The 1936 Packard 120 Series marked an important point in Packard history, bringing the marque’s refined road manners and upscale presence to a broader luxury market. Today, these cars are valued for their smooth prewar character, elegant proportions, and restoration appeal. Tire fitment for the 1936 Packard 120 Series centers on one primary size, 700-16, in bias-ply construction on a 16-inch rim. Within that size, the real choice is between traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentation, along with several period-style bias-ply series. For a restoration-minded owner or a driver preparing a roadworthy touring car, appearance, wheel compatibility, and overall condition all matter.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1936 Packard 120 Series
The 1936 Packard 120 Series uses one primary tire size: 700-16. That fitment is a bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, and it carries across the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model. Once the size is confirmed, the decision shifts to the type of bias-ply tire that best suits the car, whether that means a blackwall or wide whitewall look, a passenger-car style, or a more specialized tread pattern.
The 700-16 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation in which the 7.00 indicates the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1936 Packard 120 Series, this is the core prewar fitment format and preserves the tire construction style associated with the car’s era. Available choices in 700-16 include brands such as Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA, with both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across several classic bias-ply series. It is the right starting point for owners focused on authentic-looking fitment, wheel compatibility, and a tire profile that suits a 1930s Packard.
Sub-model fitment for the covered 1936 Packard 120 Series is straightforward. The 8 Cyl. version uses the same primary tire size, so the main task is confirming wheel condition and selecting the bias-ply style that best matches the car’s appearance and intended use.
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1936 Packard 120 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1936 Packard 120 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply fitment as the broader model line covered here. That keeps tire selection focused on appearance and product type, such as blackwall versus wide whitewall, rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
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 1936 Packard 120 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-16 options span Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA, with both blackwall and wide whitewall choices. The product range also includes several classic bias-ply passenger-car series plus military and truck-style tread offerings, so appearance and intended use are important comparison points.
These FAQs focus on 1936 Packard 120 Series tire size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply selection, sidewall appearance, and the inspections that matter before putting a prewar Packard back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1936 Packard 120 Series?
The 1936 Packard 120 Series uses a 700-16 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment and serves as the primary size for the covered model, including the 1936 Packard 120 Series 8 Cyl.
Using the correct 700-16 size keeps the starting point aligned with the Packard’s original-era wheel diameter and tire profile. Before choosing among available tires, confirm that the car still has 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel setup during restoration or later ownership.
What size rim does a 1936 Packard 120 Series use?
The 1936 Packard 120 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 700-16 tire fitment. Several available 700-16 products are built around that same 16-inch wheel diameter, making rim diameter confirmation the first fitment check.
Wheel diameter should be verified before ordering any replacement tire, especially on a prewar car that may have seen decades of repairs or modifications. A 16-inch tire still needs the right wheel width and overall clearance, so it is worth inspecting the wheel itself rather than relying only on the tire currently mounted.
Does the 1936 Packard 120 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1936 Packard 120 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the covered model line here. That makes sub-model fitment simple compared with vehicles that used different sizes by trim or package.
With the size already established, the real decision is which 700-16 tire best suits the car’s goals. A wide whitewall creates a strong prewar luxury look, while a blackwall gives a more restrained presentation, and the condition of the wheels should still be checked before mounting new tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-16 tire for a 1936 Packard 120 Series?
Start with the correct size, which is 700-16, and stay focused on bias-ply construction for this Packard’s primary fitment. From there, compare the tire’s intended character, whether it is a traditional passenger-car design or a more specialized military or truck-style pattern.
Appearance also matters on a 1936 Packard 120 Series. Blackwall and wide whitewall choices create very different visual results, and rim-width compatibility is worth checking on the wheels actually on the car, especially if it has been restored, reassembled, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point.
What sidewall styles are available for 1936 Packard 120 Series tires?
The 1936 Packard 120 Series has 700-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners a clear visual choice while staying within the same primary vintage tire size and overall bias-ply fitment approach.
A wide whitewall usually suits a more formal prewar luxury presentation, while a blackwall can look more understated or more utility-focused depending on the tread style. The best choice depends on whether the car is being restored for visual authenticity, driven regularly, or finished in a particular period-style theme.
What brands offer tires for the 1936 Packard 120 Series?
Available 700-16 tires for the 1936 Packard 120 Series come from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. These choices span classic passenger-car bias-ply lines as well as military and truck-oriented offerings in the same basic size.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare sidewall style, tread type, rim-width specifications where stated, and whether the tire’s appearance suits a restoration-focused Packard or a car intended for broader touring use on modern roads.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1936 Packard 120 Series?
A 700-16 bias-ply tire is the period-style starting point for a 1936 Packard 120 Series. That keeps the sizing format and construction consistent with the car’s era, which matters visually as much as mechanically on a prewar Packard.
The next choice is the tire’s presentation. Wide whitewall options emphasize the formal luxury character many owners want, while blackwall versions create a plainer, more restrained look. When exact historical accuracy matters, compare the finished car against marque references, restoration photos, and vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1936 Packard 120 Series?
Tire construction has a visible effect on how a restored 1936 Packard 120 Series sits and presents. A 700-16 bias-ply tire preserves the traditional prewar look associated with the car’s original-era sizing system and complements its long fenders, tall body, and formal proportions.
Construction choice is not only about road feel; it also influences the car’s visual character. Even within the same size, a blackwall or wide whitewall can shift the finished impression noticeably, so owners usually get the best result by choosing a tire that matches the restoration’s overall theme rather than treating the tire as an afterthought.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1936 Packard 120 Series?
Yes. Even though the primary tire size is 700-16, modifications can change what fits comfortably on a 1936 Packard 120 Series. Replacement wheels, altered wheel widths, brake conversions, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence practical tire fitment.
A prewar car may also have had parts swapped over many decades, so it helps to inspect the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fender and steering components. Any change from the original-style setup should be evaluated before mounting a new set of tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1936 Packard 120 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, corrosion, or distortion, and make sure the tires are mounted on sound 16-inch rims. It is also wise to check valve stems, inflation pressure, lug hardware, and basic clearance at the fenders and steering components.
A 1936 Packard often spends long periods parked, so the rest of the running gear deserves attention too. Look over suspension wear points, wheel bearings, brakes, and alignment condition so the new tires are not asked to compensate for mechanical problems that could affect handling, wear, or straight-line stability.
How should 700-16 tires on a collector 1936 Packard 120 Series be maintained?
Collector-car tires benefit from regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions even when the car is driven only occasionally. On a 1936 Packard 120 Series, 700-16 tires should be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss.
Storage habits matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce long-term flat spotting. Tires on low-use classics should be inspected by condition and age, not just by remaining tread depth.
