, separation, or repeated air-loss concerns indicate deterioration, even if tread remains. Tread depth alone is not a reliable measure on a low-mile collector car because rubber ages whether the car is driven often or not. Any tire showing structural concern deserves prompt evaluation and likely replacement.
That rule matters even more on a large, heavy Chrysler Newport, where load and heat can expose weaknesses that are not obvious in the garage. Treat replacement as a preservation decision as much as a safety one: keeping fresh, sound tires on the car protects the handling, the wheels, and the confidence to use the car as intended.
Restoration & Authenticity
Chrysler Newport used several original-style size families over its long production span, beginning with numeric bias-ply sizes in the early 1960s, moving into alphanumeric 15-inch sizes, and later into radial-era fitments. Available series on this page include traditional bias-ply lines and later radial lines, which reflects that broad production history rather than one single original fitment for every Newport.
For restoration work, the important step is to match the specific year and configuration of the Chrysler Newport to the correct size family first. If absolute factory accuracy is the goal, compare the car against original manuals, build information, and marque-club references before choosing the final tire series and sidewall treatment.
Correct tire fitment can absolutely influence how a Chrysler Newport is judged and perceived. Size, sidewall style, and construction all affect whether the car presents as faithfully restored, tastefully preserved, or updated for touring use. On a full-size Chrysler, the tires occupy a large visual and proportional role, so an incorrect width or era-mismatched sidewall can stand out quickly.
For a judged Chrysler Newport, staying close to the proper size family and an era-appropriate sidewall style usually supports authenticity and value. Owners building a driver may make different choices, but it is still wise to keep those choices visually sympathetic to the year so the car looks coherent rather than simply over-tired or under-tired.
Chrysler Newport tires here are offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, dual-white-stripe, goldline, and redline variations, but the correct style depends on the year and the restoration goal. Early 1960s Newport fitments commonly align with traditional whitewall presentations, while later radial-era sizes give a wider range of stylistic options. Not every sidewall style appears in every size.
For restoration work, choose the Chrysler Newport sidewall style that suits the period first and the individual trim presentation second. A carefully chosen whitewall width can make the car look properly scaled, while later stripe or line treatments may suit more personalized late-production builds better than a strict factory-style restoration.
Safety & Road Use
A Chrysler Newport can be driven on public roads when it is fitted with sound tires in the correct size and the car itself is mechanically sorted, but safety depends on more than the size code alone. Construction type, tire age, inflation, overall condition, and the state of the suspension and brakes all matter on a full-size collector car. Bias-ply and radial tires also deliver different road manners.
For practical road use, match the tire to how the Chrysler Newport will actually be driven. A lightly used show car on period-style bias-ply tires should be driven with that character in mind, while a Newport fitted with listed radial sizes may feel more settled in regular traffic when the rest of the chassis is equally well maintained.
Before driving a Chrysler Newport, check tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, and any sign of uneven wear or impact damage. On a collector car, it is also wise to confirm that the tires still match across the axle and that the wheel diameter and size family are appropriate to the car. Large domestic cars can hide tire problems until speed and weight load them heavily.
That inspection should become part of every pre-drive routine for a Chrysler Newport, especially after the car has sat for weeks or months. A few minutes in the garage can reveal low inflation, weather checking, or an old repair before it turns into vibration, poor tracking, or a roadside issue once the car is underway.
A Chrysler Newport fitted with original-style tires should be driven at speeds that respect the construction, age, and overall condition of the tires, not merely the capability of the engine or chassis. Bias-ply tires generally call for a more measured pace than modern radials, and any collector-car tire deserves conservative use if its history or age is uncertain. Smooth, moderate operation is always kinder to the tire and the car.
The practical standard is to let the Chrysler Newport's tire type set the tone of the drive. If the car runs period-style bias-ply tires, think in terms of steady touring rather than aggressive modern freeway driving; if it runs one of the listed radial fitments, maintain the same conservative habits while benefiting from the more modern behavior that radials can provide.