1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series Tires

The 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series uses a 750-17 tire size in bias-ply construction. That size applies to the covered Base sub-model as well, so the primary fitment question is straightforward for this vehicle.

The important step after confirming 750-17 is making sure the car still has the correct 17-inch wheel setup and that the tire chosen suits the car’s intended use. A formal restoration may point toward a traditional whitewall or blackwall passenger tire, while a different wheel configuration or more utilitarian use calls for a closer look at rim-width and load-related product details.

The 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series uses a 17-inch rim with its primary 750-17 tire fitment. That rim diameter is the key wheel dimension tied directly to the tire size for this vehicle.

Rim diameter should be confirmed on the actual car before replacing tires, especially on collector vehicles that may have seen wheel changes over time. Rim width matters too, because available 750-17 tires span different intended applications, from passenger-style bias-ply tires to heavier truck-oriented versions with different wheel-width requirements.

Yes. The 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series Base uses the same 750-17 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. There is no separate primary size change within the covered Base sub-model.

That keeps the focus on selecting the right version of 750-17 rather than sorting through multiple fitment sizes. The practical differences are in sidewall style, tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being prepared for restoration display, general collector driving, or a more specialized use with a heavier-duty bias-ply tire.

Start with the correct 750-17 size and 17-inch rim, then narrow the choice by tire type and appearance. Passenger-oriented bias-ply tires are available alongside heavier truck-style 750-17 options, so the right choice depends on how the Pierce Arrow is set up and how it will be driven.

Sidewall presentation is also part of the decision, since blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles are all available in this size. Matching the tire to the wheel width is especially important here, because some 750-17 products are intended for narrow passenger-car rims while others are built around broader truck-style rim specifications.

The 750-17 tire size for the 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series is available in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those choices give the car a noticeably different visual character even when the size and basic construction stay the same.

A blackwall tends to create a more restrained, utilitarian presentation, while whitewall treatments bring out the formal prewar luxury look many owners want. Appearance should still be balanced against wheel compatibility and tire series, since the sidewall style alone does not determine whether a particular 750-17 option matches the car’s actual wheel and use requirements.

Available 750-17 tires for the 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series include offerings from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA. Those brands cover several bias-ply product families, ranging from restoration-oriented passenger tires to more utilitarian truck-style designs.

Choosing among them comes down less to brand name alone and more to the specific tire series, sidewall treatment, wheel-width specification, and intended use. A large prewar luxury car often benefits from a tire that matches both the visual tone of the vehicle and the actual wheel setup currently on the car.

A period-style approach starts with the correct 750-17 bias-ply size, since that preserves the traditional fitment character of the 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series. From there, the most suitable choice depends on whether the goal is a formal luxury-car presentation, a restrained blackwall look, or a more specialized heavy-duty setup.

Firestone and BFGoodrich passenger-style bias-ply tires offer the most natural starting point for restoration-minded buyers, especially where whitewall or blackwall appearance matters. When exact originality is important, the final decision should be checked against marque references, period photography, and other vehicle-specific historical sources rather than relying on size alone.

On this Pierce Arrow, tire construction and size work together to shape the car’s stance and visual proportion. The primary fitment is a 750-17 bias-ply tire, and that traditional construction supports the tall-sidewall, prewar presentation most restorers expect to see on a large 1937 luxury automobile.

Appearance is also influenced by sidewall treatment, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions creating very different impressions. Construction alone does not settle the restoration question, so it helps to consider the car’s finish, wheel style, and the look being pursued before choosing among the available 750-17 bias-ply options.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 750-17 on a 17-inch rim, wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, or body modifications can alter what works on an individual 1937 Pierce Arrow 447 & 538 Series. That is especially important on long-restored or heavily serviced collector vehicles.

A tire should be matched to the wheel diameter and width actually on the car, not just the original-style size. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should also be reviewed, particularly if the car has non-original wheels or has been set up for use different from a traditional prewar touring or show presentation.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, sound condition, and a proper match to the chosen 750-17 tire. The suspension, steering, and brake system should also be in good order, since a large prewar car places substantial demands on every part of the chassis.

Tire pressure, valve condition, and initial clearance should be checked once the tires are mounted and the car is resting under full weight. A short, careful first drive can reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or settling issues that are easier to correct early than after a longer outing.

Collector-car 750-17 tires should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular tread wear, even if the Pierce Arrow is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires on a low-use prewar car can age visibly and structurally long before the tread appears worn out.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage, so the car benefits from being kept away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. Pressure should be checked before driving, and any tire that shows persistent air loss, age-related damage, or unusual wear deserves professional evaluation before the car returns to regular road use.