The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II belongs to the final era of traditional hand-built Rolls-Royce grand touring convertibles and coupes, where formal styling and quiet road manners mattered as much as presence. Owners typically approach this car with equal attention to appearance, ride character, and correct proportions. The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II uses a 235/70R15 radial tire on a 15-inch rim, so the central decision is less about finding the right size 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 period-style radial lines.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II
The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II uses one primary tire size: 235/70R15. It is a radial fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the same size applies to the Base sub-model. That means the main choice is not between multiple factory sizes, but between sidewall presentation, tire series, and the kind of road-going character you want the car to retain.
A 235/70R15 uses modern metric sizing: 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. For the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II, that means a modern radial fitment with dimensions suited to a 15-inch wheel. Within this size, choices include Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Cooper offerings, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments. The right pick depends on whether your priority is formal touring appearance, a restoration-oriented whitewall look, or a more performance-themed sidewall style.
Tire fitment is straightforward on the covered 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II sub-models. The same primary size carries across the Base version, so selection comes down to tire style and product details rather than sorting through multiple fitment paths.
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1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Base
The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Base uses the 235/70R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps the fitment decision simple, leaving room to focus on sidewall treatment, tire series, and whether the car is being kept close to a formal luxury presentation or given a more individualized 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 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Tires for Sale
Available 235/70R15 choices span Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Cooper lines, with sidewall options that range from blackwall and narrow whitewall to wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter. The product grid is most useful for comparing appearance, tire series, and rim-width compatibility within the same primary size.
These FAQs focus on 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, sidewall and brand choices in 235/70R15, and the practical checks worth making before road use on a collector-era luxury car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II?
The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II uses a 235/70R15 radial tire. That is the primary size for this model year and it is matched to a 15-inch wheel diameter. The Base sub-model uses the same 235/70R15 size, so fitment does not split into multiple factory-style size paths within the covered Corniche II lineup.
The practical decision is choosing the right version of 235/70R15 rather than choosing among different primary sizes. Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width suitability, and the car’s current wheel setup all matter, especially if the car has had wheel changes over the years. Matching the size code alone is not the whole job on a collector luxury car.
What size rim does a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II use?
The primary tire size for the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II is built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That rim diameter is reflected directly in the 235/70R15 size designation, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter in inches. The same 15-inch fitment applies to the Base sub-model.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width as well before selecting a tire. Several 235/70R15 products carry rim-width ranges in the 6.0 to 8.5 inch range, depending on the tire. If the car has aftermarket wheels, verify the actual wheel dimensions before choosing among touring, whitewall, or performance-style options.
Does the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Base uses the same 235/70R15 radial tire size as the core vehicle fitment. There is no alternate primary size tied to the Base sub-model within this covered application, which keeps the search focused on product style and tire specification rather than on multiple sub-model-specific sizes.
That consistency makes shopping easier, but it is still wise to inspect the car’s actual wheels before replacing older tires. A Corniche II that has been modified with different wheels or a changed suspension setup can alter clearance and rim-width needs. On an unmodified car, the main comparison points become sidewall appearance, tire line, and intended road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/70R15 tire for a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II?
Start with the correct primary size, 235/70R15, and confirm that the tire is suited to a 15-inch wheel. From there, compare the available radial options by sidewall presentation, tire series, rim-width range, and load figures where they are stated. That matters more here than deciding between multiple sizes, because the fitment path itself is straightforward.
A Corniche II often calls for a more deliberate choice than a simple size match. A blackwall or narrow whitewall can preserve a refined touring appearance, while wide whitewall, redline, or raised white letter versions create a different visual statement. The right selection depends on how the car is being presented, how it is driven, and whether the wheel setup remains stock in dimension.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II tires?
235/70R15 tires for the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter. That is a broad range for one size, and it gives Corniche II owners room to tailor the car’s appearance without changing the underlying fitment.
Each sidewall style changes the car’s visual tone more than the size itself. Blackwall and narrow whitewall choices tend to suit a restrained luxury presentation, while wide whitewall emphasizes a more formal vintage look. Redline and raised white letter tires shift the appearance in a sportier direction, so it helps to choose the sidewall treatment that matches the character you want the car to project.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II?
The 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II has 235/70R15 options from Michelin, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Cooper. Those brands appear across several distinct tire lines, including Michelin XVS, Avon Turbosteel, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, BFGoodrich Radial T/A, and Cooper Cobra Radial G/T. All of them stay within the same basic size while offering different visual and specification details.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as a ranking exercise. One owner may want a more formal touring-style presentation, while another may prefer a classic American performance sidewall look. Since the size stays constant, comparing construction details and appearance cues is usually more useful than comparing brand names alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II?
A period-style 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II usually starts with the correct 235/70R15 radial size and then narrows the choice by appearance. Narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall options all exist in this fitment, and each creates a different presentation while staying within the proper overall sizing path for the car.
The best visual match depends on the restoration goal and the way the car is trimmed and presented. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration standard should compare tire appearance against marque references, period photography, and other authoritative documentation. For most collector drivers, choosing the right sidewall style in the correct size does more for the finished look than chasing unnecessary size changes.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II?
On the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is already radial. That means the visible appearance differences come less from choosing between bias-ply and radial, and more from the tire line and sidewall treatment. In this size, blackwall, whitewall, redline, and raised white letter variations can change the car’s personality noticeably.
For a restoration-oriented car, the sidewall is often the first thing the eye catches after the wheel itself. A restrained blackwall or narrow whitewall tends to support the Corniche II’s formal character, while a wide whitewall pushes the visual impression in a more traditional direction. Redline and raised white letter choices are more individualized and should be selected with the car’s intended presentation in mind.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II?
Yes. Even though the 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II uses a straightforward 235/70R15 fitment, modifications can still change how that size works on the car. Different wheel widths, altered wheel offset, suspension changes, or bodywork alterations can affect clearance at the fender, suspension, or steering components without changing the tire size printed on the sidewall.
A Corniche II that still carries its original-style wheel dimensions is easier to match correctly than one that has been personalized over time. Checking actual wheel diameter and width before purchase helps avoid surprises. It is also smart to inspect front steering clearance and rear body clearance at normal ride height, especially if the car has had previous restoration or custom work.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, and the basic clearance around the new 235/70R15 tires. A visual check should also include suspension condition, signs of rubbing, and confirmation that each tire seats correctly on the wheel. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so stale rubber parts elsewhere in the chassis deserve attention too.
The first miles after installation are a good time to listen for rubbing and recheck air pressure once the tires have settled in. It also helps to verify that the steering moves lock to lock without interference. On a luxury convertible or coupe that may be driven infrequently, careful early inspection is more useful than assuming everything is correct because the size code matches.
How should 235/70R15 tires on a collector 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II be maintained?
235/70R15 tires on a collector 1988 Rolls-Royce Corniche II should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long-term storage conditions that age rubber unnecessarily. Cars that are driven sparingly still need tire attention, because time, heat, sunlight, and prolonged parking can degrade a tire even when tread wear looks minimal.
A maintenance routine should include pressure checks before driving, occasional movement to avoid prolonged flat spotting, and visual inspection of both outer and inner sidewalls. Clean, dry storage away from ozone sources helps preserve appearance and serviceability. On a car valued for smooth road manners, tire condition has a direct effect on ride quality, confidence, and how the vehicle feels at speed.