1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series Tires

The 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 33X6.75 and 700-21. Both sizes are tied to the 80 Series 6 Cyl., so the correct choice depends on which wheel setup is actually on the car rather than assuming one size applies to every surviving example.

That distinction matters because the two sizes use very different sizing conventions and different rim diameters. A car wearing 21-inch wheels points you toward 700-21, while 33X6.75 belongs to an older diameter-by-section format. Checking the wheel itself before ordering prevents a mismatch and helps narrow the choice to the correct style and product range.

Rim diameter depends on which tire size is fitted to the 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series. The 700-21 size uses a 21-inch rim, while 33X6.75 is associated with a 5.0-inch rim value in the tire dimensions tied to that size. That makes wheel identification a necessary part of the tire decision.

On a nearly century-old luxury car, wheels may have been changed during restoration or long-term ownership, so the safest approach is to inspect the mounted wheels directly. Once the rim diameter is confirmed, tire selection becomes much clearer, especially because 700-21 has multiple available product and sidewall choices while the antique-format size follows a different fitment path.

33X6.75 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. On this format, the first number refers to the tire's approximate outside diameter and the second refers to section width, rather than using the more familiar modern approach of width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter in one code.

For a 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series owner, that means 33X6.75 should be treated as an early specialized fitment, not as a modern interchangeable size. It is best suited to restorations or surviving wheel setups that still use this older convention. Verifying the wheel, tire markings, and overall setup on the car is the practical next step before choosing a replacement.

Start with the fundamentals: the car must actually use the 700-21 size and 21-inch wheels. From there, the main choices are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width compatibility, since available 700-21 products include Firestone, Michelin, Lester, and Excelsior offerings with different visual and specification details.

A restoration-focused owner may lean toward the sidewall treatment that best suits the car's presentation, while a road-use buyer may spend more time comparing rim-width ranges and product characteristics. It also helps to inspect the wheel width already on the vehicle, because some 700-21 products are intended for noticeably different rim-width ranges than others.

For the 700-21 size used on the 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices can change the car's visual character significantly, especially on a large late-1920s luxury automobile where tire sidewall presentation is a major part of the overall stance.

Blackwall tends to give a restrained, utilitarian look, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall options create a more formal restoration-oriented presentation. The right choice depends on how the car is being finished rather than on fitment alone. If historical appearance is especially important, compare the tire style with period photos and marque-specific restoration references for similar cars.

In 700-21, the 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series has tire options from Firestone, Michelin, Lester, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several vintage tire series, including Firestone Balloon, Double Rivet, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H, giving the owner more than one path within the correct size.

The practical difference is not just the brand name but the combination of series character, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. One 700-21 option may suit a narrow original-style wheel better, while another may better match the appearance you want for the finished car. Comparing those details usually matters more than simply choosing by brand alone.

A period-style choice starts with using the tire size that matches the wheel setup actually on the car, whether that is 33X6.75 or 700-21, and retaining the bias-ply construction that suits the era. On a late-1920s Pierce-Arrow, the tire's profile and sidewall treatment play a major role in the car's overall presentation.

For owners using 21-inch wheels, the decision often comes down to blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall styling within 700-21. If exact restoration accuracy matters beyond general period style, compare the finished look with period photography, marque-club guidance, or restoration records for similarly bodied Pierce-Arrow cars before making the final choice.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series because tire size influences stance, wheel proportion, and the visual balance of the entire car. A large luxury car from this period can look noticeably wrong if the replacement tire does not match the proper size convention or sidewall character.

Fitment accuracy also affects the restoration process mechanically, since the car may be using either an antique-format tire or a 21-inch numeric bias-ply size. Confirming the wheel setup first helps avoid cosmetic compromises and practical problems at the same time. Once the size is settled, sidewall style becomes the main appearance decision for a finished restoration.

Yes. Any change to wheels, wheel width, hubs, suspension height, or body clearance can affect tire fitment on a 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series. That is especially important here because the car is associated with two very different bias-ply size formats, so even a well-restored vehicle may not still match its earlier tire setup.

A practical inspection should include the actual rim diameter, wheel width, and the clearance around fenders and steering components. Older collector cars sometimes pick up replacement wheels over the decades, and those changes can alter what size is appropriate. Verifying the physical setup on the car is more reliable than choosing a tire by model name alone.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition, confirm that the mounted tire size matches the wheel, and check that the tires seat properly and hold pressure consistently. On a collector vehicle of this age, it is also smart to look closely at steering and suspension condition, since worn components can affect how any new bias-ply tire behaves.

A careful walkaround should also include sidewall inspection, valve-stem condition, lug security, and visible clearance at the fenders and chassis. After the first short drive, recheck pressure and look for any sign of rubbing or uneven contact. A slow shakedown run is worthwhile on an older Pierce-Arrow before committing the car to a longer outing.

700-21 tires on a collector 1927 Pierce Arrow 80 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, age, long periods of inactivity, and environmental exposure can affect an older collector tire long before it looks heavily used.

Keep the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or battery equipment. It also helps to inspect for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, and gradual air loss before each drive, especially after storage. On a large pre-war luxury car, consistent maintenance is just as important as choosing the correct size.