The 1933 Auburn 161 Series comes from an era when American luxury and style were closely tied to long-hood proportions, elegant coachwork, and a strong road presence. Auburn buyers today are often balancing preservation, touring use, and the visual character that makes a pre-war car feel right at a glance. Tire fitment for the 1933 Auburn 161 Series centers on two 17-inch bias-ply sizes, 6.50-17 and 700-17, so the key decision is confirming which size belongs on the car. Available choices include traditional blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments that can significantly influence a restoration-minded presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Auburn 161 Series
The 1933 Auburn 161 Series uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 17-inch rims. Since the same sub-model can be associated with both 6.50-17 and 700-17, the first step is confirming the exact wheel and existing fitment on the car before choosing a replacement. After that, the decision usually comes down to maintaining the proper pre-war look and selecting the sidewall style and tire series that best match the car's presentation.
6.50-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and the 17 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1933 Auburn 161 Series, this is a traditional pre-war tire format that preserves the construction style expected on an early-1930s car. Bias-ply construction affects both the appearance and the period driving feel, so buyers usually stay focused on matching the car's established setup. This size should be confirmed against the wheels already on the vehicle, especially if the car has been restored, re-bodied, or changed from its earlier tire arrangement.
700-17 is also a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number representing a nominal 7.00-inch section width and the final number identifying the 17-inch rim. For the 1933 Auburn 161 Series, it opens the door to several period-style product choices, including Firestone and Ensign offerings in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall form. Tire series such as Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 give buyers meaningful appearance and specification differences within the same basic fitment. It is a size worth evaluating carefully when the goal is to match the car's current wheel setup and overall restoration character.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here in one sense, because the covered Auburn 161 Series configuration stays within 17-inch bias-ply sizing. The important detail is that the sub-model is associated with both primary tire sizes, so checking the tires and wheels currently on the car remains the best starting point.
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1933 Auburn 161 Series 12 Cyl.
The 1933 Auburn 161 Series 12 Cyl. is associated with both 6.50-17 and 700-17 bias-ply tires on 17-inch rims. That makes the selection process less about trim differences and more about verifying the actual wheel and tire setup already on the vehicle before choosing a period-style replacement.
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 1933 Auburn 161 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-17 tires for the 1933 Auburn 161 Series include Firestone and Ensign options in Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series. Buyers can compare blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations along with rim-width and load-capacity details within the same period-style bias-ply fitment.
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Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-17
These FAQs focus on 1933 Auburn 161 Series tire size fitment, 17-inch wheel considerations, bias-ply selection, period-style appearance choices, and the inspection points that matter before putting a pre-war Auburn back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Auburn 161 Series?
The 1933 Auburn 161 Series uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-17 and 700-17. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 17-inch rims, and both are associated with the covered 12-cylinder configuration.
That means the real fitment question is not simply whether a 17-inch tire is needed, but which of the two established sizes belongs on the car in front of you. A restored Auburn may already have one of these sizes installed, so checking the wheel, the existing tire markings, and overall clearance is the right next step before selecting a replacement.
What size rim does a 1933 Auburn 161 Series use?
The tire fitments for the 1933 Auburn 161 Series use a 17-inch rim diameter. Both 6.50-17 and 700-17 are built around that same 17-inch wheel size, so rim diameter does not change between the two primary fitments.
Rim diameter is only one part of the picture on a pre-war car. It is still smart to verify the actual wheel width and the tire size already mounted, especially on a vehicle that may have seen restoration work over many decades. Matching the tire to both the wheel and the car's current setup helps avoid appearance and clearance surprises.
Does the 1933 Auburn 161 Series 12 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The 1933 Auburn 161 Series 12 Cyl. is associated with two primary tire sizes rather than one shared single size. Those sizes are 6.50-17 and 700-17, and both are bias-ply fitments on 17-inch rims.
Because the same sub-model can appear with either size, tire selection depends on confirming what is actually on the car now. Looking at the existing sidewall markings, checking the wheel dimensions, and comparing the visual stance of the car can help determine which fitment is appropriate before choosing among the available period-style tire options.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-17 tire for a 1933 Auburn 161 Series?
Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and compatibility with the car's 17-inch wheel setup. Within 700-17, the available choices also vary by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, weight, and maximum load rating.
That makes appearance and intended use especially important. A blackwall can suit a more understated presentation, while double-whitewall or wide whitewall styling can shift the visual tone toward a more formal pre-war look. Comparing the product details carefully helps narrow the decision once the car's actual wheel width and established tire size have been confirmed.
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Auburn 161 Series tires?
For the available 700-17 fitment, sidewall styles include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices can make a substantial difference on a 1933 Auburn 161 Series because the tire sidewall is such a visible part of the car's overall pre-war presentation.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained touring look or a more formal restoration-oriented appearance. Since sidewall treatment does not change the need for proper size and wheel compatibility, it makes sense to settle fitment first and then choose the style that best suits the body, trim, and visual character of the finished car.
What brands offer tires for the 1933 Auburn 161 Series?
In the available 700-17 fitment, the 1933 Auburn 161 Series has tire options from Firestone and Ensign. Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 are the series represented, and they give buyers more than one path within the same traditional bias-ply size.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall style, load capacity, rim-width specification, and the visual effect you want on the car. Rather than treating brand alone as the deciding factor, it is better to compare the individual 700-17 products as complete packages that need to suit both the Auburn's wheel setup and its restoration direction.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Auburn 161 Series?
A period-style 1933 Auburn 161 Series should begin with one of its established bias-ply sizes, 6.50-17 or 700-17, depending on the wheel and tire setup already on the car. Bias-ply construction maintains the traditional profile and visual character expected on a pre-war Auburn.
Once the correct size is confirmed, the appearance decision usually shifts to sidewall treatment and tire series. Blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall options can all create very different impressions. When exact historical authenticity matters, it helps to compare the car against marque references, restoration photography, and other vehicle-specific documentation before finalizing the look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1933 Auburn 161 Series?
On a restored 1933 Auburn 161 Series, tire construction has a strong visual effect because the sidewall shape and overall stance are highly noticeable. The primary fitments for this car are bias-ply, which suits the traditional proportions and presentation of an early-1930s luxury automobile.
Construction also influences how the car feels as a finished restoration. Even before the Auburn is driven, the tire's profile contributes to whether the car reads as authentically pre-war or visually modernized. That is why many restoration-minded owners treat tire construction as part of the car's overall character rather than a purely mechanical replacement choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Auburn 161 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1933 Auburn 161 Series even when the tire size itself appears correct. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can all alter how a 6.50-17 or 700-17 tire sits and operates on the car.
A pre-war vehicle may also have experienced decades of repair or restoration work, so assumptions can be risky. It helps to inspect the car as it exists today by confirming the wheel dimensions, checking steering and fender clearance, and making sure the chosen bias-ply tire matches the actual setup rather than only the model designation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Auburn 161 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1933 Auburn 161 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and proper sizing, verify that the tires are mounted correctly, and check air pressure carefully. The car should also be examined for any obvious clearance concerns at the fenders, suspension points, and steering components.
A broader road-readiness inspection matters just as much on a collector car. Look for loose or aged wheel hardware, uneven stance, rubbing marks, and any sign that the existing suspension or steering condition could affect tire behavior. A short, cautious initial drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal issues before regular touring use begins.
How should 6.50-17 and 700-17 tires on a collector 1933 Auburn 161 Series be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1933 Auburn 161 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Both 6.50-17 and 700-17 bias-ply tires deserve close monitoring for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Auburn away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire sidewalls and overall condition. Even a lightly driven car should have its tires inspected routinely, since low annual mileage can hide aging problems that only become obvious once the vehicle returns to road use.
