The 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series comes from an era when Packard stood near the top of the American luxury market, and tire choice plays a major role in preserving that long, formal pre-war presence. These cars reward careful fitment decisions because their stance, ride height, and visual character depend heavily on using the proper vintage sizing system. This Packard uses bias-ply fitments in 31X6.75 and 700-19, so the first step is confirming which wheel setup is on the car. Available 700-19 choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles across Firestone and Lester lines. For a restoration-minded owner, appearance, wheel diameter, and intended road use all deserve equal attention.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series
The 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is significant because they do not share the same rim diameter. One fitment is a 31X6.75 bias-ply size on a 5-inch rim, while the other is a 700-19 bias-ply size on a 19-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm the actual wheel setup on the car so the correct vintage size format and rim diameter are matched to the vehicle.
31X6.75 uses an antique diameter-by-section format, where the first number refers to an approximate overall tire diameter of 31 inches and the second number refers to section width. It is a bias-ply fitment, which places it firmly in the traditional pre-war tire category used on early luxury and touring cars. This format looks very different from later numeric bias-ply sizing, so reading the code correctly matters before anything is mounted. Choose this size only after confirming that the Packard is equipped for the 5-inch rim setup associated with this fitment.
700-19 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number indicating an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and the final number identifying a 19-inch rim. On a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series, this is the more familiar vintage passenger-car format and it keeps the period-style bias-ply construction many restorers want. Available choices include Firestone and Lester offerings, along with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations in the Firestone Balloon line. This size is the one to evaluate when the car carries 19-inch wheels and appearance is part of the decision.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered Base configuration is associated with both primary tire sizes. The important step is not choosing between trims, but confirming which wheel and tire setup is actually on the car before selecting a replacement.
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1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series Base
The 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series Base is associated with both 31X6.75 and 700-19 bias-ply tire fitments. That means tire selection starts with verifying the wheel diameter and existing setup, then choosing the appropriate period-style tire and sidewall treatment for the car's restoration or touring 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 Packard 740 & 745 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-19 tires give the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series buyer a useful range of period-style choices from Firestone and Lester. The main differences are tire series, sidewall presentation, and certain rim-width, weight, and load-capacity specifications within the same vintage bias-ply size.
Common questions for the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series usually center on the difference between 31X6.75 and 700-19, how to confirm the right rim setup, and how to choose a bias-ply tire that suits both appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series?
The 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X6.75 and 700-19. Those sizes are not interchangeable descriptions of the same fitment. They represent different vintage sizing conventions and, just as importantly, different rim diameters tied to the wheel setup on the car.
The practical decision is confirming which wheel arrangement the Packard actually has before selecting a tire. A car that takes 700-19 uses a 19-inch rim, while the 31X6.75 fitment is associated with a 5-inch rim diameter in this application. On an older car, replacement wheels or long-ago changes can affect what is currently installed.
What size rim does a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series use?
A 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series can be associated with more than one rim diameter, depending on which primary tire size is on the car. The 31X6.75 fitment is tied to a 5-inch rim diameter, while 700-19 uses a 19-inch rim. That is why wheel confirmation matters before ordering tires.
Checking the rim directly is especially important on a pre-war Packard because vintage size formats can be easy to misread. The wheel diameter, the tire currently mounted, and the actual wheel condition should all be reviewed together. That helps avoid choosing a tire in the right style but the wrong diameter for the car.
Does the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series Base use the same tire size?
The 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series Base is associated with both 31X6.75 and 700-19 bias-ply tire fitments. In other words, the Base designation does not narrow the choice to a single tire size by itself. Tire selection still depends on the wheel and tire setup that is actually on the vehicle.
That matters because a buyer cannot assume every Base car will take the same replacement tire. Looking at the mounted tire, measuring the wheel diameter, and checking whether the car has stayed stock over the years are all worthwhile steps. On collector cars, old substitutions and mixed components are not unusual.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-19 tire for a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series?
Start with the basics: the tire must be 700-19 and it must suit a 19-inch wheel on your 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series. From there, the real choices are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and certain product specifications such as rim-width compatibility, weight, and stated load figures at the listed pressure.
Appearance often drives the final decision on a car like this. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices can change the Packard's visual character quite a bit. It also helps to compare the wheel width on the car against the tire's rim-width specification so the selected tire matches both the look and the hardware.
What sidewall styles are available for 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series tires?
For the 700-19 fitment on the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices all stay within the same vintage bias-ply size, but they create very different visual results on a pre-war luxury car with large fenders and a tall tire profile.
Sidewall choice is usually less about fitment than about presentation. A blackwall can give the car a restrained, understated look, while whitewall treatments draw more attention to the wheel opening and body line. If the goal is a restoration-oriented appearance, compare the tire style with period photos or marque-specific references for guidance.
What brands offer tires for the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series?
The 700-19 tire size for the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series is available from Firestone and Lester. Within those brands, the product selection includes Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Lester Classic Bias Ply offerings, all staying within the traditional bias-ply construction used for this Packard fitment.
Choosing among them comes down to the character of the tire rather than simply the brand name on the sidewall. Series, sidewall style, and certain specifications such as rim-width range or stated load figure may matter more than the label alone. The best approach is to compare those details against the car's intended use and presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series?
A period-style 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series starts with using the correct primary size for the car's wheel setup, whether that is 31X6.75 or 700-19, and staying with bias-ply construction. That preserves the tall-profile vintage look that belongs on a formal pre-war Packard and keeps the tire presentation aligned with the era.
After size and construction are confirmed, sidewall treatment becomes a major appearance decision. A blackwall presents the car more conservatively, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall options create a more prominent period look. When exact originality matters, period photos and Packard-specific historical references are worth checking before settling on one style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series because these cars visually depend on their tire height, sidewall shape, and wheel proportion. Using the proper vintage size format and matching rim diameter helps maintain the car's stance and keeps the finished restoration from looking obviously out of character.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. A mismatch between tire size and wheel diameter can stop the project cold, and the wrong visual profile can make otherwise excellent body and paint work feel off. Restorers usually get the best result by confirming wheel dimensions early, then choosing sidewall style to suit the car's intended presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series, especially if the car has replacement wheels, brake updates, suspension work, or body changes made during an older restoration. Even when the tire size appears familiar, those changes can alter wheel diameter, wheel width, or the space available around the tire.
That is why a visual check alone is not enough on a collector car. Measure the wheel, confirm the current tire size, and inspect steering and fender clearance before choosing replacements. On a pre-war Packard, long service life often means multiple generations of repairs, and the tire decision should match the car as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, tire seating, and the basic condition of the steering and suspension on the 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series. Tire pressure should be checked carefully, and the tires themselves should be reviewed for any shipping or mounting damage, uneven seating, or signs of interference once installed.
A slow, careful first drive is a smart way to confirm the setup. Watch for rubbing during turns, listen for unusual noises, and recheck pressure after the initial outing. Older collector vehicles also benefit from a quick follow-up inspection of wheel fasteners and visible clearance points once the tires have settled into service.
How should 700-19 tires on a collector 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series be maintained?
700-19 tires on a collector 1930 Packard 740 & 745 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even if the car is driven lightly, the tires should still be examined for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss that can develop over time.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Packard. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls. It also pays to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive rather than assuming low annual mileage means the tires are automatically road-ready.
