1996 Jaguar XJR Tires

The 1996 Jaguar XJR belongs to the supercharged X300 era, when Jaguar blended traditional luxury-sedan styling with far more serious straight-line performance and high-speed touring character. That balance makes tire choice especially important on a car that can feel both refined and aggressive depending on how it is driven and presented. The 1996 Jaguar XJR uses a 255/45R17 radial tire on a 17-inch wheel. Available choices include blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall treatments across BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac series. For this car, the key decision is less about size and more about selecting the right look, construction details, and wheel compatibility for the way the sedan is used.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Jaguar XJR

The 1996 Jaguar XJR uses one primary tire size: 255/45R17, a radial fitment on a 17-inch rim. The 1996 Jaguar XJR Base uses that same size, so the main decision is not identifying between multiple factory fitments, but choosing the right tire within that size based on sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility.

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255/45R17Metric radial
Fit(s): Base
Construction: RadialRim: 17 in

255/45R17 is a metric radial size in which 255 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1996 Jaguar XJR, that modern radial format suits the car's performance-luxury character and keeps fitment centered on a 17-inch wheel. Available choices include blackwall, redline, and raised white letter presentations from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac across g-Force Sport Comp 2, NT555 G2, and Street Pro III lines. That makes the size straightforward, while the real selection comes down to appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and the kind of road use planned for the car.

Explore 255/45R17 Tires

1996 Jaguar XJR Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1996 Jaguar XJR. The covered XJR Base configuration uses the same primary tire size, so tire selection centers on product style and wheel compatibility rather than sorting through multiple factory size combinations.

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1996 Jaguar XJR Base

The 1996 Jaguar XJR Base uses the 255/45R17 radial tire size on a 17-inch rim. That keeps fitment simple and shifts the decision toward choosing between available blackwall, redline, or raised white letter styles and confirming that the wheel width matches the tire's intended range.

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 1996 Jaguar XJR Tires for Sale

Available 255/45R17 choices for the 1996 Jaguar XJR include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac radials. The product grid lets you compare blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewalls, along with differences in tire series, rim-width compatibility, load figures, and weight.

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Radial g-Force

BFG g-Force Sport COMP-2 | 255/45ZR17 98W

BFGoodrich - g-Force Sport Comp 2

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER17 in
RIM WIDTH8.0 - 9.5 in
WEIGHT28 lb
MAX LOAD1653@51
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Radial Nitto

Nitto NT555 G2 | 255/45ZR17 XL 102W

Nitto - Nitto NT555 G2

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER17 in
RIM WIDTH8.0-(8.5)-9.5 in
WEIGHT28.13 lb
MAX LOAD1,874 @ 50 psi
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Radial Tires

255/45ZR17 Pro-Trac Street Pro III | Redline

Pro-Trac - Street Pro III

SIDEWALLRedline
RIM DIAMETER17 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT28.13 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

255/45ZR17 Pro-Trac Street Pro III | RWL

Pro-Trac - Street Pro III

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER17 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT28.13 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions for the 1996 Jaguar XJR usually center on the 255/45R17 tire size, 17-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era performance sedan back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1996 Jaguar XJR?

The 1996 Jaguar XJR uses a 255/45R17 radial tire. That is the primary size for the model and it matches a 17-inch rim, giving the car a modern performance-oriented fitment rather than an older bias-ply or vintage alphanumeric size format.

Because there is one primary size, the decision usually comes down to choosing among available 255/45R17 tires rather than sorting through multiple fitments. It is still worth confirming the actual wheel setup on the car, especially if it has aftermarket wheels, changed suspension height, or any prior modifications that could affect clearance and tire width compatibility.

What size rim does a 1996 Jaguar XJR use?

The 1996 Jaguar XJR uses a 17-inch rim with its 255/45R17 tire size. Product fitments in this size also center on 17-inch wheel diameter, which is the critical dimension for matching the tire bead to the wheel correctly.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should also be checked before choosing among available tires. Some 255/45R17 products in this application are intended for wheels in the 8.0- to 9.5-inch range, which matters if the car is wearing non-original wheels or if a previous owner changed the wheel package.

Does the 1996 Jaguar XJR Base use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1996 Jaguar XJR Base uses the same 255/45R17 radial tire size as the model fitment for this year. That keeps tire selection straightforward and avoids the need to sort between different sub-model tire sizes.

Even with shared sub-model fitment, the exact tire choice can still change the look and character of the car. A buyer can focus on sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility rather than trying to determine whether a different XJR configuration calls for a different primary size.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 255/45R17 tire for a 1996 Jaguar XJR?

Start with the correct 255/45R17 size and confirm that the tire is meant for a 17-inch wheel. From there, compare construction details, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, weight, and the overall character of the available tire series.

Appearance matters on an XJR as much as fitment, so sidewall style can be a major part of the decision. A blackwall keeps the look understated, while redline or raised white letter options create a more customized presentation. Matching the tire to the car's intended use and existing wheel setup is usually more important than choosing by brand name alone.

What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Jaguar XJR tires?

The 1996 Jaguar XJR has 255/45R17 tire options with blackwall, redline, and RWL sidewalls. RWL means raised white letter, which gives the tire a more overt performance look than a plain black sidewall.

That choice mostly affects presentation rather than basic fitment, but it can change how the car reads visually. A blackwall tends to suit the sedan's refined factory-inspired appearance, while redline or raised white letters lean more toward a custom or enthusiast look. The right choice depends on whether the car is being kept subtle, restored with period flavor, or personalized.

What brands offer tires for the 1996 Jaguar XJR?

Available 255/45R17 tires for the 1996 Jaguar XJR include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those options appear across different tire series, including g-Force Sport Comp 2, NT555 G2, and Street Pro III.

The practical difference is not simply the brand name, but how each tire's series, sidewall style, and wheel-width specification line up with the car. Comparing those factors helps narrow the choice for a stock-style street car, a more aggressive visual treatment, or a Jaguar that has already been fitted with different wheels.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Jaguar XJR?

A period-style 1996 Jaguar XJR still starts with the correct 255/45R17 radial size. Since the available fitment is already a modern radial format, the appearance decision usually comes down to whether a blackwall, redline, or raised white letter sidewall best suits the car's intended presentation.

For a more restrained, luxury-performance look, blackwall is often the most natural visual match. Redline or raised white letters can make the car feel more personalized and less stock in appearance. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and historical delivery documentation are the right way to verify how a particular car was originally equipped.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1996 Jaguar XJR?

On a 1996 Jaguar XJR, construction is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about choosing the right modern radial presentation. The car's primary fitment is already radial, so appearance changes come more from sidewall treatment and tire-series styling than from switching between construction types.

That means restoration-oriented buyers should pay close attention to the visual details of the tire once the size is correct. A blackwall preserves a cleaner, more understated sedan profile, while redline or raised white letters add a stronger aftermarket impression. The right look depends on whether the goal is stock-like restraint or a deliberate period-performance accent.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Jaguar XJR?

Yes. Even though the primary tire size is 255/45R17, modifications can change whether a given tire works well on the car. Wheel width, offset, suspension height, alignment changes, and body or fender alterations can all affect clearance and how the tire sits under the car.

A Jaguar that still uses its original-style wheel package is easier to match than one with aftermarket wheels or lowered suspension. Before choosing a tire, compare the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then check steering clearance and space around the inner fender, outer fender lip, and suspension components.

What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Jaguar XJR on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size and wheel diameter match, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated correctly. It is also smart to look over suspension, steering, and alignment condition, especially on a heavier performance sedan that can place more demand on the front end.

A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn bushings, loose steering parts, or a wheel that is out of true. After installation, verify that there is no rubbing at full steering lock and that the car tracks cleanly. A short test drive followed by a second visual inspection is a sensible final check.

How should 255/45R17 tires on a collector 1996 Jaguar XJR be maintained?

255/45R17 tires on a collector 1996 Jaguar XJR should be checked regularly for air loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and any bulges or impact damage. Tire pressure matters even on low-mileage cars, because a stored vehicle can lose air slowly and develop avoidable stress on the casing.

Storage conditions also affect long-term condition, so the car should be kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources when possible. Even a seldom-driven XJR benefits from routine inspection before every outing, since age and storage history can matter just as much as tread depth on collector-use tires.