Graham Supercharger Tires

Graham Supercharger stands as one of the more distinctive American performance-minded cars of the late pre-war era, blending streamlined styling with the engineering character that made Graham memorable in the 1930s. Built within the 1936 to 1940 span covered here, Graham Supercharger belongs to a period when tire choice still needs to respect original wheel dimensions, period construction, and the driving manners expected of a pre-war automobile. Tire selection is less about sorting through many factory sizes and more about getting the period-correct dimensions and construction right for a specialized collector car. Before choosing a tire for a Graham Supercharger, verify that the car still carries its correct 16-inch wheels.

Graham Supercharger Tire Size Guide

6.25-161936-1940

Graham Supercharger uses one tire size across the years covered here: 6.25-16. This is a numeric bias-ply size, where 6.25 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. That makes wheel verification straightforward, since the tire is built for a 16-inch rim rather than an antique outside-diameter format. A tube is required. For a restoration-minded Graham Supercharger, this is the size to match against the actual wheel on the car before selecting construction and sidewall style.

Graham Supercharger Tires by Year

The year listing lets you match a Graham Supercharger tire size to the specific production year of the car. All years covered here use the same 16-inch fitment, which keeps selection simpler than on many pre-war models. These listings cover the years shown here, but it is still wise to confirm against original vehicle literature or a Graham specialist when working with a restored or modified car.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ below focuses on the single-size fitment used by Graham Supercharger, what the 6.25-16 size code means, and the practical checks that matter on a pre-war collector car before putting it back on the road.

Size Basics & Fitment

Graham Supercharger uses 6.25-16 in the years covered here: 1936, 1939, and 1940. That size is a numeric bias-ply format, with a nominal section width of 6.25 inches and a 16-inch rim diameter. Since only one size appears across those years, the basic fitment picture is much simpler than on many other pre-war cars.

The practical next step is to confirm that the wheels currently on the Graham Supercharger are still the correct 16-inch units and have not been changed during restoration or long-term ownership. Once the wheel diameter is verified, you can focus on selecting the right period-style tire construction and appearance for the way the car will be used.

On a Graham Supercharger, 6.25-16 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.25 figure is the nominal section width in inches, while 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike antique diameter-by-section sizes, this code does not use the first number to describe the tire’s outside diameter.

That matters because the wheel size can be read directly from the code, which helps simplify fitment on a Graham Supercharger. If the car still has its original-style 16-inch wheels, 6.25-16 is the format you should expect to see. It is also the sort of size where period-style bias-ply construction and proper tube use remain part of the correct setup.

Graham Supercharger uses a 16-inch rim diameter in the years covered here. The size code 6.25-16 includes that wheel diameter directly, so there is no need to decode it from a separate antique measurement system. That gives the Graham Supercharger a straightforward wheel-size reference compared with earlier pre-war cars that used more confusing tire markings.

Even with a clear size code, it is still smart to measure or confirm the wheel before fitting tires to a Graham Supercharger. Collector cars sometimes pick up replacement wheels over the decades, and visual assumptions can lead to mistakes. Verifying the wheel first prevents ordering a tire that is period-correct in appearance but wrong for the rim actually on the car.

Graham Supercharger fitment in 6.25-16 is associated here with a numeric bias-ply size, and that style of collector tire setup requires a tube. That is consistent with the pre-war era and with traditional bias-ply construction used on cars of this period. Tube use is part of the complete fitment, not an optional extra for most authentic installations.

When preparing a Graham Supercharger for road or show use, treat the tube, flap if required by the wheel design, and the condition of the rim itself as part of one system. Rust, burrs, or old repairs inside the wheel can damage a fresh tube. A careful wheel inspection is just as important as choosing the correct tire size.

Buying the Right Tire

A 1936 Graham Supercharger uses 6.25-16 in the year range covered here. Since only one size is associated with the model, the main confirmation point is not choosing among multiple sizes but making sure the car still carries the correct 16-inch wheels. On a long-restored pre-war car, that check matters more than many buyers expect.

Start by reading the wheel size if it is stamped, then compare that with original literature, restoration records, or marque-club knowledge for the specific Graham Supercharger you own. If the car has had custom work, later wheels, or decades of mixed parts, physical verification should take priority. That approach keeps a simple size listing from turning into a costly fitment mistake.

A 1939 Graham Supercharger uses 6.25-16 in the year range covered here. The fitment itself is straightforward because there is only one listed size, and the 16-inch rim diameter is built into the size code. That leaves wheel originality and condition as the key questions rather than year-to-year size variation.

Check the actual wheel on the 1939 Graham Supercharger before moving ahead, especially if the car has been restored, stored for many years, or assembled from multiple sources. A car that appears original may still wear replacement rims. Matching the tire size to the wheel on the car is the most reliable way to keep the fitment correct and the stance appropriate.

A 1940 Graham Supercharger uses 6.25-16 in the fitment range covered here. That means the tire should match a 16-inch wheel, with 6.25 representing the nominal section width in inches. There is no year-specific split shown for 1940 within this Graham Supercharger range.

The practical check is to confirm that your 1940 Graham Supercharger still wears the intended 16-inch rims and has not been altered to another wheel size during restoration or storage. Once that is settled, you can choose the tire style that best suits a preservation car, judged restoration, or occasional driver. Getting the wheel right first keeps the rest of the decision simple.

Graham Supercharger is shown here only with the 6.25-16 size, and the key distinction to understand is the period-style numeric bias-ply format rather than a wide spread of modern sizing approaches. Collector tires in this category are chosen for the way they match pre-war dimensions, steering feel, and appearance. On a car like the Graham Supercharger, the tire’s character matters almost as much as the size itself.

That means buyers should think about whether the goal is authenticity for judging, a faithful restoration look, or general touring manners within the limits of a pre-war chassis. Tire construction, sidewall treatment, and overall period correctness all shape the final result. Once the 6.25-16 size is confirmed, those are the details that separate a merely usable fitment from one that suits the car properly.

Maintenance & Longevity

A Graham Supercharger should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone sources, and petroleum contamination. Tire pressure should be maintained rather than allowed to fall flat during storage. On a pre-war car with bias-ply tires and tubes, long periods of neglect can create flat-spotting and add stress to the casing.

If the Graham Supercharger will sit for months at a time, move it slightly from time to time or support it in a way that reduces prolonged load on one contact patch. Clean wheels and tires gently and avoid dressings that leave a glossy chemical film. A careful storage routine preserves both appearance and service life on a collector car that is used only occasionally.

Tires on a Graham Supercharger should be inspected before each drive and given a more thorough review at regular intervals even when the car is not being used much. Pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, valve stem condition, and any signs of tube or rim trouble all deserve attention. Pre-war cars can sit for long periods, and long storage often hides tire problems until the car starts moving again.

A practical routine is to make tire inspection part of every outing with the Graham Supercharger, especially after the car has been parked for weeks or months. Watch for bulges, uneven wear, vibration, or changes in steering feel once underway. If anything looks questionable, have the tire and wheel assembly checked by a specialist familiar with vintage bias-ply fitments.

Tires on a Graham Supercharger should be replaced when age, cracking, casing fatigue, impact damage, or persistent air-loss issues appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector-car tires often age out long before they wear out. On a pre-war automobile, low annual mileage can create a false sense of security because the tire may look acceptable while the structure has already deteriorated.

Age matters as much as mileage on a Graham Supercharger, so replacement decisions should come from condition and inspection history rather than tread depth alone. Any tire of uncertain age should be treated conservatively and examined carefully before road use. That is especially important on a heavier, torque-rich pre-war car where old tires can be stressed quickly once driven.

Restoration & Authenticity

Graham Supercharger is associated here with the 6.25-16 size for the years covered. That establishes the period-correct dimensional starting point, but original factory specification on an individual car can still depend on how it was equipped and how accurately it has been restored over time. On collector cars from this era, the size itself is often the first and most important authenticity checkpoint.

For a high-level restoration of a Graham Supercharger, compare the tire size on the car with original owner literature, period photographs, and recognized Graham club references. That helps confirm whether the wheels and tire appearance match the car’s intended presentation. Authenticity is usually strongest when the dimensions, stance, and construction all agree with the car’s pre-war character.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect both presentation and judging on a Graham Supercharger. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice whether the tire size, profile, and overall period look suit the car, especially on a distinctive pre-war model. Even when a car is mechanically strong, incorrect dimensions can alter the stance and visual balance enough to stand out immediately.

For owners concerned with show results or long-term value, tire choice on a Graham Supercharger should be treated as part of the restoration rather than an afterthought. Marque clubs, period photos, and event judging standards are useful reference points when deciding how strict to be. A tire that looks right on the wheel often contributes as much to authenticity as many more expensive cosmetic details.

The right sidewall style for a Graham Supercharger restoration depends on the period look you want to achieve and on the specific tire offerings available in the correct 6.25-16 size. Pre-war American cars can look quite different depending on whether the presentation leans formal, sporting, or preservation-oriented. Sidewall appearance should complement the car’s era rather than imitate a later custom style.

A careful restoration of a Graham Supercharger should match sidewall treatment to period photos, surviving original examples, and accepted club standards for the specific car. The goal is to preserve the proper visual proportion and character, not just to fill the wheel opening. If authenticity matters, choose the sidewall style only after the correct size and construction have already been settled.

Safety & Road Use

A correctly sized, properly mounted collector tire can be suitable for cautious public-road use on a Graham Supercharger when the entire car is mechanically sound. Tire safety on a pre-war car depends not only on the tire itself but also on wheel condition, tube condition, alignment, brakes, steering, suspension, and the age of the rubber. A single weak point in that chain can limit safe use.

A Graham Supercharger should be driven with the understanding that pre-war handling, braking, and tire behavior are different from modern cars. Even with fresh tires, the car needs conservative speeds and careful route planning. Public-road use makes sense only when the tire setup matches the wheel correctly and the rest of the chassis has been inspected to the same standard.

Before driving a Graham Supercharger, check tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, valve stems, wheel security, and any signs of cracking, bulging, or impact damage. Also confirm that the steering, brakes, and suspension feel normal before committing to a full outing. On a pre-war car with bias-ply tires, even a short local drive deserves a proper pre-drive inspection.

A sensible habit is to walk around the Graham Supercharger each time it comes out of storage and look for anything that has changed since the last drive. Pay attention to vibration, pull, or unusual noises once underway, because those can point to tire or wheel issues quickly. Catching a problem in the garage is far better than discovering it at road speed.

A Graham Supercharger should be driven at conservative speeds that respect pre-war chassis design, bias-ply tire behavior, and the condition of the individual car. Even with the correct 6.25-16 fitment, these tires are part of a motoring experience from a very different era than modern freeway travel. The sensible limit is the speed at which the car remains stable, comfortable, and fully under control.

In practice, that means treating a Graham Supercharger as a collector automobile rather than a modern highway car, regardless of its historical performance image. Build speed gradually, avoid sudden maneuvers, and leave extra stopping distance. Tire choice supports proper use, but safe road speed still depends on the total mechanical condition and setup of the car.