The 1968 Lincoln Continental sits at the height of Lincoln’s big-bodied luxury era, when formal styling, substantial road presence, and effortless highway manners defined the car. Buyers looking after one today are usually balancing authenticity, appearance, and real-world driving use rather than simply replacing a worn tire. Tire fitment on the 1968 Lincoln Continental depends on the exact model, with 9.15-15 bias-ply fitment on Sedan & Coupe models and either 8.45-15 bias-ply or 215R15 radial fitment on the Mark III, all on 15-inch rims. That makes construction choice especially important. The right selection starts with confirming the sub-model, then deciding whether a period-style bias-ply or radial setup best suits the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Lincoln Continental
Three primary tire sizes appear on the 1968 Lincoln Continental, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a broad one-size-fits-all approach. All of them use a 15-inch rim, but construction and section width vary, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a Mark III or a Sedan & Coupe before comparing tire type, appearance, and driving goals.
215R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1968 Lincoln Continental, this size is associated with the Mark III and represents a more modern sizing convention than the original numeric bias-ply format. Its practical appeal is in radial construction while staying on the correct 15-inch wheel diameter. It should still be evaluated against the car’s actual wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before treating it as the right choice for a specific Mark III.
8.45-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 8.45 representing the nominal section width in inches and 15 indicating the rim diameter. For the 1968 Lincoln Continental, this size applies to the Mark III and suits buyers who want a traditional bias-ply fitment and period-style presentation. Numeric bias-ply sizing is familiar to many collector-car owners because it reflects the tire language used across the era. This size is worth considering when preserving the car’s vintage character matters, but wheel condition, vehicle stance, and intended road use should still be checked before final selection.
9.15-15 is also a numeric bias-ply size, using 9.15 as the nominal section width in inches and 15 as the wheel diameter. On the 1968 Lincoln Continental, this size is tied to Sedan & Coupe models and reflects the wider, full-size luxury-car fitment expected for the car’s formal body style and road presence. Bias-ply construction keeps the selection rooted in a traditional vintage format rather than a modern metric radial one. Buyers should use this size as the starting point for Sedan & Coupe tire selection, then confirm wheel width, clearance, and the car’s current setup before moving to a specific tire.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 Lincoln Continental because the Mark III and the Sedan & Coupe do not use the same tire-size path. Identifying the exact model is the first step, since one branch of the lineup includes both bias-ply and radial choices while the other stays with a larger numeric bias-ply size.
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1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III
The 1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III uses either 8.45-15 bias-ply or 215R15 radial tires on a 15-inch rim. That gives Mark III owners a more direct construction choice, so selection often comes down to preserving a traditional look or moving toward a radial setup while staying mindful of wheel compatibility and vehicle clearance.
The 1968 Lincoln Continental Sedan & Coupe uses the 9.15-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. Tire choice here is less about sorting between multiple primary sizes and more about selecting the right bias-ply tire for the car’s intended appearance, driving use, and wheel condition.
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
Owners of a 1968 Lincoln Continental usually need to sort out sub-model fitment first, then decide how tire size, rim compatibility, and bias-ply versus radial construction affect the car’s appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 Lincoln Continental?
A 1968 Lincoln Continental can use more than one primary tire size, depending on the sub-model. The Mark III uses either 8.45-15 bias-ply or 215R15 radial tires, while the Sedan & Coupe uses 9.15-15 bias-ply tires. All of these sizes are built for 15-inch rims.
The practical step is confirming exactly which Continental you have before choosing a tire. A Mark III owner needs to decide between a traditional bias-ply format and a radial option, while a Sedan & Coupe owner should start with the larger numeric bias-ply size. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance should still be checked on the actual car.
What size rim does a 1968 Lincoln Continental use?
The 1968 Lincoln Continental uses a 15-inch rim across its primary tire fitments. That includes 215R15 radial tires as well as 8.45-15 and 9.15-15 bias-ply sizes. Even though the tire formats differ, they all share the same basic rim diameter.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it should not be the only thing checked. Wheel width, tire construction, and the actual setup on the car still matter, especially on a collector vehicle that may have had wheel changes over the years. Confirming the wheel before ordering helps avoid mismatches in stance or clearance.
Do all 1968 Lincoln Continental sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1968 Lincoln Continental does not use the same tire size across all covered sub-models. The Mark III uses 8.45-15 bias-ply or 215R15 radial tires, while the Sedan & Coupe uses 9.15-15 bias-ply tires. That makes sub-model identification an important part of tire selection.
This distinction matters because the buyer decision changes with the model. A Mark III owner may be comparing construction types as much as tire sizes, while a Sedan & Coupe owner is working within one larger numeric bias-ply fitment. Before selecting a tire, confirm the car’s exact model and inspect whether the wheels and suspension remain close to stock dimensions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1968 Lincoln Continental?
Start with the correct sub-model, since the 1968 Lincoln Continental does not share one universal tire size. The Mark III uses either 8.45-15 bias-ply or 215R15 radial tires, while the Sedan & Coupe uses 9.15-15 bias-ply tires. Rim diameter stays at 15 inches, but construction and width differ.
Once the fitment path is clear, the decision becomes more about how the car will be used. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward bias-ply presentation, while a road-driven Mark III may prompt closer consideration of the radial option. It also helps to confirm wheel width, suspension condition, and body clearance before settling on any specific tire.
How do I choose between the available 8.45-15 and 215R15 tires for a 1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III?
For a 1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III, the choice between 8.45-15 and 215R15 begins with construction. The 8.45-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire with a traditional vintage format, while 215R15 is a Euro-metric radial size. Both use a 15-inch rim, but they represent different approaches to keeping the car on the road.
The next step is matching the tire to the car’s purpose. A buyer focused on period-style appearance may prefer the bias-ply route, while a buyer interested in a radial setup may lean toward 215R15. Either way, confirm wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the actual car rather than assuming any 15-inch tire will behave the same.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1968 Lincoln Continental tires?
The first rim-fitment detail to confirm is diameter, and the 1968 Lincoln Continental uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire sizes. After that, wheel width becomes the important comparison point because the car’s fitments include both radial and bias-ply constructions as well as different section widths.
A wheel can have the correct diameter and still create issues if width or overall tire dimensions are not well matched. That is especially important on older luxury cars that may have had wheel replacements over time. Checking the wheel itself, along with steering clearance and fender room, helps keep the fitment decision grounded in the actual vehicle.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Lincoln Continental?
A period-style 1968 Lincoln Continental usually starts with the primary bias-ply fitment that matches the sub-model. That means 8.45-15 for the Mark III or 9.15-15 for the Sedan & Coupe. Those numeric bias-ply sizes preserve the vintage sizing language and construction that suit a full-size Lincoln from this era.
The right choice depends on how exact the restoration needs to be. For a broadly authentic visual impression, staying with the proper numeric bias-ply format is the strongest starting point. If exact historical detail matters at a higher level, check marque-specific restoration references, original vehicle documentation, and trusted Lincoln enthusiast sources before finalizing the tire style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Lincoln Continental?
Tire construction changes more than ride character on a restored 1968 Lincoln Continental; it also changes how the car presents visually. The Mark III can use either 8.45-15 bias-ply or 215R15 radial tires, while the Sedan & Coupe stays with 9.15-15 bias-ply. Bias-ply sizing tends to support a more traditional vintage look.
That matters because a large luxury Lincoln wears its tires as part of its overall stance. A buyer restoring for era-appropriate visual character will often want to keep the correct bias-ply format in mind first, then consider road-use priorities second. On a car driven more regularly, appearance and practical use may need to be balanced more carefully.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Lincoln Continental?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Lincoln Continental even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Changes to wheels, suspension height, springs, or steering components can alter clearance and how the tire sits within the body. That matters on a large car with distinct sub-model fitments.
A Continental with aftermarket wheels or altered ride height should be checked carefully before any tire decision is treated as settled. Wheel width and offset can change how a radial or bias-ply tire behaves in the wheel opening. Looking at clearance during turning and suspension movement helps avoid problems that a simple size comparison may miss.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Lincoln Continental on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 Lincoln Continental on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and general condition of the suspension and steering components. Make sure the tire size matches the correct sub-model, the wheels are the proper 15-inch diameter, and there is no visible interference at the fenders or steering stops.
It also helps to check inflation pressure, lug nut torque, and the tire’s seated appearance after installation. On a collector car that may have spent long periods parked, a quick review of brake condition and wheel-bearing play is also worthwhile. A short local test drive gives a chance to confirm tracking, clearance, and any unusual vibration.
How should tires on a collector 1968 Lincoln Continental be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1968 Lincoln Continental should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, and long storage periods can hide problems that are easy to miss on a car that otherwise looks well kept.
Good maintenance also includes keeping inflation consistent, moving the car often enough to avoid long-term flat spotting, and storing it away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources. It is smart to inspect the tires before any longer trip rather than assuming a lightly used collector car is automatically road-ready after sitting.
