The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. comes from a short-lived but fascinating American luxury-car effort of the late brass and early classic era, when large-displacement engines and substantial coachwork demanded equally substantial tire fitment. For an owner sorting out road readiness or restoration direction, tire choice starts with two period bias-ply sizes: 32X6.20 and 650-20, both tied to 20-inch rims. That opens the door to different period-style presentations, including blackwall and wide whitewall offerings, along with more truck-oriented tread choices in 650-20. The key is confirming which size is on the car now and choosing a tire that suits its wheels, appearance goals, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl.
The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with 20-inch wheels. Since the covered Base model can use either 32X6.20 or 650-20, the first step is confirming which size is already on the car and verifying the actual wheel setup before choosing among available period-style or truck-oriented tire options.
In a 32X6.20 size, the first number refers to an approximate overall tire diameter of 32 inches, while the second identifies a nominal section width of about 6.20 inches. This is a bias-ply fitment suited to the period tire language and proportions seen on mid-1920s luxury and specialty automobiles. Buyers familiar only with later numeric sizing often encounter this format during restoration work, so careful wheel and existing-tire verification matters. Choosing this size is usually about preserving an early-style fitment approach and making sure the mounted dimensions align with the car's present wheels and clearances.
A 650-20 tire uses vintage numeric bias-ply sizing, where 650 represents a nominal section width of roughly 6.50 inches and 20 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl., this size offers the broadest visible product choice, including Firestone, Denman, and Deka options. Available versions include blackwall, wide whitewall, classic bias-ply, and truck-style tread patterns, which can change the car's visual character considerably. This size deserves a close look when appearance, load-oriented construction, or traditional driving feel matters as much as simple size matching.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, because the covered Base version is associated with the same two primary tire sizes used on the model core. The important step is not trim identification so much as confirming which tire size and wheel setup the car actually carries today.
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1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. Base
The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. Base uses the same two bias-ply fitment paths found across this application, centered on 20-inch wheels. That makes tire selection more about confirming the car's current mounted size and then choosing the right appearance and tread style for restoration use or regular touring.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 650-20 choices span Firestone, Denman, and Deka, with options that range from classic bias-ply styling and a 3.75-inch whitewall to blackwall truck-oriented tread patterns. The product grid is where to compare sidewall presentation, tire series, rim-width guidance, weight, and load-related details.
Owners of a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. usually need clarity on the two primary tire sizes, 20-inch wheel fitment, period-style appearance choices, and what to inspect before putting a large pre-war luxury car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl.?
The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. uses two primary tire sizes: 32X6.20 and 650-20. Both are bias-ply fitments, and the covered Base sub-model is associated with both sizes rather than one unique sub-model-only size.
That means the practical question is not simply whether both sizes belong to the model, but which size is actually on the car today. Many collector cars have seen wheel, tire, or restoration changes over time, so the safest next step is to verify the mounted wheel diameter, the size stamped on the existing tire, and available clearance before selecting a replacement.
What size rim does a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. use?
The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. uses a 20-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. That 20-inch wheel diameter is clearly tied to the 650-20 size, and it aligns with the vehicle's overall fitment pattern for this application.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a car of this age. Wheel width, lock-ring or split-rim design, and any later wheel substitutions should also be checked before mounting replacement tires. A buyer comparing 32X6.20 and 650-20 should confirm the actual wheel construction on the car, not just the model year and nameplate.
Does the 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. Base is associated with the same two primary sizes used on this application: 32X6.20 and 650-20, both in bias-ply construction. There is no separate Base-only fitment path to sort through here.
Even with shared model fitment, the car still needs a hands-on check before ordering tires. Early vehicles are especially likely to have replacement wheels, mixed tire sets, or long-ago service changes that alter what is on the car now. Matching the replacement tire to the existing wheel diameter and the car's present setup matters more than relying on trim name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-20 tire for a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl.?
A 650-20 tire choice for the 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. starts with confirming that 650-20 is the size currently used on the car. From there, meaningful differences include sidewall style, tire series, rim-width guidance, weight, and whether the tire leans toward classic passenger-car presentation or truck-style service character.
A wide whitewall changes the car's visual presence, while blackwall versions keep a more understated look. Some 650-20 options also carry load figures such as 2120 at 60 psi, which can help when comparing products. The best comparison points are wheel compatibility, the appearance you want, and whether the car will be shown, toured, or used more sparingly.
What sidewall styles are available for 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. tires?
The available 650-20 choices for a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Firestone offers a 3.75-inch whitewall version, while several other options in the same size use a blackwall presentation.
Sidewall treatment has a major effect on the finished look of a 1920s automobile, especially one with substantial bodywork and tall tires. A whitewall can emphasize a restoration-oriented presentation, while blackwall tires often suit a more restrained or utilitarian appearance. Sidewall style should be chosen after the correct tire size and wheel fitment are confirmed, not as a substitute for those checks.
What brands offer tires for the 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl.?
The available 650-20 tire options for the 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. include Firestone, Denman, and Deka. Those brands appear across classic bias-ply and truck-oriented series, giving the buyer more than one path within the same vintage numeric size.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase on a vehicle like this. It helps more to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, load-related details where stated, and whether the tire's character matches the car's intended use. A touring-focused owner may prioritize one look, while a restoration-minded owner may focus first on the visual presentation and period feel.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl.?
A period-style tire choice for a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. begins with staying in one of its primary bias-ply sizes: 32X6.20 or 650-20. That keeps the construction type in line with the car's era and preserves the tall, substantial look expected on a mid-1920s luxury automobile.
From there, the visual decision usually comes down to the size already fitted to the car and the sidewall treatment you want. A wide whitewall can create a more formal restoration-oriented appearance, while blackwall versions present a more restrained look. If exact historical originality matters, compare your choice against period photos, marque references, and the car's individual restoration goals.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. because tire height, width, and sidewall style strongly influence the stance and visual balance of an early luxury car. Using one of the proper bias-ply fitment paths helps keep the car's appearance in the right historical neighborhood.
Restoration fitment is not only about appearance. Wheel diameter, wheel construction, and physical clearance need to be checked so the tire suits the car mechanically as well as visually. Even a well-restored vehicle may have replacement wheels from an earlier repair or restoration phase, so matching the new tire to the actual hardware on the car is essential.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl.?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl., even when the car still appears largely original. Replacement wheels, altered ride height, brake conversions, or changes made during older restorations can all influence which tire size works properly on the car today.
That is especially important with early vehicles, where decades of maintenance history may not be obvious at a glance. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width, inspect fender and steering clearance, and look closely at how much room exists at full lock and full suspension movement. A correct-size tire on paper still needs to suit the car's present physical setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. on new tires?
Before driving a 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition, confirm proper mounting hardware, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for their application. The car should also be checked for obvious clearance concerns, steering interference, and any signs of suspension or brake issues.
Collector cars often sit for long periods, so it helps to inspect more than just the new tires themselves. Look over wheel bearings, valve stems, and the condition of the rims, then recheck air pressure after the first short drive. A careful shakedown drive at moderate speed is a smart way to confirm the car tracks properly and nothing rubs under load.
How should 650-20 tires on a collector 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. be maintained?
650-20 tires on a collector 1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 8 Cyl. should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked between events or seasonal drives.
Storage habits matter almost as much as road use on a collector vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every outing rather than assuming low mileage means low risk, since age and inactivity can be just as important as tread wear.
