The 1987 Toyota Celica sits in the final years of the rear-drive Celica era, giving buyers a mix of practical sport-coupe character and distinctly 1980s Japanese styling. It is a car that can range from simple, light-duty street use to a more performance-minded setup depending on the exact trim. Tire fitment reflects that difference, with radial sizes including 165R13, 185/70R13, and 205/60R14 tied to specific sub-models. Available choices span blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations across several classic and sport-oriented tire series. The key is matching the correct size to the exact trim level and wheel diameter before comparing appearance and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Toyota Celica
The 1987 Toyota Celica uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two of the sizes fit 13-inch rims, while the largest size uses a 14-inch rim, so the first step is confirming both the trim and the wheels actually on the car. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to tire series, sidewall style, and whether the goal is a stock-looking restoration or a more performance-oriented presentation.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch rim. On the 1987 Toyota Celica, it serves as one of the main 13-inch radial choices and appears on specific sub-models rather than every version. This size has broad product variety, including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein options, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the size to evaluate when the car uses 13-inch wheels and the goal is to balance period-style appearance with the character of a modern radial construction.
205/60R14 is a metric radial size that denotes a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1987 Toyota Celica, this is the larger primary fitment and is tied to a specific sub-model rather than the full lineup. Its shorter profile and wider section identify it as a distinct fitment path, so it should not be confused with the 13-inch options. This is the size to confirm when the car carries 14-inch wheels, since wheel diameter must be correct before any comparison of tire style or handling-oriented intent can begin.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal width and a 13-inch rim diameter, and this format traditionally omits the aspect ratio from the size marking. On the 1987 Toyota Celica, it is one of the 13-inch radial fitments used on a specific sub-model configuration. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in classic radial series, giving this size a notably traditional presentation. It is the right size to investigate when the car still uses the narrower 13-inch wheel setup and the owner wants to preserve that smaller, more original-looking fitment theme.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Toyota Celica because tire size is not the same across the full range. Some trims stay with 13-inch radial fitments, while the GTS moves to a 14-inch setup, so identifying the exact model is the first step before comparing tire choices.
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1987 Toyota Celica GT
The 1987 Toyota Celica GT uses a 13-inch radial fitment centered on 185/70R13. That keeps the decision focused on choosing among available radial tire series and sidewall styles rather than sorting through multiple wheel diameters.
The 1987 Toyota Celica GTS uses the larger 205/60R14 radial size and a 14-inch wheel. This makes wheel confirmation especially important, since the tire choice starts with the correct rim diameter before any consideration of performance style or appearance.
The 1987 Toyota Celica ST can use either a 165R13 or 185/70R13 radial fitment, both on 13-inch rims. Tire selection for the ST starts with confirming which wheel and size setup is on the car now, then narrowing the choice by tire series and 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 1987 Toyota Celica Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Toyota Celica tire choices span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with differences in tire series, blackwall or specialty sidewall styling, and rim-width compatibility. The strongest product variety appears in 185/70R13, where both restoration-oriented and sport-classic radial options are available.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1987 Toyota Celica, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing among radial tire options, appearance styles, and wheel-compatible replacements.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Toyota Celica?
The 1987 Toyota Celica uses three primary radial tire sizes: 165R13, 185/70R13, and 205/60R14. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model. GT models use 185/70R13, GTS models use 205/60R14, and ST models can use either 165R13 or 185/70R13.
That means the first step is identifying the trim and checking the wheels currently on the car. A Celica with 13-inch wheels should not be approached the same way as a GTS with 14-inch wheels, and an ST needs a closer look because it appears with two different 13-inch radial sizes.
What size rim does a 1987 Toyota Celica use?
A 1987 Toyota Celica uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 165R13 and 185/70R13 sizes fit 13-inch rims, while 205/60R14 fits a 14-inch rim. Rim diameter is part of the tire size, so it must match exactly.
Checking the actual wheel on the car is especially important on older Celicas that may have seen wheel swaps over the years. Once diameter is confirmed, compare the tire's approved rim-width range and make sure the wheel, suspension, and fender clearance all suit the size being considered.
Why does the 1987 Toyota Celica have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Toyota Celica has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. GT, GTS, and ST versions do not all share the same wheel and tire package. The GTS uses a 14-inch radial size, while GT and ST models remain in 13-inch fitments, with the ST appearing in two different sizes.
That variation means tire shopping should begin with the exact model designation rather than the year and body alone. It also helps explain why two Celicas from the same year may need different products, even when both still wear radial tires and appear outwardly similar.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Toyota Celica tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1987 Toyota Celica sub-model and wheel diameter, then compare the radial tire choices available in that size. Useful differences include tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, weight, and load figures where they are given. Those details shape how restoration-oriented or sport-focused the final choice feels.
A GT or ST owner on 13-inch wheels may be choosing between a traditional blackwall and a specialty sidewall treatment, while a GTS owner first needs to stay within the proper 14-inch fitment path. Matching the tire to the car's actual wheel setup and intended use matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Toyota Celica tires?
Sidewall choices for 1987 Toyota Celica tires include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The broadest sidewall variety appears in 185/70R13, where BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options include redline and wide whitewall alongside several blackwall alternatives from other brands.
That gives a Celica owner room to shape the car's presentation without changing the basic fitment. A blackwall usually keeps the look closest to late-1980s sport compact style, while redline or whitewall choices push the appearance in a more customized or restoration-themed direction within the same tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Toyota Celica?
Tires for the 1987 Toyota Celica are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across the applicable sizes. Brand availability depends on the exact size, with 185/70R13 offering the widest selection and 165R13 focusing on a smaller group of classic blackwall radial choices.
Brand choice should be considered alongside series design, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. A buyer comparing Celica tires will usually get the best result by narrowing to the correct size first, then deciding whether the car needs a traditional look, a sport-classic feel, or a specialty sidewall treatment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Toyota Celica?
A period-style 1987 Toyota Celica tire starts with the correct original-size fitment for the exact sub-model, which means 165R13, 185/70R13, or 205/60R14 depending on the car. Staying in the proper size and wheel diameter preserves the stance and visual balance better than choosing a tire only by appearance.
After the size is settled, look at blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall options in the sizes that offer them and decide how closely the car should reflect late-1980s showroom character versus a more personalized restoration theme. If exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references are worth checking before final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Toyota Celica?
On a restored 1987 Toyota Celica, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires rather than bias-ply sizes. That keeps the visual difference focused less on construction type and more on profile, sidewall style, and the way each tire series presents on the wheel.
A narrow blackwall 165R13 gives a different character than a 185/70R13 with a redline or wide whitewall, even though all are radial choices. For a restoration-minded owner, the strongest appearance decision is usually the correct size and sidewall treatment, paired with wheels that match the car's intended period presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Toyota Celica?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1987 Toyota Celica. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension lowering, spring replacement, or body alterations can change the available space around the tire even when the nominal size seems close to the original fitment.
That matters most on cars that have moved away from their original 13-inch or 14-inch wheel package. A Celica with non-stock wheels should be checked for steering clearance, fender room, and actual wheel dimensions before new tires are chosen, especially if the car is an ST that could already have more than one original size path.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Toyota Celica on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Toyota Celica on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are properly seated and inflated, and look over the suspension and steering for worn components. It also helps to verify that the tires clear the fenders and suspension throughout the steering range.
A collector or low-use Celica deserves extra attention because age-related issues may exist even when mileage is low. Check for old cracking on any remaining spare, signs of air loss, and uneven wear patterns that could point to alignment or bushing problems before putting the car back into regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Toyota Celica be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Toyota Celica should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Even a lightly driven car can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, or air loss if it sits for long periods without being moved or stored properly.
Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the Celica away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors is worthwhile, and occasional inspection of tread wear and casing condition can catch problems early before the next highway drive or event outing.
