1935 Buick 50 Series Tires

The 1935 Buick 50 Series uses a 700-16 tire. This is a numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 16-inch rim, and the covered 8-cylinder sub-model uses that same primary fitment.

That makes the next decision less about size and more about choosing the right version of 700-16 for the car. Before ordering, confirm that the Buick still has the expected 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different rim, as many collector cars have seen wheel or tire changes over the years.

The primary tire fitment for a 1935 Buick 50 Series uses a 16-inch rim. That rim diameter matches the 700-16 tire size, where the final number designates the wheel diameter the tire is built to fit.

Rim diameter should be confirmed on the actual car before choosing a tire, especially on an older vehicle that may have been modified or fitted with replacement wheels long ago. Measuring the wheel and checking its width is also worthwhile, since several available 700-16 tires carry a stated rim-width range of 4.50 to 5.50 inches.

On a 1935 Buick 50 Series, 700-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 700 portion refers to a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches.

This older sizing format does not read like a modern metric radial size, so it helps to understand the code before comparing products. Once the size is confirmed, the buyer can focus on sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility rather than trying to translate the Buick into a modern size that is not part of its primary fitment.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 700-16, and then look at how the tire will be used. For a 1935 Buick 50 Series, the main variables are bias-ply construction style, sidewall appearance, brand, and whether the tread pattern is aimed more at classic passenger presentation or heavier-duty truck-style service.

Wheel compatibility matters as much as appearance. Several 700-16 options are built for a 4.50 to 5.50 inch rim width, so checking the wheel already on the car is an important step. After that, the decision usually comes down to whether the Buick is being finished for restoration display, occasional touring, or more utility-oriented driving.

The available 700-16 tires for a 1935 Buick 50 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a clear appearance choice within the correct vintage size and bias-ply construction.

A blackwall tire typically creates a plainer, more utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal and visually prominent prewar presentation. Sidewall style should be chosen with the Buick's restoration goals in mind, since the tire can noticeably change the car's stance and overall character even when the size remains exactly the same.

The 700-16 fitment for a 1935 Buick 50 Series is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply and truck-oriented series in the correct 16-inch size.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire's series, sidewall style, and intended role on the car. Some options are traditional passenger-style bias-ply tires, while others use military or light truck patterns. Matching the Buick's intended appearance and use is usually more helpful than choosing by brand name alone.

A period-style starting point for a 1935 Buick 50 Series is a 700-16 bias-ply tire, since that is the primary fitment and it preserves the visual character expected of a prewar Buick. Within that size, both classic passenger-style and more utility-oriented patterns are available.

The best match depends on the look being pursued. A restoration-oriented car often benefits from careful attention to sidewall treatment and overall presentation, while a driver-focused car may prioritize a simpler blackwall style. When exact originality matters, marque-club guidance and period vehicle documentation are still worth checking before making a final choice.

Both blackwall and wide whitewall 700-16 tires can suit a period-style 1935 Buick 50 Series, but they create very different visual impressions. The tire size stays correct either way, while the sidewall treatment changes how formal or restrained the car appears.

A wide whitewall gives the Buick a fuller, more decorative prewar look that stands out immediately at curbside. A blackwall has a more understated presentation and can work well on a car aimed at regular road use. The right choice comes down to the car's overall finish, trim, and the owner's restoration priorities.

Yes. A 1935 Buick 50 Series is sized around a 700-16 tire on a 16-inch rim, so wheel swaps, brake changes, altered ride height, or suspension work can affect how that tire sits and clears the car.

Even when the sidewall still says 700-16, the actual wheel width and vehicle setup need to be checked on a modified car. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should be verified before road use. That step is especially important on collector vehicles that may have had decades of repairs, updates, or non-original wheel changes.

Before driving a 1935 Buick 50 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or rust, confirm the rim diameter and width, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated correctly. It is also wise to check valve stems, lug hardware, and basic steering and suspension condition.

A prewar car should also be checked for clearance through full steering travel and over normal suspension movement. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and look for any rubbing, unusual wear, or signs that the tire is not centered correctly on the wheel. Small issues are easier to catch early than after a longer outing.

700-16 tires on a collector 1935 Buick 50 Series should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. Collector cars often sit for long periods, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Proper storage helps preserve the tires between drives. Keeping the Buick away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow deterioration, and maintaining correct inflation helps prevent flat spotting. A short visual check before each outing is a good habit, particularly on a vehicle that sees occasional rather than daily use.