1940 Buick 40 Special Tires

The 1940 Buick 40 Special uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is paired with a 16-inch rim. The covered 8-cylinder sub-model uses the same primary size, which makes the basic fitment question fairly simple for most owners.

The next step is confirming that the Buick still has the correct wheel diameter and appropriate wheel width for the tire being considered. On an older car, wheels may have been changed over the years, so the safest approach is to verify the actual wheel setup first, then choose among the available 650-16 blackwall or wide whitewall bias-ply options.

The primary tire fitment for the 1940 Buick 40 Special is built around a 16-inch rim. That rim diameter is part of the 650-16 size itself, and it is the key wheel dimension to confirm before selecting replacement tires for the car.

Rim diameter alone is not the whole story on a prewar Buick. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing among available 650-16 tires with different rim-width recommendations. A car that has been stored for years or modified in the past should have its wheels measured directly so the new tires match both the diameter and the actual wheel profile.

Yes. The covered 1940 Buick 40 Special 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the core 1940 Buick 40 Special fitment. There is no alternate primary tire size within the covered sub-model, so the fitment remains consistent at the size level.

That consistency makes the choice more about tire type than sub-model variation. An owner can concentrate on appearance and service needs, such as blackwall versus wide whitewall styling, traditional passenger-car tread designs, or other 650-16 offerings, while still checking that the wheels on the car have not been changed from the setup the new tire expects.

Start with the correct size and construction: 650-16 bias-ply on a 16-inch rim. From there, the main differences are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and intended character. Some 650-16 tires present as traditional passenger-car options, while others use more specialized truck-style tread patterns in the same size.

A restoration-minded Buick often calls for close attention to overall presentation, especially if whitewall styling matters to the look of the car. Wheel width should be checked against the tire being considered, and any owner planning regular road use should also compare the tire’s general application rather than assuming every 650-16 serves the same purpose.

The 1940 Buick 40 Special’s 650-16 fitment is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice without changing the vehicle’s primary tire size. The sidewall treatment can make a major visual difference on a prewar Buick, even when the construction and overall fitment remain the same.

Blackwall tires tend to create a simpler, more understated look, while wide whitewalls deliver a stronger period-style presentation often associated with full-bodied cars from this era. The best choice depends on how the Buick is being finished and used. Owners seeking strict historical accuracy should compare the tire’s look with marque references and surviving vehicle examples before deciding.

The 650-16 size for the 1940 Buick 40 Special is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall choices depending on the specific tire line.

Brand is only one part of the selection process on a car like this. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility alongside the intended use of the Buick. A show-oriented car may lead one direction on appearance, while a road-driven car may benefit from focusing more closely on the specific tire line and service type.

A period-style starting point for the 1940 Buick 40 Special is a 650-16 bias-ply tire, since that is the vehicle’s primary fitment. Within that size, traditional passenger-car bias-ply lines with either blackwall or wide whitewall sidewalls offer the clearest path to preserving the Buick’s prewar proportions and overall visual character.

The right choice depends on how the car is being restored and presented. Some owners want a more restrained blackwall look, while others want the broader visual statement of a wide whitewall. If exact originality matters, the final decision should be checked against authoritative Buick references, period photos, and vehicle-specific restoration documentation rather than appearance alone.

On a restored 1940 Buick 40 Special, tire construction influences more than ride feel. The 650-16 bias-ply format contributes to the car’s traditional stance and visual proportion, which is part of why many restorers stay with bias-ply construction when they want the Buick to retain an authentic prewar presentation.

Appearance is also shaped by sidewall treatment and tread style, not construction alone. A blackwall tire can make the car look more restrained, while a wide whitewall changes the entire visual balance. Buyers should think about the finished look of the Buick as a complete package, including wheel covers, ride height, and trim, before settling on a tire style.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 650-16, modifications can change what actually works on a 1940 Buick 40 Special. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, changed offsets, suspension work, or body and fender adjustments can all affect clearance and the way a tire sits on the car.

A Buick that has been lowered, rebuilt with non-original components, or fitted with replacement wheels should be checked carefully before new tires go on. Verifying wheel diameter, measuring wheel width, and inspecting steering and fender clearance helps avoid surprises. That matters even when staying with the original size, because older vehicles often carry decades of changes.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire installation, then confirm inflation pressure, bead seating, and visible clearance around the suspension and fenders. On a collector Buick, it also makes sense to check the steering, brakes, and wheel bearings so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated chassis problems.

A short local drive is a smart first test after installation. Pay attention to pull, vibration, rubbing, and any sign of air loss, then recheck pressure once the car has settled into use. Older vehicles that have sat for long periods benefit from this extra caution, because dormant mechanical issues often appear only after the car is moving again.

Collector-car tires in 650-16 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, and stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources when the Buick is not in use. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for condition checks.

A car that spends much of its life parked deserves periodic movement and visual inspection rather than being ignored between events. Tire age and storage history matter just as much as tread depth on a lightly used Buick. Owners should also look over the spare, since it may be old enough to appear usable while no longer being suitable for road service.