In 1960, Lincoln stood as Ford Motor Company's flagship marque, building large, formal luxury cars with unmistakable styling and a strong emphasis on presence, ride quality, and highway comfort. The 1960 Lincoln range was concise, centered on the Lincoln and Premiere, and both carried the same tire size rather than splitting fitment by model. For buyers, that simplifies the size question considerably: both models use 950-14 bias-ply tires on the same 14-inch rim diameter, so the main decision is less about fitment and more about presentation. Before choosing a tire, confirm your model for restoration context, then decide which whitewall look best suits the character of your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1960 Lincoln
Only one tire size is used across 1960 Lincoln vehicles, and it is shared by both the Lincoln and Premiere. That makes the real choice less about fitment and more about selecting the right bias-ply presentation for a full-size luxury car that originally rode on 14-inch wheels. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the look you want.
Year(s): 1960|Fit(s): 1960 Lincoln, Premiere|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
950-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first number indicating nominal section width in the traditional numeric system and the 14 indicating a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, and both carry a 2,000-pound load rating at 32 psi. Because it is the shared fitment for every 1960 Lincoln model here, the practical choice comes down to restoration appearance rather than changing sizes. Owners aiming for an authentic early-1960s luxury-car look will usually decide between the two whitewall treatments instead of between different fitments.
Two 1960 Lincoln models are covered here. Both use the same 950-14 tire size, so model selection is not about changing fitment so much as understanding the character of the car you are restoring or maintaining. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1960 Lincoln
The 1960 Lincoln represented the marque's unmistakably dramatic luxury-car formula, with long, low styling and a substantial road presence that set it apart from most domestic cars of the period. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the shared 950-14 fitment suits the car's original bias-ply character and visual proportions.
The 1960 Lincoln Premiere sat within Lincoln's premium lineup as a distinctly upscale expression of the brand's jet-age design language and formal American luxury. Like the Lincoln model, it uses 14-inch wheel fitment with the same 950-14 sizing, so the deciding factor is usually sidewall appearance rather than a different tire specification.
Two products are available across one tire size for 1960 Lincoln vehicles. The 950-14 offers two BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, giving both Lincoln and Premiere owners a period-appropriate appearance range.
These FAQs cover shared 950-14 fitment across the 1960 Lincoln range, the difference between narrow and wide whitewall choices, setup details such as rim width and tube considerations, and long-term care for a low-use collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1960 Lincoln vehicles?
1960 Lincoln vehicles use one tire size across both models covered here: 950-14. That size fits the 1960 Lincoln Lincoln and the 1960 Lincoln Premiere, and it mounts on a 14-inch rim. The available 950-14 products are built for a rim width range of 6.50 to 7.50 inches, which is the key wheel measurement to confirm along with diameter.
Because both 1960 Lincoln models share the same tire size, buyers do not need to sort through multiple fitment paths before narrowing the choice. The important next step is confirming your wheel dimensions and then choosing the sidewall look that best fits your restoration goals, since the available options differ by appearance rather than by size.
What does 950-14 mean on a 1960 Lincoln tire?
On a 1960 Lincoln, 950-14 is a traditional numeric bias-ply tire size. The 950 portion identifies the tire's nominal section width in the older numeric system, while the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Because there is no radial construction marker in the code, it is read as a bias-ply format consistent with American luxury-car practice of the era.
That matters because a numeric bias-ply size is not interpreted the same way as a modern metric radial size such as 225/75R14. If you are comparing modern-looking size codes to what belongs on a 1960 Lincoln, keep the original numeric format in mind so you stay aligned with the car's intended stance, sidewall shape, and period-correct visual balance.
Do all 1960 Lincoln models use the same tire size?
Yes. Both the 1960 Lincoln Lincoln and the 1960 Lincoln Premiere use 950-14 tires. There is no split here between one model and the other, so the basic size and 14-inch rim diameter remain the same across the year's covered model range.
That shared fitment makes the search process simpler than it is on many year-make pages. Once you confirm that your wheels remain within the appropriate width range, the main decision becomes whether you want a narrower whitewall or a wider whitewall, especially if the car is being restored to a particular showroom-era look.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Lincoln tires?
1960 Lincoln tires in 950-14 are available with two distinct sidewall treatments: a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall and a 2.50-inch wide whitewall. Both are BFGoodrich bias-ply tires with the same load rating and the same 14-inch rim fitment. The difference is visual rather than dimensional, so the sidewall band is what changes the car's finished appearance.
That choice matters more on a large luxury car than it does on many smaller classics, because the tire sidewall plays a major role in the car's overall proportion. A wider whitewall usually gives a stronger early-1960s luxury presentation, while a narrower whitewall can suit owners who want a slightly cleaner or less formal look without changing the underlying size.
What brands make tires for 1960 Lincoln vehicles?
BFGoodrich makes the available 950-14 tires for 1960 Lincoln vehicles here, both in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The two choices share the same core size, bias-ply construction, 14-inch rim diameter, and 2,000-pound load rating at 32 psi. Their distinction comes from sidewall styling rather than from brand-to-brand construction differences.
That means brand comparison is straightforward for this year and make. Instead of sorting through several manufacturers, owners can focus on whether the car's restoration calls for a narrower whitewall or a wider whitewall, and whether the existing wheel width falls within the tire's 6.50- to 7.50-inch rim range.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall and 2.50 Inch Whitewall for the 1960 Lincoln?
For a 1960 Lincoln, the BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall and BFGoodrich 2.50 Inch Whitewall share the same 950-14 size, bias-ply construction, 14-inch rim diameter, 6.50- to 7.50-inch rim width range, 30-pound weight, and 2,000-pound load rating at 32 psi. The meaningful difference is the sidewall treatment: one uses a narrow whitewall and the other uses a wide whitewall.
That makes the decision a matter of visual authenticity and personal taste rather than one of capacity or fit. Owners restoring a car toward a more formal luxury presentation often lean toward the broader whitewall look, while owners seeking a subtler appearance may prefer the narrower band without changing the tire's basic dimensions or construction.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1960 Lincoln tires require?
The 950-14 tires used on 1960 Lincoln vehicles are built for rims that measure 6.50 to 7.50 inches wide, with a 14-inch diameter. That width range applies to both available BFGoodrich whitewall versions because they share the same basic casing dimensions. Rim width is just as important as rim diameter when confirming whether an existing wheel is appropriate for the tire.
A wheel that is too narrow or too wide can change how the tire sits, how the sidewall presents visually, and how the tread contacts the road. Before committing to a tire, measure the actual wheel or confirm its specifications through a trusted marque source, especially if the car has changed hands or may no longer wear its original wheels.
Do 1960 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
The 950-14 products available for 1960 Lincoln do not carry a tube-type or tubeless marker in the size designation itself, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination you plan to run. On collector cars of this era, tube questions often depend as much on the wheel design and condition as on the tire alone. A sound original wheel and the tire's sidewall marking should guide the final decision.
That is especially important on a large, heavy luxury car, where air retention and wheel integrity matter just as much as outward appearance. Before installation, inspect the wheel for pitting, damage, or bead-seat issues, and verify whether the specific 950-14 product is meant to run with a tube, without a tube, or with either depending on wheel condition.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1960 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 1960 Lincoln should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so the same section of a bias-ply tire is not carrying the full load for months at a time. Long stationary periods can encourage flat-spotting more readily on bias-ply construction than many owners expect.
If the car will sit for an extended season, placing it on tire cradles or supporting the weight appropriately can help reduce stress on the casing. Storage habits matter on a full-size 1960 Lincoln because the car's weight, combined with collector-car inactivity, can affect ride quality and sidewall appearance long before tread wear becomes the reason for replacement.
How long do tires on a 1960 Lincoln typically last?
Tires on a 1960 Lincoln are usually judged by age and condition more than by mileage, because collector cars often see limited annual use. A practical rule is to inspect them closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement consideration even if tread depth still looks good. The DOT date code, sidewall condition, and overall casing integrity matter more than odometer totals.
That approach is especially important for a car that may spend long periods parked and then return to highway use. A tire can look presentable at a glance yet still have age-related hardening or cracking that affects confidence on the road, so replacement timing on a 1960 Lincoln should follow age, storage history, and inspection results rather than tread wear alone.
How often should tires on a 1960 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 1960 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any extended trip or higher-speed outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, embedded damage, irregular wear, and slow pressure loss. Because these are bias-ply tires on a heavy luxury car, any change in ride feel, tracking, or vibration deserves attention before the car is driven farther.
A monthly inspection schedule is a good baseline when the car is in regular seasonal use, even if it only covers short distances. Include the spare in that routine, since an aged or underinflated spare can turn a minor roadside issue into a much larger problem on a car as substantial as a 1960 Lincoln.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1960 Lincoln Lincoln?
A 1960 Lincoln Lincoln would have been built in the bias-ply era, and the shared 950-14 sizing used across the 1960 Lincoln range fits that period-correct pattern. The available reproduction choices stay within that traditional bias-ply format rather than shifting to a modern metric radial code. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and production details, so size, construction, and sidewall look are the most dependable restoration anchors.
For a factory-style presentation, matching the correct size and a sidewall style that suits an early-1960s American luxury car is usually more important than chasing a brand assumption. If the car is being judged at a high level, it is wise to confirm market-specific expectations through Lincoln marque clubs, period literature, and event rules before settling on the final whitewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1960 Lincoln?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1960 Lincoln because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall style immediately. A 950-14 bias-ply tire keeps the car aligned with its era, while a visibly incorrect size or a sidewall treatment that clashes with the period can stand out quickly on a full-size luxury car. Tires are a major part of the car's stance and visual authenticity.
For many show settings, the question is not simply whether the tire fits the wheel but whether it supports the car's original presentation. If your goal is serious authenticity, use the shared 950-14 format as the foundation, then choose the whitewall width that best matches your restoration theme and verify any event-specific judging preferences before final installation.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall and 2.50 Inch Whitewall for the 1960 Lincoln?
On a show-oriented 1960 Lincoln, the BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall and 2.50 Inch Whitewall differ in visual statement, not in size or carrying ability. Both are 950-14 bias-ply tires with the same 14-inch rim diameter, 6.50- to 7.50-inch rim width range, 30-pound weight, and 2,000-pound load rating at 32 psi. The sidewall band is the element that changes the car's appearance.
That distinction can influence how formal, upscale, or restrained the finished restoration looks from a few steps away. On a large 1960 Lincoln body, whitewall width has real visual impact, so owners pursuing authenticity should compare the chosen tire to period photography, brochures, and marque-club guidance rather than assuming any whitewall width from the era is automatically equivalent.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1960 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
A properly installed, correctly inflated 950-14 bias-ply tire in good condition can be suitable for normal highway use on a 1960 Lincoln, provided the rest of the car is equally roadworthy. No speed rating is marked here for these products, so prudent operation should respect the car's age, weight, suspension design, braking capability, and overall mechanical condition. On many collector cars, those broader vehicle limitations shape safe cruising habits more than raw tire capacity alone.
The practical takeaway is to treat tire condition as one part of a complete readiness check rather than the whole story. If a 1960 Lincoln is being returned to longer-distance driving after storage, verify pressure, inspect for age-related damage, and make sure steering, brakes, and alignment are all sorted before assuming the car is ready for sustained modern traffic speeds.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1960 Lincoln tires?
The available 950-14 tires for 1960 Lincoln carry a maximum load figure of 2,000 pounds at 32 psi. That number identifies the tire's rated load-and-pressure relationship, but it is not automatically the same as the ideal operating pressure for every driving condition. Factory recommendations in the owner's manual and the tire manufacturer's guidance should both be considered before settling on a cold inflation pressure.
That distinction matters because collector cars often respond noticeably to pressure changes in ride quality, steering feel, and tread contact. Use the tire's rating as a limit reference, then confirm what pressure best matches the car's original specifications, current loading, and intended use, rather than assuming every 950-14 should simply be set to its maximum-rated psi.
What should I check before taking a 1960 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1960 Lincoln, inspect each 950-14 tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and stable cold pressure, and check that the spare is usable as well. Look closely at the sidewalls, since age and storage conditions often show there first on collector tires. Wheel condition, valve stems, and lug hardware also deserve attention before putting a heavy full-size car back into sustained road use.
Tires are only one part of the picture on a vintage luxury car, so pair that inspection with a broader mechanical review of brakes, steering, suspension, fluids, and cooling. A 1960 Lincoln can be an excellent road car when sorted, but long-distance confidence comes from making sure the entire chassis and driveline are as ready as the tires themselves.
