1959 Mercury Parklane Tires

A 1959 Mercury Parklane uses either 850-14 or 900-14, depending on the sub-model. The Base model uses 850-14, while the Parklane w/Air & Convertible uses 900-14. Both are bias-ply tire sizes designed for 14-inch rims, so the model year alone is not enough to choose correctly.

The practical takeaway is to confirm the exact version of the car before ordering tires. A Parklane that has changed wheels over the years may also need the rim width checked, especially if it now wears something other than its original-style wheel setup. Size selection comes first, then sidewall style and any radial-equivalent comparison.

The covered 1959 Mercury Parklane tire sizes both use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 850-14 and 900-14 bias-ply fitments, so the tire’s final number and the wheel diameter match at 14 inches regardless of which sub-model is being discussed.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because width matters too. The available 850-14 products are matched to 5.50-6.00 inch rims, while the 900-14 products are matched to 6.00-7.00 inch rims. A car with replacement wheels should have both diameter and width verified before a tire choice is finalized.

No. The 1959 Mercury Parklane Base uses 850-14, while the 1959 Mercury Parklane w/Air & Convertible uses 900-14. Both are bias-ply fitments on 14-inch rims, but the tire size itself changes with the sub-model, so there is not one universal Parklane size for every configuration.

That difference matters because a 900-14 is not just another branding choice within the same fitment. It changes the size category the car is built around, and the associated product rim-width range changes with it. Identifying the sub-model first helps prevent mismatching the tire to the wheel or choosing an appearance style in the wrong size.

On the 1959 Mercury Parklane, 850-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the primary fitment for the Base model and uses the older numeric sizing system common on late-1950s American cars, where the leading number refers to the tire’s nominal width class rather than a modern metric measurement.

That matters because the buying decision starts with whether to keep the original-style bias-ply construction or consider a radial equivalent. Bias-ply selection keeps the vintage size format and period-style look intact, while a radial alternative should be checked carefully against wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before making the switch.

Radial equivalents for 850-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. The 215R14 is an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R14 is a 75-series P-metric radial, and P235/70R14 is a 70-series P-metric radial. These are alternatives to the original bias-ply size rather than additional primary fitments for the Parklane.

Each option uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these radial alternatives, and the wheel setup should be checked before conversion. Clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components should also be verified instead of assuming every equivalent works the same way.

Start by confirming which Parklane sub-model you have and whether the car is using 850-14 or 900-14. Radial equivalents are available for 850-14, but the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the actual tire size on the car should all be confirmed before choosing a radial alternative.

A conversion also deserves a close look at steering clearance, fender space, suspension condition, and any wheel changes made over the car’s life. A Parklane with aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or replacement suspension parts can respond differently than a stock car. Matching the new tire to the real wheel and body setup is more important than relying on size labels alone.

The first decision is identifying the correct sub-model, because the 1959 Mercury Parklane uses either 850-14 or 900-14. After that, the main considerations are keeping the correct bias-ply construction, matching the tire to the wheel’s diameter and width, and deciding whether a wide whitewall or narrow whitewall better suits the car’s presentation.

Selection also depends on how the car will be used. A restoration-oriented owner may prioritize a traditional sidewall look, while a driver considering a radial alternative for 850-14 should focus on wheel compatibility and clearance. The strongest choices usually come from matching the tire to the car’s actual setup rather than choosing by appearance alone.

The available 1959 Mercury Parklane products include two sidewall styles: wide whitewall and narrow whitewall. Both styles are offered in the covered bias-ply sizes, so the sidewall decision is mainly an appearance choice once the correct size has been matched to the correct sub-model and wheel.

That choice can change the visual character of the car quite a bit. A wide whitewall gives the Parklane a more formal late-1950s presentation, while a narrow whitewall creates a subtler look. Neither style should be assumed to be exact factory appearance without vehicle-specific historical confirmation, but both work well for period-style restoration goals.

The available products for the 1959 Mercury Parklane are in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That means the comparison is not between several unrelated tread families, but between the correct Parklane size, the wheel compatibility tied to that size, and the whitewall treatment that best matches the car’s intended appearance.

With one series across both sizes, the buyer’s attention should stay on fitment details rather than chasing differences that are not really part of the selection. The meaningful variables here are 850-14 versus 900-14, corresponding rim-width range, and wide versus narrow whitewall. That keeps the process focused and appropriate for a full-size 1959 Mercury.

A period-style 1959 Mercury Parklane starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 850-14 for the Base model or 900-14 for the Parklane w/Air & Convertible. Staying with a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing format and the visual character expected on a late-1950s full-size Mercury.

After size and construction are settled, the main appearance choice becomes wide whitewall versus narrow whitewall. Buyers pursuing the most historically faithful presentation should compare the car against marque references, period photography, or restoration documentation rather than assuming one whitewall width suits every Parklane. Fitment and visual proportion should work together.

Tire construction changes more than the internal build of the tire; it also affects how a restored 1959 Mercury Parklane presents visually. The Parklane’s primary fitments are bias-ply sizes, and that construction aligns naturally with the tall, substantial tire look associated with full-size American cars from 1959.

A radial alternative can be worth considering for driving goals, but it should be evaluated with appearance in mind as well as fitment. Owners trying to preserve a traditional restoration look often prefer to begin with the original-style construction and then choose the whitewall treatment carefully. Construction and sidewall style together shape the final stance of the car.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1959 Mercury Parklane even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, replacement springs, or body and brake upgrades can all affect how an 850-14 or 900-14 tire sits in the car.

A modified Parklane should be checked for steering clearance, inner-fender space, and wheel dimensions before new tires are installed. Radial conversions deserve the same caution, especially on cars that no longer use stock-style wheels. Confirming the real wheel and suspension setup helps prevent rubbing, stance issues, or an appearance that does not suit the car.

Before driving a 1959 Mercury Parklane on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure lug hardware is in good condition, and verify that the new tires have proper clearance at the fenders and steering components. The car’s suspension and steering should also be in sound condition so the tires can work as intended.

After installation, keep an eye on inflation pressure, tread seating, and any signs of contact during low-speed turning. A collector car that has sat for long periods may also need attention to alignment, bushings, and wheel condition before regular road use. A short shakedown drive is a smart way to catch small issues early.

1959 Mercury Parklane tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread wear. Collector vehicles often accumulate miles slowly, so cracking, flat spotting, air loss, sidewall damage, or weathering can become more important than simple mileage when judging tire condition.

Storage habits matter too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition between drives. It also helps to inspect the tires before each outing and after longer periods of storage. A Parklane that sees occasional road use benefits from consistent checks instead of waiting for obvious wear.