1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series Tires

The 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series uses a 700-17 tire size in bias-ply construction. That size applies to the covered Base sub-model and pairs with a 17-inch rim, making it the primary fitment for this exact year and model.

The important next step is confirming that the car still has the proper wheel setup, especially on a vehicle that may have seen decades of service or restoration work. Once the size is confirmed, the choice usually comes down to sidewall appearance, tire series, and matching the tire's rim-width requirements to the actual wheels on the car.

The 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series uses a 17-inch rim with its 700-17 tire fitment. That rim diameter is central to tire selection because the tire size and wheel diameter must match before any other comparison matters.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a prewar car. It also helps to verify the wheel's actual width, because available 700-17 tires are associated with rim-width specifications such as 4 inches or 3.5 to 4.0 inches. Checking both dimensions avoids selecting a tire that looks right by size code but is mismatched to the wheel.

Yes. The 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series Base uses the same 700-17 bias-ply tire size as the broader model coverage for this page. That keeps fitment simple because there is no alternate primary tire size to sort through within the covered sub-model.

Even with shared fitment, it is still worth checking the actual wheel before purchase. Older collector cars can pick up replacement rims, mismatched spare wheels, or earlier restoration changes over time. Once the wheel setup is verified, the more meaningful decision becomes choosing the right sidewall treatment and tire series for the car's appearance and intended driving use.

Start with the basics: correct 700-17 sizing, bias-ply construction, and a true 17-inch wheel. From there, compare the visual character of the available options, since this size is offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, along with Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series choices.

Wheel width matters almost as much as size code on a car from this era. Some 700-17 options are tied to a 4-inch rim, while another covers a 3.5 to 4.0-inch range, so the actual wheel should guide the final choice. Load-capacity details and intended use also matter, especially if the car will see more than occasional display driving.

The 700-17 tire options for the 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices can significantly change the car's visual presence, especially on a large prewar luxury automobile where the tire sidewall is a major part of the overall look.

Choosing between them depends on the presentation you want rather than a one-style-fits-all rule. A blackwall gives a more restrained appearance, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall treatments create a more formal, show-oriented look. Owners focused on historical accuracy should compare sidewall style against period photos, marque references, and the car's restoration theme before deciding.

The 700-17 fitment for the 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series is available from Firestone and Ensign. Firestone appears in the Balloon series with multiple sidewall treatments, while Ensign offers the B5 series in a blackwall configuration.

Brand selection should be treated as part of the overall specification choice rather than a ranking exercise. Compare the sidewall style you want, the tire series presentation, rim-width compatibility, and any load-capacity details that matter for the car's use. On a vehicle of this type, appearance and wheel match often influence the decision as much as the brand name.

A period-style approach for the 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series starts with the correct primary fitment: a 700-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch wheel. That preserves the tall-sidewall stance and traditional construction associated with a large late-1930s luxury car, while still leaving room to choose among different sidewall presentations.

The final choice depends on how the car is being restored or displayed. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options create very different visual effects, and not every restored Pierce Arrow was presented the same way. When exact originality matters, period photography, marque-club guidance, and restoration records are the best references for narrowing the right look.

Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series because bias-ply tires carry the traditional profile and period-style presentation expected on a prewar luxury car. In this case, the primary fitment is a 700-17 bias-ply, so construction is part of the car's overall stance as much as a mechanical choice.

Appearance is not controlled by construction alone, though. Sidewall treatment plays a major role, and the available 700-17 options range from blackwall to wide whitewall and double-whitewall styles. Matching construction and sidewall design to the restoration goal usually produces a more coherent result than choosing either one in isolation.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is a 700-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim, modifications can change whether that specification remains appropriate in practice. Replacement wheels, brake conversions, altered ride height, suspension repairs, or bodywork changes can all affect tire-to-wheel relationship and available clearance.

A careful fitment check matters most on older vehicles that may have passed through several owners or restorations. Verify actual rim diameter and width first, then inspect steering travel and fender clearance with the car at normal ride height. A matching size code alone is not enough if the wheel or chassis setup has changed from its earlier configuration.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition along with the new tires themselves. Tire pressure should be set appropriately, and the sidewalls and tread should be checked for shipping damage, mounting issues, or signs that the tire is not seated correctly on the rim.

A large prewar car also benefits from a broader mechanical check before any meaningful drive. Steering play, brake function, suspension condition, and wheel-bearing health all influence how the tires will behave once the car is moving. A short, careful initial drive followed by a second inspection can catch rubbing, loosening hardware, or early air loss.

Collector-car 700-17 tires should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, or unexplained air loss. Because cars like the 1937 Pierce Arrow 434 & 444 Series are often driven infrequently, tire condition over time matters just as much as tread depth.

Storage habits make a real difference on low-use vehicles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and occasional movement can reduce the chance of developing standing flat spots. It also helps to inspect the spare and confirm that all mounted tires remain matched in size, construction, and general condition.