The 1928 Whippet 96 Series came from a period when compact, value-minded cars helped broaden car ownership, and its appeal today rests in that distinctly late-1920s blend of practicality, upright styling, and early motoring character. Tire choice on a car like this is closely tied to preserving the way it looks and sits, because the 1928 Whippet 96 Series uses bias-ply fitments in 28X4.75 and 475-19. Within the available options, the main decision centers on the 475-19 size, where blackwall and wide whitewall versions of the Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather are offered. Before choosing, it is worth confirming which wheel setup is actually on the car and whether the goal is road use, display, or restoration-minded presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Whippet 96 Series
The 1928 Whippet 96 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming the exact wheel diameter on the car. Both fitments are bias-ply, but they do not share the same rim diameter, so tire selection starts with identifying whether the car is set up for 28X4.75 or 475-19 before comparing style and product options.
In the 28X4.75 size, the first number refers to an approximate overall tire diameter of 28 inches, while 4.75 identifies the section width. This is an antique diameter-by-section bias-ply fitment, a format associated with very early tire sizing conventions and a traditional prewar-style tire presentation. On a 1928 Whippet 96 Series, this size needs especially careful wheel verification because it differs sharply from the 19-inch-rim alternative used elsewhere on the same model range. It is the right size to evaluate only after confirming the actual wheel setup on the vehicle.
The 475-19 size is a numeric bias-ply format in which 4.75 represents the nominal section width and 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. This is a traditional vintage fitment for the 1928 Whippet 96 Series and aligns well with the car's late-1920s construction and appearance. Available choices center on the Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather series, with both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall treatments offered in this size. For many buyers, the decision here is less about basic fitment and more about whether the car should have a more understated roadgoing look or a more restoration-oriented whitewall presentation.
The covered Whippet 96 Series sub-model uses the same overall fitment pattern, but tire choice is still not automatic because two primary sizes are associated with it. Checking the exact wheel setup matters more than trim identification alone when selecting tires for this car.
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1928 Whippet 96 Series 4 Cyl.
The 1928 Whippet 96 Series 4 Cyl. is associated with both 28X4.75 and 475-19 bias-ply tire sizes. That makes wheel confirmation the key step before purchase, followed by choosing the tire style that best matches the car's restoration direction and intended 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 1928 Whippet 96 Series Tires for Sale
Current 475-19 choices center on Goodyear's Deluxe All-Weather series in bias-ply construction, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles available. That gives the 1928 Whippet 96 Series owner a clear appearance choice within the same traditional tire size.
Owners of a 1928 Whippet 96 Series usually need clear answers on size identification, wheel diameter, bias-ply fitment, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a low-use vintage car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Whippet 96 Series?
The 1928 Whippet 96 Series is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 28X4.75 and 475-19. Those sizes are not interchangeable descriptions of the same tire, and they point to different wheel setups, so the right choice depends on which wheels are actually on the car.
A Whippet from this era may have been restored, reworked, or assembled with different wheels over time, which makes visual confirmation important before ordering. Check the wheel diameter and compare the tire size already mounted if the car has an established setup, then choose the proper period-style bias-ply tire for that configuration.
What size rim does a 1928 Whippet 96 Series use?
The 1928 Whippet 96 Series is tied to two different rim diameters depending on tire size. The 28X4.75 fitment corresponds to a 5.0-inch rim diameter, while the 475-19 fitment uses a 19-inch rim diameter.
That difference makes wheel verification the most important fitment step on this vehicle. Do not assume a tire will work simply because it looks close in width, since the wheel diameter must match exactly. Measuring the wheel and confirming the size already in service can prevent ordering a tire that does not match the car's current setup.
What does 475-19 mean on a 1928 Whippet 96 Series?
On a 1928 Whippet 96 Series, 475-19 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 4.75 portion represents the nominal section width in inches, and the 19 indicates the rim diameter, so this tire is intended for a 19-inch wheel.
That sizing format matters because it is different from modern metric radial markings and different from the antique 28X4.75 format also associated with this car. Once the 19-inch wheel is confirmed, the next decision becomes appearance and product style, such as choosing between a blackwall or wide whitewall version in the available Goodyear line.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 475-19 tire for a 1928 Whippet 96 Series?
Choosing a 475-19 tire for a 1928 Whippet 96 Series starts with confirming that the car actually uses the 19-inch wheel setup. After that, the main factors are keeping the traditional bias-ply construction, selecting the sidewall style, and making sure the tire matches the intended appearance of the vehicle.
The available 475-19 choices share the Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather series, so the key visible difference is blackwall versus wide whitewall. It also helps to compare wheel width, load specification, and how the car will be used, especially if it is driven occasionally rather than shown or stored most of the time.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Whippet 96 Series tires?
For the 1928 Whippet 96 Series in 475-19, the available sidewall styles are Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. Both are offered in the Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather series, so the choice is mainly about appearance rather than changing to a different construction type or tire family.
A blackwall gives the car a more restrained and utilitarian presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a brighter restoration-oriented look. Since sidewall treatment can strongly affect how a late-1920s car reads visually, it is worth considering the vehicle's finish, trim, and overall restoration direction before settling on one style.
What brands offer tires for the 1928 Whippet 96 Series?
The available products for the 1928 Whippet 96 Series in 475-19 come from Goodyear. The current assortment is centered on the Deluxe All-Weather series, with choices that differ by sidewall style rather than by a broad mix of brands.
That makes selection more straightforward, because the main comparison is not brand versus brand but how each version supports the look and use of the car. Once the correct wheel diameter is confirmed, focus on the sidewall presentation and whether the overall tire style suits a roadgoing vintage car or a more restoration-focused build.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Whippet 96 Series?
A period-style 1928 Whippet 96 Series should stay with the correct primary bias-ply size for its wheel setup, either 28X4.75 or 475-19. Keeping the proper vintage sizing format and bias-ply construction helps preserve the car's stance and the visual character expected from a late-1920s automobile.
For a car using 475-19 tires, the available Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather options provide a traditional starting point. The final choice often comes down to blackwall or wide whitewall appearance rather than fitment alone. When exact historical accuracy matters, marque literature, period photos, and restoration references are worth consulting before settling on a sidewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Whippet 96 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Whippet 96 Series because tire size has a strong effect on stance, wheel proportion, and overall visual authenticity. Using the proper size format for the car's wheel setup also helps keep the restoration from looking subtly off, even when the tire appears close at a glance.
This is especially important here because the car is associated with both 28X4.75 and 475-19, which are fundamentally different fitments. Confirm the actual wheels before choosing tires, then match the sidewall treatment to the restoration's goal. Small details like blackwall versus wide whitewall can noticeably change the finished character of the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Whippet 96 Series?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1928 Whippet 96 Series. After many decades, a car may have different wheels, altered suspension components, brake conversions, or body and fender adjustments that change what size tire can be used safely and what diameter wheel is actually present.
That matters even more on this Whippet because its known fitments use very different rim diameters. Measure the wheels, inspect clearance at the fenders and steering range, and look closely at the car's current setup before choosing between 28X4.75 and 475-19. Small changes in an old restoration can affect fitment more than expected.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Whippet 96 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Whippet 96 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the mounting surfaces are sound, and make sure the tire size matches the wheel diameter exactly. It is also wise to check steering movement, brake operation, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension.
A vintage car that sits for long periods should also have its wheel bearings, suspension joints, and inflation pressures checked before road use. Once the new tires are mounted, look for even seating, monitor air retention, and take the first drive at moderate speed so any vibration, rubbing, or setup issue can be caught early.
How should 475-19 tires on a collector 1928 Whippet 96 Series be maintained?
475-19 tires on a collector 1928 Whippet 96 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long idle periods on poor surfaces. Vintage bias-ply tires benefit from routine visual checks because collector cars are often driven less and stored more.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or battery chargers. Regular pressure checks, occasional movement, and inspection before each outing help preserve both the tires and the car's road manners.
