In 1964, Lincoln stood for American luxury on a grand scale, and the Continental remained one of the most recognizable prestige cars of the era with its clean slab-sided styling and formal presence. [YEAR] [MAKE] buyers often focus first on body style or restoration details, but tire selection matters just as much because it shapes stance, ride character, and authenticity. For 1964 Lincoln, the decision is unusually straightforward: one model uses one tire size, 9.15-15, in a bias-ply construction on 15-inch wheels. That means the key step is confirming you have a 1964 Lincoln Continental and then deciding which bias-ply product, brand, and sidewall treatment best suits your restoration goals and driving habits.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1964 Lincoln
1964 Lincoln uses one tire size, and it is shared by the full model range covered here. Because there is no size split by model, the real choice is not between different fitments but between the available bias-ply tire products within 9.15-15. Understanding what that size means before choosing a product helps you match the car correctly and avoid wasted time.
Year(s): 1964|Fit(s): Continental|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
The 9.15-15 size is a numeric bias-ply tire, where 9.15 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. This size is available in a bias-ply construction for the 1964 Lincoln Continental, with the exact brand and sidewall treatment varying by product. Because 9.15-15 is the only size used across the year and make, it is the correct starting point for owners who want the original-size look, period-correct ride character, and proper visual proportion on a full-size luxury Lincoln.
One model is covered for 1964 Lincoln. Tire fitment is simple at the year-and-make level because the entire range uses the same 9.15-15 size, so the decision is less about model-specific sizing and more about choosing the bias-ply tire that fits your restoration goals and expected road use. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1964 Lincoln Continental
The 1964 Lincoln Continental is one of the defining American luxury cars of the 1960s, known for its restrained design, substantial road presence, and strong association with formal, premium motoring. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the original-size fitment keeps the car's stance and visual balance in line with the way a Continental of this period was meant to sit.
These FAQs cover the 9.15-15 fitment used across 1964 Lincoln models, what that numeric bias-ply size means, how to think about wheel compatibility and tube use, and how to care for collector-car tires during long periods of storage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1964 Lincoln vehicles?
1964 Lincoln vehicles use one tire size: 9.15-15. That size applies to the 1964 Lincoln Continental, and it mounts on a 15-inch wheel. At the year-and-make level, there is no alternate size split to sort through, which makes this one of the more straightforward fitment years for a full-size American luxury car.
That simplicity does not remove the need to confirm the actual wheel on the car. A 1964 Lincoln that has been restored, customized, or converted over the years may no longer wear its original wheel setup. Start by verifying that your car is a 1964 Lincoln Continental and that it still uses the intended 15-inch wheel before narrowing your choice to brand, sidewall style, and other product details.
What does 9.15-15 mean on a 1964 Lincoln tire?
On a 1964 Lincoln, 9.15-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 9.15 figure refers to the nominal section width in inches, while the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike a modern metric radial size, it does not use a millimeter width or a separate aspect-ratio format, and the bias-ply construction is part of the size family rather than called out with an R.
That matters because a modern buyer may expect a tire code to read like 235/75R15, but a 1964 Lincoln belongs to an earlier sizing convention. If your goal is a factory-correct appearance and period driving feel, understanding that 9.15-15 is a classic American bias-ply size helps keep the search focused on the right category instead of drifting into later radial substitutions that belong to a different fitment conversation.
Do all 1964 Lincoln models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1964 Lincoln range covered here uses the same 9.15-15 tire size across the model lineup. For this year, there is no model-by-model split that would require one Lincoln to use a different diameter or a different original numeric size than another within the covered range.
That gives buyers a helpful starting point, especially when they know the year and make but have not gone deeper into model details yet. Even so, a same-size year still leaves room for meaningful product decisions. Sidewall appearance, brand preference, and the condition and originality of the wheel itself can all influence which 9.15-15 tire makes the most sense for your particular 1964 Lincoln.
Buying the Right Tire
What brands make tires for 1964 Lincoln vehicles?
1964 Lincoln vehicles are covered in the original 9.15-15 bias-ply size, and the available brand selection centers on reproduction tires built for vintage American fitments. Brand choice in this category usually comes down to how closely you want to match an era-correct visual look, what sidewall presentation you prefer, and which construction details best align with the way you use the car.
For a concours-minded restoration, many owners start by choosing the brand and sidewall style that best suits the character of a mid-1960s Lincoln. For a regularly driven collector car, consistency across a full set often matters more than chasing a specific brand name. Once you settle on 9.15-15, compare each available tire's sidewall treatment and overall presentation with the style of restoration you are building.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Lincoln tires?
1964 Lincoln tires in 9.15-15 can appear with different sidewall treatments depending on the product. On a car from this era, sidewall style is not just a cosmetic detail; it plays a major role in how authentic the car looks from curb distance. A full-size luxury Lincoln often looks most at home with a sidewall presentation that matches the formal, upscale appearance expected of an early-1960s American flagship.
That choice should follow the kind of restoration you are pursuing. A factory-style presentation generally points buyers toward an era-appropriate sidewall design, while a more personalized restoration may leave room for a different visual treatment. If your Lincoln will be judged, verify what the relevant club or event expects before making a final choice, since sidewall appearance can matter nearly as much as the size itself.
How do I choose the right 9.15-15 tire for a 1964 Lincoln?
Choosing a 9.15-15 tire for a 1964 Lincoln starts with keeping the original size intact, since that is the fitment used across the range. From there, the decision usually comes down to the tire's overall appearance, the brand you prefer, and how closely you want the finished car to reflect a period-correct luxury presentation. Because this is a bias-ply fitment, the tire will retain the traditional construction type associated with the car's era.
A show-focused Lincoln often benefits from selecting the tire that best supports an authentic visual impression, especially in profile and sidewall treatment. A touring-oriented collector car may place more emphasis on matching a complete set from one product line and confirming details like tube compatibility before installation. Keeping the correct size while making a deliberate product choice is the best way to preserve both the car's character and its intended stance.
Fitting & Setup
Do 1964 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements for 1964 Lincoln tires depend on the specific 9.15-15 product and the wheel being used. Some vintage-style tires are tube type, while others may be used differently depending on their construction and the wheel design. A mid-1960s car can also have original wheels, restored wheels, or replacement wheels, and that can affect whether tube use is appropriate.
The safest approach is to confirm the sidewall marking on the exact tire you plan to use and match it to the condition and design of the wheel on the car. If your 1964 Lincoln still wears original-style wheels, inspect the wheel thoroughly before mounting new tires. Tube selection, valve stem condition, and the quality of the wheel's sealing surfaces all deserve attention during installation.
Can the original 1964 Lincoln wheels be used with the factory tire size?
Yes, the factory-size 9.15-15 tire is intended for a 15-inch wheel, which aligns with the original wheel diameter used on the 1964 Lincoln Continental. As long as the car still retains the correct wheels in sound condition, that size remains the proper foundation for an original-style fitment.
Wheel condition matters as much as wheel diameter on a car of this age. Before mounting new tires, inspect the bead seats, valve stem area, and overall wheel straightness, especially if the wheels have been stored for years or previously refinished. If your Lincoln has aftermarket wheels or a modified suspension, treat the original 9.15-15 fitment as a reference point and verify compatibility carefully before installation.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1964 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 1964 Lincoln should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate rubber aging. Because 9.15-15 is a bias-ply fitment, long periods of sitting can encourage temporary flat spotting more readily than a modern radial. Clean floors, stable temperature, and moderate inflation maintenance all help protect the tires during off-season storage.
If the car will sit for months at a time, move it periodically so the same section of tire is not always under load. Some owners also use stands to reduce weight on the tires during longer storage intervals, provided the car is supported correctly and safely. Tire covers and careful housekeeping in the storage area can make a meaningful difference for a luxury collector car that spends much of its life indoors.
How long do tires on a 1964 Lincoln typically last?
Tires on a 1964 Lincoln should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector cars often accumulate very few miles, yet the rubber still hardens and ages over time. A useful rule is to evaluate tires closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat the ten-year point as a serious replacement consideration, regardless of remaining tread depth.
The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, but condition still matters just as much. Cracking, hardening, repeated air loss, or changes in ride behavior are all reasons to inspect more closely and consider replacement sooner. A low-mileage 1964 Lincoln can still be running on old tires that look acceptable at a glance, so age-based maintenance is far more reliable than waiting for visible tread wear alone.
How often should tires on a 1964 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 1964 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss. Because vintage-style fitments may involve tube-type components depending on the exact tire and wheel combination, valve stems and tube-related hardware also deserve regular attention.
A brief walkaround catches many problems before they become roadside issues, especially on a heavy luxury car that may spend weeks between drives. Before a longer trip, add a pressure check and inspect the spare as well. Regular inspection is especially important after storage, since collector cars often age in place even when they are not accumulating miles.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1964 Lincoln Continental?
The 1964 Lincoln Continental used a 9.15-15 bias-ply tire format, which aligns with the construction type and sizing convention expected for an American luxury car of that period. Bias-ply construction was still the normal original-equipment approach in the early 1960s, and the numeric size itself is part of that period-correct visual and mechanical character. No specific original-equipment brand should be assumed without market- and car-specific confirmation.
For most restorations, keeping the Continental in its correct 9.15-15 bias-ply category preserves the stance and era feel that judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts expect to see. If your car has unusual history, export-market ties, or restoration paperwork that suggests a deviation, compare that evidence carefully with factory literature and marque-club guidance. The correct size and construction matter first; brand details can come after that.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1964 Lincoln?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 1964 Lincoln, especially in concours or authenticity-focused judging. Size, construction type, and sidewall appearance all contribute to whether the car looks right for its period. A 1964 Continental wearing a tire that departs visibly from the expected 9.15-15 bias-ply presentation can lose the formal, factory-correct impression that judges and experienced enthusiasts look for.
That does not mean every event uses the same standard, so it is wise to match your tire choice to the rules of the venue where the car will appear. Some shows reward broad historical correctness, while others scrutinize sidewall details much more closely. If showing is important, confirm expectations with the relevant Lincoln club or event organizers before settling on the final product.
Why does the original-style tire size matter on a 1964 Lincoln?
The original-style tire size matters on a 1964 Lincoln because a large luxury car depends heavily on visual proportion. The 9.15-15 fitment influences how the Continental sits, how much sidewall the car presents, and how naturally the wheel opening is filled. On a design this clean and architectural, small changes in tire profile can have an outsized effect on the car's overall appearance.
That is why experienced restorers usually treat tire size as part of the styling package rather than as a generic maintenance item. Keeping the correct size helps preserve the car's intended character even before the hood is opened. If authenticity matters to you, lock in the proper 9.15-15 format first and then refine the final look through sidewall style and product choice.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1964 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
A properly made, properly mounted, and properly maintained 9.15-15 tire can be used for highway driving on a 1964 Lincoln within the limits of the tire and the car. Because this fitment belongs to a heavy early-1960s luxury automobile, overall roadworthiness depends on more than the tire alone. Brake condition, suspension health, steering accuracy, wheel condition, and alignment all play a major part in whether the car feels stable and trustworthy at speed.
The practical takeaway is to evaluate the entire vehicle, not just the tread. Before highway use, confirm tire age, inflation, and physical condition, then make sure the rest of the car is ready for sustained driving. A 1964 Lincoln in sound mechanical order can be a satisfying road car, but its safe operating envelope should be treated as the combination of tire capability and the car's original-era chassis systems.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1964 Lincoln tires?
Inflation pressure for 1964 Lincoln tires should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation first, with the tire manufacturer's pressure guidance used as the operating ceiling for the exact product. The 9.15-15 size belongs to a vintage fitment category, and pressure should not be copied casually from a different size or from a later radial-equipped car. Load and pressure relationships are product-specific, even when the size code itself is the same.
That means the best method is to start with the owner's manual or factory placard for the car, then confirm that your chosen tire is being used within its rated pressure range. Overinflation and underinflation both affect ride, wear, and heat buildup. If your Lincoln carries passengers regularly or sees extended road trips, recheck pressure when the tires are cold and make changes deliberately rather than by guesswork.
What should I check before taking a 1964 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1964 Lincoln, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracks, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation. Check valve stems carefully, and if your exact tire-and-wheel combination uses tubes, make sure any recent loss of pressure has been investigated rather than simply topped off. A long-wheelbase luxury car places real demands on tires, especially after extended periods of storage.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip routine. Add a check of wheel fasteners, brakes, steering response, suspension behavior, and fluid levels before setting out. If the car has been parked for a season, begin with a shorter shakedown drive close to home rather than heading straight onto an all-day highway run. That approach gives the 1964 Lincoln a chance to prove itself gradually and helps catch small issues early.
