The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. belongs to an era when Lincoln stood for formal luxury, long-wheelbase presence, and the kind of road manners expected from a premium American car before the war. Tires play a major role in preserving that look and stance, and this Lincoln uses a 700-19 bias-ply tire on a 19-inch rim. Within that fitment, the choice is less about changing size and more about selecting the right presentation, from blackwall to wide whitewall or double-whitewall, along with the tire series that best suits the car. For restoration-minded owners, the decision centers on appearance, construction, and careful wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl.
The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. uses one primary tire size: 700-19. It is a bias-ply fitment built for a 19-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses that same size. The main decision is choosing the right tire within the correct fitment, including sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the wheel matches the rim-width requirements of the tire being considered.
A 700-19 numeric bias-ply size uses the leading number to indicate a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, while the final number identifies a 19-inch rim. On a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl., this keeps the vehicle in its proper pre-war tire format and preserves the construction style associated with the period. Available choices include Firestone and Lester offerings, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall treatments across Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Lester Classic Bias Ply lines. The key is matching the correct visual style and confirming the wheel suits the tire's intended rim width.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. sub-models. The available sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts from size selection to choosing the right bias-ply tire style and verifying wheel compatibility before installation.
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1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. Base
The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. Base uses the same 700-19 bias-ply fitment as the model core. That makes tire selection primarily a matter of choosing the preferred sidewall presentation and tire series, while also confirming that the existing 19-inch wheels match the tire's intended rim-width range where applicable.
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 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 700-19 choices for the 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. include Firestone and Lester bias-ply tires in Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Lester Classic Bias Ply series. Buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations along with rim-width, load, and weight details where stated.
Common questions for the 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. usually center on the 700-19 tire size, 19-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl.?
The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. uses a 700-19 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment designed for a 19-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses that same size rather than a separate alternate fitment.
That means the main task is not choosing between multiple primary sizes, but selecting the right 700-19 tire for the car's intended use and appearance. Before installation, confirm the vehicle still has the correct 19-inch wheels and check wheel width, tire condition, and clearance if the car has been altered over the years.
What size rim does a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. use?
The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. uses a 19-inch rim with its 700-19 tire size. That rim diameter is part of the tire code itself, and the available tires for this fitment are built around that 19-inch wheel requirement.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a pre-war vehicle. It is still important to inspect the wheel itself for condition, confirm the wheel has not been changed to another diameter, and compare the wheel width to the tire's intended range when selecting among the available 700-19 products.
Does the 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. Base uses the same 700-19 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary size shown for that sub-model within this fitment coverage.
That simplifies replacement because the question is not which size belongs on the Base, but which 700-19 tire best matches the car's restoration goals and wheel setup. Sidewall style can change the car's visual character noticeably, so many owners choose between blackwall and whitewall treatments after confirming the wheels remain correct.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-19 tire for a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl.?
Start with the correct primary fitment: 700-19 bias-ply on a 19-inch rim. From there, compare tire series, sidewall appearance, rim-width suitability where stated, and product details such as load and weight when those factors matter to how the car is equipped and driven.
A restoration-focused Lincoln may call for a different visual presentation than a regularly driven tour car. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options create very different period-style looks, so the right choice depends on how original-looking or how formal you want the finished car to appear once mounted.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. tires?
The available 700-19 tires for the 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices appear within bias-ply offerings, giving the car different visual personalities while keeping the same primary size and traditional construction.
Sidewall style matters especially on a large pre-war luxury car because the tire is a major visual element. Owners trying to maintain a restrained look often lean toward blackwall, while whitewall and double-whitewall options can emphasize the car's formal elegance and make a stronger restoration-oriented statement.
What brands offer tires for the 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl.?
Firestone and Lester both offer 700-19 tires for the 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. The available selections include Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Lester Classic Bias Ply products, all within the vehicle's primary bias-ply fitment.
Choosing between brands is usually less about naming a single best option and more about comparing the tire's presentation and specifications. Looking at the series, sidewall treatment, rim-width notes where stated, and any load or weight details will give a clearer picture of which tire best suits the vehicle's purpose.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl.?
A period-style 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. starts with the correct 700-19 bias-ply fitment on a 19-inch rim. From there, the decision usually comes down to whether a Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, or Lester Classic Bias Ply presentation better suits the car's restoration direction.
The right answer depends on how the car is being finished rather than on a universal rule. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the tire's visual details with marque references, period photography, or build documentation, while owners aiming for a strong era-appropriate look can choose the series and sidewall style that best matches the car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. because the 700-19 size, bias-ply construction, and sidewall treatment all influence how the car sits, how the wheels are visually proportioned, and how authentic the overall presentation feels.
A tire that departs from the proper fitment can change the stance even before the car moves. Beyond appearance, a restoration should also confirm wheel condition and compatibility, since an impressive finish means little if the tire and rim are not well matched for safe road use and proper mounting.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl.?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 700-19, modifications can affect whether that tire works properly on the car as it sits today. Wheel changes, suspension work, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body and fender changes can all influence clearance and wheel compatibility.
A collector car that has passed through several owners may not still wear its original wheel setup. Checking rim diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and the tire's relationship to fenders and suspension parts is especially important before mounting a new set on a car with any non-stock hardware.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for cracks, corrosion, and general condition, then confirm the tires are mounted in the correct 700-19 size on proper 19-inch rims. It is also wise to check inflation, valve stems, lug security, and whether the tires clear suspension and body components through steering movement.
A pre-war car deserves a broader mechanical look before any serious drive. Brake operation, steering play, wheel bearings, and alignment all affect how a newly mounted tire behaves, and addressing those basics helps the Lincoln drive more predictably while reducing the chance that another problem gets blamed on the tires.
How should 700-19 tires on a collector 1931 Lincoln 8 Cyl. be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 700-19 size should be inspected regularly even if the Lincoln is driven only occasionally. Watch for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss, and keep the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible.
Low annual mileage can hide tire aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a car of this era. Periodic pressure checks, careful cleaning, and short routine inspections before and after drives help catch problems early and preserve both the tire's appearance and its readiness for road use.
