1955 Lincoln Special Tires

The 1955 Lincoln Special came from an era when Lincoln emphasized big-car presence, V8 power, and smooth highway travel, making tire choice an important part of how the car looks and feels on the road. For this exact model, the primary fitment is an 800-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, which sets the foundation for both stance and period-style character. Available choices center on traditional wide whitewall presentation, while modern radial equivalents also exist for owners considering a different construction. The key is deciding whether the car's goal is restoration-minded appearance, touring use, or a careful balance of both.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1955 Lincoln Special

The 1955 Lincoln Special uses one primary tire size: 800-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the covered sub-model shares that same size, so the main decision is not which primary size fits but whether to stay with traditional bias-ply construction or evaluate one of the available radial-equivalent alternatives while confirming wheel and vehicle compatibility.

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800-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): V8
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

An 800-15 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where the 800 refers to an approximate 8.00-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1955 Lincoln Special, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it suits the car's original-era tire profile and road-going character. In this size, the available options focus on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling, including 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall treatments. That makes 800-15 the right starting point for buyers who want the proper vintage sizing before choosing the sidewall presentation that best matches the car.

Explore 800-15 Tires

1955 Lincoln Special Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1955 Lincoln Special sub-model. The same primary size is used here, so checking the exact sub-model mainly helps confirm that the car remains on its original-style wheel and tire setup before comparing bias-ply and radial-equivalent choices.

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1955 Lincoln Special V8

The 1955 Lincoln Special V8 uses the same 800-15 bias-ply tire size as the core model fitment. That keeps tire selection focused on construction preference, wide whitewall appearance, and careful wheel verification if the car has been updated from its original-style setup.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1955 Lincoln Special

The original 800-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent choices. Those options are 225R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R15 as a bias-look radial. Together, they offer a range from traditional metric radial sizing to a radial that preserves a more vintage visual impression. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel diameter, rim width, overall fit, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making the switch.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 225R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-15)

  • P235/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-15)

  • P235/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-15)

  • 800R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-15)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (6-8 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
  • Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
  • Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.

Important Fitment Notes

The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
  • Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)

If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.

Best 1955 Lincoln Special Tires for Sale

Available 800-15 choices center on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling. The main comparison points in the product grid are whitewall width, shared 15-inch fitment, and the restoration-oriented character of this traditional bias-ply series.

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Bias Ply

Coker Classic 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 800-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1800@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Coker Classic 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 800-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1800@32 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1955 Lincoln Special usually need clear answers on 800-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial decisions, wide whitewall appearance, and the basic checks that matter before putting a collector Lincoln back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1955 Lincoln Special?

The 1955 Lincoln Special uses an 800-15 tire size as its primary fitment. This is a numeric bias-ply size designed for a 15-inch wheel, and the covered 1955 Lincoln Special V8 uses that same size as well.

That means the first step is confirming the car still has the proper 15-inch wheel setup before choosing among available tires. Once the wheel size is verified, the real decision becomes whether to stay with a traditional 800-15 bias-ply tire for period-style appearance or compare the radial-equivalent options for a different construction approach.

What size rim does a 1955 Lincoln Special use?

The primary 800-15 tire fitment for a 1955 Lincoln Special uses a 15-inch rim. Product fitment in this size is associated with 15-inch wheels, and the available 800-15 bias-ply options are built around that rim diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the check, especially on an older collector car that may have seen wheel changes over time. A buyer should also confirm actual wheel width, bead-seat condition, and overall wheel suitability before mounting new tires, particularly if considering a radial equivalent instead of the original-style bias-ply construction.

Does the 1955 Lincoln Special V8 use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1955 Lincoln Special V8 uses the same 800-15 bias-ply tire size as the core 1955 Lincoln Special fitment. There is no separate primary size change shown for that covered sub-model.

That keeps selection relatively simple because the focus stays on tire style rather than sorting through multiple factory fitment sizes. It is still smart to confirm that the car has not been changed to a different wheel diameter or wheel width, since many collector vehicles have been updated over the years and that can affect both bias-ply and radial-equivalent choices.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 800-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1955 Lincoln Special?

For the 1955 Lincoln Special, 800-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. In this application, the original-style fitment is not a metric or P-metric radial size, but a traditional numeric bias-ply format used on a 15-inch rim.

That distinction matters because a buyer choosing 800-15 bias-ply tires is usually preserving the car's vintage sizing and presentation. Owners looking for a radial alternative should treat that as a separate fitment decision, then compare rim width, wheel condition, and clearance carefully rather than assuming the change is automatic just because the rim diameter stays the same.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-15?

Radial equivalents for 800-15 include 225R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R15, and 800R15. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial option, respectively.

Each one gives the buyer a different sizing format to compare against the original bias-ply tire, and the 800R15 is the option that keeps the most traditional naming style. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these radial equivalents, but wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance still need to be checked before making the change.

Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1955 Lincoln Special?

Yes, an 800R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1955 Lincoln Special's original 800-15 size. It is a separate radial alternative meant for buyers who want a more traditional visual presentation than a modern metric sidewall usually provides.

That makes it a useful middle ground for owners who want radial construction without moving completely away from a vintage-style tire appearance. The decision still requires a fitment check at the wheel and vehicle level, including actual rim width, suspension condition, and clearance around the fenders and steering components.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 800-15 tire for a 1955 Lincoln Special?

Start with the correct 800-15 size and the car's 15-inch wheel setup, then decide whether the goal is restoration-minded bias-ply appearance or a move toward one of the available radial equivalents. For buyers staying with bias-ply construction, the available options center on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling.

The next comparison points are whitewall width, wheel width compatibility, and whether the tire suits the way the Lincoln will actually be used. A lower-mileage show car and a regularly driven collector car may lead to different choices, but both should begin with verified wheel dimensions and a realistic look at the car's current suspension and clearance conditions.

What sidewall styles are available for 1955 Lincoln Special tires?

The available 800-15 bias-ply tires for a 1955 Lincoln Special use wide whitewall sidewall styling. Within that look, there are options with 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall treatments, giving the buyer a meaningful appearance choice within the same primary tire size.

That decision is mostly about presentation rather than fitment, since both choices remain in the same 800-15 size and Coker Classic Bias Ply series. Buyers trying to match a particular restoration look should compare the whitewall width to the car's overall trim and stance, while remembering that a period-style appearance is not the same as a verified factory-original specification.

What tire series are available for the 1955 Lincoln Special?

The available 800-15 bias-ply products for the 1955 Lincoln Special are offered in the Coker Classic Bias Ply series. That series keeps the selection focused on traditional construction and wide whitewall presentation rather than splitting the size across several different vintage-style product families.

With a single series in the product grid, the practical comparison shifts to the sidewall treatment and whether the bias-ply construction matches the car's intended use. Buyers who want to compare a different construction path should look beyond the primary product listing and evaluate the available radial-equivalent sizes as a separate decision.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1955 Lincoln Special?

For a period-style 1955 Lincoln Special, the natural starting point is the original-size 800-15 bias-ply tire. In this application, that keeps the car in its traditional numeric sizing format and preserves the tall, vintage tire character that suits a mid-1950s full-size Lincoln.

Appearance details then come down to the sidewall treatment, since available options include wide whitewalls in more than one width. Buyers pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare tire appearance against marque references or restoration records, while those aiming for a broadly correct vintage presentation can stay focused on the proper size and overall look.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1955 Lincoln Special?

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1955 Lincoln Special; it also changes the visual character of the car. An 800-15 bias-ply tire keeps the original-style sizing format, while radial alternatives such as 225R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R15, and 800R15 introduce a different construction and, in some cases, a more modern sidewall presentation.

That is why restoration-minded buyers often decide on appearance before comparing individual products. A bias-look radial can narrow the visual gap for owners who want radial construction, but the final result still depends on wheel width, overall stance, and how closely the finished car is meant to reflect a traditional 1955 luxury-car tire profile.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1955 Lincoln Special?

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1955 Lincoln Special even when the intended tire size is still 800-15 or a related radial equivalent. Wheel swaps, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, and brake upgrades can all affect clearance and how the tire sits in the wheel opening.

That is especially important on collector cars that may have been updated decades ago and no longer match their original wheel setup. A buyer should verify actual wheel dimensions and inspect clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components before mounting new tires, rather than relying only on the model's nominal factory-era size.

What should I inspect before driving a 1955 Lincoln Special on new tires?

Before driving a 1955 Lincoln Special on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, width, and overall condition, then check that the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for their application. It is also wise to look over suspension, steering, and brake components so the car is not asked to road-test new tires with unrelated mechanical issues.

A careful walkaround matters on an older car because tire problems and chassis problems often show up together. Look for rubbing marks, uneven spacing in the wheel openings, and any sign of interference during full steering travel, then recheck pressure and general condition after the first few miles to confirm everything is settling in normally.

How should 800-15 tires on a collector 1955 Lincoln Special be maintained?

Collector-car 800-15 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage practices. Even when mileage stays low, the tires on a 1955 Lincoln Special should be examined for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, because age and inactivity can matter as much as tread depth.

Storage conditions also make a real difference on vintage vehicles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long-term stress from sitting in one position. Any change in ride feel or visible condition deserves prompt inspection before road use.