1963 Lincoln Continental Tires

The 1963 Lincoln Continental uses two primary tire sizes: 885-14 and 950-14, both in bias-ply construction. Fitment depends on the exact configuration, because some cars can use either size, while the Convertible and air-equipped models use 950-14 specifically.

That means the right starting point is the car’s exact sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the vehicle. A Continental that has been restored, modified, or fitted with different wheels over the years may not match assumptions made from the model name alone, so verifying size before ordering helps avoid clearance or appearance mismatches.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1963 Lincoln Continental use a 14-inch rim diameter. That remains consistent across the two bias-ply fitments, so the rim-diameter question is simpler than the tire-size question on this particular model.

Even with a shared 14-inch rim diameter, the wheel on the car still needs to be checked for width and overall compatibility with the intended tire size. That is especially important on a collector vehicle that may have seen wheel changes during restoration or long-term ownership, since the correct diameter alone does not settle every fitment detail.

No. The 1963 Lincoln Continental does not use one universal tire size across every covered configuration. Some models can use either 885-14 or 950-14, while the All Models w/Air configuration and the Convertible use 950-14 bias-ply tires.

That variation matters because the size decision should be tied to the exact car rather than to the year and model name alone. Checking whether the car is a Convertible, an air-equipped model, or another covered configuration narrows the fitment quickly and also helps guide the visual choice between the available whitewall treatments.

Start with the correct primary size for the exact 1963 Lincoln Continental configuration, since this model can use either 885-14 or 950-14 depending on setup. After size, the main selection factors are bias-ply construction, 14-inch wheel compatibility, and the whitewall style that best suits the car.

A sedan kept in a restrained restoration style may call for a different visual treatment than a more formal or show-oriented presentation. It also helps to compare practical details such as rim-width specification and load capacity at the stated pressure, especially when the car is driven regularly rather than displayed and stored most of the time.

The available sidewall styles for the 1963 Lincoln Continental are narrow whitewall and wide whitewall, depending on tire size. In 885-14, the available choice is a narrow whitewall, while 950-14 offers both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That makes sidewall style a meaningful appearance decision rather than a small cosmetic detail. A narrower stripe gives a more restrained look, while a wide whitewall creates a more pronounced full-size luxury presentation, so the better choice depends on how the Continental is being restored, displayed, or driven.

Available tires for the 1963 Lincoln Continental fall within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the product selection focused on the correct period-style construction for this application rather than spreading the choice across multiple construction types or unrelated modern tire lines.

With the series staying consistent, the real differences come from tire size and sidewall treatment instead of a broad series comparison. That can simplify the decision for buyers who want a traditional look, but it still leaves room to match the car’s exact fitment and choose the whitewall style that best suits its final presentation.

A period-style 1963 Lincoln Continental tire choice starts with the correct bias-ply size for the exact configuration: 885-14 or 950-14. From there, the available BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options keep the car in a traditional full-size American luxury presentation rather than shifting it into a modern radial appearance.

Appearance then comes down to proportion and sidewall treatment. The right choice for a historically minded restoration should reflect the car’s specific setup and the look being pursued, and owners seeking exact originality should compare the final tire selection against marque references or vehicle-specific historical documentation before making a final decision.

On a restored 1963 Lincoln Continental, bias-ply construction contributes strongly to the vehicle’s visual character because it preserves the traditional tire profile associated with the era. Since the primary fitments here are bias-ply sizes, staying within that construction keeps the car aligned with a distinctly early-1960s presentation.

Construction also affects how the sidewall treatment reads against the car’s body and trim. A narrow whitewall can look cleaner and more restrained, while a wide whitewall emphasizes the formal luxury image many owners want from a Continental, so the tire should support the restoration’s overall visual theme rather than compete with it.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1963 Lincoln Continental even when the car still appears stock at a glance. Wheel changes, suspension work, ride-height adjustments, brake conversions, and previous restoration choices can all influence which tire size works properly on the car.

A Continental that originally used a 14-inch bias-ply setup may still need a close check of wheel width, steering clearance, and body clearance before replacement tires are chosen. That is especially important on cars with air-related equipment, convertible-specific considerations, or long ownership histories where older repairs and parts substitutions may not be obvious.

Before driving a 1963 Lincoln Continental on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, wheel hardware, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating, visible damage, and any signs of air loss after installation.

A large, heavy collector car benefits from a slow and careful first road test rather than immediate highway use. It helps to listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and recheck pressure after the initial drive, especially if the car has been stored for long periods or recently returned to service after restoration work.

Collector-car tires in 885-14 or 950-14 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to aging even when tread wear is low. A 1963 Lincoln Continental that is driven only occasionally can still develop problems from time, storage conditions, or long periods spent stationary.

Good maintenance includes watching for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, and slow air loss, then storing the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. Periodic inspection matters just as much as mileage on a collector Lincoln, because age and storage can affect tire condition long before the tread is worn out.