1937 Lincoln Zephyr Tires

The 1937 Lincoln Zephyr uses a 700-16 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment, and the covered 12 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size rather than a separate alternate fitment.

That means the first step is not sorting through multiple primary sizes, but making sure the car still has the correct 16-inch wheel setup. Once size is confirmed, the decision becomes which 700-16 tire best suits the car, including blackwall or wide whitewall appearance, the tire series, and whether a standard passenger-car style or a more specialized tread pattern makes sense for how the Zephyr will be used.

The 1937 Lincoln Zephyr uses a 16-inch rim with its 700-16 tire size. Product options in this size commonly reference 16-inch fitment, and several also show a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim-width range.

Wheel diameter is the non-negotiable starting point, but width still matters when comparing actual tires. A car that has had wheels changed over the years may no longer be wearing its original-style setup, so it is worth measuring the wheel before choosing a tire. That is especially important on prewar cars, where replacement wheels, later service parts, or older restoration work can change what actually belongs on the car today.

Yes. The covered 1937 Lincoln Zephyr 12 Cyl. application uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size. There is no separate primary tire size shown for that sub-model within this vehicle page.

That keeps the fitment question simple and shifts attention to the condition of the wheels and the style of tire you want to run. On a restoration-oriented car, appearance may point toward a wide whitewall, while a more understated presentation may favor a blackwall. It is still smart to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, since collector vehicles sometimes carry replacement wheels installed long after the car left its original period of use.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and a bias-ply construction that suits the character of the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr. From there, compare sidewall treatment, tire series, stated rim-width compatibility, and whether the tread style is aimed at passenger-car use or a more specialty military or truck-style application.

The best choice depends on how the car is being presented and driven. A Zephyr built around prewar elegance may call for a wide whitewall, while a simpler blackwall look changes the car’s visual tone. It also helps to compare load figures where shown, since some products in this size carry different ratings and inflation references that may influence which tire feels most appropriate for the car’s use.

The 1937 Lincoln Zephyr’s 700-16 tire options include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those two looks create very different visual results even though they share the same basic fitment size.

A blackwall usually gives the car a more restrained, functional presentation, while a wide whitewall leans harder into prewar luxury-car styling. Since both styles exist in the correct size, the decision comes down to the appearance you want and the period impression you are trying to create. Buyers pursuing a restoration-oriented finish often compare whitewall width and overall profile carefully before settling on a final tire choice.

Tires in 700-16 for the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr are available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. These options span several bias-ply series and include both passenger-style and more specialized military or truck-style products.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the specific series, sidewall style, stated rim-width range where shown, and the general character of the tire. A wide whitewall passenger-car bias-ply serves a different purpose than an NDT or NDCC military-style tire in the same size, even though both may mount on the correct 16-inch wheel.

A period-style 1937 Lincoln Zephyr usually starts with the correct 700-16 bias-ply size and then narrows by appearance. Passenger-car bias-ply choices in blackwall or wide whitewall are the most natural place to begin, since they reflect the traditional construction and visual character associated with a prewar luxury car.

The final decision depends on how closely the car is being restored and how it will be displayed or driven. Wide whitewalls create a more formal prewar presentation, while blackwalls give a subtler look. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references, period photographs, or restoration documentation so the selected sidewall treatment matches the particular story and finish level of the Zephyr.

Yes, tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr restoration because the tire size, construction, and sidewall style all affect the car’s stance and overall presentation. Using the correct 700-16 bias-ply size is the foundation before choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall options.

Prewar cars are visually sensitive to tire choice, and a mismatched size or the wrong overall style can change the way the body sits and how the wheels fill the openings. Correct fitment also matters mechanically, since the tire still has to suit the wheel and the car’s intended use. Even on a driver-level restoration, getting the basic size and construction right helps preserve the Zephyr’s character.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr even when the intended tire size remains 700-16. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, brake changes, suspension work, or body modifications can all change the space available for the tire and whether the wheel itself still matches the intended fitment.

A collector car that has passed through several owners may not still have its original-style wheel setup, so measuring the actual rim diameter and width is important before ordering tires. Clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should also be checked on the car as it sits now. That is especially true if the Zephyr has been lowered, rebuilt, or updated at any point in its long service life.

Before driving a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, condition, and bead-seat integrity, then confirm the tires are properly mounted and inflated for their application. It also helps to look over the steering, suspension, and brake components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated mechanical issues.

A careful road-use check should also include valve stems, lug-nut torque, visible clearance at full steering lock, and any signs of rubbing once the car is on the ground. Collector vehicles that sit for long periods deserve extra attention because age, corrosion, and old repairs can hide problems. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection is a smart way to catch any issues early.

700-16 tires on a collector 1937 Lincoln Zephyr should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and storage habits that limit damage from heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone. Even on a lightly driven car, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss deserve attention before the next drive.

Collector cars often age tires by time and storage conditions rather than mileage alone, so tread depth is only part of the picture. Rolling the car occasionally, keeping the suspension properly supported, and checking the tires before longer trips can help catch problems early. Any Zephyr that has been sitting for an extended period should have its tires and wheels inspected closely before returning to regular road use.