The 1987 Bentley Eight came from a period when Bentley was reasserting a more driver-focused identity while still delivering the quiet, substantial road manners expected of a Crewe-built luxury car. Its formal lines and understated presence make tire choice especially important, because the wrong fitment can change both stance and character. This model uses a 235/70R15 radial on a 15-inch rim, so the decision is less about multiple factory sizes and more about selecting the right version of that size. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles across several premium touring and performance-oriented series. For a restoration-minded owner, appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use should all be weighed together.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Bentley Eight
The 1987 Bentley Eight uses one primary tire size: 235/70R15, and it is a radial fitment for a 15-inch wheel. The Base sub-model shares that same size, so the main decision is choosing the right tire within the size based on appearance, brand, series, and whether the car is being kept close to a traditional luxury presentation or given a different visual character.
A 235/70R15 uses a metric sizing format: 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Bentley Eight, this is the primary fitment and keeps the tire choice in a modern radial format rather than a vintage bias-ply system. Within this size, there is meaningful variety, including Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Cooper options with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter presentations. The right choice depends on the car's wheel setup, intended look, and whether the goal is formal touring style or a more customized period-inspired appearance.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1987 Bentley Eight sub-models, because the same primary size carries across the lineup shown here. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the bigger decision is selecting the right 235/70R15 radial for the car's appearance and use.
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1987 Bentley Eight Base
The 1987 Bentley Eight Base uses the same 235/70R15 radial fitment as the model core, keeping wheel-diameter selection simple. That lets the focus shift to choosing among touring-oriented and period-style visual options such as blackwall, whitewall, redline, or raised white letter sidewalls.
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 1987 Bentley Eight Tires for Sale
Available 235/70R15 choices for the 1987 Bentley Eight include Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Cooper radials across series such as XVS, Turbosteel, Silvertown Radial, Cobra Radial G/T, and Radial T/A. The main points of comparison are sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the overall visual character each tire gives the car.
These FAQs focus on 1987 Bentley Eight tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, product and sidewall choices, and the practical checks that matter before road use on a low-production luxury car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Bentley Eight?
The 1987 Bentley Eight uses a 235/70R15 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model, and the covered Base sub-model uses the same size, so there is no need to sort through multiple factory tire sizes for this page.
The key step is making sure the car still has the correct 15-inch wheel setup and has not been changed to aftermarket wheels or a different tire size over time. Once the size is confirmed, the choice usually comes down to brand, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and how traditional or custom the finished look should be.
What size rim does a 1987 Bentley Eight use?
The 1987 Bentley Eight uses a 15-inch rim with its 235/70R15 tire size. That 15-inch measurement is the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on, and it is the first dimension that must match before considering any specific tire option.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed on the car itself, especially if the Bentley has been modified or has replacement wheels from another era. Tire options in this size also show rim-width recommendations, so matching both wheel diameter and wheel width is important before deciding between touring-style blackwalls, whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letter designs.
Does the 1987 Bentley Eight Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1987 Bentley Eight Base uses the same 235/70R15 radial tire size as the model core. That makes fitment relatively simple at the sub-model level, because the main question is not which size applies, but which tire version best suits the car.
That still leaves several meaningful choices once size is settled. Different 235/70R15 offerings vary by sidewall style, tire series, brand, and wheel-width suitability, so the final selection should reflect the Bentley's current wheel setup, the appearance you want, and whether the car is being prepared for regular touring, occasional road use, or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/70R15 tire for a 1987 Bentley Eight?
Start with the basics: the tire needs to be a 235/70R15 radial for a 15-inch wheel. From there, compare the brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and any rim-width guidance attached to the product, since those factors shape both how the tire mounts and how it complements the Bentley's character.
A formal luxury sedan can look very different depending on whether it wears blackwalls, narrow whitewalls, wide whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letters. It also helps to think about how the car will be used, because a touring-minded owner may prioritize a more traditional presentation while another owner may choose a period-custom look within the same correct size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Bentley Eight tires?
The 1987 Bentley Eight has 235/70R15 tire options with several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter designs. Those choices can change the visual tone of the car even when the size and radial construction stay the same.
Blackwalls usually keep the presentation restrained, while whitewall and narrow whitewall options lean more formal and restoration-oriented. Redlines and raised white letters create a more assertive period look, so the best match depends on whether the Bentley is being preserved in a traditional luxury style or finished with a more individualized appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Bentley Eight?
Tires for the 1987 Bentley Eight in 235/70R15 are available from Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Cooper. The product lineup also spans several distinct series, including Michelin XVS, Avon Turbosteel, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, BFGoodrich Radial T/A, and Cooper Cobra Radial G/T.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the style and specification details that matter to your car. Some options emphasize a classic touring appearance with blackwall or whitewall sidewalls, while others bring a more performance-flavored visual treatment such as redline or raised white letters, so the strongest comparison is between the whole tire package rather than the brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Bentley Eight?
A period-style choice for a 1987 Bentley Eight starts with the correct 235/70R15 radial size and then narrows by sidewall treatment and overall presentation. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options generally align more naturally with the car's formal luxury character than a more overtly sporty sidewall style.
The right answer depends on the exact look you want the finished car to project. Owners aiming for stronger historical accuracy should compare the tire's visual profile with photographs, marque references, and vehicle-specific documentation, while those building a tasteful road car can stay within the correct size and choose the sidewall style that best suits the Bentley's trim and stance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Bentley Eight?
On the 1987 Bentley Eight, construction is already straightforward because the primary fitment is radial. That means the visual differences come less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from tread-era character, sidewall styling, and the overall shape and presence of the tire within the correct 235/70R15 size.
A restored Bentley can take on a noticeably different personality depending on whether it wears blackwalls, whitewalls, or a more assertive redline or raised white letter treatment. Keeping the proper size and 15-inch wheel relationship intact helps preserve the car's stance, while the sidewall choice becomes the main tool for balancing authenticity, elegance, and personal taste.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Bentley Eight?
Yes. Even though the primary tire size is 235/70R15 on a 15-inch rim, modifications can change what actually works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or bodywork differences can all affect how a tire sits and clears under steering and compression.
A Bentley that still retains its original-style wheel setup is simpler to match than one that has been updated over the years. Before choosing any 235/70R15 tire, confirm wheel diameter and width, then check for clearance around the fenders, suspension, and steering range so the selected tire suits the car as it currently stands.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Bentley Eight on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the tires are mounted evenly and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how even a correctly sized 235/70R15 tire behaves.
Collector and luxury cars that spend long periods parked deserve an extra check for old damage that new tires do not solve by themselves. Look for alignment issues, fluid contamination on the rubber, air loss after installation, and any rubbing marks on inner fenders or suspension points before putting the Bentley back into regular service.
How should 235/70R15 tires on a collector 1987 Bentley Eight be maintained?
A 1987 Bentley Eight that sees occasional collector use benefits from routine pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is low, 235/70R15 tires should be watched for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss, especially after long periods of inactivity.
Storage conditions matter nearly as much as mileage on a low-use Bentley. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the sidewalls, while moving the car periodically and checking inflation before each outing helps the tires carry the car properly once it returns to the road.