The 1938 Buick 40 Series came from a period when Buick balanced streamlined late-Depression styling with the solid road manners buyers expected from an upscale American car. That makes tire choice more than a simple replacement decision, because the tire has a big effect on both stance and period character. This Buick uses a 650-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, and that keeps the fitment squarely in prewar territory. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across several classic bias-ply series. The real decision is whether the car is being kept restoration-oriented, driven regularly, or fitted around a wheel setup that should be measured first.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1938 Buick 40 Series
The 1938 Buick 40 Series uses one primary tire size: 650-16. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and the covered 8-cylinder sub-model uses the same size. That means the main choice is not between multiple factory-type sizes, but between blackwall or wide whitewall appearance, classic tire series, and the rim-width compatibility of the specific tire being considered.
A 650-16 numeric bias-ply size uses the first number to indicate an approximate nominal section width of 6.50 inches, while the final number identifies a 16-inch rim. On a 1938 Buick 40 Series, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the vehicle’s prewar character and original-style driving feel. Within this size, choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel options, with both blackwall and wide whitewall styles available across several series. The key is matching the tire to the Buick’s intended look, wheel width, and road-use expectations.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1938 Buick 40 Series sub-models. The listed configuration uses the same 650-16 bias-ply size, so sub-model confirmation matters mainly to verify that the car still retains its expected wheel and tire setup.
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1938 Buick 40 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1938 Buick 40 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the overall model fitment. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style appearance, brand and series differences, and checking that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheel setup before replacement.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1938 Buick 40 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-16 tires span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel offerings. Buyers can compare classic bias-ply series, blackwall versus wide whitewall presentation, and rim-width specifications that vary across the product range.
Common 1938 Buick 40 Series tire questions usually come down to the 650-16 size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a prewar Buick back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1938 Buick 40 Series?
The 1938 Buick 40 Series uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the model, including the listed 8-cylinder sub-model.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel or suspension setup over the years. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the real choice becomes sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the Buick is being kept in a restoration-oriented presentation or prepared for more regular road use.
What size rim does a 1938 Buick 40 Series use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1938 Buick 40 Series uses a 16-inch rim. Product specifications in 650-16 also show rim-width requirements that commonly fall in the 4.50 to 5.00 inch range, with some variation depending on the tire.
Rim diameter is the non-negotiable measurement, so a 16-inch tire must stay on a 16-inch wheel. Width matters too, especially when comparing passenger-car bias-ply tires with heavier-duty 650-16 options, so measuring the actual wheel before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire whose approved rim-width range does not match the Buick’s wheels.
Does the 1938 Buick 40 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1938 Buick 40 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the core model fitment. That keeps the sub-model fitment straightforward rather than splitting it across multiple primary sizes.
Even with a shared size, it is still worth checking the car itself before replacing tires. Older vehicles are often altered over time with different wheels, commercial-style tires, or cosmetic changes, so confirming the wheel dimensions and deciding between blackwall and wide whitewall styling will usually matter more than sub-model differences on this Buick.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 tire for a 1938 Buick 40 Series?
Start with the correct 650-16 size and make sure the tire’s construction matches the Buick’s traditional bias-ply fitment. Then compare the tire’s intended character, because this size includes passenger-style classic tires as well as heavier-duty truck and military-style patterns.
A restoration-oriented sedan will usually call for a very different look than a utility-focused build using transport or NDT-style tread. Sidewall treatment, approved rim width, weight, and load specification all help separate one 650-16 option from another, so the right choice depends on how the Buick is equipped and how it will actually be driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1938 Buick 40 Series tires?
The 650-16 options for a 1938 Buick 40 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful visual choice even though the primary tire size itself stays the same.
Wide whitewalls tend to suit a more formal prewar presentation, while blackwalls create a plainer and often more utilitarian look. The decision is mostly about appearance rather than fitment, but it should still be made alongside brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility so the finished tire choice looks right and works properly on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1938 Buick 40 Series?
Brands available in 650-16 for the 1938 Buick 40 Series include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those choices cover several classic passenger-car lines along with some truck and military-style patterns in the same size.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall style, approved rim width, and whether the tread and overall presentation match the way the Buick is being restored or used, because two tires in the same size can still serve very different purposes.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1938 Buick 40 Series?
A period-style 1938 Buick 40 Series should begin with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size, since that preserves the proper prewar sizing format and overall visual character. From there, the most relevant choices are usually among the classic passenger-car bias-ply series rather than truck or military-oriented patterns.
The final decision often comes down to how formal or understated the car should look. Wide whitewalls can create a more upscale presentation, while blackwalls keep the appearance simpler, and owners chasing exact historical authenticity should compare their Buick against marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1938 Buick 40 Series?
Tire construction has a noticeable effect on how a restored 1938 Buick 40 Series sits and reads visually. The correct primary fitment is a bias-ply tire, and that construction supports the tall, traditional prewar look associated with the 650-16 sizing format.
Appearance is only part of the story, because construction also influences how the tire complements the wheel and overall stance. A restoration-minded owner should keep the tire’s sidewall shape, tread style, and sidewall treatment in balance with the Buick’s trim level and finish, rather than choosing a tire solely because it happens to share the right nominal size.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1938 Buick 40 Series?
Yes. A 1938 Buick 40 Series may have had wheel, brake, suspension, or stance changes over the decades, and any of those can affect how a 650-16 tire fits in real use. Even when the size remains correct on paper, the actual wheel and clearance situation can change.
A modified Buick should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance before choosing among available 650-16 options. That matters even more when comparing standard passenger-car bias-ply tires with heavier-duty patterns, since the car’s present setup, not just its original specification, determines what should be evaluated.
What should I inspect before driving a 1938 Buick 40 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, verify that each tire is seated properly, and make sure inflation matches the tire being used. It also helps to check wheel bearings, steering components, and brake condition, especially on a prewar car returning to service.
A short shakedown drive is the right time to watch for rubbing, vibration, pulling, or unusual heat buildup. Collector vehicles often sit for long periods, so checking lug torque, valve stems, and any signs of air loss after the first few drives gives a better picture of whether the Buick and its new tires are ready for regular use.
How should 650-16 tires on a collector 1938 Buick 40 Series be maintained?
650-16 tires on a collector 1938 Buick 40 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Sidewalls and tread should be watched for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the Buick is driven only occasionally.
Long-term care matters just as much as mileage on a low-use prewar car. Keeping the Buick away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires, and moving the vehicle periodically or adjusting storage practices can reduce flat-spotting concerns common with bias-ply tires that spend a lot of time parked.
