The 1937 Chrysler Imperial belongs to Chrysler’s prewar luxury era, when long-wheelbase American cars combined formal styling, substantial road presence, and engineering meant for confident touring. Tire choice on a car like this is closely tied to preserving that character, because the Imperial uses tall 16-inch bias-ply fitments rather than modern low-profile sizing. This year breaks into two primary sizes, 650-16 and 750-16, depending on the exact Imperial sub-model. Available choices include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across several vintage-style tire series. The right decision starts with confirming the specific Imperial model, then choosing the appearance and road-use style that suits the car’s restoration goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1937 Chrysler Imperial
The 1937 Chrysler Imperial uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are bias-ply tires built for 16-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an Imperial C14 8 Cyl. or an Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl. After that, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented passenger-car presentation or fitted for a more specialized use.
A 650-16 tire uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the first number refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies a 16-inch rim. On the 1937 Chrysler Imperial, this is a bias-ply fitment that suits the tall, upright tire profile expected on a prewar luxury car. Choices in this size include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior across several vintage series. It is the size to evaluate for the Imperial C14 8 Cyl. after confirming the car still carries the correct wheel setup.
A 750-16 tire follows the same numeric bias-ply format, with a nominal 7.50-inch section width and fitment for a 16-inch rim. On this Chrysler Imperial application, it remains a traditional bias-ply choice and represents the larger of the two primary sizes used for 1937. Products in 750-16 include blackwall and wide whitewall options from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA, with both passenger-style and more specialized tread series available. This size is associated with the Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl., so wheel width and the car’s intended presentation should be checked before choosing among the available versions.
Tire fitment on the 1937 Chrysler Imperial varies by sub-model rather than remaining the same across the range. Checking the exact Imperial designation matters here, because the two covered versions use different numeric bias-ply sizes even though both mount on 16-inch rims.
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1937 Chrysler Imperial C14 8 Cyl.
The 1937 Chrysler Imperial C14 8 Cyl. uses the 650-16 bias-ply size. That makes the main selection question less about diameter and more about choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with the tire series that best matches the car’s restoration style and intended road use.
The 1937 Chrysler Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl. uses the larger 750-16 bias-ply size. Tire selection then centers on choosing the right visual treatment and series within that size while also confirming that the car still has wheel dimensions appropriate for a 750-16 fitment.
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 1937 Chrysler Imperial Tires for Sale
Available 1937 Chrysler Imperial tires center on 650-16 and 750-16 bias-ply fitments from brands including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Lester, Coker Classic, Garfield, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel. The main comparisons are sidewall style, tire series, and the difference between restoration-oriented passenger tires and more specialized military or truck-style offerings.
Common 1937 Chrysler Imperial tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, understanding the 650-16 or 750-16 sizing format, and choosing among blackwall, wide whitewall, and other bias-ply options for restoration and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1937 Chrysler Imperial?
A 1937 Chrysler Imperial uses either 650-16 or 750-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims. The Imperial C14 8 Cyl. uses 650-16, while the Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl. uses 750-16, so there is not one universal tire size across every 1937 Imperial covered here.
The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Since both sizes fit the same rim diameter but differ in overall tire size class, checking the car’s model designation and current wheel setup helps avoid ordering a tire that suits a different Imperial configuration.
What size rim does a 1937 Chrysler Imperial use?
The 1937 Chrysler Imperial uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 650-16 fitment used on the Imperial C14 8 Cyl. and the 750-16 fitment used on the Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl., even though the two tires are different size classes.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. It still helps to confirm wheel width, especially if the car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point, because a tire can share the right diameter and still need a different wheel-width range.
Why does the 1937 Chrysler Imperial have more than one tire size?
The 1937 Chrysler Imperial has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The Imperial C14 8 Cyl. uses 650-16, while the Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl. uses 750-16, so the size difference is tied to the specific version of the car rather than being two interchangeable choices for the same setup.
That means the first tire decision is identifying the exact Imperial model, not simply picking the style that looks right. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the buyer can narrow the search to the proper size and compare sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel compatibility within that fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 or 750-16 tire for a 1937 Chrysler Imperial?
Start with the correct size for the exact car: 650-16 for the Imperial C14 8 Cyl. and 750-16 for the Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl. Both are bias-ply fitments on 16-inch rims, so the next considerations are sidewall style, tire series, intended road use, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented passenger-car presentation.
Wheel compatibility matters just as much as visual style. Some products in these sizes call for different rim-width ranges, and the assortment also includes both passenger-style and more specialized military or truck-style tires, so it is worth confirming the wheel dimensions and choosing a tread and sidewall treatment that matches how the Imperial will actually be used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1937 Chrysler Imperial tires?
1937 Chrysler Imperial tires are available in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, depending on the exact size and product chosen. Both 650-16 and 750-16 have blackwall options, while wide whitewalls are also offered in each size for buyers who want a more formal prewar luxury-car appearance.
Sidewall style changes the car’s visual character even when the tire size stays the same. A blackwall presentation tends to look more restrained and utilitarian, while a wide whitewall creates a more dress-oriented period-style look, so the choice should match the restoration direction rather than being treated as a simple cosmetic afterthought.
What brands offer tires for the 1937 Chrysler Imperial?
Brands available in 1937 Chrysler Imperial tire sizes include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel. Brand spread varies by size, with 650-16 offering the broadest mix, while 750-16 centers more heavily on Firestone, BFGoodrich, Lester, and STA choices.
Brand is only one part of the selection process on a prewar fitment. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, and whether the tire is a passenger-style bias-ply or a more specialized military or truck-oriented design, since those differences have a greater effect on the Imperial’s appearance and intended use than the brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1937 Chrysler Imperial?
A period-style 1937 Chrysler Imperial tire starts with the correct numeric bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 650-16 for the Imperial C14 8 Cyl. or 750-16 for the Imperial Custom C15 8 Cyl. From there, passenger-car bias-ply tires with traditional tread styling and either blackwall or wide whitewall sidewalls are the most natural place to focus.
Appearance goals should guide the final choice after size is settled. A wide whitewall can emphasize the Imperial’s formal prewar luxury presence, while a blackwall gives a more understated look, and buyers pursuing exact originality should compare those options against marque-specific references and historical vehicle documentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1937 Chrysler Imperial restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1937 Chrysler Imperial because tire size strongly affects stance, visual proportion, and overall authenticity of presentation. Using the right 650-16 or 750-16 bias-ply size for the exact sub-model keeps the car closer to the tall, substantial look expected of a prewar Imperial.
Fitment also influences practical details such as wheel compatibility and clearance around a restored chassis or fender line. Even a beautifully finished car can look off if the tire size class is wrong, so restoration-minded owners usually settle the sub-model and wheel dimensions first, then choose the sidewall style that best complements the finished car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1937 Chrysler Imperial?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1937 Chrysler Imperial even when the nominal tire size is correct. Replacement wheels, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body repairs around the fender openings can all change how a 650-16 or 750-16 tire sits and clears the car.
That is why a modified Imperial should be checked as it exists today rather than assumed to match original fitment conditions. Measuring wheel diameter and width, then checking steering and fender clearance with the suspension loaded, helps confirm that the chosen bias-ply tire suits the car’s present-day configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1937 Chrysler Imperial on new tires?
Before driving a 1937 Chrysler Imperial on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 16-inch diameter, confirm the wheel width suits the selected tire, and make sure the beads seat properly. It also helps to check valve stems, balance, lug security, and basic clearance at the front suspension, steering components, and fender edges.
A prewar car benefits from a broader road-readiness inspection as well. Looking over steering play, brake condition, alignment, and inflation pressure can prevent a tire problem from being blamed for an older chassis issue, especially after the car has spent long periods in storage or has only been driven occasionally.
How should 650-16 or 750-16 tires on a collector 1937 Chrysler Imperial be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1937 Chrysler Imperial should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even when tread looks excellent, 650-16 and 750-16 bias-ply tires deserve close attention for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, cuts, bulges, or other signs of aging that can appear on low-mileage vehicles.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as driving miles on a prewar car. Keeping the Imperial away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspections before local drives or longer outings make it easier to catch age-related issues before they become a roadside problem.
