The 1928 Gardner 85 Series comes from an era when independent automakers competed on engineering, refinement, and road presence rather than sheer production scale. A well-kept Gardner still appeals to collectors who appreciate substantial late-1920s touring cars and the distinctive proportions that go with tall, narrow tires. For this exact model, tire fitment centers on two bias-ply size expressions, 31X6.00 and 600-19, both tied to a 19-inch fitment context. That makes the decision less about modern sizing trends and more about choosing the right period-style presentation, especially for buyers considering a traditional wide whitewall look. Wheel confirmation and an honest assessment of the car's current setup matter before any replacement is chosen.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Gardner 85 Series
The 1928 Gardner 85 Series uses two primary tire size designations, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with the same covered sub-model. The first step is confirming which size expression matches the wheels and tire type already on the car, since one format describes the tire by overall diameter and section width while the other uses a numeric bias-ply size tied to a 19-inch rim.
31X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to an approximate overall tire diameter of 31 inches and the second number refers to an approximate 6.00-inch section width. It is a bias-ply fitment that suits the tall, upright tire proportions expected on a late-1920s automobile such as the 1928 Gardner 85 Series. This format is especially familiar to owners focused on pre-war style and traditional stance. Choosing it starts with verifying that the wheel and current tire setup correspond to this older sizing convention rather than a later numeric marking.
600-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 600 represents an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1928 Gardner 85 Series, it offers a more recognizable vintage replacement format for buyers confirming a 19-inch wheel. Available product choice in this size includes a Lester Classic Bias Ply with a Wide Whitewall sidewall treatment, giving the tire a distinctly restoration-oriented appearance. It is the size to evaluate when the car is already set up around 19-inch rims and a traditional period-style presentation is the goal.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1928 Gardner 85 Series sub-model here, with the same two bias-ply size designations associated with the listed configuration. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the wheel and tire markings on the car match the replacement path being considered.
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1928 Gardner 85 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1928 Gardner 85 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same pair of bias-ply size designations associated with this model line, so the main task is confirming which format matches the car's existing wheel and tire setup. That keeps selection focused on proper vintage sizing and period-style appearance rather than chasing a different fitment.
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 Gardner 85 Series Tires for Sale
Current product choice for the 1928 Gardner 85 Series centers on 600-19 bias-ply fitment, including a Lester Classic Bias Ply with a Wide Whitewall sidewall. That makes the product grid most useful for comparing period-style appearance and basic specification details within the correct vintage size.
These 1928 Gardner 85 Series tire questions focus on the two applicable size formats, 19-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply selection, restoration-minded appearance, and the basic checks worth making before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Gardner 85 Series?
The 1928 Gardner 85 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire size designations: 31X6.00 and 600-19. Both sizes are associated with the covered model, including the 1928 Gardner 85 Series 8 Cyl., so the fitment question is less about multiple trims and more about matching the car's existing wheel and tire setup.
A buyer should confirm the size molded on the current tire and verify the wheel dimensions before choosing between those two formats. Since 31X6.00 and 600-19 express size differently, selecting the correct replacement depends on whether the car is presently set up around the antique diameter-by-section marking or the 19-inch numeric bias-ply format.
What size rim does a 1928 Gardner 85 Series use?
The 1928 Gardner 85 Series uses a 19-inch rim in the numeric bias-ply fitment shown here. That rim diameter is tied directly to the 600-19 tire size, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
The practical step is to inspect the wheels already on the car rather than assuming every surviving vehicle still has its original-style setup. Collector cars sometimes receive replacement wheels over the years, and that can affect which tire size expression makes sense, how the tire sits on the rim, and whether the overall fitment remains appropriate.
What does 31X6.00 mean on a 1928 Gardner 85 Series?
31X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. On the 1928 Gardner 85 Series, the 31 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches, while 6.00 refers to the approximate section width, making it a very different format from later modern metric sizing.
That older style of marking matters because it affects how the tire should be interpreted when replacing a worn or aged set. Matching the exact size format already used on the car helps preserve the proper vintage look and avoids confusion with numeric bias-ply sizes that reference rim diameter more directly.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-19 tire for a 1928 Gardner 85 Series?
Start with the basics: the tire must be the correct 600-19 size, it must suit a 19-inch wheel, and it should match the car's current bias-ply setup. For the 1928 Gardner 85 Series, available 600-19 product choice also brings appearance into the decision, especially when a traditional wide whitewall presentation is desired.
Beyond size, compare the tire's construction, sidewall style, and overall visual character against the way the car is being used. A touring car preserved for shows may call for a different presentation than one driven regularly to local events, so wheel condition, tire age, and the intended look should all be weighed together.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Gardner 85 Series tires?
The visible sidewall style available in the applicable 600-19 product assortment is Wide Whitewall. On a 1928 Gardner 85 Series, that style creates a distinctly traditional pre-war appearance and suits the visual character many collectors want from a substantial late-1920s automobile.
Sidewall treatment should be chosen as part of the car's overall presentation rather than as a stand-alone detail. A wide whitewall can complement a restoration-oriented look, but owners who are closely matching a specific historical configuration should compare the tire choice with period photos, marque references, and the car's actual trim and finish.
What tire series are available for the 1928 Gardner 85 Series?
The available tire series shown for the 1928 Gardner 85 Series is the Lester Classic Bias Ply in 600-19. That places the product squarely in the vintage bias-ply category, which is the right construction family for buyers maintaining the car's traditional ride profile and period-style visual character.
Series names are useful because they help separate one vintage tire's character from another when multiple options exist, even if the size itself stays the same. Here, the key comparison remains straightforward: confirm the car uses 600-19 on a 19-inch wheel, then decide whether the series and sidewall presentation suit the restoration or road-use goal.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Gardner 85 Series?
A period-style 1928 Gardner 85 Series should stay with one of its proper bias-ply size designations, either 31X6.00 or 600-19, depending on the wheel and tire setup already on the car. Those tall, narrow vintage sizes preserve the proportions that define how a late-1920s automobile sits and looks.
For many restoration-minded owners, the visual choice will come down to sidewall treatment as much as size. A 600-19 Lester Classic Bias Ply with a Wide Whitewall offers a traditional presentation, but buyers pursuing strict historical accuracy should still compare the final choice against marque references and the car's own surviving details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Gardner 85 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Gardner 85 Series because tire height, width, and construction all shape the car's stance and visual balance. A late-1920s car relies on tall bias-ply proportions, so an incorrect size or mismatched format can change its appearance as much as any trim detail.
Fitment also influences practicality during restoration. Confirming the wheel diameter, checking the existing tire markings, and matching the car to the proper vintage size expression can prevent avoidable issues during assembly. Even on a car used mostly for shows, an authentic-looking tire setup helps the vehicle read correctly at a glance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Gardner 85 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Gardner 85 Series. If the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension parts, brake changes, or bodywork that differs from its traditional setup, those changes can influence which tire size expression makes sense and how much clearance the tire has in service.
Even mild changes deserve a careful look on a collector car. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the available space around fenders and steering components should all be checked before mounting replacement tires. That is especially important when the car has lived a long life and may no longer match its original-era wheel setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Gardner 85 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Gardner 85 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and roundness, verify that the tire size matches the wheel setup, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated. It is also wise to look over steering, suspension, and brake components on a car from this era.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for neglected chassis condition. Side-to-side clearance, steering travel, lug security, and any signs of rubbing should be checked before the first meaningful road outing. On a low-use collector vehicle, this is also a good time to inspect wheel hardware and confirm there is no air loss after installation.
How should 600-19 tires on a collector 1928 Gardner 85 Series be maintained?
600-19 tires on a collector 1928 Gardner 85 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking or cuts, and periodic review of tread and sidewall condition even if the car is driven only sparingly. Long periods of storage can age tires without adding many miles.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on an older collector car. Keeping the Gardner away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional inspection after storage helps catch flat spotting or air loss before the car returns to regular event or parade duty.
