1938 Packard 8 Cyl. Tires

The 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. uses a 700-16 tire size, and its primary fitment is bias-ply. The covered 7 Passenger sub-model uses that same 700-16 size, so the basic fitment question is straightforward at the year-make-model level.

The practical step is confirming that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different rim or later wheel setup over the years. Once that is established, the decision usually shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether the car is being chosen for restoration presentation, occasional touring, or a more utilitarian look.

The primary tire fitment for a 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. uses a 16-inch rim. The 700-16 tire size itself reflects that rim diameter, and several applicable products in this size are built around 16-inch wheel use with rim-width specifications in the traditional vintage range.

Rim diameter should be verified on the actual car before choosing tires, especially on an older vehicle that may have seen wheel changes during restoration or long-term ownership. Diameter is only part of the check, though, because wheel width also matters when comparing among available 700-16 tires and making sure the tire suits the wheel already mounted on the Packard.

Yes. The 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this year and model. That keeps the sub-model decision simple and avoids a split between different primary tire sizes within the covered application.

Even with shared sizing, the tire choice itself can still vary quite a bit. A 7 Passenger owner may compare blackwall and wide whitewall options, or choose among classic passenger-style patterns and more specialized military or truck-type tread designs depending on the vehicle’s finish, intended use, and whether the existing wheels match the tire’s rim-width requirements.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and the fact that this Packard uses a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim. After that, compare the tire’s intended character, including whether it is a traditional passenger-car bias-ply, a wide whitewall presentation tire, or a more specialized military or truck-oriented design.

Appearance and wheel compatibility usually drive the final choice. A formal prewar Packard often looks very different on a wide whitewall than it does on a plain blackwall, while rim-width specifications deserve attention before narrowing the field. Load figures, tire weight, and tread style also help separate options when the car will be driven rather than displayed.

The 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. has 700-16 tire options with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewalls. That gives the car two distinctly different visual directions, from a restrained and utilitarian look to a more formal, restoration-oriented presentation that suits many prewar luxury cars.

Sidewall style does not change the primary size, but it does change how the car reads at a glance. Wide whitewalls tend to emphasize the Packard’s period character, while blackwalls can be a better fit for a plainer or more service-minded look. Once the style is decided, compare series, rim-width suitability, and any load information that matters for planned road use.

Available 700-16 tires for the 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. include options from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those choices span classic bias-ply passenger tires as well as military and truck-style patterns, so brand selection is tied closely to the type of tire you want the car to wear.

Brand alone should not be the only filter on a car like this. It makes more sense to compare the sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, and whether the tread style matches a formal prewar passenger-car presentation or a more utilitarian use case. That approach keeps the tire choice aligned with both the vehicle’s look and its wheel setup.

A period-style 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. starts with the correct 700-16 bias-ply size and a tire that preserves the tall-sidewall prewar appearance. From there, the strongest visual decision is usually between a wide whitewall and a blackwall, since both are available in this fitment and create very different presentations.

Owners focused on authenticity should compare the finished look of the car, surviving photos, marque references, and restoration goals before settling on a sidewall treatment or specific series. The size and construction set the proper vintage foundation, while the final visual choice should suit the Packard’s trim, body presentation, and the level of historical accuracy being pursued.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. because tire diameter, section, sidewall height, and visual profile contribute heavily to the car’s prewar stance. Using the proper 700-16 bias-ply size keeps the restoration anchored in the proportions expected of a Packard from this period.

Fitment also affects how convincingly the car presents when viewed from the side or at curb level. Even when the wheel diameter is right, the wrong tire style can change the look of the fender opening, wheel face, and overall stance. Verifying wheel dimensions and selecting an appropriate sidewall treatment helps the finished restoration look intentional rather than compromised.

Yes. A 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. may use the correct 700-16 size at the year-make-model level, but fitment can still be affected if the car has different wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body and fender work that changes clearance around the tire.

The safest approach is to confirm wheel diameter and width on the car, then check steering and fender clearance at full lock and full suspension movement before finalizing a tire choice. Older restorations sometimes carry parts changes from earlier ownership, so a quick inspection of the actual setup helps prevent buying a tire that conflicts with the car’s present configuration.

Before driving a 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition, verify that the rims match the tire requirements, and confirm that the tires are mounted and inflated appropriately for the application. It is also worth checking valve stems, balance, and basic clearance at the front and rear.

A prewar car that has sat for long periods deserves a broader walk-around before road use. Look over steering and suspension components, examine the tires after initial installation for rubbing or uneven seating, and recheck pressure after the first few drives. That extra attention helps the car settle onto its new tires safely and predictably.

700-16 tires on a collector 1938 Packard 8 Cyl. should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, weather cracking, and uneven wear, and watched for slow air loss between drives. Collector cars often age tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage.

Good storage habits matter just as much as routine inspection. Keeping the Packard away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the sidewalls and casing over time. It also helps to move the car periodically or prepare it properly for storage, then give the tires a close visual check before longer drives.