1937 Packard 120 Series Tires

The 1937 Packard 120 Series uses a 700-16 tire size in bias-ply construction. That size applies to the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model as well, so the core fitment remains consistent across the vehicle configuration shown here.

The practical choice is less about finding the correct size and more about selecting the right version of 700-16 for the car’s intended use and appearance. Before choosing among blackwall, wide whitewall, or specialty tread patterns, confirm that the Packard still has 16-inch wheels and that the wheel width matches the tire’s requirements.

The 1937 Packard 120 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 700-16 tire fitment. Several available 700-16 products are built around a 16-inch wheel and commonly pair with rim-width specifications in the 4.50- to 5.50-inch range.

Rim diameter should be confirmed at the wheel itself before ordering tires, especially on an older car that may have had wheels changed decades ago. A tire that matches the Packard’s original size format still needs the correct wheel diameter and suitable width to avoid avoidable fitment and handling issues.

Yes. The 1937 Packard 120 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the main model fitment. That makes tire selection relatively straightforward compared with vehicles that split fitment by trim or wheel package.

Since the size remains the same, attention can shift to the type of 700-16 tire that best suits the car. Owners can compare blackwall versus wide whitewall styling, classic passenger-car tread versus specialty patterns, and wheel-width compatibility before deciding which version of the size makes the most sense.

Start with the correct primary fitment: 700-16 bias-ply on a 16-inch wheel. From there, the important differences are sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire is built for classic passenger-car presentation or a more specialized military or truck-style application.

A formal prewar Packard often looks very different on a wide whitewall than it does on a blackwall, so appearance matters as much as size. It also helps to confirm how the car will be used, because a restoration-oriented display car may call for a different tire character than a regularly driven touring car.

The 1937 Packard 120 Series has 700-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Those sidewall choices create very different visual impressions even though the underlying fitment remains the same vintage numeric bias-ply size.

Wide whitewalls usually suit a more formal prewar luxury presentation, while blackwalls tend to give the car a plainer, more utilitarian look. The right choice depends on how the Packard is being presented and driven, but either style still needs to be checked against the wheel setup and the specific tire series being considered.

Available 700-16 tires for the 1937 Packard 120 Series include options from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those brands cover several classic bias-ply series, along with some military and truck-pattern products in the same basic size range.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a prewar Packard. It makes more sense to compare the full combination of sidewall treatment, tire series, intended vehicle character, rim-width requirement, and any stated load figures so the selected tire matches both the car’s look and its practical use.

A period-style 1937 Packard 120 Series starts with the correct 700-16 bias-ply size. From there, classic passenger-car bias-ply tires in either blackwall or wide whitewall form usually make the strongest visual match for a restoration-oriented prewar Packard.

The best appearance choice depends on the exact presentation you want, since sidewall treatment has a major effect on how formal or understated the car looks. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking period photos, marque-club resources, or restoration records before settling on a specific brand or whitewall treatment.

Tire construction has a noticeable effect on a restored 1937 Packard 120 Series because a 700-16 bias-ply tire carries the visual character most buyers expect on a prewar Packard. The profile, stance, and tread presentation all contribute to how authentic and settled the car looks.

Appearance is only part of the decision, but it matters on a car from this era. Even within the same 700-16 size, a wide whitewall classic bias-ply creates a very different result than a blackwall or military-style pattern, so the tire should match the restoration goal rather than simply the rim diameter.

Yes. A 1937 Packard 120 Series may have started with 700-16 tires, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, brake changes, suspension work, or body modifications can all affect what will work safely and cleanly on the car today.

Even when staying with the original size, it is smart to verify wheel diameter and width before mounting new tires. Clearance at the fenders and steering components also deserves attention, especially if the Packard has been lowered, rebuilt, or modified at any point during its long service life.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, make sure the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and check that the tires are mounted and inflated properly. On a prewar car, it is also wise to look closely at suspension, steering, and brake condition before trusting the car at speed.

A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn mechanical parts or poor wheel condition. It also helps to confirm even clearance through full steering travel and to recheck pressure after the first drives, since collector cars often sit for long periods and may reveal problems only once they are back in motion.

Collector-car 700-16 tires should be kept at the proper pressure for the tire being used and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss. Even a well-stored 1937 Packard 120 Series can put very little mileage on its tires while still exposing them to age-related deterioration.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a prewar car. Keeping the Packard away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and a careful walkaround before each drive can catch sidewall or tread issues before they turn into a roadside problem.