1959 Mercury Montclair Tires

The 1959 Mercury Montclair uses either 850-14 or 900-14 tires, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. The Base model uses 850-14, while the 4-Dr. Hardtop w/Dual Exhausts uses 900-14.

That means the first fitment step is identifying the exact sub-model rather than assuming every Montclair used the same size. Since both sizes share the same rim diameter but differ in section width, the correct choice affects both appearance and replacement options, especially if the car has had wheel, suspension, or brake changes over the years.

The 1959 Mercury Montclair uses a 14-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 850-14 or 900-14, the rim diameter remains 14 inches, while the tire width changes with the sub-model.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel should still be checked before choosing tires. An 850-14 product range uses a different rim-width specification than a 900-14 product range, and any aftermarket wheel can change the fitment decision even when the wheel is still nominally a 14-inch design.

The 1959 Mercury Montclair has more than one tire size because the covered sub-models do not use the same primary fitment. The Base model uses 850-14, while the 4-Dr. Hardtop w/Dual Exhausts uses the wider 900-14 bias-ply size.

For the buyer, that makes sub-model identification more important than comparing products first. Once the exact configuration is confirmed, the tire decision becomes much clearer: 900-14 stays centered on period-style bias-ply choices, while 850-14 also opens the door to named radial-equivalent sizes that should be checked carefully against the wheel and vehicle setup.

On the 1959 Mercury Montclair, 850-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the original-style fitment format used on the Base model, and the available products in that primary size are bias-ply tires.

That does not prevent a radial conversion, but it does mean the buyer should treat radial options as alternatives rather than the original construction type. If changing to a radial equivalent, compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before making the switch, especially on a collector car that may no longer have its original wheel or suspension setup.

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, giving the 1959 Mercury Montclair Base several clearly defined radial alternatives.

Each of those sizes should be treated as a comparison option rather than an automatic substitution. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies to the radial-equivalent choices, and the final decision should also account for overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, and any changes the car may have seen since new.

Start by confirming that the car is the 850-14 Base-model fitment, since the named radial equivalents apply to that primary size. Then verify wheel diameter, wheel width, and the specific equivalent under consideration, such as 215R14, P225/75R14, or P235/70R14.

A radial conversion should also prompt a close look at clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering components. Collector cars often have replacement wheels, altered ride height, or aging suspension parts, so checking the complete setup matters just as much as selecting an equivalent size that appears close on paper.

The main factors are the exact sub-model, the correct primary size, and whether the goal is to stay with period-style bias-ply construction or explore radial alternatives where they exist. On this Montclair, that means sorting out 850-14 versus 900-14 before comparing sidewall style or other product details.

Once size is confirmed, the next decisions are more about presentation and wheel compatibility. Whitewall width changes the car’s look significantly, and the rim-width specification should match the wheel on the car. Buyers considering an 850-14 radial equivalent should treat that as a separate fitment review rather than a simple product selection.

The available sidewall styles for the 1959 Mercury Montclair are wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. Both 850-14 and 900-14 bias-ply offerings include those two visual directions within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

That choice is especially important on a late-1950s full-size car because sidewall treatment strongly affects the vehicle’s stance and period feel. A buyer focused on a fuller traditional look may lean toward the wider whitewall, while a narrower whitewall can create a more restrained appearance without changing the underlying tire size or construction.

The available tire series for the 1959 Mercury Montclair is BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply. It is offered in both primary sizes used on the car, with the visible variation coming from sidewall style and size rather than from multiple series families.

That makes selection more straightforward than on pages with several competing series. Instead of sorting through many tread families, the buyer can focus on the correct sub-model fitment, the wheel’s width, and whether a wide whitewall or narrow whitewall best matches the intended appearance and road-use expectations for the car.

A period-style 1959 Mercury Montclair starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 850-14 for the Base model or 900-14 for the 4-Dr. Hardtop w/Dual Exhausts. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the tall, traditional sidewall character that suits a full-size 1959 Mercury.

After size is settled, the visual choice becomes the whitewall treatment. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions both exist, and each changes the car’s presentation in a noticeable way. If exact restoration originality matters, the final appearance choice should also be checked against marque-specific references, period photos, or surviving vehicle history.

Tire construction has a strong effect on how a restored 1959 Mercury Montclair sits and reads visually. A bias-ply tire keeps the traditional profile associated with the car’s era, while a radial alternative for the 850-14 fitment can change the overall presentation even if the wheel diameter stays the same.

That matters because a late-1950s full-size Mercury carries a lot of its character through sidewall shape and stance. Buyers balancing road use and appearance often compare construction along with whitewall style instead of treating those as separate issues. The best choice depends on whether the goal is a more traditional look or a different driving setup.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Mercury Montclair even when the original tire size is known. Aftermarket wheels, brake changes, suspension work, lowered ride height, or body repairs can all alter the space available for an 850-14, 900-14, or any radial alternative considered for the Base model.

That is why a modified Montclair should be measured as it sits, not judged only by the factory-style size designation. Wheel width, backspacing, steering travel, and fender clearance all matter once the car differs from stock. A close inspection is especially important before moving from the original bias-ply format to a modern radial equivalent.

Before driving a 1959 Mercury Montclair on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and check inflation carefully. It also helps to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and basic suspension condition before the first road test.

A slow and careful initial drive is a smart follow-up, especially on a collector car that may have spent long periods parked. Watch for rubbing during turns, unusual pull, vibration, or signs that the wheel and tire combination is not centered properly. Catching those issues early helps protect both the new tires and the car.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Mercury Montclair should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Pay attention to tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any repeated loss of air, since older cars often spend more time parked than driven.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Mercury. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. Even if the tires look good at a glance, routine inspections before local drives and longer outings remain an important part of safe collector use.