1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 Tires

The 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 uses two primary tire sizes: 900-14 and 950-14. Both are numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, so the vehicle does not have a single universal size across every setup shown here. The difference between them starts with overall fitment choice rather than construction, since both remain bias-ply tires.

Selecting between those two sizes starts with confirming the wheel setup on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or had wheels changed over the years. Once the correct size is confirmed, the next decision is usually sidewall appearance, since both narrow and wide whitewall options are available in these period-style bias-ply tires.

The primary tire fitments for the 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 mount on 14-inch rims. Both 900-14 and 950-14 share that rim diameter, which simplifies the first part of tire selection because the page does not split fitment across different wheel diameters. The choice is between tire sizes on the same diameter rather than between 14-inch and 15-inch wheels.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so the wheel’s actual width still needs attention before choosing a tire. The available 900-14 and 950-14 products do not use the same rim-width range, which matters on a large 1959 Oldsmobile where appearance, sidewall shape, and clearance can all change if the tire is mounted on the wrong wheel width.

The 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 has more than one tire size because both 900-14 and 950-14 are used within this year-make-model fitment range. Each is a 14-inch bias-ply tire, but the two sizes represent different primary fitment paths rather than different constructions. That makes size confirmation more important than deciding between bias-ply and radial on this page.

A vehicle of this age may no longer be sitting on its original wheel setup, and changes made during restoration can affect which size makes the most sense. Checking the mounted wheel width and the car’s present stance is the practical next step, especially before choosing a wider 950-14 or a whitewall treatment meant to complement the body lines of a 1959 full-size Oldsmobile.

A 900-14 tire for a 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 should be chosen by confirming that 900-14 is the correct primary size for the vehicle’s wheels, then comparing the available bias-ply whitewall options. In this size, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires are offered with either a 2.25-inch wide whitewall or a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall, both for 14-inch rims.

The choice between those versions is largely about presentation and wheel compatibility rather than a change in construction. A wide whitewall leans more heavily into late-1950s visual character, while a narrower whitewall gives a more restrained look. Matching the tire to the wheel width and the car’s restoration direction matters more than simply choosing the most noticeable sidewall.

The available sidewall styles for the 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 are narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. In 900-14, the choices are a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall or a 2.25-inch wide whitewall. In 950-14, the choices are a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall or a 2.50-inch wide whitewall, all within BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings.

That sidewall choice has a major effect on how the car reads visually, especially on a dramatic 1959 Oldsmobile body. Wider whitewalls create a stronger period-style presentation, while narrow whitewalls look more understated. It helps to decide whether the goal is a more formal restoration-oriented appearance or a subtler road-use look before narrowing the tire selection.

The available tire series for the 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 is BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply. That series appears in both primary sizes, 900-14 and 950-14, and keeps the vehicle within a traditional bias-ply construction. The variations in the lineup come from size and whitewall treatment rather than from multiple competing series names.

That makes tire selection more focused than on pages with several construction types or several tread families. Instead of sorting through many series, the buyer can concentrate on confirming the correct size, checking wheel-width compatibility, and deciding how prominent the whitewall should be. Those factors usually have the biggest impact on both fitment confidence and finished appearance.

A period-style 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 tire choice starts with the correct primary bias-ply size, either 900-14 or 950-14, followed by the whitewall treatment that best matches the car’s restoration direction. BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires fit that traditional approach, and both narrow and wide whitewall versions are available within the covered sizes.

On a late-1950s full-size Oldsmobile, tire appearance has a strong effect on stance and visual proportion. A wide whitewall usually delivers the bolder period-style look many owners want, while a narrow whitewall reads more restrained. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, photos, and restoration documentation before making the final call.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 restoration because size and sidewall treatment influence both appearance and how the car sits on the road. The page’s two primary sizes, 900-14 and 950-14, are both bias-ply fitments, but they do not create exactly the same visual impression on a large, highly styled body.

Using the right size for the wheel setup helps preserve proper proportions and avoids a finished look that seems too narrow or too heavy for the car. Whitewall width is just as important visually, since the sidewall is a major styling element on a 1950s restoration. A careful fitment check supports both authenticity goals and a more convincing overall presentation.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88. Even though the primary sizes here are 900-14 and 950-14 on 14-inch rims, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or bodywork can change which size works best on the car as it sits today. That is especially important when choosing between two different bias-ply widths.

A practical check should include wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and steering clearance at full lock, not just the rim diameter stamped on the wheel. Cars from this era are often restored over many decades, and past changes may not be obvious at first glance. Verifying the actual setup before mounting tires helps avoid appearance and clearance surprises.

Before driving a 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm the chosen tire size, and look over the suspension and steering for any obvious looseness or wear. On a collector-era car, it also helps to check for rubbing points around the fenders and inner wheel openings after the tires are mounted.

A short, careful road test is the best next step once pressure is set and the tires have been installed properly. Pay attention to vibration, pull, unusual noises, or any sign of contact during turning and compression. Older cars often reveal hidden fitment issues only after they are back on the road, so a cautious first drive is time well spent.

Collector-car tires in 900-14 or 950-14 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition, even if the 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88 is driven only occasionally. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss. Bias-ply tires on a low-use classic deserve the same routine inspection as frequently driven vehicles.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a car from this period. Keeping the Oldsmobile 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 every outing, since collector vehicles sometimes sit long enough for pressure loss or visible aging to develop unnoticed.