1931 Cord L29 Series Tires

The 1931 Cord L29 Series stands apart from many luxury cars of its era with its advanced front-wheel-drive layout and long, low proportions, making it one of the more technically intriguing American automobiles of the early 1930s. That sophistication still leads back to a very traditional tire fitment: a 700-18 bias-ply on an 18-inch rim. Within that size, the real choices revolve around period-style presentation, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options, along with different tire series and specialty applications. For restoration-minded owners, the key is balancing authentic visual character with the wheel, use, and stance the car actually has today.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Cord L29 Series

The 1931 Cord L29 Series uses one primary tire size: 700-18, a bias-ply tire for an 18-inch rim. That fitment carries across the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which version of 700-18 best matches the car's appearance, intended road use, and wheel setup.

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700-18Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 8 Cyl.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 18 in

A 700-18 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where the 700 indicates an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and the 18 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1931 Cord L29 Series, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the vehicle's period chassis, styling, and restoration character. Available choices include Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across several tire series. Selecting among them comes down to how original-looking, formal, or utility-oriented you want the finished car to appear.

Explore 700-18 Tires

1931 Cord L29 Series Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1931 Cord L29 Series sub-models. The main reason to check the exact sub-model is simply to confirm that the car remains on its expected 18-inch wheel setup before choosing among the available 700-18 bias-ply options.

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1931 Cord L29 Series 8 Cyl.

The 1931 Cord L29 Series 8 Cyl. uses the 700-18 bias-ply size on an 18-inch rim. That keeps tire selection focused on presentation and purpose, whether the car calls for a traditional blackwall look, a more formal whitewall treatment, or a specialty tire better suited to a particular build direction.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1931 Cord L29 Series Tires for Sale

Available 700-18 tires for the 1931 Cord L29 Series span Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA offerings, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, bias-ply presentation, and wheel-width suitability within the same core size.

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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-18

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SIDEWALLDouble-Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT35 lb
MAX LOAD1520@36 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon | 700-18

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1520@36 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Whitewall | 700-18

Firestone - Firestone Balloon

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT30 lb
MAX LOAD1520@36 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone | 700-18

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH3.75 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT29 lb
MAX LOAD1520@36 psi
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Bias Ply

Lester | 700-18

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT28 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Excelsior Comp H | 700-18

Excelsior - Comp H

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH5 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

STA Transport Highway | 700-18

STA - Transport Highway

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER18 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT37 lb
MAX LOAD2350@65 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1931 Cord L29 Series usually need clarity on the 700-18 fitment, 18-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply construction, period-style appearance choices, and the inspections worth making before putting a collector car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1931 Cord L29 Series?

The 1931 Cord L29 Series uses a 700-18 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it applies to the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model, making 700-18 the central starting point when replacing tires on this car.

Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the version of 700-18 that suits the car's presentation and use. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices create very different visual results, so it is worth confirming the car's restoration direction, wheel condition, and intended driving before settling on a specific tire.

What size rim does a 1931 Cord L29 Series use?

The 1931 Cord L29 Series uses an 18-inch rim with its 700-18 tire fitment. That rim diameter is the key wheel dimension tied to the vehicle's primary tire size and should be confirmed before any replacement tire is selected.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a collector car from this era. Wheel width and the actual wheel type on the car should also be checked, especially if the vehicle has been restored long ago, modified, or assembled from mixed components. Confirming the wheel setup first helps avoid choosing a tire that looks right on paper but is mismatched in practice.

Does the 1931 Cord L29 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1931 Cord L29 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-18 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That keeps fitment simple and allows the selection process to focus more on tire style and product type than on size differences between sub-models.

Even with shared sizing, an owner should still inspect the actual wheels on the car before ordering tires. Older collector vehicles sometimes carry replacement wheels or long-ago changes that alter width or stance. Verifying the wheel setup, along with the car's desired appearance, makes it easier to choose the right 700-18 version for restoration driving or regular touring use.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 700-18 tire for a 1931 Cord L29 Series?

Start with the correct 700-18 size and bias-ply construction, then compare how each tire is intended to present the car. In this size, choices include traditional blackwall styles, wider whitewall treatments, and a double-whitewall option, along with several tire series from Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA.

The best choice depends on how the Cord will be used and how formal or understated the finished car should look. It also helps to compare wheel-width suitability where it is stated, since some 700-18 products are aimed at narrower passenger-car rims while others reflect specialty or utility-oriented applications within the same basic size.

What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Cord L29 Series tires?

The 1931 Cord L29 Series has 700-18 tire options in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those sidewall treatments can change the car's visual character significantly, even when the tire size and basic bias-ply construction remain the same.

A blackwall usually gives the most restrained and utilitarian presentation, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall treatments create a more formal, show-oriented period look. Because sidewall style strongly affects the way a prewar car sits visually, many owners choose this detail based on restoration goals first, then narrow the search by brand, tire series, and wheel compatibility.

What brands offer tires for the 1931 Cord L29 Series?

The 1931 Cord L29 Series has 700-18 tire choices from Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA. Firestone appears in more than one tire series, while the full group gives buyers a mix of appearance-focused and specialty-oriented options within the same basic size.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a car like this. It is smarter to compare the sidewall treatment, tire series, wheel-width suitability where stated, and the kind of visual tone each tire gives the car. That approach keeps the selection tied to the Cord's actual use rather than treating every 700-18 as the same product.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Cord L29 Series?

A period-style 1931 Cord L29 Series starts with the correct 700-18 bias-ply size, since the car's stance and visual balance depend heavily on that traditional fitment. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether the restoration calls for a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation.

Owners aiming for a specific historical look should compare old photos, marque-club guidance, and restoration records for the individual car before deciding on sidewall treatment. Even within the right size, the tire's appearance has a major effect on how formal, sporting, or understated the finished Cord looks when viewed from the curb.

Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Cord L29 Series restoration?

Yes, correct tire fitment matters greatly on a 1931 Cord L29 Series restoration. The 700-18 size and bias-ply construction shape the car's overall stance, wheel opening fill, and period presentation, so using the proper fitment helps the restored car look balanced rather than visually out of step with its era.

Appearance is only part of the equation. Proper fitment also supports sensible wheel compatibility and helps avoid problems created by mismatched diameters or inappropriate tire types. On a distinctive prewar car like the Cord, a tire that is merely close in spirit can still alter the finished look enough to matter during restoration planning.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Cord L29 Series?

Yes. Any 1931 Cord L29 Series that has aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, brake changes, or body modifications may need more than a simple size check, even though the primary fitment is 700-18 on an 18-inch rim. Older restorations can also hide wheel substitutions that are not obvious at first glance.

A careful inspection should confirm wheel diameter, wheel width, and physical clearance at the fender and steering components before replacement tires are chosen. That is especially important on a collector car that may have passed through multiple owners over many decades, because changes made long ago can affect tire choice today.

What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Cord L29 Series on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and basic tire seating, then set inflation appropriately for the chosen tire and application. It also makes sense to confirm that the new 700-18 tires clear the body and steering range properly once the car is back on the ground.

A collector car should also be checked beyond the tires themselves. Look over suspension wear, steering play, brake function, and any signs of wheel damage or long-term storage deterioration. A fresh set of tires can only do its job properly if the rest of the car is ready for road use and aligned with the tire setup.

How should 700-18 tires on a collector 1931 Cord L29 Series be maintained?

700-18 tires on a collector 1931 Cord L29 Series should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and slow air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention because age and storage conditions can affect tires even when mileage stays low.

Storage habits matter almost as much as driving habits on a prewar vehicle. Keeping the Cord away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires' condition. It is also wise to inspect them before every meaningful drive, since low-use collector cars can develop tire issues gradually and quietly.