The 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 comes from a short but respected American luxury-car marque known for refined engineering and quiet confidence rather than mass-market volume. For owners of these early-1930s cars, tire selection is closely tied to the wheel setup, because the covered 6-cylinder configurations use either 29X5.50 and 550-19 or 28X5.50 and 550-18 bias-ply sizing. That means the first step is confirming whether the car has standard wheels or disc wheels. From there, the decision shifts to traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation, brand and series differences where available, and keeping the tire choice consistent with the car's restoration goals and actual road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Gardner 136 & 140
The 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 uses four primary tire sizes across two wheel setups, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and rim diameter. Standard 6-cylinder cars use 19-inch fitments, while the 6-cylinder version with disc wheels uses 18-inch fitments. Before selecting a tire, confirm the sub-model and wheel diameter on the car, because both the numeric bias-ply and flotation-style sizes are tied to those specific configurations.
A 29X5.50 size identifies an antique diameter-by-section tire, with 29 representing the approximate overall tire diameter in inches and 5.50 indicating the section width. On the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140, this is a bias-ply fitment used on the 6-cylinder configuration with the 19-inch wheel setup. This size is especially relevant for owners trying to preserve an early-1930s tire profile and stance. It is the size to evaluate when the car retains the corresponding wheel arrangement and a traditional pre-war tire appearance is part of the goal.
A 550-19 tire is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 19 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140, this bias-ply fitment belongs to the 6-cylinder model using 19-inch wheels. Available choices include BFGoodrich in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form with blackwall and wide whitewall treatments. This size makes sense when the car needs a 19-inch period-style replacement and the owner wants to compare sidewall presentation as part of the final selection.
A 28X5.50 tire uses the antique diameter-by-section format, meaning the first number gives the approximate overall diameter and the second gives the section width. On the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140, this bias-ply size applies to the 6-cylinder model equipped with disc wheels and the 18-inch wheel setup. Its role is different from the 19-inch fitments, so it should not be chosen simply because the section width looks similar. This is the size to consider when matching the disc-wheel configuration and preserving the proper early-car tire proportions.
A 550-18 tire is a numeric bias-ply size that uses 5.50 as the nominal section width and 18 as the rim diameter. For the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140, this size belongs to the 6-cylinder version with disc wheels, and it carries the broadest visible product variety. Options appear from Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across several tire series. This is the key size to compare when the car has 18-inch disc-wheel fitment and appearance choice matters as much as basic compatibility.
Tire fitment on the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 changes by sub-model, so identifying the exact wheel setup is essential before choosing a size. The two covered 6-cylinder configurations use different rim diameters, which makes sub-model confirmation more important than comparing section width alone.
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1930 Gardner 136 & 140 6 Cyl.
The 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 6 Cyl. uses the 19-inch fitment group, with both 29X5.50 and 550-19 appearing as bias-ply sizes for that configuration. For tire selection, the focus is on confirming the 19-inch wheel setup and then choosing between a more traditional blackwall look or a restoration-oriented whitewall treatment where available.
The 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 6 Cyl. w/Disc Wheels uses the 18-inch fitment group, with 28X5.50 and 550-18 as its bias-ply sizes. That makes wheel identification especially important, and it also opens up a wider range of product and sidewall choices for owners balancing period appearance with practical road 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 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 Tires for Sale
Available 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 tire choices center on 550-19 and 550-18 bias-ply fitments, with BFGoodrich, Firestone, Excelsior, and Michelin offerings. Buyers can compare series, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, and rim-width compatibility, including made-to-order options within the 18-inch selection.
Owners of a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 usually need clear answers on wheel-specific tire sizing, early bias-ply formats, sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140?
The 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 uses four primary bias-ply sizes across two sub-model configurations: 29X5.50, 550-19, 28X5.50, and 550-18. The standard 6-cylinder model uses the 19-inch fitment group, while the 6-cylinder version with disc wheels uses the 18-inch fitment group.
The important next step is confirming which wheel setup is actually on the car before choosing a tire. Similar section widths do not make the 18-inch and 19-inch fitments interchangeable, and many collector cars have had wheels changed over time. Checking the rim diameter on the vehicle prevents ordering a correct-looking tire in the wrong fitment.
What size rim does a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 use?
A 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 6-cylinder configuration uses the 19-inch setup, while the 6-cylinder model with disc wheels uses the 18-inch setup.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because it determines which tire group belongs on the car. A 550-19 and a 550-18 may look close in naming, but they are built for different wheel diameters. On an older restored vehicle, it is wise to inspect the wheels directly rather than relying only on memory or previous paperwork.
Do all 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The covered 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The 6-cylinder model uses 29X5.50 and 550-19, while the 6-cylinder model with disc wheels uses 28X5.50 and 550-18.
That difference matters because the tire choice is tied to the wheel arrangement, not just the car's year and model name. A buyer should confirm whether the car has the standard setup or disc wheels before narrowing the search. Once that is settled, the remaining decision becomes choosing the right bias-ply style and sidewall presentation for the car's intended use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-18 tire for a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140?
Start with the confirmed 18-inch disc-wheel fitment, because 550-18 belongs to the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 6 Cyl. w/Disc Wheels configuration. From there, the main comparisons are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility. Available 550-18 choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations.
The right pick depends on how the car will be used and how traditional you want it to look. A blackwall usually suits a more understated presentation, while whitewall treatments create a stronger period-style visual statement. It also helps to compare rim-width figures and load listings where shown so the selected tire matches both the wheel and the vehicle's practical road-use needs.
What sidewall styles are available for 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall, depending on the tire size. The 550-19 offerings include blackwall and wide whitewall options, while the 550-18 range adds double-whitewall alongside blackwall and wide whitewall choices.
Sidewall style affects the car's appearance more than its basic fitment, so it should be chosen after the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed. On a restoration-oriented car, whitewall width and style can noticeably change the visual character. Owners who want a more restrained look often stay with blackwall, while others prefer a brighter period presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140?
Available tires for the 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 come from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Excelsior, and Michelin, depending on the exact size. BFGoodrich appears in both 550-19 and 550-18, while Firestone, Excelsior, and Michelin are represented in the 550-18 fitment group.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than on name alone. Since the 18-inch fitment group has the broadest variety, owners of disc-wheel cars have more room to compare visual character and specifications. The 19-inch group is narrower, so the decision there often centers on blackwall versus wide whitewall presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Gardner 136 & 140?
A period-style 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 should begin with the correct bias-ply size for the car's actual wheel setup. That means using the 19-inch fitment group on the 6-cylinder model or the 18-inch fitment group on the 6-cylinder model with disc wheels, then selecting a tire whose sidewall treatment suits the restoration's visual direction.
Appearance decisions usually come after fitment is settled. Blackwall tires give a more restrained early-car look, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall options create a brighter restoration-oriented presentation where available. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is worth comparing the car against marque references, old photographs, or other vehicle-specific historical documentation before deciding.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters greatly on a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 restoration because wheel diameter and tire format are part of the car's stance, proportions, and overall presentation. Using the proper 18-inch or 19-inch fitment group helps preserve the look expected from an early-1930s luxury automobile.
Fitment also affects the practical side of the restoration. A tire that matches the intended wheel setup is easier to evaluate for clearance, wheel compatibility, and road readiness, while an incorrect diameter can create immediate problems. Even on a car driven sparingly, accurate sizing supports both visual authenticity and a more orderly restoration process.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140, especially if the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake changes, or body and fender work. Since this model already uses different tire groups for different wheel setups, any later changes can complicate size selection even further.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel itself before choosing a tire. Confirm the actual rim diameter, measure wheel width where possible, and inspect clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension points. Those checks matter just as much as the cataloged size, particularly on an older vehicle that may no longer match its original configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 on new tires?
Before driving a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting surfaces, then verify that the selected tire size matches the car's 18-inch or 19-inch setup. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, wear, or anything that could affect tracking and clearance.
After installation, recheck inflation, confirm that the tires clear the fenders and chassis through steering travel, and watch for any early signs of rubbing or uneven seating. A collector car that has been parked for long periods may also need attention to wheel condition and alignment before regular road use begins.
How should 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1930 Gardner 136 & 140 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. On a collector car, low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, so sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss deserve attention even when tread looks barely used.
Storage conditions matter as much as driving habits. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful outing, because a vehicle that sits for months can develop condition issues long before the next road trip.
