1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series Tires

The 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series uses a 700-16 tire in bias-ply construction. That size is the primary fitment for the covered model and remains the starting point whether the goal is a traditional driver, a restoration-oriented presentation, or a more formal wide whitewall look.

Choosing the right tire still requires a quick check of the actual wheel setup on the car, especially if it has been in long-term storage or changed hands over the years. Confirm that the wheels are 16-inch rims and inspect width, condition, and clearance before selecting among the available 700-16 options.

The primary tire fitment for the 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series is built around a 16-inch rim. In this case, the 16 in 700-16 refers to the wheel diameter, so matching the tire to a true 16-inch wheel is essential before any other selection step.

Several available 700-16 products also state rim-width compatibility in the 4.50 to 5.50-inch range, which is useful when verifying older wheels. A Packard that has replacement rims, altered wheel centers, or specialty service wheels should be measured directly so the tire choice matches both diameter and wheel width.

Yes. The 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the covered model line. That keeps fitment simple and means the main differences in shopping come from sidewall style, tread character, and product series rather than from a different primary size.

Even with shared size fitment, it is still worth checking that the car remains on its intended wheel diameter and has not been changed to another setup during restoration or long-term ownership. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts toward whether the Packard needs a blackwall, wide whitewall, or a more specialty-use bias-ply design.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and the car's 16-inch wheel diameter, then narrow the choice by intended use and appearance. Some 700-16 options are passenger-car bias-ply designs, while others carry military or truck-style attributes that create a different visual character and service emphasis.

Sidewall treatment is a major part of the decision on a prewar Packard. A blackwall keeps the look restrained, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal period-style presentation. Rim-width guidance, load-related specifications, and the condition of the wheels themselves should also be reviewed before making a final choice.

The available 700-16 tires for the 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners two distinct appearance paths, from a more understated touring presentation to a brighter restoration-oriented look that suits many formal prewar American cars.

Sidewall choice affects the car's visual balance as much as the tread itself, so it helps to decide whether the Packard is being preserved as a driver, a detailed restoration, or a show-oriented car. The best approach is to match the sidewall style to the car's trim level, wheel covers, and the era-specific appearance being pursued.

Available 700-16 tires for the 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series include choices from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those options span classic passenger-car bias-ply styles as well as more utility-oriented tread patterns that suit buyers looking beyond strictly formal touring-car presentation.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It makes more sense to compare each tire's sidewall style, tire series, intended character, stated rim-width compatibility where shown, and load-related details where available. On a prewar Packard, appearance and wheel suitability usually matter just as much as the name molded into the sidewall.

A period-style approach for the 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series begins with the correct 700-16 bias-ply format. From there, the decision usually comes down to whether the car looks more appropriate with a traditional blackwall or a wide whitewall, along with the overall visual character of the chosen tire series.

Many restorers use the tire to reinforce the car's stance and era without assuming every available option matches the exact way the vehicle left the showroom. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, marque-club guidance, and restoration records so the finished look stays consistent with the car's history.

On a restored 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series, bias-ply construction plays an important role in preserving the traditional prewar tire profile and visual character. Since this Packard's primary fitment is 700-16 bias-ply, staying with that construction keeps the tire presentation aligned with the car's original era of design.

Appearance is shaped by more than just the size code. Sidewall treatment, tread style, and how the tire fills the wheel opening all contribute to the final result. A wide whitewall creates a more formal and dressed presentation, while a blackwall tends to look more restrained, especially on cars restored for regular touring use.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 700-16 on a 16-inch rim, modifications can change what works on a 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series. Replacement wheels, altered wheel widths, brake conversions, suspension changes, or body work around the fenders can all affect clearance and how the tire sits on the car.

A Packard that has been restored over many decades may not still match its original wheel setup. Measuring wheel diameter and width, then checking steering travel and fender clearance, helps prevent problems before mounting new tires. This matters especially when choosing among passenger-car, military-style, or truck-attributed 700-16 options.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, rust, and bead-seat condition, and confirm the tires are mounted on the correct 16-inch rims. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, wheel bearings, brake condition, and suspension wear so the new 700-16 tires are not asked to compensate for unrelated mechanical issues.

A prewar car that has sat for long periods deserves a careful walkaround after installation and again after the first few short drives. Watch for uneven clearance, rubbing at full steering lock, unusual vibration, air loss, or signs that the car is pulling. Those checks help establish a stable baseline before longer touring miles.

Collector-car 700-16 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. A 1939 Packard 1701 & 1702 Series often sees limited seasonal use, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, tread aging, and slow air loss deserve more attention than they might on a daily-driven vehicle.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before every outing and after longer storage periods, even if tread wear looks minimal. On low-mile collector cars, condition and age often matter more than tread depth alone.