The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix came from an era when personal luxury coupes balanced formal styling with everyday road manners, and tire choice played a big part in preserving that character. This was a late-1970s Pontiac designed to look substantial on the street, so sidewall presentation matters almost as much as basic fitment. The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix uses 14-inch radial fitments in 195/75R14 and 205/75R14. That gives owners a real choice between narrower and wider period-style radial sizing, along with wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and even redline options in several classic tire series. The right decision starts with confirming the exact wheel and preferred look before comparing tire details.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix uses two primary tire sizes, both in radial construction on 14-inch rims. Because both the Base and SJ can use either 195/75R14 or 205/75R14, the main decision is less about trim level and more about confirming the wheel setup on the car, then choosing the tire size, sidewall style, and series that best match its appearance and intended road use.
195/75R14 is a metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix, this size keeps the fitment in a modern radial format that suits regular road use while still working within a vintage 14-inch wheel package. Available choices include Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles across several series. It is a useful option for owners who want a traditional late-1970s look with a slightly narrower tire footprint.
205/75R14 is a metric radial size where 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix, this size broadens the selection considerably and remains within the same 14-inch radial fitment family. Choices include American Classic, Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments in multiple tire series. It is the size to evaluate closely when appearance options and a fuller product assortment are part of the buying decision.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix sub-models because both the Base and SJ use the same two radial size options. Checking the sub-model still helps keep the search organized, but wheel setup and preferred tire appearance are the more important deciding factors here.
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1979 Pontiac Grand Prix Base
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix Base uses the same 14-inch radial fitment range found across this model, with both primary tire sizes applying here. That means the real choice is comparing the wheel on the car and then selecting the sidewall style, brand, and tire series that best suit a stock-looking or personalized presentation.
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ shares the same two radial tire sizes as the other covered sub-model, so fitment does not split by SJ designation alone. Tire selection comes down to confirming which 14-inch size is on the car now and deciding whether a whitewall or redline treatment better matches the vehicle's intended look.
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 Pontiac Grand Prix Tires for Sale
Available 14-inch radial choices for the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix span Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, with several tire series and sidewall treatments. Buyers can compare 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 options by whitewall width, redline availability, and rim-width specifications where stated.
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Radial Tires
Coker Classic Star Series | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14
Owners of a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix usually want to sort out the correct 14-inch tire size first, then compare sidewall style, brand, and road-use fitment details. These answers focus on size selection, radial choices, appearance, wheel compatibility, and practical inspection points before driving.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix?
A 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix uses two primary radial tire sizes: 195/75R14 and 205/75R14. Both sizes are tied to 14-inch wheels, and both the Base and SJ sub-models can use these fitments. That means the Grand Prix does not force a size decision strictly by sub-model name alone.
The practical next step is to confirm which 14-inch wheel and tire size are actually on the car now, especially if the vehicle has been through previous tire or wheel changes. Once that is settled, the decision usually shifts to sidewall appearance, available tire series, and whether the owner wants a narrower 195-width tire or the broader 205-width option.
What size rim does a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix use?
The covered tire fitments for a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 are built around that same wheel diameter, so the first hard fitment point is consistent even though there are two usable tire sizes for the car.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, so it still helps to inspect the actual wheel before ordering tires. Width can vary from one wheel to another, and some tire options include specific rim-width ranges. A Grand Prix with replacement wheels, custom wheels, or long-ago changes may still use a 14-inch rim but need closer checking before settling on one of the available sizes.
Do all 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix sub-models use the same tire size?
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix Base and 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ share the same two tire sizes: 195/75R14 and 205/75R14. Both are radial fitments on 14-inch rims, so there is no split here where one sub-model uses a completely different construction or wheel diameter.
That shared fitment makes the buying process simpler, but it does not remove the need to verify the actual wheel and tire setup on the individual car. Many surviving Grand Prix coupes have seen replacement wheels or changed tire sizes over time. Matching the replacement tire to the current wheel, desired stance, and preferred sidewall treatment remains the smartest approach.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the wheel on the car, which will be either 195/75R14 or 205/75R14. From there, compare radial construction details, sidewall style, tire series, and any stated rim-width specifications. On this Grand Prix, appearance plays a major role because different whitewall widths and a redline option can change the car's visual character.
A buyer using the car for weekend cruising may prioritize a period-style sidewall presentation, while another owner may focus more on matching the existing wheel and keeping size changes to a minimum. Load figures and product weight can also help separate similar choices. The best comparison is the one that balances correct size, wheel compatibility, and the look the car is meant to carry.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix tires?
Available sidewall treatments for the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size and product line. The broader 205/75R14 selection carries the widest spread of appearance choices, while 195/75R14 also offers both narrow and wide whitewall options.
That matters because a late-1970s personal luxury coupe can take on a very different presence depending on the sidewall treatment. A wide whitewall leans more formal, a narrow whitewall keeps a restrained period-style look, and redline adds a more sporting visual cue. The right choice depends on the car's trim presentation, wheel style, and whether the owner wants a stock-flavored or more individualized appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Tires for the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar. Those brands appear across the two primary 14-inch radial sizes, with the strongest variety appearing in 205/75R14. Several series are represented as well, including Star Series, Coker Classic Radial, American Classic Radial, Silvertown Radial, Tornel Classic, UN106, and Classic Whitewall MA-1.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of a broader comparison rather than the whole decision. Sidewall style, size, rim-width compatibility where stated, and the overall look of the tire on a Grand Prix are just as important. Two tires may share the same size but present the car very differently, especially when comparing wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and redline offerings.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix?
A period-style 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix tire choice starts with keeping the correct 14-inch radial fitment and then selecting between 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 based on the wheel setup already on the car. After size, the visual decision becomes the sidewall treatment, with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline options available depending on the product line.
Owners aiming for a formal late-1970s personal luxury look often focus closely on whitewall width, while a more assertive street presentation may point toward redline in 205/75R14. Exact originality can vary by how the car was equipped when new, so serious restoration work benefits from checking build records, period photos, or marque-specific references before settling on a final appearance choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix?
On a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial rather than bias-ply. That means the appearance difference is driven less by changing construction type and more by the tire's size, sidewall treatment, and overall profile within the correct 14-inch radial family.
For a restoration-minded owner, the visible decisions are the ones that shape the car's personality at a glance. A wide whitewall can give the Grand Prix a more formal boulevard look, while a narrow whitewall or redline can make the same car read differently without leaving the covered radial fitment range. Matching the tire's presentation to the car's trim, wheels, and intended era feel is the key.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix even when the replacement tire is one of the correct 14-inch sizes. Wheel width changes, altered offset, suspension lowering, replacement springs, or bodywork changes can all influence how a 195/75R14 or 205/75R14 tire sits and clears during normal driving and turning.
A Grand Prix that still appears stock can still have older aftermarket wheels or suspension parts, so measuring the actual setup is worthwhile. Check wheel diameter and width first, then look at clearance near the fender lips, inner wheelhouse, and steering components. That inspection becomes more important when moving from the narrower size to the wider one or when the car has a non-original stance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the tire size matches the wheel, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being installed. It also helps to confirm valve stem condition, lug hardware, and basic clearance around the front suspension and bodywork.
A short test drive should include listening for rubbing, watching steering response, and rechecking pressure after the first miles. Collector cars and occasional-use cars deserve extra attention because age-related issues can hide in the rest of the chassis. Worn shocks, sagging springs, or loose steering parts can make a new tire seem like the problem when the real issue is elsewhere on the car.
How should 195/75R14 or 205/75R14 tires on a collector 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix be maintained?
Collector-use 195/75R14 and 205/75R14 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is low, a lightly driven 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix can still suffer from age, heat, sunlight, and long stationary periods that affect tire condition over time.
Make a habit of looking for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss before the car goes back on the road. Keeping the Grand Prix in a clean, dry space away from prolonged sun and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Routine inspection is especially important on collector cars because tire aging often appears long before tread is actually worn out.
