1987 Aston Martin sits at an interesting point in the marque’s modern handbuilt era, when the company was balancing traditional grand touring character with sharper late-1980s performance expectations. The range stretched from the dramatic Lagonda sedan to the muscular V-8 and the limited-production Zagato, and tire choice changes with the model. Three models are covered here, using two radial sizes rather than one universal fitment across the whole year. For most buyers, the first step is confirming whether their car belongs on the 15-inch fitment shared by the Lagonda and some V-8 applications or the 16-inch fitment used by the Zagato and other V-8 applications.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 Aston Martin
Two tire sizes are used across 1987 Aston Martin models, and they vary by model rather than fitting the entire range universally. Because these sizes mount on different rim diameters, the key decision is confirming your exact model and wheel size first, especially on the V-8 where both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments appear. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car correctly.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): Lagonda, V-8|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
235/70R15 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Cooper, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Michelin in blackwall, redline, and RWL styles, and speed ratings vary by product, including H to 130 mph and V to 149 mph. On 1987 Aston Martin models, this size is specific to the Lagonda and certain V-8 applications rather than the full model range. It suits owners who want a grand-touring style fitment in the original 15-inch format while choosing among more factory-subtle or more visually assertive sidewall treatments.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): V-8, Zagato|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
255/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product, including W to 168 mph and Y at 186 mph and above. On 1987 Aston Martin models, this size is specific to the V-8 and Zagato rather than universal across the year and make. It is the right direction for buyers confirming a 16-inch wheel package and looking for a lower-profile performance-oriented fitment consistent with later-1980s GT and sports-car use.
Three Aston Martin models are covered for 1987. They do not all share the same tire size, so identifying the exact model matters before moving on to a tire choice; the V-8 is especially important to verify because it appears with both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire options that apply to that specific Aston Martin.
1987 Aston Martin Lagonda
The 1987 Aston Martin Lagonda was the marque’s unmistakable wedge-shaped luxury sedan, known for combining handbuilt British exclusivity with a dramatic late-20th-century design statement. Its tires mount on 15-inch rims in this fitment, giving Lagonda owners a focused path when choosing between touring-minded sidewall styles and brand character within the same size.
The 1987 Aston Martin V-8 carried the marque’s traditional front-engine grand touring formula, blending muscular presence with handmade luxury in a way few cars of the era could match. This model appears with both 15-inch and 16-inch rim fitments, so V-8 owners should verify the actual wheel before choosing a tire.
The 1987 Aston Martin Zagato brought Italian coachbuilt flair to Aston Martin mechanicals, creating one of the era’s most distinctive limited-production high-performance coupes. Its tires mount on 16-inch rims in this fitment, pointing buyers directly toward the lower-profile size used on this more specialized model.
Six products are available across two tire sizes for 1987 Aston Martin vehicles. The 235/70R15 offers four products from Cooper, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Michelin in radial construction with blackwall, redline, and RWL sidewall styles, while the 255/50R16 offers two radial products from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form. Confirm your wheel size first, since speed ratings vary within both sizes.
These FAQs cover the two model-specific radial sizes used across 1987 Aston Martin models, along with wheel-size differences between the Lagonda, V-8, and Zagato, sidewall and brand choices, and practical care for a low-use collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 Aston Martin vehicles?
1987 Aston Martin vehicles use two tire sizes: 235/70R15 and 255/50R16. The 235/70R15 fits the Aston Martin Lagonda and Aston Martin V-8, while the 255/50R16 fits the Aston Martin V-8 and Aston Martin Zagato. Those sizes do not share the same rim diameter, since one mounts on a 15-inch wheel and the other on a 16-inch wheel. Rim width guidance also differs by size, with 235/70R15 products covering roughly 6.0 to 8.5 inches and 255/50R16 products covering 7.0 to 9.0 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly for a 1987 Aston Martin. A Lagonda buyer can stay focused on 235/70R15, while a Zagato buyer can move directly to 255/50R16, but V-8 owners should confirm the actual wheels on the car before ordering. Checking the tire sidewall already on the car and measuring the wheel diameter if needed is the quickest way to avoid crossing a 15-inch fitment with a 16-inch one.
What does 235/70R15 mean on a 1987 Aston Martin tire?
On a 1987 Aston Martin, 235/70R15 is a metric radial tire size. The 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size appears on the Lagonda and some V-8 applications. It is offered with blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall styles, with speed ratings that can include H and V depending on the tire chosen.
For a buyer, that size code tells you both the dimensions and the general character of the fitment. It is a taller-profile 15-inch radial that suits the original wheel diameter used on those applications, but the appearance can vary quite a bit from one tire to another. If you want a restrained grand-touring look, a blackwall is the natural direction; if visual period flavor matters more, redline or RWL styling can change the car’s presentation without changing the base size.
What does 255/50R16 mean on a 1987 Aston Martin tire?
On a 1987 Aston Martin, 255/50R16 is also a metric radial size, but it is wider and lower in profile than 235/70R15. The 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This fitment appears on the V-8 and Zagato, and current offerings are blackwall radials with higher speed-rated performance orientations, including W and Y markings depending on the product.
That code matters because it points to a different wheel package and a different visual stance. A 255/50R16 belongs on a 16-inch rim, so it is not an interchangeable choice for a Lagonda or a V-8 still running 15-inch wheels. Buyers comparing V-8 applications should verify the existing wheel diameter first, then compare rim-width suitability and speed rating to match the car’s intended use rather than assuming all 1987 Aston Martins shared one tire format.
Do all 1987 Aston Martin models use the same tire size?
No, 1987 Aston Martin models do not all use the same tire size. The Lagonda uses 235/70R15, the Zagato uses 255/50R16, and the V-8 appears with either 235/70R15 or 255/50R16 depending on the application. That split is important because the two sizes mount on different wheel diameters and have different profile and width characteristics. Even though both are radial tires, they are not direct substitutes across the whole model range.
The practical takeaway is simple: start by identifying the model, then confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car. On a Zagato, the path is straightforward because the fitment stays with 16-inch wheels. On a V-8, wheel swaps over the years are common enough in the collector world that a quick visual check of the sidewall or wheel diameter is worth doing before comparing brands, sidewall appearance, or speed rating.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Aston Martin tires?
1987 Aston Martin tires are available in several sidewall styles, but the choices depend on size. In 235/70R15, blackwall, redline, and raised white letter designs are all available. In 255/50R16, the available options are blackwall radials. For a late-1980s Aston Martin, blackwall presentation is the most natural visual match for factory-era taste, especially on high-end British GT cars that favored a cleaner, more understated look.
Choosing among those styles is as much about appearance as fitment. A Lagonda or V-8 on 235/70R15 gives you room to lean either toward a subtle grand-touring look or a more overtly period-performance presentation. A Zagato or 16-inch V-8 buyer has a narrower aesthetic range, which can actually simplify the decision. If originality matters for show use, compare the car’s market, photos from the period, and event judging expectations before settling on a sidewall treatment.
What brands make tires for 1987 Aston Martin vehicles?
Several brands cover 1987 Aston Martin fitments. In 235/70R15, the choices include Cooper, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. In 255/50R16, the available brands are BFGoodrich and Michelin. All of them are radial offerings, but they differ in sidewall style, speed rating, and overall character, with some leaning more toward classic touring presentation and others toward later performance-oriented use.
Brand choice usually comes after the more important first step of confirming the correct size and wheel diameter. Once that is settled, a Lagonda owner may prioritize an elegant blackwall touring look, while a V-8 buyer might compare speed rating and sidewall styling more closely. A Zagato owner, working within the 255/50R16 size, can keep the search narrower and focus on matching the tire’s performance profile to the car’s intended road use.
What is the difference between Michelin XVS and Cooper Cobra Radial G/T for the 1987 Aston Martin?
For a 1987 Aston Martin using 235/70R15, Michelin XVS and Cooper Cobra Radial G/T differ in sidewall presentation, speed marking, and rim-width range. The Michelin XVS is a blackwall radial in size 235/70HR15 101H TL with a rim-width range of 6.00 to 8.50 inches. The Cooper Cobra Radial G/T uses a raised white letter sidewall in 235/70R15, carries a maximum load of 1,896 pounds at 35 psi, and fits rims from 6.0 to 8.0 inches.
That makes the decision less about raw fitment and more about the personality you want from the car. The Michelin speaks more to a restrained, upscale grand-touring presentation, while the Cooper brings a more assertive period-performance look through its sidewall treatment. Both belong to the same basic size family for the correct 15-inch applications, so the better choice comes down to wheel width, desired appearance, and whether the tire’s speed-marked character aligns with how the car will be driven.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 Aston Martin tires require?
1987 Aston Martin tire rim-width requirements depend on the size. In 235/70R15, the available fitments cover rim-width ranges of 6.0 to 8.0 inches and 6.00 to 8.50 inches, depending on the exact tire. In 255/50R16, the available fitments call for 7.0 to 9.0-inch rims. Those ranges matter because a tire can share the correct diameter and still be a poor match if the wheel is too narrow or too wide for the product you choose.
A buyer should confirm the actual wheel width before final selection, especially on a V-8 that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Staying within the approved range supports proper tread profile, steering response, and sidewall shape. If the car is already fitted with aftermarket wheels, verify both width and diameter from the wheel itself or by measurement rather than relying on assumptions tied only to the model name.
Do 1987 Aston Martin tires require inner tubes?
1987 Aston Martin tires in these sizes are predominantly modern radial fitments, and tube requirements can vary by product. The Michelin 235/70HR15 XVS is marked TL, and the Michelin 255/50ZR16 Pilot Sport is also marked TL, indicating tubeless construction for those specific products. Other tires in the same sizes do not always carry a tube marking in the sidewall description shown here, so the safest approach is to confirm the exact tire’s sidewall marking and match it to the wheel type.
That matters most on a collector car if the wheels have been restored, replaced, or retained from an earlier setup with unique sealing characteristics. A tubeless tire still depends on a wheel that can seal properly, and a tube-type setup needs the correct tube and valve hardware. Checking the wheel condition, valve stem style, and the tire’s own sidewall designation before mounting avoids preventable installation problems.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 Aston Martin when the tires are fitted?
A 1987 Aston Martin stores best in a cool, dry, dark environment away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and avoid prolonged contact with damp floors or petroleum contamination. Because both fitments here are radial, they generally resist long-term shape distortion better than old-style bias-ply tires, but static storage still ages the rubber and can leave temporary flat-spotting after long periods without movement.
Owners who store the car for months at a time should either move it periodically or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch. That is especially worthwhile on a low-production car such as a Zagato or a carefully preserved Lagonda, where originality and presentation matter. A simple seasonal routine of inflation checks, occasional rolling, and keeping the storage area clean and temperate goes a long way toward preserving both the tires and the driving experience.
How long do tires on a 1987 Aston Martin typically last?
Tires on a 1987 Aston Martin should be evaluated by age as much as by tread depth, because collector cars often accumulate miles slowly. A sensible rule is to inspect them closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to give serious replacement consideration at around ten years, even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the starting point for that assessment, since rubber aging is often more important than mileage on occasional-use grand touring cars.
Aston Martins from this era can spend long stretches parked, which means the tires may appear fresh while the compound quietly hardens. That can affect ride quality, wet-road behavior, and confidence at speed long before the tread is gone. If the car’s maintenance history is incomplete, checking the date codes and comparing them with the overall condition of the sidewalls and tread blocks is one of the smartest first steps you can take.
How often should tires on a 1987 Aston Martin be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Aston Martin deserve a brief inspection before every drive and a more thorough inspection before any longer trip or event. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and any loss of pressure since the last outing. On a car that sees infrequent use, pressure retention and sidewall condition are often more revealing than tread depth alone. Wheels and valve stems should also be checked as part of the same routine.
That habit matters because a 1987 Aston Martin is more likely to be driven occasionally, stored for long periods, and then asked to cover meaningful distances in a single outing. A quick visual check in the garage can catch aging-related issues before they become a roadside problem. If the car has been dormant for a season, inspect the spare as well, since an old spare with good tread can still be too aged to rely on.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 Aston Martin tires safe for highway driving?
1987 Aston Martin tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within the speed capability marked on the tire. Among these fitments, 235/70R15 offerings include H-rated tires to 130 mph and V-rated tires to 149 mph, while 255/50R16 offerings include W-rated tires to 168 mph and Y-rated tires at 186 mph and above. All of those ratings exceed ordinary U.S. highway speeds, but the tire’s age and condition matter just as much as the speed symbol.
The broader safety picture on a 1987 Aston Martin also includes brake condition, suspension health, steering feel, and alignment, all of which influence confidence more than the headline speed letter during normal road use. A fresh, correctly matched tire on a properly maintained Lagonda, V-8, or Zagato is the goal. Before any sustained highway run, make sure pressures are set correctly and that there is no cracking, vibration, or irregular wear that suggests the tire or chassis needs attention.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 Aston Martin tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1987 Aston Martin should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the specific model and wheel/tire setup, while also respecting the tire’s own maximum-pressure information. Among these fitments, one 235/70R15 product carries a maximum load of 1,896 pounds at 35 psi, and one 255/50R16 product carries a maximum load of 1,709 pounds at 51 psi. Those figures are tire limits tied to load carrying and should not be treated automatically as the day-to-day running pressure for every application.
The safest approach is to start with the factory guidance for the car, then confirm that the chosen tire is being used within its own published capacity. That is especially important on a V-8, where both 15-inch and 16-inch fitments exist and pressure assumptions should not be carried from one size to the other. If the car’s handbook is missing, a marque specialist or original literature source is the right place to verify the baseline pressure recommendation.
What should I check before taking a 1987 Aston Martin on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Aston Martin, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, abnormal wear, and correct inflation. Make sure the wheel diameter and tire size match the application, especially on an Aston Martin V-8 that may use either 235/70R15 or 255/50R16. Check valve stems, confirm that the tires hold pressure, and pay attention to any vibration or pull that suggests balance, alignment, or age-related internal tire issues.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip routine on a handbuilt late-1980s grand tourer, so it is wise to pair that inspection with checks of fluids, belts, brakes, lighting, and cooling. A Lagonda, V-8, or Zagato in good mechanical order can cover distance beautifully, but long dormant periods are often harder on components than regular use. Taking a few extra minutes in the garage is cheaper and easier than troubleshooting an avoidable problem on the road.
