Auburn 100 Series Tires
The Auburn 100 Series was part of Auburn's stylish early-Depression lineup, sold for 1932 as a mid-priced American car with the kind of long-hood, low-slung presence collectors still admire today. Cars from this period sit at an interesting point in tire history, where wheel diameters were still generous and appearance choices such as blackwall or whitewall can strongly influence the look of a restoration. Tire selection for the Auburn 100 Series is not entirely straightforward because three different 17-inch sizes are associated with the 1932 model year. Before choosing a tire, the most important step is confirming which 17-inch size matches the specific car's wheel and intended restoration style.
Auburn 100 Series Tire Size Guide
The Auburn 100 Series uses 3 distinct tire sizes across its 1932 production run. All listed sizes use a 17-inch rim, but the section width varies, so identifying the correct size is still important on a single-year car. These are numeric bias-ply sizes typical of the early 1930s, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the second number indicating rim diameter.
550-17 is one of the listed sizes for the 1932 Auburn 100 Series and fits a 17-inch wheel. In this size code, 5.50 represents the nominal section width in inches and 17 is the rim diameter. Choose 550-17 when that narrower 17-inch fitment matches the specific car and wheel; available products are bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, and a tube is required.
6.00-17 is another listed size for the 1932 Auburn 100 Series and also fits a 17-inch wheel. In this size code, 6.00 indicates the nominal section width in inches while 17 identifies the rim diameter. Choose 6.00-17 only when the car is equipped for that mid-range 17-inch fitment, and verify the wheel and original specifications carefully because available products are not shown here; a tube is required.
6.50-17 is the widest listed size for the 1932 Auburn 100 Series and fits a 17-inch wheel. In this size code, 6.50 gives the nominal section width in inches and 17 is the rim diameter. Choose 6.50-17 only when that wider 17-inch setup matches the specific car, and confirm the wheel and original fitment references before moving forward; a tube is required.
Because 1932 includes three listed sizes, identify the specific configuration and confirm the specific trim level or body style before selecting a tire.
Auburn 100 Series Tires by Year
The year listing below shows which tire sizes are associated with each Auburn 100 Series model year and is the quickest way to narrow the choices for a specific car. In 1932, more than two sizes are listed, so the difference should be treated as a configuration, trim level, or body-style split rather than a simple year-only fitment. These listings cover a short pre-war production span, so it is wise to confirm the car against original vehicle literature or a marque specialist.
1932 Auburn 100 Series
- 550-17
- 6.00-17
- 6.50-17
Best Auburn 100 Series Tires for Sale
Available Auburn 100 Series tire products cover 1 brand and 3 products in 550-17. Confirm the exact size and 17-inch rim diameter on the car before selecting a tire.
550-17 Products
These are the available products for 550-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the 1932 Auburn 100 Series size split, how to interpret early-1930s numeric bias-ply sizes, and what to verify when choosing between blackwall and whitewall restoration options.
Size Basics & Fitment
The Auburn 100 Series is listed with three tire sizes for 1932: 550-17, 6.00-17, and 6.50-17. All three sizes use a 17-inch rim, but they differ in nominal section width. Among the available products shown here, 550-17 has BFGoodrich bias-ply options, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions.
That means year alone is not enough to choose the right tire for an Auburn 100 Series. The practical next step is to inspect the wheel, check any surviving factory literature or restoration records, and compare the stance and clearance needs of the specific car. On a collector car from 1932, a small difference in section width can noticeably affect appearance and fit.
On an Auburn 100 Series, 550-17 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.50 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 17 is the rim diameter in inches. It is a period-correct early-1930s sizing format rather than a modern metric designation.
That decoding matters because it tells you the tire is not just a 17-inch tire, but a specific width intended for a certain wheel and body configuration. If your Auburn 100 Series currently wears an older tire, read the full sidewall size rather than focusing only on the rim diameter. Matching both width and diameter will keep the proportions closer to what the car was designed to carry.
The 1932 Auburn 100 Series has 550-17, 6.00-17, and 6.50-17 listed within the same model year. Because all three share the same 17-inch rim diameter, the split is not a wheel-diameter change. It points instead to differences such as trim level, body style, or another model-specific configuration within the 1932 Auburn 100 Series range.
That is why a buyer should avoid selecting a tire for an Auburn 100 Series by year alone. Compare the current wheel and tire size, measure clearances, and verify the car's exact configuration before choosing among the three widths. That extra step helps preserve both the appearance and the road manners expected from a properly sorted pre-war car.
Yes, the listed Auburn 100 Series sizes are early numeric bias-ply fitments, and the available products shown are bias-ply construction. For this type of 1932 application, a tube is required. That is consistent with the wheel and tire practice of the pre-war period.
Tube use should be treated as part of the complete tire setup rather than an afterthought. When fitting an Auburn 100 Series, make sure the wheel condition is suitable, the tube matches the tire size, and the rim strip or band is addressed where needed. A proper tube installation helps the tire seat and function as intended on a low-use collector car.
Buying the Right Tire
The 1932 Auburn 100 Series can use 550-17, 6.00-17, or 6.50-17, so confirmation starts with the car itself. Check the size on any existing tire if it is believed to be correct, inspect the wheel for its 17-inch diameter, and compare the current setup with restoration records or period literature tied to that exact Auburn 100 Series configuration.
If the car has been restored before, do not assume the tire now fitted is automatically the right one. A previous owner may have chosen a size for appearance rather than authenticity. The most reliable approach is to match year, wheel diameter, section width, and body style together so the Auburn 100 Series sits correctly and maintains proper clearance.
For the Auburn 100 Series products listed here in 550-17, the available sidewall styles are blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. All are offered in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply construction. That gives a restorer more than one visual direction while staying within a period-appropriate bias-ply format.
The right sidewall choice depends on the look you want from the Auburn 100 Series. Blackwall generally suits a more understated, practical presentation, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall treatments create a more formal or show-oriented appearance. If originality matters, compare the sidewall style to period photos, surviving trim details, and the way the specific car would have been presented when new.
The products listed here for the Auburn 100 Series are from BFGoodrich. The available 550-17 offerings are all part of the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply family, with different sidewall styles rather than multiple brands represented. No additional tire brands are shown in the current product set for this model page.
For a buyer, that means the main choice is not between competing brands but between the correct size and the desired sidewall appearance. On a car like the Auburn 100 Series, those details affect both presentation and how faithfully the finished restoration reflects the period. Once the right size is confirmed, the sidewall style becomes the most visible final decision.
The Auburn 100 Series products shown here are all in one tire series: BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply. That means there is no split among high-pressure, cord, balloon, radial, or other construction families within the currently listed products. The variations shown are visual sidewall treatments within the same basic bias-ply series.
That simplifies selection in one sense, because you are not deciding between different tire technologies on the Auburn 100 Series. The real fitment question remains the proper width within the 17-inch rim family, followed by whether blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall best suits the car. For many restorations, that visual choice has a strong effect on the finished character of the vehicle.
Maintenance & Longevity
An Auburn 100 Series should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place with the tires protected from sunlight, ozone sources, and prolonged contact with petroleum products. Bias-ply collector tires benefit from stable temperatures and clean floors. If the car will sit for extended periods, keeping it on properly maintained tires and moving it occasionally helps reduce flat spotting.
For a pre-war car, storage habits matter because the tires often see low annual mileage yet still age over time. Keep the Auburn 100 Series at the correct inflation for storage, avoid letting one corner carry excess load for months, and inspect sidewalls regularly for changes. Good storage protects both the tire investment and the overall presentation of the car.
Tires on an Auburn 100 Series should be inspected before every meaningful drive and more thoroughly at regular intervals even if the car is seldom used. On a 1932 bias-ply application, inspection should include air pressure, sidewall condition, tread condition, bead area, and any signs of tube-related issues or irregular wear. A pre-drive walkaround is especially important on collector cars that spend long periods parked.
Frequent inspection helps catch age-related concerns before they become roadside problems. On an Auburn 100 Series, also look for signs that the car is carrying the wrong section width, such as rubbing, unusual stance, or uneven wear patterns. If anything looks questionable, having a vintage-tire specialist review the assembly is a sensible step before more road use.
Tires on an Auburn 100 Series should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, casing damage, distortion, or persistent air-retention problems appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector-car tires often age out long before they wear out. That is particularly true for pre-war bias-ply applications that may spend much of their life in storage or occasional-use service.
Tread depth alone is not a reliable measure for a seldom-driven Auburn 100 Series. If the tire no longer inspires confidence on visual inspection or has an uncertain service history, replacement is the prudent course. The goal is to protect the car, its occupants, and its road manners rather than stretching the life of an aged tire simply because the tread still appears presentable.
Restoration & Authenticity
The Auburn 100 Series is associated here with three 1932 sizes: 550-17, 6.00-17, and 6.50-17, all on 17-inch rims. The listed available products shown are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offerings in 550-17. Because multiple sizes appear within the same model year, the original fitment depends on the specific Auburn 100 Series configuration rather than the model name alone.
For an authenticity-focused restoration, the best path is to match the tire size to the exact body style and wheel setup carried by the individual Auburn 100 Series. Period photos, surviving factory literature, marque references, and judging manuals can help settle the question. Getting that choice right affects the stance, wheel opening fill, and overall historical credibility of the finished car.
Yes, correct tire fitment can affect both judging results and perceived value on an Auburn 100 Series. Judges and informed buyers notice whether the tire width, sidewall treatment, and overall profile suit the year and configuration of the car. A visibly incorrect tire can disrupt the proportions of a pre-war automobile even if the wheel diameter itself is correct.
That is why tire choice should be considered part of the restoration plan rather than a final cosmetic decision. On an Auburn 100 Series, the right combination of size and sidewall style helps the car look settled, intentional, and era-appropriate. Marque clubs and show rules are useful references when the goal is formal competition or a high-level restoration.
For the Auburn 100 Series products listed here in 550-17, the available sidewall styles are blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Each appears within the same BFGoodrich bias-ply series, so the difference is visual rather than structural. On a car from 1932, all three can create a period look, but the most appropriate choice depends on the way the specific Auburn 100 Series was equipped and presented.
A more restrained restoration often leans toward blackwall, while whitewall treatments can better suit a more formal, premium, or show-focused presentation. The important point is to make the sidewall style support the character of the whole car rather than overpower it. If historical accuracy is the goal, compare the Auburn 100 Series to period images and marque-specific restoration guidance before deciding.
Safety & Road Use
A properly fitted modern-production bias-ply collector tire can be appropriate for public-road use on an Auburn 100 Series when the entire car is mechanically sound and the tire size matches the wheel and configuration. Safety depends on the condition of the complete vehicle, including wheels, tubes, brakes, steering, suspension, and alignment. The tire alone cannot compensate for worn or neglected pre-war components.
For practical road use, treat the Auburn 100 Series as a carefully maintained historic car rather than as modern transportation. Keep speeds conservative, allow for longer stopping distances, and avoid assuming modern handling behavior from a 1932 chassis on bias-ply tires. A careful mechanical review before regular driving is the right foundation for safe enjoyment.
Before driving an Auburn 100 Series, check tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, and any signs of tube or bead trouble. Also inspect the wheels for damage and make sure the selected tire size is the correct one among the listed 17-inch options. On a pre-war car, basic checks of brakes, steering response, and wheel fastener security are equally important.
Those checks matter because an Auburn 100 Series may spend long stretches parked and then be asked to perform on roads that are far faster than the car's original environment. A five-minute inspection can reveal low pressure, age cracking, or a mismatch in tire setup before it turns into a roadside issue. Consistency is more important than complexity with these pre-drive routines.
An Auburn 100 Series on period-type bias-ply tires should be driven at moderate, conservative speeds that suit a 1932 automobile rather than modern traffic expectations. The car's brakes, steering geometry, suspension design, and tire construction all come from a different era. Even when fitted with quality replacement tires, a pre-war car should not be treated like a later highway cruiser.
The practical rule is to let the car, road, and conditions set the pace. Build speed gradually, avoid abrupt lane changes, and leave generous following distance in the Auburn 100 Series. If the car feels unsettled, wanders excessively, or reacts poorly to pavement changes, stop and review tire pressure, size selection, alignment, and overall mechanical condition before continuing.