1937 Packard 115C Tires

The 1937 Packard 115C uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the covered vehicle. The 1937 Packard 115C 6 VCyl. sub-model uses that same 650-16 size as well.

That makes the buying decision fairly straightforward: start with 650-16, then compare the available tire series, sidewall styles, and rim-width specifications. If the car has been modified over the years, it is still wise to confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle before choosing a tire.

The 1937 Packard 115C uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire size. The tire size itself ends in 16, and the applicable products for this fitment are built for a 16-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a prewar car. Several 650-16 products also call for particular rim widths, so it helps to verify both wheel diameter and wheel width before choosing among the available bias-ply tires. That is especially important if the car has replacement wheels or a long restoration history.

Yes. The 1937 Packard 115C 6 VCyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the core 1937 Packard 115C fitment. There is no separate primary tire size shown for that covered sub-model.

Since the size stays consistent, the real comparison becomes appearance and product character within 650-16. A buyer can focus on choices such as blackwall or wide whitewall styling, along with differences among classic bias-ply series, while still checking that the actual wheels on the car match the intended tire’s rim requirements.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 650-16, and keep the car’s prewar character in mind. From there, compare whether you want a traditional blackwall or a wide whitewall presentation, and look at the available classic bias-ply series from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Garfield, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel.

Rim compatibility matters just as much as appearance. Some 650-16 tires call for 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims, while others use slightly narrower wheel specifications, so measuring the wheels already on the car helps narrow the field. Intended use also matters, since some offerings are styled more for passenger-car presentation and others carry truck-oriented attributes.

The 1937 Packard 115C has both blackwall and wide whitewall choices in 650-16. That gives owners two distinctly different visual directions while staying within the same primary bias-ply size and 16-inch rim fitment.

A blackwall tire tends to create a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal prewar presentation. The right choice depends on how the Packard is being restored and used. When appearance matters, it also helps to compare the individual tire series, since tread styling can influence the overall impression as much as the sidewall treatment.

Tires for the 1937 Packard 115C in 650-16 are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. All of the applicable products use bias-ply construction, but they differ in series, sidewall style, and in some cases their intended character.

Brand choice should be treated as part of the overall fitment decision rather than a ranking exercise. Compare each tire by size, sidewall appearance, rim-width specification, load information where stated, and whether the tire’s presentation suits a passenger-car restoration or a more utility-oriented setup. That approach keeps the choice centered on the car instead of the label on the sidewall.

A period-style starting point for a 1937 Packard 115C is a 650-16 bias-ply tire, since that is the car’s primary fitment. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether the car looks right to you with a blackwall or wide whitewall, and which classic tire series best matches the style of the restoration.

Restoration priorities vary, so the most suitable tire depends on whether the Packard is being preserved as a restrained driver or presented with a more formal show-oriented appearance. When exact historical originality matters, it is worth checking marque-club references, period photos, or other Packard-specific documentation before settling on a particular sidewall treatment.

On a restored 1937 Packard 115C, bias-ply construction plays a major role in the car’s visual character because it preserves the size format and overall period-style presentation associated with the 650-16 fitment. That matters on a prewar Packard, where stance and sidewall look contribute heavily to the finished appearance.

Construction also influences how closely the tire matches the visual language of the era. Even within bias-ply offerings, details such as blackwall versus wide whitewall and the chosen tread design can change the car’s presence. A careful selection keeps the tire from looking too modern or too utility-focused for the way the restoration is intended to read.

Yes. Even though the primary size for a 1937 Packard 115C is 650-16, modifications can change whether a specific tire choice is appropriate. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, brake conversions, suspension work, or body changes can all affect how a tire sits and clears the car.

A modified Packard should be checked at the wheel, not just by year and model. Confirm the actual rim diameter and width, then look at steering clearance, fender clearance, and how the tire sits under load. That is especially important on older restorations, where changes may have been made decades ago and are not always obvious at first glance.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm the tires are inflated correctly for the chosen application. On the tires themselves, look for any sign of shipping damage, bead issues, or irregular seating after installation.

A prewar car also deserves a broader mechanical check before a proper drive. Make sure steering components, suspension parts, and wheel bearings are in sound condition so the new 650-16 tires are not being asked to mask unrelated problems. After the first short drive, recheck pressure and give the tires another close visual inspection.

Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly even when the car is driven only occasionally. On a 1937 Packard 115C, that means checking 650-16 tires for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any change in how the car sits after storage.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older collector vehicle. Keep the Packard away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and move or drive the car periodically so the tires are not left in one position for extended periods. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for close routine inspection.