The 1931 Packard 840 Series came from an era when Packard was known for refined engineering, formal presence, and smooth road manners suited to long-distance touring. Tires are a major part of that character, because the car rides on a tall 700-19 bias-ply fitment that matches the proportions and driving feel expected of an early 1930s luxury automobile. Within that size, the choices center on traditional blackwall styling or more formal whitewall presentations, along with Firestone and Lester offerings in period-style bias-ply construction. The right decision depends on whether the priority is authentic visual presence, road-use readiness, or both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Packard 840 Series
The 1931 Packard 840 Series uses one primary tire size: 700-19, a bias-ply fitment for a 19-inch rim. The same size applies to the covered Base model, so the main decision is not which size fits, but which period-style tire, sidewall treatment, and series best suit the car's appearance and intended use.
A 700-19 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where 700 refers to a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches and 19 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1931 Packard 840 Series, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that preserves the tall stance and visual character expected on a luxury car of this period. Available choices include Firestone and Lester options, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles depending on the series. Choosing among them comes down to the look you want on the car and confirming that the wheel setup matches the tire's intended rim dimensions.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1931 Packard 840 Series sub-models. The same primary size is used here, so checking the sub-model mainly helps confirm that the car remains on its expected wheel and tire setup before choosing a specific bias-ply tire.
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1931 Packard 840 Series Base
The 1931 Packard 840 Series Base uses the same 700-19 bias-ply tire fitment as the model core. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style presentation, sidewall choice, and wheel confirmation rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
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 Packard 840 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-19 choices include Firestone and Lester bias-ply tires in Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Lester Classic Bias Ply series. Buyers can compare traditional blackwall styling with wide whitewall and double-whitewall options, along with rim-width and load details where they apply.
Owners of a 1931 Packard 840 Series usually want to confirm the correct 700-19 fitment, understand what that vintage size means, and choose the right bias-ply tire for restoration appearance, wheel compatibility, and safe road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Packard 840 Series?
The 1931 Packard 840 Series uses a 700-19 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment built for a 19-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with the covered vehicle.
That means the usual question is not which size to choose, but which 700-19 tire best matches the car's intended appearance and use. Before replacing old tires, confirm that the car still has the correct wheel diameter and that no past wheel changes have altered the fitment.
What size rim does a 1931 Packard 840 Series use?
The 1931 Packard 840 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its 700-19 tire fitment. Product details in this size also show rim-width guidance where applicable, including 3.75 to 4.00 inches on several Firestone Balloon options.
Rim diameter is the first item to verify on an early collector car, especially if it has been stored for years or changed hands several times. A tire can match the correct size code yet still need a wheel-width check before installation, particularly when comparing different product lines.
What does 700-19 mean on a 1931 Packard 840 Series?
On a 1931 Packard 840 Series, 700-19 is an older numeric bias-ply size. The 700 indicates a nominal section width of roughly 7.00 inches, while 19 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
This older sizing format does not read like a modern metric radial, so it helps to interpret the code before shopping. Once the size is confirmed, the real comparison becomes sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel compatibility rather than trying to translate the car into a modern passenger-car fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-19 tire for a 1931 Packard 840 Series?
Start with the correct size and construction: the 1931 Packard 840 Series uses a 700-19 bias-ply tire on a 19-inch rim. From there, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and whether the wheel matches the rim-width guidance shown for some products.
A car aimed at formal presentation may call for a whitewall or double-whitewall look, while a more understated restoration may suit a blackwall tire. It also helps to compare load details where available and to inspect the wheel itself before mounting replacement tires on an older vehicle.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Packard 840 Series tires?
700-19 tires for the 1931 Packard 840 Series are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those differences affect the visual character of the car far more than the size itself, since the primary fitment remains the same.
A blackwall tire gives a more restrained and utilitarian presentation, while whitewall treatments bring out the formal, upscale look many owners want on a prewar Packard. Sidewall choice should still be made alongside wheel-condition checks and the intended use of the car, not appearance alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1931 Packard 840 Series?
Firestone and Lester both offer 700-19 tires for the 1931 Packard 840 Series. Within those brand choices, the available series include Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, and Lester Classic Bias Ply.
The practical comparison is less about picking a brand name in isolation and more about matching the tire's look and specifications to the car. Sidewall treatment, tire series, and any stated rim-width or load information can be just as important as the brand when selecting tires for a prewar Packard.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Packard 840 Series?
A period-style approach for a 1931 Packard 840 Series begins with the correct 700-19 bias-ply size and a sidewall treatment that suits the car's restoration direction. Firestone and Lester both offer bias-ply choices in this size, with blackwall and whitewall variations available.
The best visual match depends on how formal or restrained the finished car is meant to appear. When exact historical presentation matters, compare the tire's style against photographs, marque references, and restoration documentation for the specific car instead of assuming that every whitewall or blackwall treatment is equally appropriate.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Packard 840 Series restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 700-19 size strongly affects the stance, wheel fill, and overall visual balance of a 1931 Packard 840 Series. On a prewar luxury car, tire height and sidewall presentation contribute heavily to the finished look.
Using the proper size is also important mechanically, since an incorrect wheel diameter or unsuitable wheel width can complicate mounting and road use. Even on a mostly show-oriented restoration, the tires should be matched to the actual wheels on the car and inspected carefully before driving.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Packard 840 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Packard 840 Series even when the intended tire size is still 700-19. Wheel substitutions, brake changes, suspension alterations, or body work can all change the space available around the tire and wheel.
An older collector car should never be assumed to remain exactly as built decades later. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender and steering components helps prevent problems, especially if the Packard has a long ownership history or restoration work from different periods.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Packard 840 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, bead seats, valve hardware, and overall tire installation on the 1931 Packard 840 Series. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, even seating, and any visible signs of damage or irregularity after mounting.
A short initial drive should be followed by another look at tire pressure and general condition, especially on a car that has been off the road for some time. It is also wise to confirm steering clearance and look over suspension and brake components before asking an early Packard to cover real road miles.
How should 700-19 tires on a collector 1931 Packard 840 Series be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 700-19 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, age, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, and long periods of inactivity can affect how a 1931 Packard 840 Series tire performs.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect them before every outing, because a low-mileage prewar car may spend far more time sitting than driving, which makes condition just as important as tread depth.
