Peerless 125 Series Tires

Peerless 125 Series was part of the last chapter of an esteemed American luxury marque, built in 1929 as the industry had fully entered the balloon-tire era but still carried over some older sizing habits. Cars of this class were substantial, refined machines, and tire choice matters because ride height, appearance, and steering character are closely tied to the correct period size and construction. Tire selection for Peerless 125 Series is not entirely straightforward because two different size conventions appear for the same model year, and one of them can be mistaken for a wheel diameter when it is not. The first check should be the actual rim diameter on the car, which here is 19 inches.

Peerless 125 Series Tire Size Guide

Peerless 125 Series uses 2 distinct tire sizes across the 1929 to 1929 production span. One of those sizes uses the antique diameter-by-section format, where the leading number is the tire's outside diameter rather than the wheel diameter. That matters here because 31X6.20 does not describe a 31-inch wheel, while 650-19 clearly points to a 19-inch rim.

31X6.201929Antique diameter-by-section

31X6.20 is a 1929 Peerless 125 Series size listed alongside the more modern 650-19 convention for the same model year. In this format, 31 indicates the tire's overall outside diameter in inches and 6.20 indicates the nominal section width, while the wheel diameter is separate and must be confirmed on the car because it is not stated in the size code. Choose 31X6.20 only when the existing wheel and original fitment reference support that designation; period-style bias-ply applications in this format normally require a tube.

650-191929Numeric bias-ply

650-19 is a 1929 Peerless 125 Series size with multiple available bias-ply replacements. In this numeric bias-ply format, 6.50 is the nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, and 19 is the required rim diameter; available products are built for 19-inch wheels, with some listings noting rim widths from 3.25 to 4.25 inches. Choose 650-19 when your Peerless 125 Series carries 19-inch rims and you want a period-correct bias-ply tire; a tube is required.

Peerless 125 Series Tires by Year

The year listing breaks Peerless 125 Series tire fitment down by model year so you can match the car first and the tire second. In 1929, two sizes are listed, so verify the wheel and existing fitment before choosing between them. The leading number in 31X6.20 is the tire's outside diameter rather than the wheel size, which makes the actual rim diameter an important check on a car of this era.

Best Peerless 125 Series Tires for Sale

Available Peerless 125 Series tire products cover 1 listed size with 7 products from 3 brands. Blackwall and wide whitewall options are offered, so confirm the correct size and 19-inch rim diameter before selecting.

650-19 Products

These are the available products for 650-19.

Bias Ply

Firestone | 650-19

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width—
Weight28 lb
Max Load—
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Bias Ply

Lester Wide Whitewall | 650-19

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width—
Weight32 lb
Max Load—
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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon | 650-19

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width3.25 - 3.50 in
Weight28 lb
Max Load—
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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon 3.50 Inch Whitewall | 650-19

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width3.25 - 3.50 in
Weight31 lb
Max Load1430@36 psi
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Bias Ply

Excelsior Comp H | 650-19

Excelsior - Comp H

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width3.25 - 4.25 in
Weight28 lb
Max Load—
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Bias Ply

Firestone 3.50 Inch Whitewall | 650-19

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SidewallWide Whitewall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width—
Weight28 lb
Max Load—
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Bias Ply

Lester | 650-19

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter19 in
Rim Width—
Weight29 lb
Max Load—
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Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ below addresses the unusual split between 31X6.20 and 650-19 on the 1929 Peerless 125 Series, along with tube use, sidewall choices, and how to approach period-correct bias-ply tires on a low-use luxury car of the pre-war era.

Size Basics & Fitment

Peerless 125 Series uses two listed tire sizes for 1929: 31X6.20 and 650-19. The 650-19 size is tied to a 19-inch rim in the available products, while 31X6.20 uses an older diameter-by-section convention where the wheel diameter is not contained in the size code itself. All listed replacement products for the available modern listing are bias-ply designs.

The practical approach is to inspect the wheel on the car and compare the existing tire marking before choosing between the two. A Peerless 125 Series with 19-inch rims aligns with the 650-19 offerings shown here, while a car marked 31X6.20 should be matched carefully to its wheel and period specification so ride height and appearance remain appropriate.

On a Peerless 125 Series, 31X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The 31 refers to the tire's approximate outside diameter in inches, and 6.20 refers to its nominal section width. Unlike later numeric sizes, that first number is not the wheel diameter, so the rim size has to be confirmed separately on the actual wheel.

That difference matters because a modern buyer can easily mistake 31X6.20 for a 31-inch rim designation, which it is not. If your Peerless 125 Series carries this marking, treat it as a period sizing convention and verify the wheel before selecting a replacement, especially when another 1929 listing for the same model appears in the more familiar 650-19 format.

Peerless 125 Series products listed in 650-19 use a 19-inch rim diameter. The companion size 31X6.20 does not state the wheel diameter within the size code, because that older convention uses overall tire diameter and section width instead. That means 19 inches is confirmed for the 650-19 products, while a 31X6.20-marked car needs its wheel checked directly.

A tape measure and the markings on the existing tire or wheel are usually the quickest way to avoid a mismatch. On a Peerless 125 Series, rim diameter is the first thing to settle before considering sidewall style or brand, because the older and newer size conventions can describe the same era of car in very different ways.

Peerless 125 Series tire listings here are entirely bias-ply, and period bias-ply applications of this type normally use inner tubes. That is especially true for antique and pre-war sizing conventions such as 31X6.20 and for 650-19 bias-ply replacements built in period style. Nothing in these listings suggests a modern tubeless radial application.

Using the correct tube setup helps the tire seat and function as intended on vintage wheels. If your Peerless 125 Series is a restoration or retains original-style rims, tube fitment should be treated as part of the tire selection rather than an afterthought, and the wheel should be checked for condition before the new assembly is put into service.

Buying the Right Tire

Start with three checks on the 1929 Peerless 125 Series: the marking on the existing tire, the actual rim diameter, and any surviving factory or restoration records that stayed with the car. That matters here because both 31X6.20 and 650-19 are listed for the same year, but they are written in two different sizing systems. The available replacement products shown are in 650-19 for 19-inch rims.

A careful confirmation process protects both appearance and drivability on a luxury pre-war car. If your Peerless 125 Series already wears 19-inch wheels and the current tires are marked 650-19, the path is straightforward; if the car is marked 31X6.20, verify the wheel itself before changing formats so you do not alter stance or fit unnecessarily.

Peerless 125 Series tires in the available 650-19 offerings come in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior blackwall versions are present, and wide whitewall options are also offered in Firestone and Lester lines. All of them remain period-style bias-ply tires rather than modern metric radials.

Sidewall choice affects the visual character of a 1929 Peerless 125 Series as much as the tread itself. A blackwall usually gives a slightly more restrained period look, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal presentation many owners want on a late-1920s luxury car; the right choice depends on how the specific car is being restored and shown.

Peerless 125 Series tire offerings here come from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. The products shown are all for the 650-19 size, and they include several period-style series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Excelsior Comp H. Every listed product is a bias-ply construction.

Brand selection is usually less important than getting the correct size, rim diameter, and appearance for the car. Once those basics are settled on a Peerless 125 Series, the remaining choice often comes down to whether you prefer a blackwall or wide whitewall presentation and whether a particular series better matches the style of your restoration.

Peerless 125 Series offerings include Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Excelsior Comp H in 650-19. All are bias-ply tires, but the series names reflect different period-style product families rather than one identical casing with only a different brand label. The visible distinctions in these listings are mainly brand family and sidewall presentation, with some products also specifying a rim-width range.

For a Peerless 125 Series owner, series choice should follow the larger fitment decision instead of replacing it. Choose the correct size and wheel diameter first, then compare which series best suits the car's restoration character, whether that is a traditional blackwall touring look or a more formal wide whitewall presentation associated with upper-end late-1920s automobiles.

Maintenance & Longevity

A Peerless 125 Series should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and prolonged contact with petroleum products. Tire pressure should be kept at the appropriate operating level for the tire and vehicle, and the car should not sit for long periods with one section of the casing carrying all the load. Pre-war bias-ply tires benefit from especially careful storage because sidewalls and tubes can age even when mileage stays low.

For longer storage, many collectors place the Peerless 125 Series on stands or move it slightly from time to time to reduce flat spotting. Clean wheels and tires gently, avoid dressing products that can dry the rubber, and inspect valve stems and tube-related hardware during every seasonal wake-up so the car is ready for safe short-distance use.

Tires on a Peerless 125 Series should be inspected before every drive and more thoroughly at regular seasonal intervals, even if the car is used only occasionally. A pre-drive check should include inflation, visible cracking, tread separation, sidewall condition, valve stem condition, and any signs that the tire has shifted on the rim. On a pre-war car running bias-ply tires and tubes, small issues can become major problems very quickly.

A scheduled annual inspection by a specialist familiar with vintage wheels and tube-type assemblies is a smart habit for a Peerless 125 Series. That inspection should also include the wheel itself, because rim rust, bead-seat damage, and aging tube components can create problems that are not obvious during a casual garage walk-around.

Peerless 125 Series tires should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, sidewall distortion, impact damage, or signs of internal separation appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector cars often wear out tires by time rather than mileage, and pre-war bias-ply casings can become unreliable long before the tread is gone. A tire that looks attractive on a show field may still be unsuitable for road movement.

The right standard for a Peerless 125 Series is condition, not tread depth alone. If the car has spent years parked, or if any tire shows age-related change in shape or texture, have the assembly evaluated before further use and replace as needed so the car's weight and steering demands are not being carried by rubber that has simply aged out.

Restoration & Authenticity

Peerless 125 Series is associated here with two 1929 sizes, 31X6.20 and 650-19, and the available replacement products for 650-19 are all bias-ply. Several period-style series are represented, including Classic Bias Ply, Balloon, and Comp H families. That tells you the Peerless 125 Series sits in a transitional pre-war sizing world where more than one period-appropriate style may be encountered.

For a specific Peerless 125 Series restoration, the best reference is the individual car's surviving wheel, tire markings, and marque literature. Once the size is confirmed, the remaining originality choices become sidewall style and series family, which can influence whether the finished car reads as a restrained touring automobile or a fully dressed luxury restoration.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect how a Peerless 125 Series is viewed in restoration judging and in the collector market. Size, stance, sidewall style, and period-correct construction all influence whether the car looks coherent for its year and class. On a high-end pre-war automobile, tires are visually prominent and can either support or undermine the quality of the restoration.

For that reason, owners of a Peerless 125 Series should match the tire not only to the wheel, but also to the presentation goal of the car. A marque club, period photographs, and show standards can help settle whether blackwall or wide whitewall better suits the individual restoration and whether the finished appearance is true to the car's intended character.

Peerless 125 Series tire offerings in 650-19 include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Either can be historically appropriate on a late-1920s luxury car depending on how the individual automobile was delivered or later restored. The available products support both a more understated period appearance and a more formal dressed look.

The best choice for a Peerless 125 Series restoration comes from the car's own history and the standard you want the restoration to meet. If the car is being judged, compare against period photos, marque references, and surviving examples; if it is a driver-quality restoration, choose the sidewall style that preserves the proper era character once the correct size has already been established.

Safety & Road Use

A properly fitted new bias-ply tire in the correct size can be suitable for limited public-road use on a Peerless 125 Series, provided the rest of the car is mechanically sound. Tire safety on a pre-war luxury automobile depends on much more than tread: wheel condition, tube condition, inflation, steering components, brakes, and overall chassis health all matter. The car should be treated as a historic machine, not as a modern highway vehicle.

That means road use in a Peerless 125 Series should be thoughtful and conservative. Shorter drives, lower sustained speeds, and frequent inspections are the right pattern, especially after the car has been stored, recently restored, or newly fitted with tires that have not yet been heat-cycled and checked for proper seating.

Before driving a Peerless 125 Series, check tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, wheel fasteners, and whether the tire sits evenly on the rim. On a car of this age, also confirm that the steering feels free of excess play and that the brakes operate evenly, because tire performance and mechanical condition are closely linked. Bias-ply behavior can change noticeably when pressures are off even by a modest amount.

A slow roll test around the driveway can reveal problems before the car reaches road speed. If the Peerless 125 Series pulls, shimmies, thumps, or feels as though a casing has flattened during storage, stop and inspect again rather than assuming the issue will clear up once the car is underway.

A Peerless 125 Series should be driven at moderate speeds that respect both pre-war chassis design and period-style bias-ply tire behavior. Even with correctly fitted new tires, the car was engineered in a different era of road surfaces, braking ability, and steering response than modern traffic assumes. Higher speed places greater demand on every aged component in the tire, wheel, suspension, and brake system.

The sensible approach is to use a Peerless 125 Series for relaxed touring, local events, and carefully planned secondary-road driving rather than sustained high-speed travel. If the car has recently returned to use after a long lay-up, begin with short low-speed runs and build confidence only after repeated inspections show the tires and chassis are behaving as they should.