The 1987 Buick Century came from an era when midsize American front-wheel-drive sedans and wagons were expected to deliver comfortable everyday road manners with a clean, formal look. That makes tire choice on this exact car less about vintage bias-ply decisions and more about getting the right 14-inch radial size for the specific Century configuration. The 1987 Buick Century uses either 185/75R14 or 195/75R14 radial tires, depending on sub-model. Available choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs across several radial series and brands. For a restoration-minded driver or a regularly used survivor, the key is matching the correct size first, then choosing the sidewall presentation and tire specification that suits the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Buick Century
The 1987 Buick Century uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires for 14-inch wheels. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because wagons use one size while Custom and Limited models may use either of the two sizes. Once the correct size is confirmed, the real comparison becomes sidewall style, tire series, brand, and wheel-width compatibility within that size.
Fit(s): Custom, Custom Wagon, Estate Wagon, and Limited
Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/75R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Buick Century, this size is one of the primary radial fitments and is shared by the wagon variants as well as certain other sub-model applications. Available choices center on narrow whitewall styling from Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar across series such as Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and UN106. This size is worth considering when it matches the vehicle's exact sub-model and wheel setup, especially for owners seeking a traditional late-1980s passenger-car appearance.
195/75R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1987 Buick Century, this is the larger of the two primary fitments and applies to certain Custom and Limited configurations rather than the wagons. Product choices include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments, with offerings from Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar in series such as Star Series, Coker Classic Radial, Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and UN106. This size is the one to evaluate when the car calls for a fuller whitewall presentation or when the specific Century setup uses the wider primary fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Buick Century because tire size is not the same across every version. The wagon models stay with one size, while Custom and Limited models can use either primary 14-inch radial size, so confirming the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing tires.
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1987 Buick Century Custom
The 1987 Buick Century Custom can use either of the two primary radial sizes offered for this model line. That means tire selection starts with confirming which 14-inch wheel and size the car actually uses, then narrowing the choice by whitewall style, brand, and series.
The 1987 Buick Century Custom Wagon uses the 185/75R14 radial size rather than the larger optional fitment seen on some other Century variants. Tire selection is therefore more straightforward, with the main decision centered on narrow whitewall appearance and the product specifications that match the wagon's wheel setup.
The 1987 Buick Century Estate Wagon also uses 185/75R14 radial tires on a 14-inch rim. With size fitment kept consistent, the practical choice becomes selecting the right whitewall presentation and confirming that the tire's wheel-width specifications suit the wheels currently on the car.
The 1987 Buick Century Limited can use either 185/75R14 or 195/75R14 radial tires depending on the specific vehicle setup. Verifying the mounted size before purchase is important, especially if the car has changed wheels over time or if the goal is to preserve a particular late-1980s Buick 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 1987 Buick Century Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Buick Century tires focus on 14-inch radial whitewall options from Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar. Depending on size, the product grid includes narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices across series such as Star Series, Coker Classic Radial, Tornel Classic, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and UN106.
These FAQs address the tire sizes used on the 1987 Buick Century, how sub-model fitment affects selection, and what to compare when choosing among available 14-inch radial whitewall tires.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Buick Century?
The 1987 Buick Century uses two primary tire sizes: 185/75R14 and 195/75R14. Both are radial tires for 14-inch wheels, but the correct size depends on the exact Century sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the car.
Century wagons use 185/75R14, while Custom and Limited models may use either 185/75R14 or 195/75R14. A quick check of the tire sidewall already on the car, along with wheel diameter confirmation, helps prevent ordering the wrong size for a sedan or wagon that may have changed over the years.
What size rim does a 1987 Buick Century use?
The tire sizes used on the 1987 Buick Century are built for 14-inch rims. Both 185/75R14 and 195/75R14 share that same wheel diameter, so the main size difference is in tire width and overall profile rather than rim size.
That shared 14-inch diameter makes wheel confirmation simpler, but it does not mean both tire sizes belong on every Century. Sub-model still matters, and wheel width can matter as well, so it is smart to confirm the actual mounted size and compare the tire's approved rim-width specification before making a final choice.
Do all 1987 Buick Century sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Buick Century sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Custom Wagon and Estate Wagon use 185/75R14, while the Custom and Limited can use either 185/75R14 or 195/75R14 depending on the specific application.
That difference is why the exact sub-model should be confirmed before comparing brands or whitewall styles. Owners of Custom and Limited cars should also verify the size already mounted, since many surviving cars have seen wheel or tire changes over time that may not reflect the original setup now on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Buick Century tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 185/75R14 or 195/75R14. From there, compare radial construction details such as approved rim width, load capacity at the stated pressure, tire series, and whether the appearance should lean toward a narrow whitewall or a wider whitewall style.
The best choice depends on how the Century is used and presented. A regularly driven car may call for one set of priorities, while a preservation-minded sedan may place more emphasis on sidewall appearance. Checking the actual wheel setup before purchase helps narrow the selection to the tires that match both the car and the owner's goals.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Buick Century tires?
1987 Buick Century tires are available with whitewall styling, and the main distinction is between narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. The 185/75R14 choices center on narrow whitewall designs, while 195/75R14 includes both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options.
That makes sidewall appearance an important part of the decision once the correct size is established. A narrow whitewall can preserve a restrained late-1980s passenger-car look, while a wider whitewall creates a more pronounced traditional presentation. Matching the sidewall style to the car's trim level and overall look usually matters as much as the brand name.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Buick Century?
Tires for the 1987 Buick Century are available from Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, depending on the size selected. Those brands cover several 14-inch radial whitewall choices, with broader variation in the 195/75R14 size than in the 185/75R14 size.
Brand comparison works best after confirming the exact Century sub-model and tire size. Once that is settled, the useful differences usually come from sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, load figures, and overall presentation rather than from the brand name alone. Choosing by size first keeps the comparison practical and accurate.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Buick Century?
A period-style 1987 Buick Century tire starts with the correct radial size for the exact sub-model, using either 185/75R14 or 195/75R14 on a 14-inch wheel. From there, the visual decision usually centers on whitewall style, since available products include narrow whitewall and, in 195/75R14, wider whitewall options.
The right look depends on how the car is being presented. A survivor-style driver may suit a restrained narrow whitewall, while a more formal sedan appearance may lead some owners toward a wider whitewall presentation. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Buick Century restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Buick Century restoration because the tire size and sidewall style influence both appearance and stance. Using the proper 14-inch radial size for the sub-model keeps the car closer to the proportions intended for a Century sedan or wagon.
Even when two sizes appear within the same model line, that does not mean either one should be chosen purely by preference. Confirming the exact sub-model, the wheel diameter, and the tire size already associated with the car helps preserve a more coherent restoration result and reduces the chance of ending up with an unintended look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Buick Century?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Buick Century even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can influence how a 185/75R14 or 195/75R14 tire sits in the wheel opening.
A Century that has been lowered, reworked, or fitted with non-stock wheels should be checked for clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel. Confirming wheel width is especially important before changing sizes, since a tire that matches the rim diameter may still call for a different approved wheel-width range.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Buick Century on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Buick Century on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the car, and make sure each tire is inflated properly for safe road use. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel condition before the first drive.
A collector or occasional-use Century should also be checked for suspension looseness, uneven wear patterns, and any signs that the old tires rubbed or aged badly in storage. After the new tires are mounted, a short road test and a follow-up pressure check can help confirm that the setup is seated properly and behaving normally.
How should 185/75R14 or 195/75R14 tires on a collector 1987 Buick Century be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1987 Buick Century should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and irregular tread wear. Even on a lightly driven car, the condition of the rubber matters just as much as tread depth, especially when the Century spends long periods parked.
Pressure checks should be part of routine maintenance, and storage conditions make a real difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls and whitewall appearance. Occasional visual inspections before each drive are a sensible habit for any Century that is used seasonally or sparingly.
