1987 Lincoln Continental Tires

The 1987 Lincoln Continental belongs to an era when American luxury sedans emphasized formal styling, quiet road manners, and a composed highway ride. Buyers looking at one today are often balancing preservation, comfort, and the right visual character for a late-classic Lincoln. This exact car uses a 215/70R15 radial on a 15-inch rim, so the fitment question is straightforward. The real choice comes from the range of radial options available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles across several established series. That makes it important to match the tire not just to the size, but to the car’s intended appearance and road use.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Lincoln Continental

The 1987 Lincoln Continental uses one primary tire size: 215/70R15, and it is a radial fitment on a 15-inch rim. Both the Base and Givenchy sub-models share that same size, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which version of that size best matches the car’s appearance, wheel setup, and intended use.

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215/70R15Metric radial
Fit(s): Base and Givenchy
Construction: RadialRim: 15 in

In 215/70R15, the 215 is the tire’s nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. That makes it a modern metric radial size, which suits the 1987 Lincoln Continental’s original-era luxury-sedan fitment. Within this size, the available choices span blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles, with offerings from brands such as BFGoodrich, Cooper, Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, Maxxis, Travelstar, Vredestein, and Coker Classic. Choosing among them depends on whether the goal is a formal restoration-oriented look, a more understated blackwall presentation, or a more assertive period-style sidewall treatment.

Explore 215/70R15 Tires

1987 Lincoln Continental Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1987 Lincoln Continental sub-models. Both sub-models use the same 215/70R15 radial size, so the focus shifts from size differences to appearance, brand, and product specification choices within that fitment.

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1987 Lincoln Continental Base

The 1987 Lincoln Continental Base uses the same 215/70R15 radial fitment as the rest of the line. That keeps tire selection centered on sidewall style, brand preference, and wheel compatibility rather than trying to sort through multiple primary sizes.

Associated Tire Sizes
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1987 Lincoln Continental Givenchy

The 1987 Lincoln Continental Givenchy also uses a 215/70R15 radial tire on a 15-inch rim. For this sub-model, the key decision is selecting the right visual character, whether that means a whitewall presentation, a blackwall look, or another period-style sidewall treatment.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 Lincoln Continental Tires for Sale

Available 215/70R15 choices for the 1987 Lincoln Continental include radial offerings from BFGoodrich, Cooper, Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, Maxxis, Travelstar, Vredestein, and Coker Classic, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styles across several distinct tire series.

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Radial Cooper

Cooper Cobra Radial G/T | RWL | 215/70R15

Cooper - Cobra Radial G/T

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.5 - 7.0 in
WEIGHT23 lb
MAX LOAD1,620 @ 35psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 215/70R15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 7.50 in
WEIGHT28 lb
MAX LOAD1620@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Dunlop Sport Classic | 215/70R15

Dunlop - Sport Classic

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT27 lb
MAX LOAD1,653 lbs
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Radial Tires

Avon CR6ZZ | 215/70R15 98V A29

Avon - CR6ZZ

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.5 - 7.0 in
WEIGHT25.57 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

Michelin XWX | 215/70VR15

Michelin - Michelin XWX

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 7.50 in
WEIGHT30 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial |.375 Inch Whitewall | 215/70R15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SIDEWALLPin-White-Stripe
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 7.50 in
WEIGHT27 lb
MAX LOAD1620@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Maxxis |.75 Inch Whitewall | 215/70R15

Maxxis - Classic Whitewall MA-1

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 7.00 in
WEIGHT30 lb
MAX LOAD1653@35 psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | Redline | 215/70R15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SIDEWALLRedline
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 7.50 in
WEIGHT27 lb
MAX LOAD1620@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Coker Classic Star Series | 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 215/70R15

Coker Classic - Star Series

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT27.8 lb
MAX LOAD1,929 lbs @ 32 psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Radial T/A | RWL | 215/70R15

BFGoodrich - Radial TA

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 7.00 in
WEIGHT28.1 lb
MAX LOAD1,620 lbs @ 35psi
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Radial Travelstar

Travelstar Radial | 18mm Whitewall | 215/70R15

Travelstar - UN106

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.5J in
WEIGHT23 lb
MAX LOAD1620 lbs @ 44psi
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Radial Vredestein

Vredestein Sprint Classic | 215/70VR15

Vredestein - Sprint Classic

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.5 - 7.0 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1,653 lbs @ 51psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs focus on the 1987 Lincoln Continental’s 215/70R15 fitment, 15-inch wheel requirements, available radial tire styles, and the practical checks that matter before choosing tires for preservation or regular road use.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1987 Lincoln Continental?

The 1987 Lincoln Continental uses a 215/70R15 radial tire. That size applies to both the Base and Givenchy sub-models, so there is no split in primary fitment across the covered versions of the car.

Since the size itself is straightforward, the next step is choosing the right version of 215/70R15 for the car’s look and use. Check that the car still has its correct 15-inch wheels, especially if it has been modified over the years, and compare sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and overall presentation before selecting a tire.

What size rim does a 1987 Lincoln Continental use?

The 1987 Lincoln Continental’s primary tire size, 215/70R15, is built for a 15-inch rim diameter. That 15-inch dimension is the wheel size the tire is meant to mount on, and it is shared by both covered sub-models.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth confirming the actual wheel on the car before mounting new tires. Cars that have seen aftermarket wheel changes, replacement wheels, or long-term ownership changes may no longer match the original setup, and wheel width can also affect which 215/70R15 products are suitable.

Do all 1987 Lincoln Continental sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. Both the 1987 Lincoln Continental Base and the 1987 Lincoln Continental Givenchy use the same 215/70R15 radial tire size. There is no sub-model split here that requires choosing between different primary sizes.

That consistency makes shopping easier, but it does not mean every 215/70R15 is the same in character. Some options lean toward a formal whitewall appearance, others use blackwall or raised white letter styling, and wheel-width specifications can vary slightly, so the final choice should still match the car’s wheels and the look you want.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 215/70R15 tire for a 1987 Lincoln Continental?

Start with the correct size and construction: 215/70R15 radial on a 15-inch rim. From there, the important differences are sidewall style, tire series, brand, and product specifications such as rim-width suitability, load figure, and overall intended appearance.

A formal late-1980s Lincoln can look very different on a wide whitewall than it does on a blackwall or raised white letter tire. Matching the tire to the car’s visual character matters, but the wheel setup matters just as much, so confirm actual wheel width and make sure the chosen tire suits how the car will be driven and presented.

What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Lincoln Continental tires?

The 1987 Lincoln Continental’s 215/70R15 fitment is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL, or raised white letter. That gives the car a wide range of visual directions without changing its primary tire size.

For a more formal and luxury-oriented presentation, many owners focus on whitewall options, while blackwall can create a cleaner and more understated look. Redline and raised white letter styles bring a more assertive period flavor, so the best choice depends on whether the car is being preserved in a traditional style or personalized within the correct size.

What brands offer tires for the 1987 Lincoln Continental?

The 1987 Lincoln Continental’s 215/70R15 fitment is available from BFGoodrich, Cooper, Michelin, Dunlop, Avon, Maxxis, Travelstar, Vredestein, and Coker Classic. Those brands cover a mix of traditional-looking tires, classic performance-oriented radials, and restoration-friendly whitewall options.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire series and sidewall treatment rather than as a separate decision. A buyer comparing products for this Lincoln should look at the complete package: the visual style, the wheel-width specification, the load figure where shown, and whether the tire suits a luxury-sedan presentation or a more individualized period-style look.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Lincoln Continental?

A period-style 1987 Lincoln Continental tire choice starts with the correct 215/70R15 radial size, then narrows by appearance. Whitewall versions often suit the formal character of a late-1980s Continental, while blackwall options create a more restrained presentation within the same fitment.

The right answer depends on how closely the car is being preserved and what look the owner wants from a few steps away. For exact originality questions, marque-specific references and original vehicle literature are the safest guide, but for most restoration-oriented buyers, staying with the proper size and a visually appropriate sidewall is the practical foundation.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Lincoln Continental?

On a 1987 Lincoln Continental, construction is less of a style fork than it is on an earlier car because the primary fitment is already radial. The visual difference usually comes more from the sidewall treatment and tire series than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.

That means a restored Continental can keep the correct-size radial layout while still changing the car’s personality through whitewall, blackwall, redline, or raised white letter options. The most convincing result usually comes from keeping the proportions right, using the proper 215/70R15 size, and selecting a sidewall style that complements the car’s formal design.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Lincoln Continental?

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is a straightforward 215/70R15 on a 15-inch rim, modifications can change how that size behaves on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body and alignment changes can all affect fitment and clearance.

A Continental that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or altered for stance may need closer checking before new tires are mounted. Measure the actual wheels on the car, inspect clearance at full steering lock, and confirm there is enough room around the fenders and suspension rather than assuming a stock-size tire will behave the same on a modified setup.

What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Lincoln Continental on new tires?

Inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall wheel condition before mounting new 215/70R15 tires on a 1987 Lincoln Continental. Once the tires are installed, confirm inflation pressure, look for even bead seating, and make sure there is no rubbing during steering or suspension movement.

A car that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention before regular road use. Check for worn suspension parts, alignment issues, brake drag, and any signs that the previous tires were wearing unevenly, because fresh tires can only perform properly when the rest of the chassis and wheel setup are in equally sound condition.

How should 215/70R15 tires on a collector 1987 Lincoln Continental be maintained?

Collector-car tires should be checked regularly even when the car is driven sparingly. On a 1987 Lincoln Continental, that means monitoring inflation pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any signs of slow air loss in the 215/70R15 tires.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a low-use luxury car. Keeping the Continental away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and periodic inspections remain important because age and storage can affect tire condition long before the tread appears worn out.