The 1928 Cunningham 8 comes from an American luxury era when prestige automobiles rode on tall, formal tires that shaped both stance and road manners. Cars of this period reward careful fitment choices because tire dimensions, wheel sizing, and sidewall presentation all have a visible effect on authenticity and drivability. For the 1928 Cunningham 8, the primary fitments are 33X6.75 and 700-21, both bias-ply sizes that reflect late-1920s tire practice. Available choices within 700-21 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles across several vintage series. The key is confirming which wheel and tire format your car is actually set up to use before choosing for restoration display or road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Cunningham 8
The 1928 Cunningham 8 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is significant because they do not share the same rim diameter. Both are bias-ply fitments, but one is a 33X6.75 flotation-style size and the other is a 700-21 numeric bias-ply size. Before choosing a tire, the first step is confirming which wheel diameter and setup are actually on the car.
In a size like 33X6.75, the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches, while the second refers to section width. That makes it an older diameter-by-section format rather than a modern rim-diameter-first size code. On the 1928 Cunningham 8, this is a bias-ply fitment tied to an early-style wheel setup, so appearance and wheel compatibility matter as much as the raw size itself. This size should be evaluated carefully against the actual wheel dimensions on the car before selecting a replacement.
The 700-21 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the 700 indicates a nominal section width of roughly 7.00 inches and the 21 identifies the rim diameter. This is one of the classic late-1920s tire conventions and suits the tall, upright presentation expected on a car such as the 1928 Cunningham 8. In this size, there is meaningful choice among Firestone, Michelin, Lester, and Excelsior offerings, along with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall treatments. It is the size to examine closely if your car retains or uses 21-inch wheels.
Fitment is straightforward at the sub-model level here, but the actual tire choice still requires close attention because the covered sub-model uses two different primary sizes. Checking the exact wheel setup matters more than trim distinction when selecting tires for this Cunningham.
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1928 Cunningham 8 V7
The 1928 Cunningham 8 V7 is associated with both 33X6.75 and 700-21 bias-ply tire fitments. That means tire selection starts with confirming whether the car is riding on the early-style 33X6.75 setup or a 21-inch wheel using 700-21, then choosing the sidewall and series that suit its restoration or road-use goals.
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 1928 Cunningham 8 Tires for Sale
Available 700-21 choices span Firestone, Michelin, Lester, and Excelsior, with differences in tire series, sidewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles give the 1928 Cunningham 8 owner room to balance visual character with wheel and use requirements.
Owners researching 1928 Cunningham 8 tires usually need to sort out the correct size, wheel diameter, bias-ply construction, and sidewall appearance before comparing product options. These questions focus on fitment, restoration priorities, and the checks worth making before putting the car on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Cunningham 8?
The 1928 Cunningham 8 uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 33X6.75 and 700-21. Those sizes represent two different tire formats, and they do not point to the same wheel setup. The 33X6.75 size is an antique diameter-by-section format, while 700-21 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size for a 21-inch rim.
Choosing between them starts with the wheels actually on the car, not with appearance alone. A Cunningham that has been restored, re-bodied, or reconfigured over time may not still be using the same setup it once did. Confirm wheel diameter and wheel style first, then compare tire options within the correct size.
What size rim does a 1928 Cunningham 8 use?
Two rim diameters are associated with the 1928 Cunningham 8: 5.0 inches with the 33X6.75 fitment and 21 inches with the 700-21 fitment. Because those dimensions are so different, the wheel diameter must be settled before any tire is selected. Both fitments are bias-ply, but they belong to different tire-sizing conventions.
That makes wheel verification the most important first step on this vehicle. Measure the wheel, inspect what is already mounted, and compare the size marking on the current tire if it is still readable. On an older luxury car, decades of restoration work can change wheels, so visual assumptions are not enough.
What does 700-21 mean on a 1928 Cunningham 8?
A 700-21 tire uses a vintage numeric bias-ply size code. The 700 refers to a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 21 refers to the rim diameter in inches. On the 1928 Cunningham 8, it is one of the correct primary fitments and reflects the tall, narrow tire proportions common to late-1920s luxury cars.
Understanding that code helps when comparing product choices in the same size. A 700-21 tire may come in different series and sidewall styles, but the buyer still needs to confirm wheel width and overall vehicle setup before choosing among them. That is especially important on a collector car that may have changed hands or configurations over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-21 tire for a 1928 Cunningham 8?
Start with the basics: confirm that your Cunningham actually uses the 700-21 fitment and that the wheel diameter matches a 21-inch tire. From there, compare construction, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width guidance, and any available load specification. In this size, choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations.
The right selection depends on how the car is used and how it is being presented. A restoration-oriented car may prioritize traditional sidewall appearance, while a road-driven example may call for closer attention to wheel-width compatibility and overall condition. Comparing these details within the correct 700-21 size leads to a more informed choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Cunningham 8 tires?
For the 1928 Cunningham 8 in 700-21, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices can change the visual character of the car dramatically, especially on a late-1920s luxury automobile where tire height and sidewall treatment are prominent parts of the overall presentation.
Appearance should still be balanced with proper fitment. Once the correct size and wheel are confirmed, sidewall style becomes a useful way to match the car's restoration theme, coachwork, and show or touring goals. Buyers focused on strict historical accuracy should compare their choice with period photos, marque references, and surviving vehicle details.
What brands offer tires for the 1928 Cunningham 8?
In 700-21, the 1928 Cunningham 8 has tire choices from Firestone, Michelin, Lester, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several vintage-style tire series, giving the owner more than one path for replacing a worn tire while staying within the correct size format for a period vehicle.
Brand should be considered alongside the rest of the specification, not by itself. Compare the sidewall treatment you want, the rim-width range where it is stated, and any available load information or series differences. On a collector car of this age, the best brand choice is the one that aligns with the car's wheel setup and intended presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Cunningham 8?
A period-style 1928 Cunningham 8 should begin with the correct primary tire size for the wheels on the car, either 33X6.75 or 700-21, and both are bias-ply fitments. That keeps the visual proportions in line with the era. The next decision is usually sidewall presentation, especially if the car uses 700-21 tires.
Wide whitewall, double-whitewall, and blackwall choices can all shift the car's character, from formal touring appearance to a more restrained presentation. Exact originality can vary by body, restoration approach, and historical evidence, so buyers pursuing a highly exact result should compare their selection with marque literature, photos, and surviving examples.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Cunningham 8 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Cunningham 8 because the tire is a major visual and structural part of the car's stance. The right size affects more than appearance; it also determines wheel compatibility and how authentically the car sits. That is especially true when choosing between 33X6.75 and 700-21.
A tire that looks generally old-fashioned is not enough if the wheel diameter or size format is wrong. Restorers should verify what wheel setup the car is using now and decide whether the goal is historical faithfulness, dependable touring, or a blend of both. Those priorities shape the final size, series, and sidewall decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Cunningham 8?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Cunningham 8, even when the tire size itself appears correct. Wheels may have been changed over the years, and suspension work, brake updates, or restoration-era substitutions can alter what fits safely and what clears properly. That matters even more on a vehicle with two very different primary tire setups.
A careful inspection should include wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components. Cars from this era often pass through many owners and restoration phases, so assumptions based on model name alone are risky. Confirm the actual hardware on the car before selecting new tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Cunningham 8 on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Cunningham 8 on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and confirm the tire size matches the wheel setup on the car. Then check that the tires are seated properly and look for any immediate signs of rubbing, uneven stance, or insufficient clearance at full steering angle.
A pre-drive check should also include tire pressure, valve condition, and a close look at surrounding suspension and steering components. On a long-stored collector car, aging chassis parts can create problems that are blamed on the tire when the real issue is elsewhere. A cautious shakedown drive is wise after installation.
How should 700-21 tires on a collector 1928 Cunningham 8 be maintained?
700-21 tires on a collector 1928 Cunningham 8 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked. Collector cars often accumulate age before they accumulate mileage.
Storage conditions matter just as much as road use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire over time. Before each driving season, inspect the tires closely and confirm the wheels and suspension remain in sound condition, since long-term inactivity can hide developing issues.
