Auburn 77 Series Tires
Auburn 77 Series belongs to the energetic late-1920s period when American cars were becoming more stylish, faster, and more specialized in their chassis and wheel equipment. Produced in 1927, Auburn 77 Series sits in a transitional pre-war era where tire selection is not always straightforward because one model year can show more than one size convention for the same model family. Auburn 77 Series is especially important to check carefully because its listed sizes use two different coding styles, one of them an older diameter-based format that can be mistaken for wheel diameter. Confirm the actual rim diameter on the car before choosing a tire for Auburn 77 Series.
Auburn 77 Series Tire Size Guide
Auburn 77 Series uses 2 distinct tire sizes across the 1927 model year. One of those sizes uses the antique diameter-by-section format, where the leading number gives the tire's overall outside diameter rather than the wheel diameter. That makes it especially important to verify the actual rim diameter on the wheel itself before settling on a replacement.
29X5.25 is an antique-format size used on 1927 Auburn 77 Series applications. The 29 indicates an overall tire diameter of about 29 inches and the 5.25 indicates section width, while the wheel diameter is not contained in the size code and must be confirmed from the actual rim. Choose this size only after verifying that the car is equipped for this older diameter-based specification, and treat tube fitment as part of a period-correct bias-ply installation.
5.25-19 is a numeric bias-ply size listed for 1927 Auburn 77 Series applications. The 5.25 identifies nominal section width in inches and the 19 identifies a 19-inch rim diameter. Choose this size when the car carries 19-inch wheels in this fitment group, and A tube is required.
Auburn 77 Series Tires by Year
The year listing below shows which tire sizes are associated with each Auburn 77 Series model year and helps narrow the correct fitment before you compare products. In 1927, more than two sizes are listed within the model group, so confirm the specific wheel and configuration rather than relying on the year alone. The leading number in antique-style sizing is the tire's outside diameter, not the wheel size, so the rim diameter must be checked separately on the wheel itself.
1927 Auburn 77 Series
- 29X5.25
- 5.25-19
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the two sizing systems used for Auburn 77 Series in 1927, how to separate overall tire diameter from wheel diameter, and what to verify on a pre-war collector car before selecting replacement tires.
Size Basics & Fitment
Auburn 77 Series uses two listed tire sizes for 1927: 29X5.25 and 5.25-19. The first is an antique diameter-by-section size, where 29 refers to the overall tire diameter and 5.25 refers to section width. The second is a numeric bias-ply size, where 5.25 is the nominal section width and 19 is the rim diameter in inches.
Those two sizes are not interchangeable just because they share a similar width figure. Auburn 77 Series owners should first identify whether the car carries wheels matched to the antique diameter-based specification or 19-inch rims for the numeric size. A careful check of the wheel, existing tire markings, and period service information will usually separate the correct fitment from an incorrect but similar-looking option.
On Auburn 77 Series, 29X5.25 is an antique-format tire size. The 29 refers to the tire's approximate outside diameter in inches, and the 5.25 refers to the tire's section width. It does not identify the wheel diameter, which is the point that often confuses modern buyers who are more familiar with later numeric, alphanumeric, or metric tire codes.
That distinction matters because an owner can easily mistake 29 for a wheel size when it is actually the mounted tire height. Before choosing a replacement for Auburn 77 Series, inspect the rim, compare the old tire markings if present, and verify the wheel specification from trusted Auburn references. Antique-size cars depend on matching the tire to the wheel correctly, not simply choosing the closest-looking number.
A 1927 Auburn 77 Series can show 2 tire sizes because the model group includes more than one fitment pattern within the same year. One size appears in an older antique diameter-by-section format, while the other appears in a later numeric bias-ply format tied to a 19-inch wheel. That kind of overlap is typical of late-1920s cars, when wheel and tire conventions were still evolving.
Auburn 77 Series owners should treat the model year as a starting point, not the final answer. The correct choice depends on the actual wheel and the specific configuration of the car in front of you. If the car has already been restored or re-wheeled at some point in its life, the tire currently mounted may provide a clue, but the wheel itself is the final authority.
Auburn 77 Series fitments in this year group are pre-war bias-type sizes, including an antique-format size and a numeric bias-ply size. Those types are ordinarily used in tube-type service, and the 5.25-19 listing should be treated as requiring a tube. On collector cars of this era, tube fitment is part of the normal tire and wheel package rather than an optional extra.
Inner tube selection should match both the tire size and the wheel condition on Auburn 77 Series. Wheels from the 1920s often have lock rings, rivets, or surface irregularities that make proper tube, flap, and rim preparation just as important as the tire itself. If the car has been modified with later wheels, verify whether the current setup still calls for traditional tube-type service.
Buying the Right Tire
The right way to confirm a 1927 Auburn 77 Series tire size is to start with the wheel and the existing tire markings, then compare those findings with the two listed sizes: 29X5.25 and 5.25-19. If the car carries a clearly marked 19-inch wheel, that points toward 5.25-19. If the car references an older diameter-based size, the 29 in 29X5.25 describes overall tire diameter rather than the rim.
Auburn 77 Series cars are old enough that wheel changes, restoration choices, and earlier replacement practices can affect what fits today. Measure carefully and verify against factory literature, period photos, or Auburn specialists when possible. Taking time to confirm the wheel specification first will prevent choosing a tire that looks historically plausible but does not actually match the car's wheel equipment.
Auburn 77 Series buyers should expect the main difference in available products to center on construction style and period presentation rather than modern performance categories. Tires for a 1927 Auburn 77 Series generally fall into restoration-oriented bias-ply and antique-style offerings, with sizing conventions that reflect the late-1920s transition from older diameter-based markings to more familiar rim-diameter sizing. The practical difference is how closely the tire matches the wheel type and historical appearance of the car.
That means Auburn 77 Series owners should decide early whether the goal is formal authenticity, touring use within period limits, or simply getting the correct dimensions on the car. A concours-minded restoration may lean toward the size and visual profile most consistent with the specific wheel setup, while a driver-quality restoration still needs a tire that matches the proper era and rim. The year listing and product details should be read together before making that choice.
Auburn 77 Series tires from the late 1920s are often chosen as much for appearance as for fitment, and sidewall style can noticeably affect the finished look of the car. Period-appropriate collector tire offerings in this era commonly include blackwall and whitewall presentations, with the correct visual choice depending on the restoration goal and the way the specific Auburn 77 Series was equipped and presented.
Owners restoring Auburn 77 Series for judged competition should compare the sidewall style to original photos, sales literature, and marque-club guidance for the exact car. A touring or show car may allow more flexibility, but the sidewall should still suit the late-1920s proportions and stance of the vehicle. Once the correct size is established, sidewall style becomes the next important choice in getting the overall presentation right.
Maintenance & Longevity
Auburn 77 Series should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, ozone sources, solvents, and fuel vapors. Proper inflation matters even during storage, because underinflation can distort the casing and overstress older sidewalls. On a pre-war car, clean and smooth wheel surfaces are also important because tube-type service places more importance on the condition of the rim itself.
If Auburn 77 Series will sit for long periods, move the car occasionally or use methods that reduce long-term flat spotting and constant load on one section of the tire. Many collectors also avoid parking on bare concrete for extended periods and inspect the tires after each storage cycle. Good storage habits are one of the simplest ways to preserve both appearance and service life on a low-use collector car.
Tires on Auburn 77 Series should be inspected before every drive and more thoroughly at regular intervals even if the car sees very little road use. A pre-war collector tire can age visibly and internally while accumulating very few miles, so condition matters more than tread depth alone. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, irregular wear, tube-related issues, loose valve stems, and any sign that the tire is shifting or pinching on the rim.
Auburn 77 Series owners should also inspect the wheels, rim bands, and hardware at the same time, because tire reliability on a 1927 car depends on the whole assembly. If the car is shown, paraded, or driven only seasonally, that inspection routine becomes even more important. Regular checks help catch age-related problems early, before a minor defect becomes a failure on the road.
Auburn 77 Series tires should be replaced when age, cracking, deformation, vibration, casing damage, repeated air loss, or visible deterioration appears, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector tires often age out long before they wear out. On a pre-war car, replacement decisions should be conservative because the tires, tubes, wheels, and suspension all operate in a much more sensitive mechanical environment than a modern car.
Auburn 77 Series owners should not judge tire condition by tread depth alone, especially on a car that spends much of its life indoors or in occasional-use service. Specialist inspection is wise whenever a tire shows sidewall age, bead damage, or uncertain history. If an older tire came with the car during restoration or purchase, replacing it is often the prudent course unless its age and condition are well understood.
Restoration & Authenticity
Auburn 77 Series is associated here with two 1927 fitment sizes: 29X5.25 and 5.25-19. That tells you Auburn 77 Series sits in a period where more than one tire sizing convention could appear within the same model group. It does not mean every Auburn 77 Series used both, but it does show that original-style fitment needs to be matched to the specific wheel and configuration of the individual car.
For a true restoration, Auburn 77 Series owners should compare their car against factory literature, surviving original examples, and Auburn marque specialists. The correct tire is not just a matter of width or appearance; the size code format itself can be part of what makes the car look and sit correctly. Originality work on a 1927 car is usually most successful when the wheel, tire, and body configuration are researched together.
Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect how Auburn 77 Series is viewed in restoration judging and by knowledgeable collectors. Tires influence stance, wheel-to-fender proportion, sidewall appearance, and the overall period character of the car. On a pre-war automobile such as Auburn 77 Series, an incorrect size or visibly wrong era of tire can stand out quickly even to casual observers.
Owners preparing Auburn 77 Series for judging should match the tire size, sidewall style, and overall presentation to the standards used by Auburn clubs, AACA circles, or event-specific judges. Even on a driver-quality restoration, using the right size family helps protect the car's visual authenticity and can support long-term value. Tire choice is one of the most visible details on any restored late-1920s automobile.
The correct sidewall style for Auburn 77 Series depends on the exact restoration goal and how the individual car was equipped and presented in period. Late-1920s American cars can appear convincingly with either blackwall or whitewall tires when the choice suits the car's trim level, body style, and intended presentation. The key is not simply choosing the most decorative option, but choosing one that looks right with the wheel and overall character of the car.
Auburn 77 Series owners pursuing authenticity should compare sidewall style against original photography, brochures, and marque-club guidance for the specific car. Whitewalls can dramatically change the visual impression of a restoration, while blackwalls may better suit a more restrained or strictly period-minded presentation. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall style becomes a major part of getting the finished Auburn 77 Series visually right.
Safety & Road Use
Auburn 77 Series can be driven on public roads only when the tires are correctly sized, properly mounted, in sound condition, and supported by a mechanically fit pre-war chassis. Tire safety on a 1927 car is inseparable from wheel condition, tube condition, steering integrity, brake performance, and overall restoration quality. Even a correct new collector tire cannot compensate for unsafe rims, worn suspension parts, or neglected mechanical systems.
Auburn 77 Series owners should approach road use conservatively and treat the car as a period machine with limits very different from modern traffic. Short local drives, careful speed management, and routine pre-drive checks are part of responsible use. If the car has not been exercised recently, a full inspection of the tire and wheel assemblies should come before any meaningful road mileage.
Before driving Auburn 77 Series, check tire inflation, visible condition, valve stems, wheel fasteners, tread and sidewall integrity, and any signs of tube or bead trouble. On a 1927 car, you should also look closely at the wheels themselves for cracks, rust scale, looseness, or damage that could affect tube-type tire service. A short visual check often reveals issues early, especially on a collector car that sits for long periods.
Auburn 77 Series deserves a walk-around before every outing, not just at the start of the season. If the steering feels vague, the car pulls, or a tire looks irregularly loaded once moving, stop and inspect immediately. Pre-drive checks are especially important on pre-war cars because small tire or wheel problems can become serious very quickly once the car is under way.
Appropriate speed for Auburn 77 Series on period-style tires should be guided by the age and condition of the entire car, not by modern traffic expectations. A 1927 pre-war automobile on collector-type tires should be driven at moderate, conservative speeds that respect the design limits of its steering, brakes, suspension, and wheel equipment. Smooth operation and mechanical sympathy matter more than keeping pace with faster traffic.
Auburn 77 Series owners should build speed gradually only after the car proves stable, properly aligned, and free of vibration. If the tires are older, the wheel history is uncertain, or the car is newly restored, slower shakedown use is the wise approach. Public-road operation in a late-1920s car is most enjoyable when the driver leaves a large safety margin and treats the machine as a historic vehicle rather than a modern tourer.