The 1970 Lincoln Continental came at the end of an era when full-size American luxury cars emphasized presence, isolation, and effortless highway travel. Whether looking at the Mark III or the Sedan & Hardtop Coupe, tire choice plays a major role in preserving that big Lincoln character. This model uses either a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire or a 225R15 radial, both on 15-inch rims. That gives owners a meaningful choice between a traditional period-style construction and a radial format with a more modern sizing convention. The right direction depends on the car’s restoration goals, current wheel setup, and how closely the finished look should reflect its original road-going personality.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Lincoln Continental
The 1970 Lincoln Continental uses two primary tire sizes, and the decision centers on construction as much as size. Both the 9.15-15 bias-ply and 225R15 radial fit a 15-inch rim, and both appear across the covered sub-models. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is set up for a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial configuration, then compare the available brands, sidewall styles, and intended appearance.
225R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 225 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1970 Lincoln Continental, this size represents a radial-format fitment for owners who want a sizing system more familiar to later vehicles while staying with a 15-inch rim. The appeal here is less about decoding a vintage numeric bias-ply size and more about selecting the right radial tire character for the car’s luxury-touring personality. It is a useful choice when the car is already running radial-compatible tires and the wheel setup should be confirmed before replacement.
9.15-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 9.15 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 15 identifying the rim diameter. For the 1970 Lincoln Continental, this is the traditional vintage construction choice and suits owners aiming for a more period-style driving feel and visual presentation. Numeric bias-ply sizing is typical of large American luxury cars from this era, so the code reflects the tire language the car was originally built around. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining a restoration-oriented appearance or retaining the car’s classic bias-ply tire profile on a 15-inch wheel.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1970 Lincoln Continental sub-models because both use the same two primary tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the car’s current wheel and construction setup can be matched to the correct replacement direction.
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1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III
The 1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III uses the same two fitment paths found elsewhere in the range: a 225R15 radial or a 9.15-15 bias-ply, both on 15-inch rims. That means the real decision is whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply presentation or continue with a radial-style setup.
The 1970 Lincoln Continental Sedan & Hardtop Coupe also uses either a 225R15 radial or a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire. Tire selection comes down to matching the car’s current construction type, wheel setup, and the balance between restoration-oriented appearance and modernized road use.
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 1970 Lincoln Continental usually center on choosing between 9.15-15 bias-ply and 225R15 radial tires, confirming 15-inch rim fitment, and deciding how tire construction affects restoration goals, appearance, and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Lincoln Continental?
A 1970 Lincoln Continental uses either a 225R15 radial tire or a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire. Both sizes are primary fitments for this model and both use a 15-inch rim, so the correct choice depends on whether the car is set up with radial or bias-ply tires.
The practical step is to look at the tires and wheels currently on the car rather than choosing by year alone. Many collector cars have been changed over time, so matching construction type, confirming rim diameter, and checking the overall wheel setup will help keep the replacement choice aligned with the car’s appearance and intended use.
What size rim does a 1970 Lincoln Continental use?
The 1970 Lincoln Continental uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with the 225R15 radial size or the 9.15-15 bias-ply size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though construction type changes.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a large luxury car like this. Wheel width, the actual tire construction on the car now, and any aftermarket wheel changes should be checked before replacement, especially if the Continental has been restored, modified, or converted from bias-ply tires to radials in the past.
Do all 1970 Lincoln Continental sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. Both the 1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III and the 1970 Lincoln Continental Sedan & Hardtop Coupe use the same two primary tire sizes: 225R15 in radial construction and 9.15-15 in bias-ply construction. The sub-model does not change the basic tire-size choices.
That consistency makes selection easier, but the car still needs to be matched to its present configuration. A Mark III that already runs radials should not be treated the same as a Sedan or Coupe still wearing bias-ply tires, so the current construction, wheel dimensions, and desired appearance should guide the final decision.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 9.15-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1970 Lincoln Continental?
On the 1970 Lincoln Continental, 9.15-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing convention common to large American cars of the period, and it represents the traditional construction choice for owners who want a more vintage tire profile and presentation.
Choosing 9.15-15 means paying attention to more than size alone. The car should be checked to confirm it is still set up around bias-ply tires, and the owner should think about whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, traditional road feel, or continuity with the tires already on the vehicle.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1970 Lincoln Continental?
The 1970 Lincoln Continental can be fitted with either a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire or a 225R15 radial tire. The better choice depends on the direction of the car rather than a single universal answer, since one favors a traditional vintage setup while the other reflects a radial-format configuration.
A restoration-minded owner may prefer the period-style look of the bias-ply size, while a car already running radial tires may be better served by staying consistent with that setup. Wheel dimensions, suspension condition, clearance, and the way the car is actually driven should all be reviewed before changing construction types.
What should I check before converting my 1970 Lincoln Continental from bias-ply to radial tires?
A conversion from 9.15-15 bias-ply tires to 225R15 radial tires starts with confirming that the Continental’s wheels are the correct 15-inch diameter and suitable for the tire being considered. The current wheel width, tire clearance, and overall condition of the suspension and steering system also deserve attention.
A large collector car can react noticeably to changes in tire construction, especially if components are worn or the alignment is outdated. It helps to inspect the car carefully, compare the new tire choice against the actual wheel setup, and make sure the replacement direction matches the way the Lincoln will be driven and presented.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 9.15-15 or 225R15 tire for a 1970 Lincoln Continental?
Start with the car’s current tire construction and the role the vehicle plays in your collection. A 9.15-15 bias-ply tire supports a traditional vintage presentation, while a 225R15 radial follows a later radial sizing format, even though both fit the Continental’s 15-inch rim diameter.
From there, think about whether the car is being restored for period-style appearance or maintained for regular road use. The exact wheel setup, the condition of the suspension and steering, and consistency with the existing tires matter more than selecting by size code alone on a car that may have changed over time.
How do I choose between the available 1970 Lincoln Continental tires?
The main choice is not simply brand or tread style, but whether the car should remain on its current bias-ply or radial path. Since the 1970 Lincoln Continental uses both 9.15-15 bias-ply and 225R15 radial fitments, the right tire is the one that matches the car’s present configuration and intended character.
Once construction type is settled, compare the tire’s visual presentation, compatibility with the wheel setup, and how closely it supports the look you want. A Continental built around a preservation or restoration theme may call for a different choice than one maintained primarily for touring and regular collector-car driving.
Why does the 1970 Lincoln Continental have both 9.15-15 and 225R15 tire sizes?
The two sizes reflect two different fitment approaches for the same vehicle: 9.15-15 in a vintage numeric bias-ply format and 225R15 in a Euro-metric radial format. Both belong to the 1970 Lincoln Continental on 15-inch rims, but they represent different construction eras and different replacement paths.
That matters because an owner should not assume both choices serve the same purpose in the same way. The car may have been restored, updated, or simply kept on one construction type for years, so checking what is already mounted and making sure the replacement direction suits the wheel setup is the smart next step.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Lincoln Continental?
For a period-style 1970 Lincoln Continental, the 9.15-15 bias-ply size is the more traditional starting point. Its numeric sizing format and bias-ply construction match the kind of tire presentation closely associated with full-size American luxury cars of this era.
That does not make every 9.15-15 tire identical in appearance or historical suitability, so details still matter. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare the tire’s visual character with marque references, period photography, or restoration documentation, while also making sure the wheel setup on the car still supports that choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Lincoln Continental?
Tire construction changes the visual attitude of a restored 1970 Lincoln Continental more than many owners expect. A 9.15-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a distinctly vintage presentation, while a 225R15 radial introduces a more modern sizing convention even though it still fits the same 15-inch wheel diameter.
That difference matters on a long, formal car where sidewall shape and overall stance are part of the design. Owners balancing authenticity and drivability should decide early whether the restoration calls for a traditional bias-ply look or a radial-based presentation, then keep the wheel and tire choice consistent throughout the project.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Lincoln Continental?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1970 Lincoln Continental even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or body and brake updates can all affect how a 9.15-15 or 225R15 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.
A car this large may have had decades of changes, so it helps to verify actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering travel before replacing tires. Taking those measurements on the car prevents a replacement decision from being based only on the original size range or the badge on the trunk.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Lincoln Continental on new tires?
Before driving a 1970 Lincoln Continental on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, steering components, suspension condition, and overall tire clearance. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure mounting, and any signs of rubbing once the car is back on the ground.
Collector cars often sit for long periods, so roadworthiness depends on more than fresh rubber alone. A careful look at alignment-related wear, brake condition, wheel hardware, and any old damage around the fender or suspension area helps ensure the new 9.15-15 or 225R15 tires are being used on a stable, predictable platform.
How should 9.15-15 or 225R15 tires on a collector 1970 Lincoln Continental be maintained?
Maintenance for 9.15-15 or 225R15 tires on a collector 1970 Lincoln Continental begins with regular pressure checks and routine visual inspection. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, especially if the car spends more time stored than driven.
Storage conditions matter just as much on a preserved luxury car. Keeping the Continental away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires between drives, and occasional movement of the vehicle helps avoid letting one section of the tire carry the load for too long.
