1959 Buick LeSabre Tires

The 1959 Buick LeSabre came from one of Detroit’s most dramatic styling years, with sweeping lines, heavy chrome, and the kind of full-size road presence that defines late-1950s American cars. Whether kept as a hardtop cruiser or a family wagon, this Buick looks and feels most at home on a traditional 15-inch tire with the right profile and stance. The primary fitment is a 760-15 bias-ply size, which keeps the tire choice centered on period-style construction and appearance. Within that size, there are meaningful differences in brand, tire series, and whitewall treatment, along with modern radial equivalents for owners considering a different driving setup.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Buick LeSabre

The 1959 Buick LeSabre uses one primary tire size: 760-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and that same primary size is used across the covered LeSabre sub-models here. Because the size itself is straightforward, the real decision is whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply tire and choose the whitewall style you want, or compare that original-format fitment with the available radial equivalents.

1
760-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 8 Cyl. and Wagon
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

A 760-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 760 identifies the nominal section width class, or about 7.60 inches, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. For a 1959 Buick LeSabre, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment that preserves the tall, full-bodied tire look associated with late-1950s American cars. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear, with whitewall treatments ranging from narrow whitewall to several wide whitewall presentations across multiple tire series. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining a restoration-oriented appearance and proper 15-inch wheel fitment.

Explore 760-15 Tires

1959 Buick LeSabre Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1959 Buick LeSabre sub-models because both use the same primary 760-15 bias-ply size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire choice matches the car you have in front of you, especially if wheels or suspension have been changed over time.

1

1959 Buick LeSabre 8 Cyl.

The 1959 Buick LeSabre 8 Cyl. uses the same 760-15 bias-ply fitment as the other covered LeSabre configuration. That keeps tire selection focused on whitewall style, brand, and whether to retain a traditional bias-ply presentation or compare the available radial-equivalent sizes.

Associated Tire Sizes
2

1959 Buick LeSabre Wagon

The 1959 Buick LeSabre Wagon also uses the 760-15 bias-ply tire size on a 15-inch rim. Selection comes down to the appearance you want, the tire series you prefer, and confirming that the wagon still has the expected wheel setup before moving to a radial-equivalent alternative.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1959 Buick LeSabre

The original 760-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options. Those include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, these choices span traditional metric radial sizing, lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and a radial intended to retain a more vintage visual character. A 6-8 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before conversion.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 215R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (760-15)

  • P225/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (760-15)

  • P235/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (760-15)

  • 760R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (760-15)

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 1959 Buick LeSabre Tires for Sale

Available 760-15 choices cover BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear, all in bias-ply construction. The main differences in the product grid are tire series and whitewall presentation, including narrow whitewall and several wide whitewall styles.

Showing 6 of 7
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 3.375 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD—
Buy Now
Bias Ply

Coker Classic 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

Universal 3.00 Inch Wide Whitewall | 760-15

Universal Vintage Tire - Universal Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD—
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 760-15S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD—
Buy Now
Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Super Cushion Deluxe 2.75 inch Whitewall | 760-15

Goodyear - Super Cushion Deluxe

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5 in
WEIGHT23 lb
MAX LOAD1710 lbs. @ 32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Owners researching 1959 Buick LeSabre tires usually need clarity on the 760-15 size, 15-inch rim fitment, whitewall choices, and whether a radial equivalent makes sense for the way the car is driven and restored.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1959 Buick LeSabre?

The primary tire size for the 1959 Buick LeSabre is 760-15. This is a numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch wheel, and it is the shared primary fitment for the covered LeSabre 8 Cyl. and LeSabre Wagon sub-models.

That means the first step is usually not sorting through multiple factory sizes, but confirming that the car still has the expected 15-inch wheel setup. Once that is established, the real choice becomes selecting the right whitewall treatment, brand, and tire series in 760-15, or comparing the available radial-equivalent sizes if the goal is a different construction.

What size rim does a 1959 Buick LeSabre use?

The 1959 Buick LeSabre uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 760-15 tire fitment. That rim diameter is central to both traditional bias-ply replacement and any radial-equivalent comparison, because the tire size itself is built around a 15-inch wheel.

Rim diameter is only part of the check. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has been modified or fitted with replacement wheels over the years. Before choosing a tire, verify the actual wheel on the car and compare it with the tire’s rim-width guidance so the sidewall shape, clearance, and overall fitment remain appropriate.

Do all 1959 Buick LeSabre sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1959 Buick LeSabre sub-models here, including the LeSabre 8 Cyl. and LeSabre Wagon, share the same primary 760-15 bias-ply tire size. That makes fitment more straightforward than on vehicles where trim level or body style changes the tire size.

Even with shared sizing, it is still smart to confirm the car’s current wheel and suspension setup before ordering tires. A collector Buick may have replacement wheels, non-stock ride height, or older tires that no longer match the intended fitment. Verifying the actual setup helps avoid choosing by model name alone when the car itself may have changed.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 760-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 Buick LeSabre?

For the 1959 Buick LeSabre, 760-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. In this vintage numeric format, the size refers to a traditional bias-ply construction rather than a modern radial, which is why the available period-style products in this fitment are bias-ply tires.

That matters because construction affects both appearance and the overall character of the setup. Owners keeping a restoration-oriented look often stay with bias-ply in the original size format, while owners considering more modern road manners may look at radial equivalents. Either way, the wheel dimensions and available clearance should be checked before making a construction change.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 760-15?

Radial equivalents for 760-15 include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial that keeps a more traditional visual presentation.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not just radial versus bias-ply. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be reviewed before selecting one. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 6-8 inches, which makes wheel confirmation especially important on a full-size Buick that may no longer wear its original wheels.

What should I check before converting my 1959 Buick LeSabre from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the car’s actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the radial-equivalent size you are considering with the vehicle’s available clearance. A 1959 Buick LeSabre using the original 760-15 fitment can be evaluated against 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, or 760R15, but each should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic replacement.

Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the tire’s intended rim-width range all deserve attention before the change is made. It is also wise to inspect whether the car has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or worn steering components. Those factors can matter as much as the tire size itself when moving from a period bias-ply setup to a radial.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 760-15 tire for a 1959 Buick LeSabre?

The starting point is keeping the correct 760-15 size on a 15-inch wheel, then narrowing the choice by construction, brand, tire series, and sidewall appearance. For this Buick, the available products stay within traditional bias-ply construction, so the biggest visible differences are the whitewall treatments and the tire lines offered in that size.

Beyond appearance, compare wheel compatibility and product details such as load figures where stated. Some 760-15 options include a maximum load capacity of 1710 at 32 psi, and rim-width guidance varies by product. Matching the tire to the car’s wheel setup, intended use, and restoration goals usually matters more than choosing by brand name alone.

What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Buick LeSabre tires?

The available 760-15 tires for a 1959 Buick LeSabre include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Wide whitewall options appear in several widths, while narrow whitewall gives a more restrained presentation within the same overall vintage size and bias-ply construction.

Sidewall style has a major effect on the way a late-1950s Buick reads visually, especially on a car with so much body length and chrome. The right choice depends on whether the goal is a fuller period-style whitewall look or a cleaner, less dominant sidewall treatment. It is best to treat the sidewall as an appearance decision rather than proof of exact factory originality.

What brands offer tires for the 1959 Buick LeSabre?

Tires in the 1959 Buick LeSabre’s 760-15 size are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across several period-style bias-ply offerings, giving the buyer a useful range of visual and series-based choices within the same primary fitment.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. It helps to look at which tire series each brand offers, what whitewall styles are available, and whether rim-width or load details differ from one product to another. On a car like the LeSabre, visual character and fitment compatibility often shape the final decision as much as the name on the sidewall.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Buick LeSabre?

A period-style 1959 Buick LeSabre usually starts with the original-format 760-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch wheel. That keeps the tall vintage sizing convention and traditional construction that suit the proportions and visual character of a late-1950s full-size Buick.

From there, the decision usually comes down to brand, tire series, and whitewall treatment rather than changing size. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options can create noticeably different presentations on the same car. If exact restoration accuracy matters, the smartest next step is to compare your Buick’s build details with marque references and period photos before settling on a specific sidewall look.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 Buick LeSabre?

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1959 Buick LeSabre; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 760-15 bias-ply keeps the original-format sizing language and traditional sidewall presentation, while a radial alternative can shift the overall look even when the rim diameter remains the same.

That visual difference matters on a car with such pronounced late-1950s styling. Owners focused on restoration-oriented appearance often prefer the way a bias-ply fills out the car’s period stance, while others may want a bias-look radial to balance vintage style with a radial format. Matching the construction to the restoration goal helps avoid a tire choice that looks out of step with the car.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Buick LeSabre?

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1959 Buick LeSabre even when the intended size remains 760-15 or a radial equivalent in the same 15-inch wheel family. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can all affect how much room the tire actually has.

That is why the current setup should be checked before choosing tires by vehicle application alone. Measuring the wheel, inspecting steering travel, and looking closely at fender and suspension clearance can prevent avoidable fitment problems. A car that has been lowered, lifted, or re-wheeled may need more careful evaluation than a LeSabre that still follows its original wheel and stance layout.

What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Buick LeSabre on new tires?

Before putting a 1959 Buick LeSabre back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then check the suspension, steering components, and alignment-related wear. The tire itself should also be reviewed for proper inflation, secure seating, and any signs of interference once installed.

A short, careful road test is a smart follow-up on a collector car, especially one that may have sat for long periods. Listen for rubbing during turns, watch for vibration, and recheck pressure after the first miles. It also helps to confirm that no old issues such as loose steering, weak shocks, or worn bushings are being mistaken for tire-related behavior.

How should 760-15 tires on a collector 1959 Buick LeSabre be maintained?

Collector-car tires in 760-15 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, the sidewalls deserve close attention for cracking, bulges, cuts, or age-related deterioration, especially on a 1959 Buick LeSabre that is driven only occasionally.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Buick away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve tire condition over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before any longer drive, since collector vehicles often spend weeks or months parked between outings.