1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series Tires

The 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series uses two primary tire sizes: 855-14 and 885-14. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and both are associated with the Base sub-model. That means the correct replacement size depends on the tire and wheel setup actually on the car rather than on a broad one-size-fits-all assumption.

Checking the size stamped on the existing tires is a helpful starting point, but it is also worth confirming wheel width and overall clearance before ordering replacements. If the car has been changed over the years, the mounted setup may not match what another Newport or 300 Series owner is using, even though the cars appear similar at a glance.

The tire fitments used on the 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 855-14 and 885-14 share that same rim diameter, so the final number in each size points to a 14-inch wheel. That keeps rim diameter consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in section width.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over time. It still makes sense to verify the actual wheel width and compare it with the tire being considered, particularly if the car has aftermarket wheels or if the replacement plan involves moving from bias-ply construction to a radial equivalent.

The 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series can be found with either 855-14 or 885-14, even though both are 14-inch bias-ply fitments. The difference is in the tire’s nominal section width, with 885-14 representing a slightly wider size than 855-14. Both sizes belong to the same general period fitment family for a full-size Chrysler application.

That variation means the buyer should confirm the exact size already fitted to the car and not assume every example uses the same tire. A previous owner may also have changed wheels or replacement sizes at some point, so the safest path is to verify the mounted setup first, then choose the tire that matches the car’s present wheel and clearance requirements.

For the 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series, 855-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In this application, it belongs to the traditional numeric bias-ply format used on a 14-inch rim. That keeps it aligned with the period-style construction many owners want when preserving the look and road feel of a late-1960s full-size Chrysler.

A radial equivalent can still be considered, but it should be treated as an alternative rather than the same thing as the original bias-ply fitment. Owners moving away from bias-ply construction should verify wheel width, compare dimensions carefully, and make sure the chosen radial clears the car properly through steering travel and suspension movement.

Radial equivalents for 855-14 include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. Those choices represent three different radial sizing approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial. Each one gives a buyer a modern radial format to compare against the original 855-14 bias-ply size.

The recommended rim width range associated with these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, which makes wheel confirmation especially important before converting. It is also smart to look at overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, and fender space rather than assuming every radial equivalent will suit every car that originally used an 855-14 bias-ply tire.

Start by confirming which primary tire size the car actually uses, because only 855-14 has clearly defined radial equivalents here. For that size, the available radial alternatives are 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14, with a recommended rim width range of 5 to 7 inches. The original fitments themselves are bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims.

A careful conversion check should include wheel width, rim condition, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering components. Suspension wear can also affect available space, especially on a large, older car. The goal is to confirm that the radial being considered suits the actual wheel and vehicle setup, not just the original size family.

Choosing a 855-14 tire starts with confirming that 855-14 is the size actually used on the car, since this Chrysler application may also use 885-14. Once the size is confirmed, the main decisions are staying with bias-ply construction or evaluating one of the radial equivalents, along with selecting the preferred narrow whitewall treatment within the available BFGoodrich offerings.

Rim compatibility matters too, especially because the available 855-14 products are tied to a specific rim-width range and the radial equivalents carry their own wheel considerations. Buyers focused on a more traditional presentation may stay with the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply format, while a driver-oriented owner may want to compare the radial-equivalent path after checking dimensions and clearances.

The available sidewall style for this application is narrow whitewall. In 855-14, that includes BFGoodrich choices with different whitewall widths, while 885-14 is also available with a narrow whitewall presentation. That keeps the overall look traditional and well suited to a late-1960s full-size Chrysler without moving into more aggressive muscle-car sidewall treatments.

Sidewall choice affects appearance more than fitment, but it still matters a great deal on a car with broad body sides and substantial wheel openings. A buyer trying to maintain a formal, period-style look may pay close attention to whitewall width, while someone focused more on simple replacement may choose the tire that matches the existing visual balance of the car.

The available products for this application fall within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That means the selection emphasis is less about choosing between many different series and more about choosing the correct size, confirming wheel compatibility, and selecting the narrow whitewall treatment that best suits the car’s intended appearance.

For a buyer, that simplifies the decision in one way because the visual and construction theme stays consistent across the lineup. The more important comparison points become whether the car uses 855-14 or 885-14, whether a radial equivalent is being considered for 855-14, and how closely the finished look should follow a restoration-oriented late-1960s Chrysler presentation.

A period-style choice for a 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series begins with the original fitment family: 855-14 or 885-14 in bias-ply construction on a 14-inch rim. Within that framework, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires are the available products, and their narrow whitewall presentation suits the formal, full-size character many owners want to preserve.

The key is matching the actual size used on the car before focusing on appearance details. For owners pursuing exact restoration accuracy, tire brand and whitewall width should be checked against vehicle-specific historical references, build documentation, or marque-club guidance. For many buyers, though, the right bias-ply size and a traditional narrow whitewall create the desired period-style result.

Tire construction influences both the stance and visual character of a restored 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series. Staying with an 855-14 or 885-14 bias-ply tire maintains the traditional numeric size format and the kind of presentation most buyers associate with large American cars of the period. That makes bias-ply construction the natural visual starting point for a restoration-minded owner.

A radial equivalent can change the way the tire is identified and presented, even when it serves as a reasonable alternative in the same general fitment family. Owners who care most about period appearance usually focus first on the correct primary size, sidewall style, and overall visual balance at the wheel opening before deciding whether modern radial construction is worth the tradeoff.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series even when the car stays within the 14-inch size family. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how an 855-14, 885-14, or a radial equivalent sits and clears the car.

That matters because fitment is more than just matching the printed tire size. A car with changed wheels or a shifted stance may need extra attention to sidewall clearance, steering travel, and the relationship between the tire and the fender opening. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions and checking clearances on the car prevents costly assumptions during replacement.

Before driving on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that the tire size matches the car’s actual setup. On a collector-era Chrysler, it is also wise to check that the tires clear the suspension and body properly at full steering travel and that inflation is set appropriately for the tires being used.

A broader pre-drive check should include looking over steering and suspension condition, because worn components can change how a large car tracks and how a tire sits under load. After the first miles, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven seating. That kind of follow-up is especially useful when changing size or construction.

855-14 tires on a collector 1968 Chrysler Newport & 300 Series should be maintained with regular air-pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Low-use collector cars can develop issues even when tread wear is minimal, so sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and unexplained air loss all deserve prompt attention.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives. It also makes sense to inspect the narrow whitewall area for discoloration or damage, since appearance is often part of the ownership goal on a restored or carefully preserved Chrysler.