1987 Volvo 740 Tires

A 1987 Volvo 740 uses one of two radial tire sizes: 185/70R14 or 195/60R15. The 185/70R14 size applies to the 740 GLE, while the 195/60R15 size applies to the 740 GLE Turbo.

The main fitment decision is not choosing between two interchangeable sizes, but matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel diameter already on the car. A quick check of the wheel itself is worthwhile on any older Volvo, especially if wheels have been changed during the car's life.

The 1987 Volvo 740 uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 740 GLE is paired with a 14-inch fitment through its 185/70R14 tire size, while the 740 GLE Turbo uses a 15-inch fitment through its 195/60R15 size.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before shopping because both sizes are radial and close enough in overall diameter to create confusion if a car has been modified. The stamped wheel size, current tire markings, and actual sub-model identification should all agree before a replacement tire is chosen.

No. The 1987 Volvo 740 GLE uses 185/70R14, while the 1987 Volvo 740 GLE Turbo uses 195/60R15. Both are radial tires, but they are tied to different wheel diameters and should not be treated as one shared fitment.

That difference matters because tire selection starts with the car's exact configuration, not just the model name on the trunk. On a vehicle that may have seen decades of maintenance or wheel swaps, checking the sub-model and the mounted wheel size prevents ordering a tire that matches the year and model but not the actual setup.

Start with the correct size for the exact car: 185/70R14 for the 740 GLE or 195/60R15 for the 740 GLE Turbo. From there, compare radial tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility where it is stated, since those details shape both the car's appearance and how closely the tire suits the existing wheel.

A preserved, stock-looking car may point one buyer toward a blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, while another may want a redline or raised white letter look on a 15-inch setup. It also helps to consider load figures, product weight, and how the car will actually be driven instead of choosing on appearance alone.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 Volvo 740 include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL, which is raised white letter. The exact selection depends on the tire size, with 185/70R14 leaning toward blackwall and wide whitewall options, while 195/60R15 adds redline and raised white letter styles.

That range lets the same car move in very different visual directions without changing the primary tire size. A buyer focused on understated European character may prefer blackwalls, while someone chasing a more customized or period-inspired presentation may look more closely at whitewall, redline, or RWL choices in the correct fitment.

Tires for the 1987 Volvo 740 are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, depending on size. The 185/70R14 fitment has the widest brand spread, while the 195/60R15 fitment includes BFGoodrich and Michelin options.

Brand choice is only one part of the decision, because the available lines also differ in sidewall style, tire series, and stated wheel-width range. A practical way to compare them is to narrow the search by the correct size first, then decide which brand and series best match the car's intended appearance and use.

A period-style 1987 Volvo 740 starts with staying in the correct sub-model size: 185/70R14 for the GLE or 195/60R15 for the GLE Turbo. From there, blackwall tires usually preserve the cleanest late-1980s European appearance, while selected whitewall, redline, or raised white letter options create a more stylized presentation.

Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car is being restored or used. If originality matters at a high level, compare the tire's sidewall look and overall character with marque references, photos, or period literature rather than assuming any available tire in the right size automatically reflects how the car was delivered.

Tire construction is straightforward on the 1987 Volvo 740 because both primary fitments are radial. That keeps the visual decision centered less on bias-ply versus radial shape and more on sidewall treatment, brand presentation, and the character of the tire series within the proper size.

A restored 740 can look notably different on blackwalls than it does on wide whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letters, even when the size is correct. Buyers pursuing a restrained showroom-era look generally focus on simpler sidewalls, while more expressive styles suit cars restored with a stronger period-custom flavor.

Yes. A 1987 Volvo 740 may no longer be on its original wheels, and aftermarket wheel diameter, wheel width, offset changes, or suspension alterations can affect whether the intended tire size is still appropriate. That matters especially here because the car was offered with both 14-inch and 15-inch radial fitments.

Even when a replacement tire matches one of the correct factory sizes, the current setup still needs to be checked against the actual wheel on the car. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the car's ride height should all be inspected on any Volvo that has been lowered, updated, or fitted with non-original wheels.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car's sub-model and rim diameter, and check that each tire is inflated properly for the application. It is also smart to look over the suspension, steering components, and alignment condition, since a fresh set of tires cannot correct worn chassis parts.

A short clearance check at full steering lock is worthwhile before normal driving, especially if the car has replacement wheels or non-stock springs. After the first miles, recheck pressure and watch for uneven wear, vibration, or rubbing, as those signs often reveal a setup issue that was already present on the car.

Collector-car tires on a 1987 Volvo 740 should be kept at the correct pressure, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure. Older cars that are driven infrequently can still age their tires even when tread depth looks excellent.

Monthly pressure checks and a close visual inspection before longer drives help catch slow air loss or age-related deterioration early. Storage habits matter as much as mileage, so keeping the car clean, dry, and out of harsh environmental conditions will do more for tire life than simply letting the car sit unused.