The 1927 Kissel 55 comes from the final years of an independent American marque known for stylish, upscale automobiles from the classic pre-war era. Owners drawn to a Kissel today are usually balancing preservation, drivability, and the visual character that makes a late-1920s car look right on the road or show field. Tire fitment for the 1927 Kissel 55 centers on bias-ply sizing, with 33X6.00 and 600-21 both associated with the model. Available choices in 600-21 include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall styles from Lester and BFGoodrich. The key is confirming the wheel setup already on the car and choosing the tire presentation that best matches its restoration goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1927 Kissel 55
The 1927 Kissel 55 uses two primary tire sizes, and choosing correctly starts with confirming the exact wheel and tire setup already on the car. Both fitments are bias-ply, and 600-21 clearly uses a 21-inch rim, so the main decision is whether your Kissel is set up for the antique diameter-by-section format or the numeric bias-ply format before comparing sidewall style and product choice.
A 33X6.00 size expresses the tire by approximate overall diameter and section width, so the first number refers to a 33-inch tall tire and the second to a nominal 6.00-inch section width. This is an early-style bias-ply format that suits the visual character and wheel presentation common to late-1920s automobiles. It is most useful for owners preserving a true period-style look and checking an existing wheel-and-tire setup already using this format. Before selecting it, confirm the car has the matching wheel dimensions and that overall tire clearance remains appropriate at the fenders and steering stops.
A 600-21 tire uses a vintage numeric bias-ply size code, where 600 represents an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 21 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1927 Kissel 55, this size gives buyers the clearest range of available choices, including Lester and BFGoodrich options in blackwall and wide whitewall form. Tire series also vary, with Lester Classic Bias Ply and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply both represented in this fitment. It is the size to examine closely when appearance, brand preference, and wheel-width compatibility all matter to the final selection.
Fitment is fairly straightforward because the covered sub-model shares the same two primary tire sizes already associated with the 1927 Kissel 55. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire format on the car can be matched to the wheels and overall restoration approach.
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1927 Kissel 55 6 Cyl.
The 1927 Kissel 55 6 Cyl. is associated with both 33X6.00 and 600-21 bias-ply tire sizes. That means selection starts with confirming which wheel-and-tire arrangement is actually on the car, then choosing the sidewall style and product character that best fit its intended appearance and use.
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 1927 Kissel 55 Tires for Sale
Available 600-21 tires for the 1927 Kissel 55 include Lester and BFGoodrich offerings in Lester Classic Bias Ply and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply lines. Buyers can compare traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentation, along with rim-width compatibility and load-related specifications where shown.
These FAQs focus on 1927 Kissel 55 tire sizing, 21-inch rim fitment, bias-ply selection, restoration-oriented appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a pre-war collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1927 Kissel 55?
The 1927 Kissel 55 is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 33X6.00 and 600-21. The covered 1927 Kissel 55 6 Cyl. sub-model uses those same two sizes, so the first step is not choosing between trims but confirming which tire format and wheel setup the car currently carries.
That distinction matters because 33X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section format, while 600-21 is a numeric bias-ply size tied to a 21-inch rim. A car that has been restored, re-wheeled, or converted over the years may not still match the setup it left with, so wheel dimensions and physical clearance should be checked before ordering replacement tires.
What size rim does a 1927 Kissel 55 use?
The 1927 Kissel 55 uses a 21-inch rim with the 600-21 tire size. Product options in that size are built for a 21-inch rim, and some 600-21 offerings also specify a rim-width range of 3.00 to 3.75 inches.
That makes wheel confirmation especially important on a pre-war car, because many collector vehicles have seen repairs, parts substitutions, or older restorations over time. Measuring the wheel diameter directly and checking width at the bead seat helps prevent ordering a tire that matches the name on the sidewall but not the actual wheel currently on the car.
What does 600-21 mean on a 1927 Kissel 55?
A 600-21 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation. The 600 indicates an approximate nominal section width of 6.00 inches, and the 21 identifies the wheel diameter in inches, so it is a 6.00-wide class tire made for a 21-inch rim.
Understanding that code helps when comparing modern listings for an older vehicle, because the size is not written like a current metric radial. It also explains why appearance choices such as blackwall or wide whitewall can exist within the same fitment while still sharing the same basic wheel diameter and overall vintage tire construction.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-21 tire for a 1927 Kissel 55?
Start with the basics: confirm that the car is actually set up for 600-21 rather than 33X6.00, and verify that the wheel is a 21-inch rim. Then compare the available bias-ply options by sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any stated wheel-width or load-related specifications.
For many 1927 Kissel 55 owners, the real decision is visual and use-based. A blackwall tire gives a restrained traditional look, while a wide whitewall changes the car’s presentation noticeably. It also helps to inspect how the car will be driven, since parade use, local touring, and show display may influence which product characteristics matter most.
What sidewall styles are available for 1927 Kissel 55 tires?
In 600-21, the 1927 Kissel 55 has both blackwall and wide whitewall choices. Blackwall options are available from Lester and BFGoodrich, while BFGoodrich also offers a 3.50 inch whitewall version in the same 600-21 bias-ply size.
That gives owners room to match the tire’s appearance to the car’s restoration direction rather than treating every replacement as visually identical. A wide whitewall creates a more formal pre-war presentation, while blackwall keeps the look more understated. Sidewall style should still be chosen only after confirming the actual tire size and wheel setup on the vehicle.
What brands offer tires for the 1927 Kissel 55?
The 1927 Kissel 55 has 600-21 tire options from Lester and BFGoodrich. Those offerings appear in the Lester Classic Bias Ply and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, giving buyers a useful range of traditional bias-ply products within the same vintage size.
Brand choice matters less than getting the correct size, wheel compatibility, and sidewall presentation for the car. Once fitment is confirmed, the comparison becomes more about visual style, series character, and whether a particular product includes details such as a stated rim-width range or load figure that help match the tire to the vehicle’s current setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1927 Kissel 55?
For a period-style 1927 Kissel 55, the starting point is staying with one of the proper bias-ply sizes associated with the car: 33X6.00 or 600-21, depending on the wheel-and-tire setup already in place. Within 600-21, both blackwall and wide whitewall options are available for a traditional pre-war presentation.
The right choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what appearance the owner wants to preserve. If exact historical presentation matters, period photos, marque references, and restoration records are worth reviewing. For many owners, matching the tire size, construction, and general sidewall style to the car’s era is the most practical path.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1927 Kissel 55 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1927 Kissel 55 because tire height, section width, construction, and sidewall treatment all influence how the car sits and looks. On a pre-war automobile, tires are a major visual element rather than a small finishing detail.
Fitment also affects function, especially on cars with older steering geometry, narrow wheels, and close fender clearances. Even when a replacement has the right vintage appearance, the wheel diameter and width still need to match the tire. A restoration-oriented tire choice should preserve both the car’s stance and its practical road readiness.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1927 Kissel 55?
Yes. Any change to the wheels, hubs, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can affect tire fitment on a 1927 Kissel 55. That is especially important on a pre-war vehicle, where a small change in wheel dimensions or tire profile can alter clearance at the fenders, steering stops, or chassis components.
A collector car may also carry older modifications that are easy to overlook during a restoration or tire replacement. Measuring the current wheel diameter and width, checking steering travel, and inspecting the space around the tire at full lock are smart steps before selecting between 33X6.00 and 600-21 or choosing among available 600-21 products.
What should I inspect before driving a 1927 Kissel 55 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, lug or fastener security, valve stems, and overall tire seating on the rim. It is also wise to check brake operation, steering play, suspension condition, and whether the new tires clear the fenders and chassis through the full range of steering movement.
A pre-war car that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention before any meaningful drive. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the selected tire, and the tires should be rechecked after the first short outing for signs of rubbing, unusual wear, or air loss. Early inspection helps catch setup issues before they become road problems.
How should 600-21 tires on a collector 1927 Kissel 55 be maintained?
600-21 bias-ply tires on a collector 1927 Kissel 55 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources. Cars that sit for extended periods still need tire attention even if tread wear is minimal.
Regular movement and periodic pressure checks help prevent problems that develop quietly during storage. It also helps to inspect the wheels and inner surfaces whenever the car is serviced, since aging collector vehicles can develop issues unrelated to mileage. A tire that looks fine at a glance may still deserve closer inspection before a tour or event.
