The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. came from an era when Packard stood at the top of the American luxury market, and its twelve-cylinder cars were built to project smoothness, scale, and formality on the road. Tires play a big part in preserving that character, because this car uses a 750-17 bias-ply fitment on a 17-inch rim. Within that size, the choices span traditional blackwall and whitewall presentations, along with series such as Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply. The right selection depends on whether the goal is a restoration-oriented appearance, a more understated touring look, or careful compatibility with the wheels already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.
The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. uses one primary tire size: 750-17. That means the fitment question is straightforward, since the covered sub-model uses the same bias-ply size on a 17-inch rim. The real decision is choosing the tire style that matches the car's appearance and wheel setup, whether that means a traditional blackwall, a whitewall presentation, or a particular vintage tire series.
A 750-17 numeric bias-ply size uses the leading number to indicate an approximate 7.50-inch nominal section width, while the 17 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl., this is a true bias-ply fitment, which suits the road manners and visual character expected of a full classic from the early 1930s. Available choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across series such as Firestone Balloon, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Tornel Classic Truck, and Super Transport. Selecting within this size starts with the appearance you want and then moves to wheel-width compatibility and intended vehicle use.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. sub-model. The main reason to check the sub-model is simply to confirm that the car remains on the expected wheel and tire setup before choosing among the available bias-ply styles.
1
1933 Packard 12 Cyl. Base
The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. Base uses the same 750-17 bias-ply fitment as the core model. That keeps size selection simple and shifts the decision toward sidewall appearance, tire series, and making sure the wheel width matches the specific tire being considered.
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 Packard 12 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 750-17 options cover several distinct directions, including Firestone and BFGoodrich passenger-car styles with blackwall or whitewall sidewalls, plus Tornel and STA heavy-duty blackwall designs. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, appearance, bias-ply construction details, and wheel-width compatibility.
Showing 6 of 10
Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.75 Inch Double Whitewall | 750-17
Owners of a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. usually want clear answers on 750-17 sizing, 17-inch rim fitment, bias-ply tire choices, restoration-oriented sidewall styles, and the wheel and condition checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.?
The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. uses a 750-17 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment and it mounts on a 17-inch rim, which matches the traditional sizing convention used on many luxury cars of the early 1930s.
Since there is one primary size for this vehicle, the next step is not choosing between different diameters but choosing the right 750-17 tire for the car's present setup. Check the actual wheel dimensions, sidewall style preference, and whether the car is being restored for period-style appearance or prepared for regular touring.
What size rim does a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. use?
The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. uses a 17-inch rim with its 750-17 tire size. Rim diameter is the critical number here, because the tire's final number must match the wheel diameter for the tire to mount properly.
Wheel width still matters even when the diameter is correct, because different 750-17 tires are built for different rim-width ranges. On an older collector car, it is smart to confirm the actual wheels on the car before ordering, especially if the vehicle has been restored, re-bodied, or changed from its earlier wheel setup.
Does the 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. Base uses the same 750-17 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment. That makes size selection simpler, since there is no sub-model change in primary tire size within the covered application.
Even with shared fitment, the best choice still depends on the wheel and the kind of presentation the car needs. A blackwall, double-whitewall, or wide whitewall can give the Packard a very different look, so it helps to confirm both the wheel dimensions and the appearance goal before choosing a specific tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 750-17 tire for a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.?
Start with the basics: correct 750-17 size, bias-ply construction, and 17-inch rim compatibility. From there, the main variables are sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width suitability, since this size is offered in several passenger-car and heavy-duty patterns.
A restoration-oriented Packard may call for a whitewall or double-whitewall look, while a more understated car may suit a blackwall. It also helps to compare load figures and intended tire type, because some 750-17 products lean toward classic passenger-car presentation and others reflect truck-oriented construction and wheel-width ranges.
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. tires?
The 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. has 750-17 tire choices in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those options create a noticeable difference in how the car presents, even though the basic size remains the same.
A whitewall treatment usually complements the formal look many owners want from a full classic Packard, while blackwall can produce a more restrained appearance. Since sidewall style does not override wheel compatibility, choose the visual treatment only after confirming that the specific tire's rim-width requirements match the wheels on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.?
The 750-17 fitment for a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA. Those brands cover several product directions, including traditional passenger-car bias-ply lines and heavier-duty blackwall offerings.
Brand choice should be guided by the kind of tire the car actually needs rather than by name alone. Comparing tire series, sidewall treatment, wheel-width range, and load specification will usually tell you more than the brand badge, especially on a collector vehicle where appearance and wheel setup matter as much as the size itself.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.?
A period-style 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. starts with the correct 750-17 bias-ply size. From there, Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options are especially relevant because they keep the car in a traditional bias-ply format with vintage-oriented visual character.
The final choice depends on how formal or restrained the car should look. A whitewall or double-whitewall usually gives a stronger classic luxury presentation, while blackwall is more understated. When exact historical appearance matters, compare your choice against marque references, surviving photos, or restoration records for the specific car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.?
On a restored 1933 Packard 12 Cyl., construction affects both stance and visual character. The primary fitment is bias-ply, and that construction is closely associated with the look expected on an early 1930s luxury car, especially when paired with a traditional blackwall or whitewall sidewall.
Appearance is only part of the decision, because the tire also has to suit the wheel dimensions and intended use of the car. A restoration focused on period presentation usually stays with the proper bias-ply size, while any deviation from that look should be evaluated carefully against the car's visual goals and wheel setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl.?
Yes. Even though the primary size is 750-17, modifications can change whether a particular tire is appropriate for the car. Different wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body modifications can all affect how a tire sits and clears.
That is why an older Packard should be checked as it exists today, not simply as it may have left the factory. Verify wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fenders and steering components before choosing a specific 750-17 tire, especially if the car has had restoration work over many decades.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm proper inflation for the tire being used. It also helps to look over steering and suspension components, because a large classic car will reveal looseness or alignment issues quickly.
After installation, recheck clearance at full steering lock and during suspension movement, especially if the car has not been driven in some time. A short initial drive followed by another inspection for air loss, rub marks, or seating issues is a sensible step on a collector Packard that may spend long periods parked.
How should 750-17 tires on a collector 1933 Packard 12 Cyl. be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly even when mileage is low. Watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, because age and storage conditions can affect a 750-17 tire long before the tread appears worn out.
Storage matters as much as road use on a full classic Packard. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and maintaining proper pressure reduces stress on the casing. Regular inspections are especially important when the vehicle sits for extended periods between drives.
