The 1938 Packard 1700 Series came from an era when Packard balanced prestige with smooth, dignified road manners, and tire choice remains a big part of preserving that character today. For many collectors, this is a car where stance, sidewall presentation, and traditional construction matter just as much as basic fitment. The 1938 Packard 1700 Series uses a 650-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. That opens the door to blackwall and wide whitewall choices across several period-style bias-ply series. For a restoration-oriented car or a roadgoing survivor, the key is choosing a 650-16 that suits the car’s appearance goals, wheel setup, and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1938 Packard 1700 Series
The 1938 Packard 1700 Series uses one primary tire size: 650-16. It is a bias-ply fitment mounted on a 16-inch rim, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. The main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 650-16 best matches the car’s intended appearance, tread style, rim-width compatibility, and collector use.
A 650-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 650 indicates an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1938 Packard 1700 Series, this size keeps the car in its traditional bias-ply construction and period-style fitment. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Goodyear, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Tornel across several classic bias-ply and specialty series. Choosing among them comes down to the look you want, the wheel width on the car, and whether the Packard is being restored, shown, or driven more regularly.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1938 Packard 1700 Series sub-models. The tire size remains consistent, but checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car is staying with the correct 650-16 bias-ply setup on a 16-inch wheel.
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1938 Packard 1700 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1938 Packard 1700 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire as the core model fitment. That makes tire selection more about choosing the right sidewall style, tread character, and rim-width-compatible product than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
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 Packard 1700 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Goodyear, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Tornel, with blackwall and wide whitewall options across several classic bias-ply and specialty truck-style series. Rim-width compatibility also varies within the size, so product comparison matters.
Owners of a 1938 Packard 1700 Series usually need clarity on the 650-16 fitment, 16-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply construction, sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1938 Packard 1700 Series?
The 1938 Packard 1700 Series uses a 650-16 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 16-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered model. The 1938 Packard 1700 Series 6 Cyl. uses that same 650-16 size as well.
That means the main fitment question is usually not choosing among several primary sizes, but making sure the car still has the proper 16-inch wheels and selecting the right 650-16 product. Sidewall style, tread design, and rim-width compatibility can all influence which tire makes the most sense for a restoration, a touring car, or a preserved driver.
What size rim does a 1938 Packard 1700 Series use?
The 1938 Packard 1700 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire size. Product fitments in this size are built around that 16-inch wheel diameter, so rim diameter is a basic point to confirm before comparing tires for the car.
Wheel width matters too, because some 650-16 options are intended for 4.00-4.50-inch rims while others are built around 4.50-5.00-inch rims or a single 4.5-inch specification. A Packard that has had wheels changed over the years should be measured carefully before selecting a tire simply by size code alone.
Does the 1938 Packard 1700 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1938 Packard 1700 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the main 1938 Packard 1700 Series fitment. That keeps tire sizing simple for this sub-model and avoids the need to sort through multiple primary diameters or rim sizes.
Even with shared fitment, tire selection still deserves a careful look. One owner may want a wide whitewall for a more formal prewar presentation, while another may prefer a blackwall or a different tread character. It is still worth checking actual wheel width and overall vehicle setup before choosing among the available 650-16 products.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 tire for a 1938 Packard 1700 Series?
Start with the correct primary fitment, which is a 650-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. From there, compare the intended use of the car, the sidewall appearance you want, and whether the wheel width matches the rim-width specification of the tire you are considering.
Product differences within 650-16 can matter more than many buyers expect. Some tires are geared toward classic passenger-car presentation, while others use truck-style or military-style series that may suit a different look and use case. A careful choice helps the Packard keep the right visual character without overlooking wheel compatibility.
What sidewall styles are available for 1938 Packard 1700 Series tires?
The available 650-16 tires for a 1938 Packard 1700 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice within the correct size and traditional bias-ply construction rather than forcing a single visual treatment.
A blackwall usually creates a more restrained and utilitarian presentation, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal prewar look. Neither sidewall style should be assumed to be correct for every restoration, so buyers concerned with exact historical presentation should compare the tire choice with the car’s documentation and restoration goals.
What brands offer tires for the 1938 Packard 1700 Series?
650-16 tires for the 1938 Packard 1700 Series are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those brands cover several bias-ply series and sidewall treatments, including both classic passenger-style and specialty truck-style offerings.
Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only decision point. The better question is which product has the sidewall appearance, tread style, rim-width specification, and overall character that suits your Packard. Matching the tire to the car’s purpose usually matters more than picking a brand name in isolation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1938 Packard 1700 Series?
A period-style starting point for a 1938 Packard 1700 Series is the correct 650-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. Within that fitment, several classic bias-ply series are available, so the choice becomes one of sidewall treatment, tread character, and the overall presentation you want for the car.
For many prewar Packards, appearance carries as much weight as function, especially on a restoration or carefully preserved survivor. A wide whitewall can create a more formal look, while a blackwall may suit a plainer presentation. When exact originality matters, compare the tire style against marque references, period photos, and the car’s own restoration goals.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1938 Packard 1700 Series?
On a restored 1938 Packard 1700 Series, staying with the original-style bias-ply construction preserves the traditional sidewall profile and general visual character associated with the car’s era. Because 650-16 is offered in multiple classic bias-ply series, construction and appearance work together rather than as separate decisions.
That visual effect becomes even more noticeable when sidewall style enters the picture. A wide whitewall changes the Packard’s stance and formality, while a blackwall keeps the look simpler. Construction choice should support the restoration’s purpose, whether the car is being judged for authenticity-minded presentation or maintained as a tasteful period-style driver.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1938 Packard 1700 Series?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 650-16 on a 16-inch rim, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, brake conversions, suspension work, or body modifications can affect which tire is suitable for a 1938 Packard 1700 Series. The size code alone does not account for those changes.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter and width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and overall tire-to-body relationship before a tire is selected. Prewar cars often pass through multiple owners and repairs, so it is smart to verify the setup on the vehicle itself rather than assuming it still matches its original wheel arrangement.
What should I inspect before driving a 1938 Packard 1700 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, sound condition, and proper fit to the selected 650-16 tire. The rest of the car deserves attention too, including wheel bearings, steering components, suspension condition, and brake operation, since a new set of tires cannot compensate for mechanical problems elsewhere.
The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure seating, and any signs of damage after installation. A careful shakedown drive is wise on a collector Packard, especially if the car has been stored for long periods. Early road testing should focus on tracking, vibration, clearance, and any signs that the wheel or suspension setup needs closer attention.
How should 650-16 tires on a collector 1938 Packard 1700 Series be maintained?
Collector-car 650-16 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and periodic examination for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss. A 1938 Packard 1700 Series that is driven infrequently can still develop tire issues simply from age, storage conditions, and long periods of sitting.
Storage practices matter almost as much as road mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, high heat, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls and casing. It also helps to inspect the tires before longer drives, since a collector car may spend months parked and then be asked to return to service with little recent use.
