The 1928 Marmon 78 Series comes from an era when premium American automobiles emphasized smooth power, refined engineering, and long-wheelbase road manners. Marmon cars of the late 1920s remain especially appealing to collectors who want a Full Classic with distinctive presence and authentic prewar character. For tire fitment, the 1928 Marmon 78 Series uses bias-ply sizing on 19-inch wheels, with both 29X5.50 and 550-19 appearing for this model. Available choices center more on traditional presentation than modern construction, including Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions in 550-19. The key is confirming which period-style size best matches the car's wheel setup and restoration direction before road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Marmon 78 Series
The 1928 Marmon 78 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments tied to 19-inch wheel use. Because the same sub-model is associated with both sizes, the first step is confirming the actual wheel and tire setup on the car, then deciding whether the goal is a restoration-oriented period presentation or simply the correct usable fitment within that traditional sizing range.
A 29X5.50 tire uses an older sizing convention that references approximate overall tire diameter first and section width second, so it describes a tire about 29 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide. This is a bias-ply fitment appropriate to the late-1920s character of the 1928 Marmon 78 Series and reflects the way many luxury and upper-market cars of the period were originally equipped. It is best evaluated by owners who want to stay close to an early presentation and who are confirming an existing 19-inch wheel setup. Wheel dimensions, clearance, and the actual mounted size on the car should all be checked before selection.
A 550-19 tire is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 550 represents an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and the 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1928 Marmon 78 Series, this format offers a more familiar vintage replacement reference while retaining the traditional bias-ply construction that suits prewar driving feel and appearance. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall form. This size is a practical starting point when the car is already on 19-inch wheels and the buyer wants a defined product choice with restoration-minded sidewall options.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 8 Cyl. version is associated with the same pair of bias-ply tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact tire already on the car and confirming the wheel dimensions still matters before choosing between the two period-style formats.
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1928 Marmon 78 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1928 Marmon 78 Series 8 Cyl. is associated with both 29X5.50 and 550-19 bias-ply tire sizing. That makes the selection process less about trim differences and more about matching the car's present wheel setup, desired sidewall appearance, and overall restoration direction.
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 Marmon 78 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-19 tires for the 1928 Marmon 78 Series come from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The main comparison point is sidewall presentation, with both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions built for 19-inch vintage fitment.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1928 Marmon 78 Series, how 19-inch fitment should be confirmed, and what matters when choosing between traditional bias-ply options for road use and restoration appearance.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Marmon 78 Series?
The 1928 Marmon 78 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 29X5.50 and 550-19. Both sizes are associated with this model, and both belong to the traditional vintage sizing systems commonly seen on late-1920s automobiles with 19-inch wheel fitment.
The practical step is to confirm what is actually mounted on the car now, because collector vehicles are often restored, re-wheeled, or converted over time. Check the tire sidewall, measure the wheel diameter, and compare the existing setup before choosing between the two sizes so the replacement matches the vehicle's wheel and clearance requirements.
What size rim does a 1928 Marmon 78 Series use?
The 1928 Marmon 78 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its vintage bias-ply tire fitment. That 19-inch diameter aligns directly with the 550-19 size and also matches the wheel fitment context associated with the 29X5.50 option for this model.
Rim diameter is only part of the decision on a prewar car. It also helps to verify wheel width, bead condition, and whether the car still carries its intended wheels, since older restorations sometimes involve substitutions. A correct 19-inch diameter still needs to be paired with a wheel and tire combination that suits the car's actual setup.
What does 550-19 mean on a 1928 Marmon 78 Series?
On the 1928 Marmon 78 Series, 550-19 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 550 indicates an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width, while the 19 refers to the rim diameter in inches, placing it firmly in the vintage bias-ply sizing system.
That matters because this older format does not read like a modern radial size, and the tire should be matched to the proper wheel diameter and appropriate wheel width. On a collector car, the goal is not just finding a tire with the right numbers, but choosing a period-style tire that works with the car's wheels, appearance, and intended use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-19 tire for a 1928 Marmon 78 Series?
Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and 19-inch wheel compatibility. In 550-19, the available Marmon 78 Series choices come from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, with a Blackwall version and a 3.25 Inch Wide Whitewall version.
From there, the decision becomes one of presentation and setup. A Blackwall gives a more restrained traditional look, while a Wide Whitewall creates a stronger restoration-oriented visual statement. It also helps to compare the wheel width against the tire's stated rim-width range and inspect the wheel itself before mounting tires on an older vehicle.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Marmon 78 Series tires?
For the 1928 Marmon 78 Series in 550-19, available sidewall styles include Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. Both are bias-ply tires in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the main visual difference comes from sidewall treatment rather than a change in construction.
That sidewall choice can noticeably affect the car's finished look. Owners pursuing a more understated prewar presentation may prefer Blackwall, while a Wide Whitewall can suit a more formal restoration style. Appearance alone should not drive the decision, though, because the tire still needs to match the car's actual wheel dimensions and intended road use.
How do I choose between the available 550-19 tires for a 1928 Marmon 78 Series?
The available 550-19 choices for a 1928 Marmon 78 Series are closely related in size, brand, series, and construction, so the main distinction is sidewall appearance. Both options are BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires built for 19-inch vintage fitment.
A useful way to decide is to look at the car as a whole. Consider whether the restoration theme, paint, trim, and overall presentation call for a Blackwall or a Wide Whitewall. It is also worth checking the tire's rim-width specification against the actual wheel, especially on a car that may have seen earlier restoration work or wheel replacement.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Marmon 78 Series?
A period-style 1928 Marmon 78 Series calls for one of its proper bias-ply vintage sizes, with 29X5.50 and 550-19 both associated with the model. Choosing between them starts with confirming the car's present wheel and tire setup rather than assuming every restored car still matches its earlier configuration.
Once the size is confirmed, the visual decision often centers on whether the car should wear a more restrained Blackwall look or a more formal Wide Whitewall presentation in 550-19. Buyers pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the car against marque references, restoration photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final appearance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Marmon 78 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Marmon 78 Series because tires strongly influence both stance and authenticity of appearance. Using one of the proper bias-ply sizes keeps the car within the visual language and road-going character expected of a late-1920s luxury automobile.
Fitment also affects the way the finished restoration sits on its wheels and how naturally the tire fills the fender opening. Even on a show-focused car, the wheel diameter, wheel width, and mounted tire size should be verified carefully. That extra check helps avoid a combination that looks out of place or creates avoidable clearance concerns.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Marmon 78 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Marmon 78 Series, even when the tire size itself appears correct. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body and fender work can change the space available around a vintage bias-ply tire.
That is why an older collector car should be treated as an individual setup, not just as a catalog application. Measure the wheel diameter and width, inspect steering clearance at full lock, and look for signs of rubbing or tight spots. Those checks are especially important when deciding between two vintage sizes associated with the same model.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Marmon 78 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Marmon 78 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting surfaces, then confirm that the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for their intended use. It also makes sense to look over the suspension and steering for looseness that could affect how the car tracks.
A short, careful shakedown drive is a smart next step on any prewar vehicle. Pay attention to vibration, pulling, unusual contact marks, or air loss after the first miles. Rechecking inflation and giving the tires another visual inspection afterward helps confirm that the new setup is settling in properly on an older collector car.
How should 550-19 tires on a collector 1928 Marmon 78 Series be maintained?
550-19 tires on a collector 1928 Marmon 78 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use vehicles deserve extra attention because age, long stationary periods, and environmental exposure can matter as much as miles traveled.
Inspect the tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and check for any gradual air loss before taking the car out. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve vintage tires. Occasional movement and routine inspection are especially worthwhile on a car that spends long periods off the road.
