The 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger came from one of the more distinctive independent American automakers of the late prewar era, blending streamlined styling with the added interest of supercharged branding in an increasingly competitive market. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice is part of preserving that unmistakable 1930s character on the road. This Graham uses 16-inch bias-ply fitments in 6.25-16 and 650-16. Within 650-16, there is meaningful choice in blackwall and wide whitewall styles across several classic tire series and brands. The real task is confirming which of the two period-style sizes suits the car's wheel setup and restoration direction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger
The 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 16-inch rims. Because both sizes apply within the covered sub-model, the first step is confirming which size is on the car now and making sure the wheel width and overall vehicle setup match the tire you plan to use.
In a size like 6.25-16, the first number refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the final number indicates a 16-inch rim. This is a period bias-ply fitment, which suits the prewar driving character and visual profile expected on a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger. Buyers looking at this size are usually trying to stay close to a traditional setup rather than convert to a modern-looking alternative. The important next step is confirming that the car's wheels and current fitment are actually set up for 6.25-16 before making a replacement choice.
The 650-16 size is a numeric bias-ply format, with 6.50 representing the nominal section width class and 16 indicating rim diameter. On a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger, this size opens up the broader selection, including blackwall and wide whitewall treatments from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, STA, Tornel, and others. Tire series range from passenger-style classic offerings to truck-oriented patterns, so appearance and intended use matter as much as size. This is the size to examine closely when balancing restoration presentation, tread style, and wheel compatibility.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses the same two 16-inch bias-ply size options. Even so, checking the exact tire already on the car still matters, since the buying decision is between two primary period-style sizes rather than between different trims.
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1937 Graham 116 Supercharger 6 Cyl.
The 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger 6 Cyl. uses 6.25-16 and 650-16 bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims. That means tire selection centers on confirming which size matches the car's current wheel setup, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit its restoration or driving goals.
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 Graham 116 Supercharger Tires for Sale
Available 650-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, STA, and Tornel, with both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. The product grid also includes several classic passenger series and truck-oriented tread designs, so comparing appearance, construction details, and rim-width specifications is worthwhile.
These FAQs focus on 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger tire sizing, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply tire selection, period-style appearance, and the checks that matter before putting a prewar car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger?
The 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger uses two primary tire sizes: 6.25-16 and 650-16. Both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims, and both apply to the covered 6 Cyl. configuration rather than being split across different trims.
That means the key question is not simply whether a 16-inch tire fits, but which of those two period-style sizes belongs on the car's current wheel setup. Checking the size already mounted, confirming wheel width, and comparing the overall stance and clearance on the car will help narrow the correct replacement choice.
What size rim does a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger are built for 16-inch rims. Both 6.25-16 and 650-16 use that same rim diameter, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though two tire sizes are associated with the car.
Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is still important to confirm the wheel width before selecting a replacement, especially with 650-16 products that carry specific rim-width guidance. A car that has been re-wheeled at some point should be measured rather than assumed to still have its original wheel setup.
What does 650-16 mean on a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger?
A size like 650-16 is a numeric bias-ply designation. The 650 refers to the nominal section width class, roughly 6.50 inches, and the 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches.
On a prewar car like the 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger, this format is part of the vehicle's traditional tire profile and appearance. Once the size is confirmed, the next decision is choosing among blackwall, wide whitewall, passenger-style classic tires, or more truck-oriented tread patterns depending on how the car is restored and driven.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 tire for a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger?
Start with the basics: confirm that 650-16 is the size actually intended for your 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger and that the wheel width matches the tire's specifications. From there, compare whether the car calls for a traditional passenger-style bias-ply presentation or a more utility-oriented tread design.
Appearance matters on a prewar Graham, so sidewall style is a major part of the choice as well. Blackwall and wide whitewall options are both available, and the right pick depends on whether the car is being restored for a restrained original-era look or a more formal whitewall presentation common to many collector restorations.
What sidewall styles are available for 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger tires?
For the 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger in 650-16, the available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. That gives owners a choice between a more understated tire presentation and a brighter period-style look that changes the car's visual character quite a bit.
The right sidewall style depends on the car's restoration direction, wheel appearance, and how closely the owner wants the finished look to echo a formal late-1930s presentation. It is worth deciding on sidewall treatment early, because a wide whitewall affects the car's overall stance and style just as much as the tread pattern does.
What brands offer tires for the 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger?
The 650-16 fitment for a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior. Those offerings cover a mix of classic passenger-style tires and several truck-oriented bias-ply designs.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It is more useful to compare the exact tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width guidance, and whether the tread design suits a passenger-car restoration or a more specialized use. That approach keeps the focus on fitment and presentation rather than on brand name by itself.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger?
A period-style 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger starts with one of its correct bias-ply fitment sizes, either 6.25-16 or 650-16, depending on the car's wheel setup. Staying with a bias-ply construction preserves the visual shape and road-going character most owners expect on a prewar American car.
After size is settled, the choice becomes more about presentation. A blackwall can give the car a restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall creates a dressier prewar appearance. If exact historical authenticity matters, compare your choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific restoration documentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment has a major effect on a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger restoration. Tire size and construction influence the car's stance, sidewall profile, and the overall impression of a prewar automobile in a way that is immediately visible even before the car is driven.
Fitment also matters mechanically, since the right size must suit the wheel and clear the car properly at steering and suspension travel. Even a beautifully restored Graham can look unsettled if the tire profile is off, so it pays to verify the actual wheel setup before choosing between 6.25-16 and 650-16.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body and fender work can all change how a 6.25-16 or 650-16 tire sits on the car.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel rather than judged by year and model alone. Measure wheel diameter and width, inspect steering and fender clearance, and look for any contact points at full lock or suspension travel. Those checks are especially important on prewar cars that may have been updated over many decades.
What should I inspect before driving a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger on new tires?
Before driving a 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the mounted size matches the intended fitment, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated for service. The valve stems, wheel hardware, and overall condition of the rims deserve the same attention.
A short test drive should be paired with a careful recheck for air loss, rubbing, or uneven seating. Collector cars that sit for long periods also benefit from a broader inspection of steering, suspension, and brakes, because a fresh set of tires will not compensate for worn chassis parts or poor alignment.
How should 650-16 tires on a collector 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger be maintained?
650-16 tires on a collector 1937 Graham 116 Supercharger should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Because collector cars are often driven infrequently, condition and age matter just as much as visible tread depth.
Storage plays a big role in tire life on prewar cars. Keeping the Graham away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, extreme heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, especially on wide whitewalls. Periodic movement and routine pressure checks also help prevent flat spotting and catch developing issues before road use.
