The 1985 Buick Regal sits in the final years of Buick’s rear-wheel-drive G-body era, a period that produced everything from comfortable personal luxury coupes to some of the most sought-after turbocharged street cars of the 1980s. Tire fitment on the 1985 Buick Regal is not one-size-fits-all, with 205/70R14 used on several Regal sub-models and 215/65R15 used on Grand National and T-Type versions. Both are radial tire fitments, but the available choices create very different visual cues, from narrow and wide whitewalls to redlines, raised white letters, and blackwall performance-oriented options. The right choice comes down to matching the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and the look you want from the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Buick Regal
The 1985 Buick Regal uses two different tire sizes, and the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Several Regal variants use 205/70R14 on a 14-inch rim, while Grand National and T-Type models use 215/65R15 on a 15-inch rim. Since both fitments are radial, the real decision is not bias-ply versus radial, but choosing the correct size first and then selecting the sidewall style, series, and brand that suits the car.
Fit(s): Base, Limited, Limited w/aluminum wheels, and w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
In 205/70R14, the 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is a modern metric radial fitment used on several 1985 Buick Regal sub-models and is tied to a 14-inch wheel. Within this size, the available choices range from narrow whitewall and blackwall styles to redline, dual redline, and raised white letter designs from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. It is the right place to start when the Regal retains its 14-inch wheel setup and the goal is to balance period-style appearance with the exact wheel size already on the car.
Fit(s): Grand National, T-Type, and T-Type w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
In 215/65R15, the 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 15 identifies the wheel diameter. This modern metric radial size belongs to 1985 Buick Regal configurations that use a 15-inch wheel, including Grand National and T-Type applications. Product choices in this size include wide whitewall, redline, raised white letter, and outlined white letter styles from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Cooper across several tire series. It deserves careful attention any time the car is a performance-oriented Regal variant or whenever the wheel package needs to be confirmed before comparing tire style and rim-width compatibility.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1985 Buick Regal because tire size changes with the specific version of the car and its wheel package. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the Regal uses the 14-inch 205/70R14 fitment or the 15-inch 215/65R15 fitment tied to Grand National and T-Type applications.
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1985 Buick Regal Base
The 1985 Buick Regal Base uses the 205/70R14 radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel. That keeps tire selection centered on appearance and series choice, with options that range from traditional whitewall styling to sportier redline, blackwall, or raised white letter presentations.
The 1985 Buick Regal Grand National uses the 215/65R15 radial fitment on a 15-inch wheel. Tire selection here starts with preserving the correct wheel diameter, then narrowing the choice by sidewall style and tire series to suit either a performance-oriented look or a more restrained presentation.
The 1985 Buick Regal Limited uses the 205/70R14 radial size. That makes the decision less about alternate fitments and more about whether the car should wear a classic whitewall treatment, a blackwall tire, or a more assertive redline or raised white letter look.
The 1985 Buick Regal Limited w/aluminum wheels also uses the 205/70R14 radial fitment. The main consideration is choosing a tire that complements the wheel presentation while still matching the 14-inch setup already on the car.
The 1985 Buick Regal T-Type uses the 215/65R15 radial size. That points the buyer toward the 15-inch product group, where the real choices are brand, series, and sidewall style rather than alternate primary fitments.
The 1985 Buick Regal T-Type w/aluminum wheels uses the same 215/65R15 radial size as the standard T-Type. Tire selection should focus on maintaining the 15-inch wheel fitment and choosing the sidewall style that best matches the car’s intended street or restoration presentation.
The 1985 Buick Regal w/aluminum wheels uses the 205/70R14 radial fitment. With the size established, the next step is comparing sidewall treatments and tire series that suit the car’s wheel style and the owner’s preferred late-1980s appearance.
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 1985 Buick Regal Tires for Sale
Available 1985 Buick Regal tires cover both primary sizes and include choices from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Goodyear, and Cooper. Buyers can compare classic whitewalls, wide whitewalls, redlines, dual redlines, blackwalls, RWL, and OWL treatments across several radial tire series and wheel-width specifications.
Common 1985 Buick Regal tire questions usually come down to identifying the right size by sub-model, confirming 14-inch versus 15-inch wheels, and choosing the right radial tire style for the car’s appearance and intended road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Buick Regal?
A 1985 Buick Regal uses either 205/70R14 or 215/65R15, depending on the sub-model. Base, Limited, Limited w/aluminum wheels, and Regal w/aluminum wheels use 205/70R14, while Grand National, T-Type, and T-Type w/aluminum wheels use 215/65R15.
The most important step is matching the tire to the car’s actual wheel diameter and sub-model before comparing brands or sidewall styles. A Regal that has had wheels changed over the years should be measured and inspected carefully, because 14-inch and 15-inch fitments are both part of the 1985 Regal lineup but they are not interchangeable without the correct wheels.
What size rim does a 1985 Buick Regal use?
A 1985 Buick Regal uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 205/70R14 fitment belongs to a 14-inch wheel, while the 215/65R15 fitment belongs to a 15-inch wheel.
That rim difference matters just as much as the tire size itself. Before choosing a replacement tire, confirm the wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or verify the current wheel setup on the car, especially if it has aftermarket wheels or a long ownership history. Selecting by tire size alone without checking the actual wheel can lead to an immediate mismatch.
Do all 1985 Buick Regal sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1985 Buick Regal sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Several Regal variants use 205/70R14, while Grand National and T-Type versions use 215/65R15.
That split means the badge on the car matters when choosing tires, but so does the wheel actually installed on it today. A Regal that has been modified, restored with replacement wheels, or converted between trim-style wheel packages should be checked in person so the tire size, rim diameter, and visual style all line up with the car’s present configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1985 Buick Regal?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 205/70R14 for several Regal trims and 215/65R15 for Grand National and T-Type applications. From there, compare radial tire options by wheel-size compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and details such as load figures or intended appearance.
A buyer looking for a softer luxury presentation may lean toward whitewall styling, while a more performance-flavored Regal may call for blackwall, raised white letter, redline, or outlined white letter treatment. Wheel width should also be checked against the tire’s approved range, particularly if the car has replacement wheels or a non-original wheel package.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Buick Regal tires?
1985 Buick Regal tires are available with several sidewall treatments, including Narrow Whitewall, Wide Whitewall, Redline, Dual-Redline, Blackwall, RWL, and OWL. The exact selection depends on whether the car uses 205/70R14 or 215/65R15.
That variety gives the Regal owner a lot of freedom to shape the car’s personality without changing the primary fitment. A whitewall can support a more formal Buick look, while redline, RWL, OWL, or blackwall choices create a sportier late-1980s presentation. The best approach is to match the sidewall style to the sub-model, wheel design, and overall restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Buick Regal?
Tires for the 1985 Buick Regal are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Goodyear, and Cooper, depending on the size. The 205/70R14 fitment includes Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin choices, while 215/65R15 includes Goodyear, Cooper, and BFGoodrich options.
Brand choice is only part of the decision, because the available tires also differ by series and sidewall treatment. Rather than choosing by brand name alone, it makes more sense to compare the exact tire size, the approved wheel-width range, and the visual character of the tire so the Regal’s wheel setup and intended look stay aligned.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Buick Regal?
A period-style 1985 Buick Regal tire choice starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model, then moves to the sidewall treatment that matches the car’s character. In 205/70R14 and 215/65R15, the available radial options include whitewall, redline, blackwall, RWL, and OWL presentations.
For a formal Regal or Limited, a whitewall may suit the car’s luxury-oriented appearance, while Grand National or T-Type owners may prefer a more performance-oriented sidewall style. Exact originality can vary by trim, wheel package, and how the car was delivered, so buyers focused on a highly accurate restoration should also compare against marque references and surviving examples.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1985 Buick Regal?
On a 1985 Buick Regal, construction is less of a visual dividing line than it is on earlier collector cars because both primary fitments are radial tires. The appearance difference comes more from the tire series and sidewall style than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That means a restored Regal’s look can shift noticeably depending on whether it wears a whitewall, blackwall, redline, RWL, or OWL tire, even when the size is correct. Keeping the proper 14-inch or 15-inch fitment for the sub-model is still essential, because an incorrect wheel-and-tire combination can change the stance and visual balance of the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Buick Regal?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1985 Buick Regal. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or brake upgrades can change the wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance, even if the car originally used 205/70R14 or 215/65R15.
A Regal that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked for actual rim diameter, width, and clearance at the fender and steering components before replacement tires are chosen. Even within the correct nominal size, wheel specification differences can change how comfortably a tire works with the car’s present configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Buick Regal on new tires?
Before driving a 1985 Buick Regal on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car’s wheel diameter, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated to the pressure appropriate for the application. The suspension, steering, and alignment condition also deserve attention.
A short initial drive is a good time to listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and recheck air pressure after the tires have settled in. Older collector cars can hide worn bushings, tired shocks, or previous wheel changes, so a careful once-over helps separate a true tire issue from a chassis problem that could affect ride and wear.
How often should tires on a 1985 Buick Regal be inspected?
Tires on a 1985 Buick Regal should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is collector-owned and not driven daily. Pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any signs of uneven wear should be checked before longer drives and at intervals during routine maintenance.
Low-mileage cars often age their tires long before they wear them out, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Storage also plays a role, since prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources can shorten tire life. A Regal that spends long periods parked benefits from periodic pressure checks and close visual inspection before returning to regular road use.
