1938 Packard 1601 Series Tires

The 1938 Packard 1601 Series uses a 700-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size used across the covered 8-cylinder sub-model for this vehicle.

That makes the buying decision more about choosing the right 700-16 tire than sorting through multiple primary sizes. Before selecting one, confirm that the car still has 16-inch wheels and check the wheel width, since some available 700-16 products include specific rim-width guidance that should match the wheels currently on the car.

The 1938 Packard 1601 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 700-16 tire fitment. The tire size and the available product range both center on that 16-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a prewar car that may have seen wheel changes over the decades. Measure the actual wheel on the vehicle and compare its width with the tire's intended range, particularly if the car has replacement wheels, older service wheels, or a restoration history that is not fully known.

Yes. The covered 1938 Packard 1601 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary size change within the covered sub-model fitment here.

That consistency simplifies selection, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual car. A surviving Packard may have replacement wheels or service-era tire choices, so it is still smart to verify the 16-inch wheel diameter and compare sidewall preference, rim compatibility, and intended use before settling on a blackwall, wide whitewall, or more utilitarian 700-16 option.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and a bias-ply construction that suits the Packard's prewar fitment. From there, the main selection factors are sidewall style, tire series, brand, and whether the car is being presented as a restoration-oriented luxury car or driven with a more practical touring focus.

A wide whitewall gives a more formal period-style presentation, while a blackwall can look more restrained or utilitarian depending on the tire series chosen. It also helps to compare wheel-width guidance, load figures where shown, and tire attributes, especially if the Packard sees regular road use instead of display-only duty.

The 1938 Packard 1601 Series has 700-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice while staying within the same primary size and bias-ply construction family.

A wide whitewall usually suits a more formal prewar luxury-car presentation, while a blackwall can be appropriate for a simpler or more service-minded look. Sidewall style should be chosen alongside the tire series and wheel setup, since appearance alone should not override confirming the correct 16-inch rim and suitable width for the tire being considered.

Available 700-16 tires for the 1938 Packard 1601 Series include offerings from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those choices span classic bias-ply, military-style, and truck-oriented product lines within the same general size family.

Brand choice is best treated as one part of a broader fitment decision rather than the whole answer. Compare the sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width guidance, and intended use of the car, since a Packard restored for formal presentation may call for a different look than one maintained for occasional touring or more utilitarian road service.

A 700-16 bias-ply tire is the correct starting point for a period-style 1938 Packard 1601 Series because it matches the vehicle's primary fitment and preserves the traditional construction associated with this era. Within that size, both blackwall and wide whitewall options are available.

The right choice depends on how the car is being finished and presented. A wide whitewall often complements the formal character of a prewar Packard, while a blackwall can create a more restrained look. When exact originality matters, compare the tire's appearance with marque references, period photographs, and restoration documentation for the specific car.

On a restored 1938 Packard 1601 Series, bias-ply construction has a strong effect on visual character because the tire shape and sidewall presentation align with the period look of the car. The primary fitment here remains a 700-16 bias-ply, which supports a traditional prewar stance.

Appearance is not only about size; sidewall style matters just as much. A wide whitewall can emphasize the Packard's upscale presentation, while a blackwall can make the car look more understated. Construction should still be matched to wheel dimensions and road-use plans so the visual result does not come at the expense of sensible fitment.

Yes. Even though the 1938 Packard 1601 Series uses a 700-16 tire on a 16-inch rim, later wheel changes, suspension work, brake conversions, or body modifications can alter what actually works on the car today. That is especially true on vehicles that have been restored in stages over many years.

A modified Packard should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension points before any tire is selected. Those checks matter whether the car appears stock or not, because an older collector car can carry changes that are not obvious until the wheels are measured and the chassis is inspected.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for true condition, make sure the tire beads are seated properly, and confirm that the tires clear the fenders and steering components through the full range of motion. It is also wise to check valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation against the tire's intended service conditions.

A prewar Packard also deserves a broader once-over before being driven on fresh tires. Look at suspension wear, steering play, brake condition, and alignment, since a new set of 700-16 tires will perform best when the rest of the chassis is in sound condition and the car is not fighting old mechanical issues.

Collector-car 700-16 tires should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, and protected from long periods of sun, heat, and moisture. On a lightly driven 1938 Packard 1601 Series, condition and age matter just as much as visible tread depth.

Storage habits play a big role in tire life on low-mileage cars. Keep the Packard in a clean, dry space, move it occasionally to avoid prolonged flat spotting, and recheck pressure before every outing. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance can still deserve closer inspection if the car has spent long periods parked.