The 1979 Lincoln Continental sits at the end of a distinctly American luxury era, when full-size comfort, formal styling, and a substantial road presence defined Lincoln’s flagship image. Tire fitment on this model is more involved than it first appears, because the Continental line uses more than one radial tire size depending on the exact sub-model. Base and Mark V versions use 15-inch radial fitments in 225R15 or LR78-15, while the Versailles uses FR78-14 on a 14-inch rim. That also means the real choice is not just brand or sidewall style, but confirming the exact model and wheel diameter before comparing period-style radial options.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Lincoln Continental
Three tire sizes apply to the 1979 Lincoln Continental, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Base and Mark V models use 15-inch radial fitments, while the Versailles uses a 14-inch radial fitment, so the first step is confirming whether the car has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels and then matching the tire to the specific version of the Continental.
225R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 225 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 15 designates a 15-inch rim. On the 1979 Lincoln Continental, this size is one of the primary 15-inch radial fitments used on Base and Mark V models. It represents a more modern metric sizing convention than vintage alphanumeric sizes, even though it still suits a late-1970s luxury car application. This size should be matched to the actual wheel setup on the car, especially if the vehicle has been altered from its original wheel or suspension configuration.
LR78-15 is a vintage alphanumeric radial size, with the letter indicating the tire’s size class, the 78 referring to its profile family, and the 15 identifying a 15-inch rim. For the 1979 Lincoln Continental, it is a primary 15-inch fitment used on Base and Mark V models and keeps a distinctly late-1970s luxury-car tire presentation. Firestone offers this size in a Steel Belted 721 with a narrow whitewall and Wide Oval Radial series styling. It is a strong option for owners who want a period-style radial appearance while staying with the correct 15-inch fitment family.
FR78-14 is also a vintage alphanumeric radial size, using the same older sizing language but for a 14-inch rim rather than a 15-inch wheel. On the 1979 Lincoln Continental, this size is associated with the Versailles, making it separate from the larger-wheel fitments used on Base and Mark V models. Its importance is less about choosing between multiple product styles and more about recognizing that the Versailles follows a different wheel-and-tire package. Anyone replacing FR78-14 tires should confirm that the car still carries the correct 14-inch wheels before moving ahead.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Lincoln Continental because not every version uses the same wheel diameter or tire size. Base and Mark V models share the same 15-inch radial fitment family, while the Versailles moves to a different 14-inch radial size.
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1979 Lincoln Continental Base
The 1979 Lincoln Continental Base uses 15-inch radial fitments, with 225R15 and LR78-15 both associated with this model. Tire selection starts with confirming which 15-inch size matches the car’s present wheel setup, then deciding whether a metric radial or a more period-style alphanumeric radial presentation makes more sense.
The 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V shares the same 15-inch radial fitment family as the Base model, using 225R15 and LR78-15. That gives Mark V owners a choice between metric and vintage-style alphanumeric sizing, but wheel diameter and overall appearance should still be confirmed before settling on a replacement.
The 1979 Lincoln Continental Versailles uses FR78-14, placing it on a different wheel diameter than the Base and Mark V. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since a Versailles should be matched to its 14-inch radial fitment rather than the 15-inch sizes used elsewhere in the Continental lineup.
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.
Best 1979 Lincoln Continental Tires for Sale
Available 1979 Lincoln Continental product coverage centers on LR78-15, including a Firestone Steel Belted 721 in the Wide Oval Radial series with a narrow whitewall and bias-look radial construction. That makes appearance, construction style, and rim-width compatibility key comparison points within this fitment.
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Bias Profile Radial
Firestone Steel Belted 721 |.75 Inch Whitewall | LR78-15
These 1979 Lincoln Continental tire FAQs focus on the questions that matter most before replacement: which size belongs on which sub-model, how 14-inch and 15-inch fitments differ, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era Lincoln back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Lincoln Continental?
A 1979 Lincoln Continental can use 225R15, LR78-15, or FR78-14, depending on the exact sub-model. Base and Mark V models use the 15-inch fitment family with 225R15 or LR78-15, while the Versailles uses FR78-14 on a 14-inch rim.
The most important step is identifying whether the car is a Base, Mark V, or Versailles and then confirming the wheel diameter actually on the vehicle today. Many collector cars have seen wheel changes over time, so matching the replacement tire to both the sub-model and the current rim size helps avoid ordering a tire from the wrong fitment family.
What size rim does a 1979 Lincoln Continental use?
The 1979 Lincoln Continental uses either a 15-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the version of the car. Base and Mark V models use 15-inch tire fitments, while the Versailles uses a 14-inch fitment.
That split matters because rim diameter is the first fitment checkpoint before comparing tire sizes. A 15-inch radial and a 14-inch radial are not interchangeable simply because they belong to the same model year. Checking the wheel itself, along with the current tire size and the exact sub-model, is the safest way to keep the selection process on the right track.
Why does the 1979 Lincoln Continental have more than one tire size?
The 1979 Lincoln Continental has more than one tire size because the Continental line includes different sub-models with different wheel-and-tire packages. Base and Mark V models use 15-inch radial sizes, while the Versailles uses FR78-14 on a 14-inch rim.
That means the name Continental by itself is not enough to choose a tire confidently. The exact version of the car has to be confirmed first, and wheel diameter should be checked as well, especially on a vehicle that may have changed hands several times. Once that is settled, tire selection becomes much more straightforward.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 15-inch tire for a 1979 Lincoln Continental?
Start by confirming whether the car uses 225R15 or LR78-15, since both 15-inch sizes apply to certain 1979 Lincoln Continental sub-models. The choice then shifts to sizing style, construction presentation, and whether the tire should look more like a late-1970s alphanumeric radial or a more modern metric radial.
Appearance and wheel compatibility both matter on a large luxury car from this era. An LR78-15 option such as the Firestone Steel Belted 721 also brings a narrow whitewall and bias-look radial character into the decision. Matching the tire to the wheel width, the car’s intended use, and the overall look of the vehicle will usually narrow the field quickly.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Lincoln Continental tires?
Among the available 1979 Lincoln Continental product options, LR78-15 is offered with a narrow whitewall. That gives owners a sidewall treatment that suits the formal, luxury-oriented appearance many late-1970s Lincolns are known for.
Sidewall style affects the overall presentation of the car as much as the tire size itself. A narrow whitewall can complement a restoration-oriented build or simply preserve the right visual character for a road-going collector car. It is still important to choose the correct tire size and rim diameter first, then use sidewall styling as the finishing detail.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Lincoln Continental?
Firestone is represented in the available 1979 Lincoln Continental product coverage, including an LR78-15 Steel Belted 721 in the Wide Oval Radial series. That product combines a vintage-style alphanumeric radial size with a narrow whitewall and bias-look radial construction.
Brand matters most after the correct fitment has been pinned down. On this Lincoln, the more important first decision is whether the car uses 14-inch or 15-inch wheels and whether it belongs in the FR78-14, 225R15, or LR78-15 fitment group. Once that is established, product details such as sidewall style and tire series become easier to compare.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Lincoln Continental?
A period-style 1979 Lincoln Continental tire choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment, then moves to the visual language of the tire itself. For Base and Mark V models, LR78-15 carries a vintage alphanumeric radial presentation that aligns naturally with the era, while the Versailles remains in its FR78-14 fitment family.
Appearance-focused buyers usually care about more than size alone. The sidewall treatment, the radial’s overall look, and the relationship between the tire and the car’s trim all shape the final result. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references or historical vehicle documentation before settling on a particular brand or sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Lincoln Continental?
Construction influences appearance because different tire types can change the visual character of the sidewall and profile. On the 1979 Lincoln Continental, the fitments are radial, and an LR78-15 bias-look radial can give a more traditional late-1970s presentation than a purely modern-looking replacement style.
That visual difference matters on a formal luxury car where stance and sidewall treatment are part of the overall impression. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer an alphanumeric radial with a whitewall over a more contemporary metric look, even when both are radial in construction. The best choice depends on whether the goal is show-oriented appearance, casual touring, or a balance of both.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Lincoln Continental?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Lincoln Continental, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body alterations. Those changes can alter the wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance, which is especially important on a vehicle that already used both 14-inch and 15-inch fitment families.
Even when the current tire size looks close to the expected fitment, the car should be checked as it sits today. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering range all deserve attention before replacement. On a collector car, assumptions based on model name alone can lead to ordering a tire that does not suit the actual setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Lincoln Continental on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Lincoln Continental on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, then check the suspension, steering components, and alignment basics. A large luxury car from this era also benefits from a close look at brake hardware, wheel fasteners, and any signs that the old tires were wearing unevenly.
The tires themselves should be set up carefully with proper inflation and a final clearance check at full steering travel where applicable. A short road test can reveal pulling, rubbing, or vibration before the car is taken on a longer outing. That extra attention is especially worthwhile on a low-use collector vehicle returning to regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Lincoln Continental be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Lincoln Continental should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular tread wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Long periods of storage can be just as hard on collector tires as road mileage, particularly when the vehicle sits in heat, sunlight, or damp conditions.
Routine maintenance should also include keeping the car on the correct inflation, moving it often enough to avoid prolonged static loading, and checking for age-related deterioration before each driving season. A Continental that spends much of its life parked still needs active tire care, because visible tread depth alone does not tell the whole story on an older collector vehicle.
