The 1967 Buick Wildcat sits squarely in the big Buick performance-luxury tradition, blending full-size presence with the kind of muscular styling and road manners that make these cars especially appealing to collectors today. For tire selection, that matters because this Wildcat uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments and carries two period numeric sizes: 8.45-15 and 8.85-15. That puts the focus less on modern sizing conventions and more on choosing the right stance, look, and overall fitment for the specific car. For a restoration-minded owner or a driver preparing a roadworthy cruiser, the key is confirming which of those two bias-ply sizes suits the wheel setup and intended presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1967 Buick Wildcat
The 1967 Buick Wildcat uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 15-inch rims. Since the Wildcat Base is associated with both 8.45-15 and 8.85-15, the first step is confirming which size matches the wheels and overall setup on the car. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the tire that best fits the car's stance, clearance, and restoration direction.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 8.45-15, the first number is the tire's nominal section width in inches and the last number is the rim diameter, so this is a relatively traditional full-size tire for a 15-inch wheel. Its bias-ply construction matches the period character of the 1967 Buick Wildcat and keeps the car in a vintage sizing system rather than a later radial format. This size is a useful choice for owners who want to stay with a narrower period-style presentation. Before selecting it, check the actual wheel width and the car's current clearance at the fender and steering components.
The size 8.85-15 is also a numeric bias-ply format, with 8.85 indicating nominal section width and 15 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1967 Buick Wildcat, this keeps the same traditional bias-ply construction while moving to a wider period-style size than 8.45-15. That makes it relevant for owners who are trying to match an existing wheel setup or achieve a fuller tire presence on the car. It is worth checking wheel width, steering clearance, and fender room before choosing this size over the narrower alternative.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1967 Buick Wildcat sub-model is associated with the same two 15-inch bias-ply tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still helps, but the more important step is confirming which of the two sizes matches the wheels and overall setup on the car.
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1967 Buick Wildcat Base
The 1967 Buick Wildcat Base is associated with both 8.45-15 and 8.85-15 bias-ply tire sizes on 15-inch rims. That means tire selection centers on confirming the wheel setup already on the car and deciding whether a narrower or wider period-style bias-ply presentation best suits the vehicle.
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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions for the 1967 Buick Wildcat usually come down to choosing between 8.45-15 and 8.85-15, understanding the older numeric bias-ply sizing system, and checking wheel fitment, appearance goals, and road-use condition before putting the car back into service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1967 Buick Wildcat?
The 1967 Buick Wildcat uses two primary tire sizes: 8.45-15 and 8.85-15. Both are numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch rims, so the fitment question is not radial versus bias-ply at the primary-size level, but which of those two period sizes belongs on the specific car.
The practical next step is to confirm the wheel setup already on the vehicle rather than assuming every Wildcat is wearing the same combination today. Cars that have been restored, modified, or re-wheeled over time may favor one size over the other, so wheel width and clearance should be checked before choosing between the narrower 8.45-15 and the wider 8.85-15.
What size rim does a 1967 Buick Wildcat use?
The 1967 Buick Wildcat uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 8.45-15 and 8.85-15. In each case, the final number in the size code identifies the wheel diameter, so both fitments are built around a 15-inch wheel.
That does not mean any 15-inch wheel is automatically suitable for either tire size. Actual wheel width and the car's current configuration still matter, especially if the Wildcat has replacement wheels or has been altered over the years. Matching the tire to the wheel and then confirming steering and fender clearance is the safest way to narrow the choice.
What does 8.45-15 mean on a 1967 Buick Wildcat?
On a 1967 Buick Wildcat, 8.45-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 8.45 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, while 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older American sizing format commonly seen on period full-size cars.
Understanding that format helps when comparing it with 8.85-15, which uses the same 15-inch wheel diameter but a wider nominal section width. The important part for the buyer is not just decoding the size, but confirming that the tire matches the car's actual wheel and leaves adequate room at the fenders and steering components once mounted.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1967 Buick Wildcat tire?
Start with the correct primary fitment: the 1967 Buick Wildcat uses either 8.45-15 or 8.85-15, and both are bias-ply tires for 15-inch rims. That makes the main decision one of size selection within the proper vintage format rather than jumping immediately to unrelated modern sizing.
From there, think about the car's current wheel setup, the visual stance you want, and how closely the tire should follow a restoration-oriented appearance. A narrower or wider bias-ply can change the presentation of a big Buick, so checking wheel width, overall clearance, and the car's intended use will usually point you toward the better choice.
How do I choose between 8.45-15 and 8.85-15 tires for a 1967 Buick Wildcat?
The basic difference is width within the same 15-inch bias-ply family. An 8.45-15 is the narrower of the two Wildcat fitments, while an 8.85-15 is wider. Both belong to the period-style numeric bias-ply system used on the 1967 Buick Wildcat.
Choosing between them comes down to the wheel and the car in front of you. The wider size may suit a car that already has the proper wheel width and room to carry it, while the narrower size may better match another setup or a different visual goal. Measure the wheel, inspect clearance, and avoid assuming the current tires are automatically the right reference.
Why does the 1967 Buick Wildcat have more than one tire size?
The 1967 Buick Wildcat is associated with two primary bias-ply sizes, 8.45-15 and 8.85-15, both on 15-inch rims. That means tire selection is not limited to one single numeric size across every car wearing the Wildcat nameplate in this coverage.
For the buyer, that makes confirmation more important than assumption. A Wildcat may have been restored with one of those sizes, or it may currently be on wheels that favor the other. Before choosing a replacement, verify the actual wheel dimensions and compare the present tire's fit at the fenders and steering stops so the new selection matches the car's setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1967 Buick Wildcat?
A period-style 1967 Buick Wildcat starts with one of its proper numeric bias-ply sizes, either 8.45-15 or 8.85-15, on a 15-inch rim. Both preserve the vintage sizing language and construction style that suit a full-size Buick from this era better than an unrelated modern format.
The better choice depends on how the specific car is equipped and how you want it to sit visually. Some owners want a slightly narrower traditional presentation, while others prefer the fuller look of the wider size. When originality matters beyond general period appearance, compare the car against Buick-specific historical references and restoration documentation before making a final decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1967 Buick Wildcat restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1967 Buick Wildcat restoration because the tire has a strong effect on the car's stance, wheelwell fill, and overall period character. On a large Buick coupe, the difference between 8.45-15 and 8.85-15 can influence how authentic and balanced the finished car appears.
Fitment also matters mechanically, not just visually. A restoration should account for the actual wheel width, tire clearance, and the condition of steering and suspension components before the car returns to the road. Even when the goal is a traditional look, the chosen tire still needs to suit the hardware on the vehicle rather than simply matching the look of another example.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1967 Buick Wildcat?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Buick Wildcat even when the tire remains within the correct period sizing family. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can all influence whether 8.45-15 or 8.85-15 is the better match.
That is why a replacement should be chosen around the car's actual current setup. A Wildcat that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or rebuilt with non-original components may not have the same clearance it once did. Checking wheel dimensions, turning clearance, and fender room before mounting new tires helps prevent an expensive mismatch.
What should I inspect before driving a 1967 Buick Wildcat on new tires?
Before driving a 1967 Buick Wildcat on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, steering components, and suspension for basic condition and security. It also makes sense to verify that the chosen tire size, whether 8.45-15 or 8.85-15, has adequate room at the fenders and through the steering range once mounted.
A collector car should also be checked for issues that develop through age and storage rather than mileage alone. Look over the old tires being removed for uneven wear that may point to alignment or suspension concerns, then monitor air pressure, seating, and clearance during the first miles. A short local drive is a smarter test than a long highway run.
How should 8.45-15 or 8.85-15 tires on a collector 1967 Buick Wildcat be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age and storage conditions, even if the 1967 Buick Wildcat is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires in sizes like 8.45-15 and 8.85-15 deserve routine checks for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss.
Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on a vintage Buick. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before each outing rather than assuming low annual use means low risk, especially on a heavier full-size car.
