The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series came from an era when American luxury cars were defined by presence, craftsmanship, and a smooth, deliberate road manner. Pierce-Arrow owners today often approach these cars with the same mindset, balancing preservation, authenticity of appearance, and practical touring needs. For this model, the primary tire fitment is a 750-17 bias-ply on a 17-inch rim, which keeps the tire choice firmly in period-style territory. Available options include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across classic passenger and heavier-duty series. That makes the real decision less about size and more about matching construction, appearance, wheel setup, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series
The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series uses one primary tire size: 750-17 in bias-ply construction on a 17-inch rim. The covered 12 Cyl. sub-model uses that same fitment, so the key decision is choosing the right version of 750-17 for the car's appearance, wheel setup, and road use rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
A 750-17 numeric bias-ply size uses the first number to indicate the tire's nominal section width in inches, with 7.50 inches as the traditional width designation, while 17 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series, this is a period-appropriate bias-ply fitment that suits the car's prewar character and original-style presentation. Within this size, choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA offerings, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles across series such as Firestone Balloon, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Tornel Classic Truck, and Super Transport. Selecting among them comes down to the look you want and the wheel and use requirements of the specific car.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series sub-model. The 12 Cyl. version uses the same primary size, so the focus stays on choosing the right 750-17 bias-ply tire style and specification for the car rather than sorting through different fitments.
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1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series 12 Cyl.
The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series 12 Cyl. uses the same 750-17 bias-ply fitment as the model line covered here. That keeps tire selection centered on period-style appearance, wheel compatibility, and whether the car is being prepared for restoration display, touring, or general collector use.
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 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series Tires for Sale
Available 750-17 choices span Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The product range also includes classic passenger-oriented series and heavier-duty truck-style bias-ply options, so construction details and wheel specifications are worth comparing closely.
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Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.75 Inch Double Whitewall | 750-17
Common questions for the 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series usually center on the 750-17 tire size, 17-inch rim fitment, period-style sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series?
The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series uses a 750-17 tire size in bias-ply construction. That is the primary fitment for this model, and the covered 12 Cyl. sub-model uses the same size, which keeps the basic fitment question simple.
The next step is choosing the right version of 750-17 for the car's actual setup and intended use. A restored luxury car aimed at a traditional appearance may call for a whitewall treatment, while a more utilitarian setup may point toward a blackwall or heavier-duty tire. Checking the wheel before purchase still matters, especially on cars that may have changed over the decades.
What size rim does a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series is built around a 17-inch rim. That matches the 750-17 sizing format, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a prewar car, because wheel width and the style of tire being considered can also affect suitability. Some 750-17 products in this size are built around narrower passenger-car wheel widths, while others are intended for wider, heavier-duty applications. Verifying the actual wheel on the car helps narrow the correct type of 750-17 tire.
Does the 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series 12 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series 12 Cyl. uses the same 750-17 bias-ply tire size as the model line covered here. That means the sub-model does not introduce a different primary size that would change the basic fitment search.
Even with shared sizing, selection can still vary based on the car's current wheels and the owner's restoration goals. A show-oriented presentation may favor a wide whitewall or double-whitewall look, while a car prepared for more practical road use may be evaluated differently. On an older collector vehicle, wheel changes made long ago should always be confirmed before ordering tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 750-17 tire for a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series?
Start with the correct size and construction: 750-17 bias-ply on a 17-inch rim. From there, the main differences are the tire series, sidewall presentation, and whether the tire is aimed more at classic passenger-car use or a heavier-duty application.
A Pierce-Arrow owner should also compare the wheel width on the car with the tire's intended rim-width range when that specification is given. Sidewall style has a major effect on the car's finished look, especially with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall options in this size. The right choice depends on how the car is being restored, displayed, or driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series tires?
The 750-17 choices for a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those options make a visible difference on a large prewar luxury car, where the tire sidewall is an important part of the overall presentation.
A blackwall tends to deliver a more restrained and utilitarian appearance, while whitewall treatments create a more formal period-style look. The best choice depends on how the individual car is being finished rather than on size alone. Owners concerned with strict historical accuracy should compare their preferred sidewall style against marque-specific restoration references before making a final decision.
What brands offer tires for the 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series?
The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series has 750-17 tire options from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA. Those brands appear across several series, including Firestone Balloon, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Tornel Classic Truck, and Super Transport.
Brand is only one part of the selection process on a car like this. It also helps to compare sidewall style, intended tire character, and wheel-width suitability so the tire matches both the car and the owner's goals. Some 750-17 options lean toward classic passenger-car presentation, while others are heavier-duty bias-ply designs that should be matched carefully to the vehicle setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series?
A period-style starting point for a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series is a 750-17 bias-ply tire, since that is the primary fitment for the car. Within that size, the appearance decision usually comes down to whether the car looks right with blackwall, double-whitewall, or wide whitewall sidewalls.
The most suitable choice depends on the specific restoration theme and how closely the owner wants the finished car to follow marque-era presentation. Bias-ply construction helps preserve the visual character associated with a prewar luxury automobile, but exact originality questions are best settled with Pierce-Arrow historical references, period photos, and recognized club or restoration sources.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series?
On a restored 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series, bias-ply construction plays a major role in preserving a traditional prewar look. The profile, stance, and sidewall presentation of a 750-17 bias-ply tire suit the visual character expected on a large classic luxury car from this era.
Appearance is also shaped by the sidewall treatment chosen within that construction. A blackwall can make the car look more understated, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall styles create a more formal and dressy presentation. Because collector cars are often restored to different goals, the right visual answer depends on the individual car rather than a single universal tire choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series?
Yes. Even though the primary tire size for a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series is 750-17, modifications can change what works safely and cleanly on the car. Wheel replacements, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body repairs can all influence final tire suitability.
A collector car that has been updated over many decades should be checked as it sits today rather than assumed to retain its original wheel setup. Measuring wheel diameter and width is a good starting point, followed by checking steering movement and body clearance. That is especially important when comparing passenger-oriented 750-17 tires with heavier-duty products built around different wheel-width ranges.
What should I inspect before driving a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting surfaces, then confirm that the tires are seated properly and inflated to the pressure appropriate for their application. It also helps to look over steering and suspension components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.
A slow test drive is a sensible first step on any prewar collector car. Watch for rubbing, unusual vibration, pulling, or irregular contact that could point to wheel, brake, or alignment issues. Tire condition should remain part of the routine afterward, because low-use vintage cars often spend long periods parked, and storage can be just as important as mileage in long-term tire care.
How should 750-17 tires on a collector 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series be maintained?
750-17 tires on a collector 1934 Pierce Arrow 40 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss deserve attention even if the car is driven only occasionally.
A large prewar luxury car benefits from clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. Moving the car periodically and keeping the tires properly inflated can also help during long stretches of inactivity. Any sign of uneven wear should prompt a closer look at wheel condition, suspension health, and alignment before extended road use.