Hupmobile T Tires

Hupmobile T belongs to the final chapter of a respected independent American automaker, built for the 1935 model year as the company pushed to remain competitive in a crowded mid-1930s market. Cars from this period straddled style, comfort, and roadability in ways that matter to restorers today, because tire choice influences both appearance and driving character. Tire selection for Hupmobile T is simpler than on many multi-year collector cars, but it is still not entirely straightforward because period-correct bias-ply passenger tires share the same basic size with heavier-duty military and truck-style alternatives. The first thing to confirm is that the car is carrying the correct 16-inch wheels and the intended passenger-car use before choosing a tire.

Hupmobile T Tire Size Guide

700-161935

Hupmobile T uses one tire size across the 1935 model year: 700-16. This is a numeric bias-ply size, where 700 indicates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. Available products use a 16-inch rim, with several listings also specifying a 4.50 to 5.50 inch rim-width range. Every listed product is bias ply, and a tube is required. Choices include traditional passenger-car blackwall and wide whitewall styles along with heavier-duty military and truck-type patterns, so match the tire to how the car is being restored and used.

Hupmobile T Tires by Year

The year listing for Hupmobile T shows which size applies to each production year and serves as the quickest way to confirm fitment against the car in your garage. Hupmobile T uses one listed size for 1935, so the main check is verifying that the car still carries its proper 16-inch wheels.

Best Hupmobile T Tires for Sale

Five brands and 10 products are available for Hupmobile T in 700-16, including both blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply options. Confirm the 700-16 size and 16-inch rim diameter on the car before selecting between passenger and heavier-duty specialty patterns.

700-16 Products

These are the available products for 700-16.

Bias Ply

Lester Wide Whitewall | 700-16

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width—
Weight28 lb
Max Load—
Buy Now
Bias Ply

Avon Traction Mileage | 700-16C 102/100L

Avon - Traction Mileage

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width—
Weight34 lb
Max Load1,874 lbs
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich | 700-16

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight26 lb
Max Load1900@36 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

Firestone 4.00 Inch Whitewall | 700-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight29 lb
Max Load1800@36 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 4.00 Inch Whitewall | 700-16

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight28 lb
Max Load1900@36 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

Firestone | 700-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight26 lb
Max Load1900@36 psi
Buy Now
Military & Truck

Firestone Military | NDT | 700-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Military

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight30 lb
Max Load1800@45 psi
Buy Now
Military & Truck

Tornel Light Truck | 6 Ply | 700-16

Tornel - Tornel Classic Truck

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight34 lb
Max Load1580@45 psi
Buy Now
Military & Truck

Firestone Military | NDCC | 700-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Military

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width4.50 - 5.50 in
Weight27 lb
Max Load1800@45 psi
Buy Now
Military & Truck

Military | NDT | 700-16

STA - Military NDT

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter16 in
Rim Width—
Weight34 lb
Max Load—
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ below addresses the details that matter most on a 1935 Hupmobile T, including what 700-16 means, whether tubes are needed, and how to choose between passenger-car bias-ply tires and heavier-duty specialty versions in the same size.

Size Basics & Fitment

Hupmobile T uses one listed tire size: 700-16 for the 1935 model year. All available products for Hupmobile T in this grouping are built for 16-inch rims, and the products are bias-ply constructions. Several of the listings also specify a compatible rim-width range of 4.50 to 5.50 inches.

That makes size identification fairly direct compared with many collector cars, but the choice is still not automatic because the same 700-16 size appears in both passenger-car styling and heavier-duty military or truck-type tread families. Check the tire size currently on the car, confirm the wheel diameter, and then decide whether the goal is period passenger appearance, show presentation, or more utility-oriented tread.

On a Hupmobile T, 700-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 700 portion represents a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In the available Hupmobile T products, that size is paired with 16-inch rims, with several tires also listing a 4.50 to 5.50 inch rim-width range.

Modern buyers sometimes expect a more detailed metric code, but collector-car numeric bias-ply sizing is simpler and more period-correct for a car like Hupmobile T. If the car is being restored, keep the wheel diameter and overall tire type aligned with the car’s intended character rather than choosing purely by appearance, since a military-style 700-16 and a classic passenger-car 700-16 serve different purposes.

Hupmobile T tire options in this size group are all bias-ply tires in a period numeric size, and a tube is required. That applies to the passenger-car blackwall and whitewall offerings as well as the heavier-duty military and truck-style patterns listed in 700-16. Tube-type practice is consistent with the era and construction style represented here.

When fitting replacement tires, the tube, flap requirements if applicable to the wheel, and overall wheel condition should be treated as part of the complete assembly rather than as an afterthought. On a low-production prewar car like Hupmobile T, it is wise to inspect the wheel thoroughly for rust, pitting, or damage before mounting new tires so the complete setup performs as intended.

Buying the Right Tire

Hupmobile T tire options in 700-16 include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The blackwall choices appear across several passenger and specialty tread offerings, while the wide whitewall versions are available in classic passenger-car bias-ply lines. All are built around the same basic 16-inch size.

That means the visual decision should follow the restoration goal. A blackwall usually suits a more restrained or utility-minded presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal prewar look that many owners prefer on a finished show car. Before choosing on appearance alone, make sure the tread family also matches the intended use of the Hupmobile T rather than simply the sidewall style.

Hupmobile T tires in 700-16 are available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those brands cover a range of classic bias-ply passenger-car products along with military and truck-oriented specialty patterns in the same nominal size. Every listed option remains within the 16-inch rim format used for this Hupmobile T application.

Brand choice should come after the basic fitment and intended use are settled. For a restoration that emphasizes period appearance, many owners focus first on the correct sidewall treatment and tire family, then choose among brands offering that look. If the Hupmobile T will see limited event use rather than static display, tread pattern and load characteristics may matter just as much as the name on the sidewall.

A 1935 Hupmobile T in this size group uses 700-16 on a 16-inch wheel, so the first confirmation is the wheel and tire size actually fitted to the car. Because the available products include both classic passenger-car tires and heavier-duty military or truck-style 700-16 versions, correctness depends on more than matching the sidewall number alone.

Start with the wheel diameter stamp or direct measurement, then compare the current setup with period photos, restoration records, or marque references for the specific car. If the Hupmobile T is being judged or restored to a particular presentation, choose the tire family and sidewall style that best match that goal. If the car will be driven, consider whether the tread design suits normal collector-car road use rather than utility service.

Hupmobile T tires in 700-16 appear in several distinct series, including Lester Classic Bias Ply, Traction Mileage, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Military, Tornel Classic Truck, and Military NDT. The main difference is not size but purpose: some are traditional passenger-car bias-ply tires, while others are military or truck-oriented designs with more utility-focused tread concepts.

That split matters because the right tire for a restored Hupmobile T is often the one that matches the car’s presentation and expected use, not simply the one that shares the size code. A classic passenger series is generally the more natural choice for period road-car appearance, while military and truck series are specialty options that suit very different visual and functional goals.

Maintenance & Longevity

Hupmobile T should be stored in a cool, dry, dark environment with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, electric motors, and petroleum contamination. Proper inflation matters even during storage, because underinflated bias-ply tires can develop flat spotting and casing stress when a collector car sits for long periods. Clean, stable flooring also helps protect the tires from moisture and chemical exposure.

If the Hupmobile T will be parked for an extended season, move it slightly from time to time or support the vehicle in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch. Owners who drive only occasionally should make tire care part of regular storage practice, since time and environment usually age collector tires faster than tread wear ever will.

Tires on a Hupmobile T should be inspected before every meaningful drive and more thoroughly at regular service intervals. On a prewar bias-ply setup, that inspection should include air pressure, visible sidewall cracking, tread separation, bead condition, valve stem condition, and any signs that the tube or wheel assembly may be causing trouble. A collector car that sits often can show age-related issues even when tread remains deep.

Make the inspection practical and repeatable: look at each tire cold, check for uneven wear, and pay attention to vibration or steering changes once the car is moving. Prewar cars place a premium on careful routine because they are used less often and can go long periods between outings. Regular checks are one of the easiest ways to protect both the tires and the car.

Tires on a Hupmobile T should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, deformation, or structural concerns appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector-car tires usually age out long before they wear out, especially on a lightly driven prewar car. Any tire that shows casing distress, sidewall deterioration, or repeated air-loss problems deserves immediate attention.

That standard is especially important on Hupmobile T because a 1930s car depends on the whole tire-and-wheel assembly working properly at modest speeds and with older suspension design. If a tire has spent many years in service or storage, treat age as a primary factor rather than a secondary one. Replacing aged tires proactively is usually wiser than trying to stretch use from a tire that only looks good at first glance.

Restoration & Authenticity

Hupmobile T is represented here with one original-type size grouping for 1935: 700-16. The available replacements include several classic bias-ply passenger-car series as well as military and truck-oriented 700-16 options, all on 16-inch rims. That means the size itself is clear, while the most historically appropriate tread family and sidewall treatment can vary with the car’s restoration approach.

For a truly exact restoration, the best reference is period Hupmobile literature, factory information, or marque-club guidance for the specific body and presentation being restored. Once the size and visual target are settled, choose the tire that supports the intended look of the Hupmobile T rather than treating every 700-16 as equally authentic.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely influence how a Hupmobile T is judged and how convincingly it presents as a finished restoration. Size, sidewall style, and tire family all contribute to the overall impression, especially on a prewar car where wheels and tires are a major visual element. A proper 700-16 passenger-car bias-ply setup looks different from a heavier-duty utility pattern even when the dimensions match.

For owners concerned with concours standards or resale credibility, tire choice should be treated as part of the restoration plan rather than a final accessory decision. Marque clubs, period photography, and restoration records can help narrow the most suitable appearance. Getting the proportions and style right can make the Hupmobile T look complete in a way that modern-looking or service-oriented alternatives often do not.

Hupmobile T tires in this size are available in blackwall and wide whitewall form, and both styles can serve different restoration goals. Blackwall generally suits a more restrained, workmanlike, or touring presentation, while wide whitewall creates a more formal period look associated with many finished prewar restorations. The correct answer depends on how the particular Hupmobile T is being represented.

If the car is headed for show presentation, sidewall style should be matched to period photos, trim level, and the overall character of the restoration. Whitewalls can transform the visual stance of the car, but they should still be paired with the right size and tire family. Blackwalls remain a strong choice when authenticity points toward a less dressed-up appearance.

Safety & Road Use

A properly fitted, correctly inflated bias-ply tire in the right 700-16 size can be suitable for public-road use on a Hupmobile T when the entire car is mechanically sound. Tire safety on a prewar automobile depends on more than tread depth alone, because wheel condition, tube condition, steering components, brakes, and suspension all affect how the car behaves. Passenger-car tread choices are generally more in character for normal collector-car driving than specialty utility patterns.

Road use should always reflect the design limits of a 1935 automobile. Drive the Hupmobile T conservatively, allow extra stopping distance, and make sure the tires are matched as a complete set in size and general type. Any newly acquired collector car should be mechanically reviewed before regular use, even if the tires themselves appear fresh.

Before driving a Hupmobile T, check tire pressure, visible tire condition, wheel security, valve stems, and any signs of cracking, bulging, or air loss. Because all listed Hupmobile T tires here are bias ply and tube type, the condition of the whole assembly matters, not just the tread. It is also wise to confirm that all four tires are the same size and broadly the same intended service type.

Once the tire check is done, include a quick review of brakes, steering free play, fluid leaks, and lights before heading onto public roads. Prewar cars reward routine and careful preparation more than modern vehicles do. A short walk-around before each outing can catch the small issues that turn into major ones after the Hupmobile T is underway.

Appropriate speed for a Hupmobile T should be governed by the car’s age, chassis condition, braking ability, and the character of a bias-ply prewar tire, not by modern highway expectations. Even when the 700-16 tires are new, Hupmobile T remains a 1935 automobile with period steering, suspension, and stopping capability. Smooth, moderate road speeds are the sensible standard.

The practical approach is to drive at a pace that keeps the car settled and predictable, especially on crowned roads, rough pavement, or in crosswinds where bias-ply behavior is more noticeable. If the car feels busy, wanders, or reacts sharply to ruts, reduce speed and recheck the setup. Preserving both the Hupmobile T and its tires usually means driving with margin rather than trying to keep up with modern traffic.