The 1933 Auburn 165 Series comes from an era when American luxury cars balanced dramatic styling with substantial road presence, and tire choice remains a visible part of that character today. On this model, the primary fitments are 6.50-17 and 700-17, both traditional bias-ply sizes for 17-inch rims. That keeps the decision centered on confirming which of the two sizes belongs on the car, then choosing among period-style bias-ply options and sidewall presentations where available. For a restoration-minded owner, the right tire choice affects stance, visual proportion, and how faithfully the car carries its prewar look on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Auburn 165 Series
The 1933 Auburn 165 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments for 17-inch rims. Because the covered 12 Cyl. sub-model can use either 6.50-17 or 700-17, the first step is confirming the wheel setup already on the car and deciding which size best matches its present restoration, stance, and fitment needs before selecting a specific tire.
A 6.50-17 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 17 identifies the wheel diameter. For a 1933 Auburn 165 Series, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the car's prewar character and keeps the selection focused on authentic-looking construction rather than modern radial conversion. Since this size shares the same 17-inch rim diameter as the other primary fitment, the practical question is whether the car is currently set up for 6.50-17 and whether that size delivers the appearance and clearance you want to preserve.
A 700-17 tire also follows the vintage numeric bias-ply format, with 7.00 indicating a nominal section width and 17 indicating rim diameter. On the 1933 Auburn 165 Series, this size is available in traditional bias-ply offerings from Firestone and Ensign, with sidewall choices that include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall across Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series. That makes 700-17 the size with the clearest product variety for owners balancing period-style presentation, brand preference, and compatibility with the wheels already on the car.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but tire choice still deserves a close look because the covered 12 Cyl. configuration can use more than one primary size. Checking the exact wheel setup on the car matters before settling on a replacement tire.
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1933 Auburn 165 Series 12 Cyl.
The 1933 Auburn 165 Series 12 Cyl. uses bias-ply tires on 17-inch rims and can be found with either of the two primary sizes used on this model line. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size is already on the vehicle, then choosing the sidewall style and product character that best suit the car's restoration direction.
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 165 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-17 choices include Firestone and Ensign bias-ply tires in Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. These options also vary by rim-width specification and load capacity, giving the buyer several period-style directions within the same size.
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Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-17
Common questions for the 1933 Auburn 165 Series center on choosing between 6.50-17 and 700-17, confirming 17-inch rim fitment, and selecting the right bias-ply tire style for restoration appearance and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Auburn 165 Series?
The 1933 Auburn 165 Series uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-17 and 700-17. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes built for 17-inch rims, and the covered 12 Cyl. sub-model can use either size depending on the wheel and vehicle setup.
That makes size confirmation more important than simply ordering by year and model alone. Check the tires already on the car, verify the wheel diameter, and compare the current restoration or driving setup before choosing between the two sizes. On a prewar car, a small change in tire section can also affect stance and visual proportion.
What size rim does a 1933 Auburn 165 Series use?
The primary tire sizes for the 1933 Auburn 165 Series are both built around a 17-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 6.50-17 and 700-17, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in nominal section width.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a car like this. It is also worth confirming actual wheel width before choosing a replacement, especially if the Auburn has been restored, re-wheeled, or fitted with a different tire size at some point in its life. Matching the tire to the wheel helps preserve proper profile and appearance.
Why does the 1933 Auburn 165 Series have more than one tire size?
The 1933 Auburn 165 Series can use both 6.50-17 and 700-17, which gives the model more than one correct primary size within the same 17-inch rim diameter. Both are bias-ply fitments, but they represent different nominal section widths in the older numeric sizing system.
For an owner, that means the right choice depends on the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the car rather than the model name alone. A restored car may already be configured around one size, and preserving that setup can help maintain the intended stance, clearance, and period-style look without introducing unnecessary fitment questions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-17 tire for a 1933 Auburn 165 Series?
Start with the basics: confirm that 700-17 is the size already used on the car and that the wheel is a 17-inch setup appropriate for that tire. From there, the main choices are bias-ply product style, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and how closely the tire's look matches the Auburn's restoration direction.
Within 700-17, available options include Firestone and Ensign products, with Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series represented. Sidewall styles include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall, so the final decision is often about appearance as much as fitment. Load capacity can also be part of the comparison when choosing among similar period-style tires.
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Auburn 165 Series tires?
In the available 700-17 fitment, sidewall styles include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices give a 1933 Auburn 165 Series owner several different visual directions while staying within a traditional bias-ply presentation for a prewar luxury automobile.
The right sidewall style depends on how the car is being finished and used. A blackwall keeps the look restrained and utilitarian, while whitewall treatments create a more formal, show-oriented appearance that many owners associate with classic prewar presentation. It is worth comparing the sidewall look to the car's trim, paint, and restoration goals before deciding.
What brands offer tires for the 1933 Auburn 165 Series?
Available 700-17 tires for the 1933 Auburn 165 Series come from Firestone and Ensign. The visible product assortment includes Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series, all in bias-ply construction and all intended for the same 17-inch rim diameter used by this fitment.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size confirmation, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. One owner may be focused on a particular period-style look, while another may be comparing load figures or rim-width specifications across products in the same size. Matching those details to the car's actual setup matters more than brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Auburn 165 Series?
A period-style 1933 Auburn 165 Series should stay with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 6.50-17 or 700-17, depending on the wheel-and-tire setup already on the car. Keeping the original sizing approach and bias-ply construction preserves the visual character most owners expect from a substantial prewar Auburn.
Once the correct size is confirmed, the appearance decision shifts to sidewall treatment and overall presentation. On 700-17, blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available, each giving the car a different tone. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice with marque references, period photos, or restoration records for the specific vehicle.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1933 Auburn 165 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1933 Auburn 165 Series because the tire is a major part of the car's stance, profile, and visual balance. Choosing between the two primary sizes, 6.50-17 and 700-17, affects more than measurement on paper; it changes how the car sits and how authentically it reads as a prewar automobile.
That is especially important when the goal is a coherent restoration rather than simple roadworthiness. Verifying the wheel diameter, checking the current tire size, and selecting a suitable sidewall style help the finished car look intentional. Even when both sizes are acceptable for the model, the better restoration choice is usually the one that matches the car's existing setup and historical presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Auburn 165 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1933 Auburn 165 Series even when the vehicle is using one of its correct primary sizes. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, suspension height, brake components, or body clearances can all influence how a 6.50-17 or 700-17 tire sits and operates on the car.
That matters because a restored prewar car may not still match its original wheel-and-chassis configuration. A careful check of wheel diameter, actual wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space is worthwhile before replacing tires. Small differences in setup can change how comfortably a tire works on lock, over bumps, or with passengers aboard.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Auburn 165 Series on new tires?
Before putting a 1933 Auburn 165 Series back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It is also smart to check valve stems, balance, and basic chassis condition.
A short pre-drive inspection should include steering movement, fender clearance, brake operation, and any sign of rubbing at full lock or over suspension travel. On collector cars that sit for long periods, it also helps to recheck fasteners and watch for slow air loss after the first few days. A careful shakedown drive is better than assuming everything is settled immediately.
How should 6.50-17 or 700-17 tires on a collector 1933 Auburn 165 Series be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1933 Auburn 165 Series benefit from regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and storage habits that limit unnecessary aging. Whether the car uses 6.50-17 or 700-17, pay close attention to sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and any sign that the tire has been run underinflated.
Low-use vintage cars often age their tires before they wear them out, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Keeping the Auburn in a cool, dry space away from prolonged sunlight and ozone sources helps preserve the tires. Periodic movement of the car, along with routine inspection before each outing, can also reduce surprises when road time finally arrives.
