1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 Tires

The 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 uses a 750-17 bias-ply tire. That is the primary size for this model, and the covered 12 Cyl. version uses the same fitment, so the starting point is straightforward compared with vehicles that split sizes by trim or wheel package.

Once the size is confirmed, the real choice becomes which 750-17 tire best suits the car. Sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility all matter, especially on a large prewar luxury car where overall presentation is a major part of the vehicle’s character.

The 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 uses a 17-inch rim with its 750-17 tire size. The 17 in the size code refers to wheel diameter, which is the first dimension to confirm before comparing any available tire options in this fitment.

Wheel diameter alone is not the whole story on an older collector car. Actual wheel width should also be checked, especially if the car has been restored, changed over the years, or fitted with specialty wheels that may not match the original-style passenger-car setup.

A 750-17 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 750 indicates a nominal section width of roughly 7.50 inches, and the 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches, placing the tire in a traditional prewar sizing system rather than a modern metric radial format.

That matters because the size tells more than simple width and diameter. It also signals the tire’s vintage construction style and appearance, which affects how the car looks at rest and how carefully a replacement should be matched to the wheel and intended use.

Start with the correct 750-17 size and confirm that the tire’s intended wheel application matches the wheels on the car. For a 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803, the biggest differences are sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the tire is a restoration-oriented passenger-car design or a heavier-duty truck-style bias-ply option.

A wide whitewall or double-whitewall changes the car’s visual character dramatically, while blackwall options create a more restrained look. Wheel width, load expectations, and how the car will actually be driven should guide the final choice instead of selecting by appearance alone.

The 750-17 size for a 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 is available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. That gives owners room to tailor the tire’s appearance to the car’s restoration direction without changing the primary size or stepping outside the traditional bias-ply format.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on the car’s stance and period impression, especially on a large prewar luxury automobile. Buyers focused on historical presentation should compare photos, marque references, and surviving examples before choosing a whitewall treatment for a finished restoration.

The 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 has 750-17 tire options from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA. Those choices cover traditional passenger-car bias-ply offerings as well as heavier-duty classic truck-style tires, all within the same base size and 17-inch rim diameter.

Brand selection should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall presentation, and the wheel setup on the car. A restoration-focused sedan used for shows and casual driving may call for a different style of 750-17 than a vehicle being outfitted for more specialized service.

A period-style 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 should begin with the proper 750-17 bias-ply format. That preserves the tire’s visual relationship to the car’s body, fenders, and wheels, which is especially important on a late prewar luxury automobile where proportions are a major part of the design.

From there, the choice usually comes down to sidewall treatment and the kind of use the car will see. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare surviving photos, marque-club references, and restoration documentation before deciding whether blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall best suits the car.

On a restored 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803, tire construction has a visible effect because bias-ply tires carry the traditional sizing format and visual character associated with the car’s era. The 750-17 fitment keeps the presentation aligned with prewar proportions rather than introducing a more modern radial look.

Appearance is not only about sidewall color. The tire’s overall style influences how the car sits and how authentic the finished restoration feels to knowledgeable enthusiasts. That makes construction choice part of the visual plan, not just a maintenance or drivability decision.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 even when the correct 750-17 size is being considered. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can alter how well a traditional bias-ply tire works on the car.

Older collector vehicles are often restored in stages, and not every wheel or chassis component remains exactly as built. Any Pierce Arrow with replacement wheels or suspension work should be checked for diameter, width, clearance, and steering movement before road use.

Before driving a 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve hardware, bead seating, and inflation pressure, then look over the rest of the chassis for issues that can affect how the tires run. Steering components, suspension wear, and brake condition all matter on a substantial prewar car.

The first road miles should be treated as a shakedown rather than a long tour. Recheck pressure, confirm there is no rubbing at full steering lock, and inspect the tires again after driving to catch any early signs of clearance, mounting, or mechanical problems.

750-17 tires on a collector 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and moisture. Low-mileage collector cars often age tires by time and storage conditions rather than tread wear.

Regular visual checks are especially important before tours, events, or seasonal use. A Pierce Arrow that sits for extended periods also benefits from attention to storage surfaces and overall vehicle condition so the tires are not carrying unnecessary stress between drives.