1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 Tires

The 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 came from an era when Chrysler was building large, upscale American cars with streamlined prewar styling and a strong emphasis on smooth road manners. Buyers restoring or maintaining one today usually want a tire that matches that substantial 1940 character rather than a modernized look. This Chrysler uses a 700-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the choices range from traditional blackwall and wide whitewall passenger-style options to heavier-duty military and transport-style series. The real decision is whether the car is being kept restoration-oriented, driven casually, or set up for a more utility-focused presentation.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26

The 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 uses one primary tire size: 700-15. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and it remains consistent for the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model, so the main choice is not size but which version of 700-15 best suits the car's appearance, intended use, and wheel setup.

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700-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 8 Cyl.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

A 700-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 700 designates an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26, it preserves the original bias-ply sizing language and the upright prewar look that many restorers want. Available choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA products, with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, plus several tire series with either passenger-car or heavier-duty character. Selecting among them comes down to the visual style you want and whether the car is being presented as a traditional road car or a more utility-focused vehicle.

Explore 700-15 Tires

1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 sub-models because the same primary tire size is used throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire selection matches the vehicle being restored or maintained, especially when comparing appearance-oriented and utility-style options.

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1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 8 Cyl.

The 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-15 bias-ply fitment found across this application. That keeps sizing simple, so the real choice is whether to stay with a traditional passenger-style blackwall or wide whitewall presentation or consider one of the more truck-oriented 700-15 series.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 Tires for Sale

Available 700-15 choices span Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles across several bias-ply series. The product grid is most useful for comparing restoration-oriented passenger-car designs against military and transport-style 700-15 options.

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Bias Ply

Firestone 4.125 Inch Whitewall | 700-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT29 lb
MAX LOAD1700@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone | 700-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1700@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 4.125 Inch Whitewall | 700-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT28 lb
MAX LOAD1700@32 psi
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Military & Truck

STA Traxion | 700-15

STA - Traxion

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT30 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

Firestone Military | NDCC | 700-15

Firestone - Firestone Classic Military

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1720@50 psi
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Military & Truck

STA Super Transport | 700-15 (Special Order)

STA - Super Transport

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT32 lb
MAX LOAD1720@50 psi
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Military & Truck

STA Transport Highway | 6 Ply Rated Tube Type | 700-15

STA - Transport Highway

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT29 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

STA Traxion | 700-15

STA - Traxion

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 5.50 in
WEIGHT30 lb
MAX LOAD1830@45 psi
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Military & Truck

STA Transport Highway | 8 Ply Rated Tubeless | 700-15

STA - Transport Highway

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT32 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 usually want clear guidance on 700-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a prewar Chrysler back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

The 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 uses a 700-15 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size used for the covered 8 Cyl. application on a 15-inch wheel.

That makes the first step fairly simple because the size itself does not vary across the covered fitment. Once 700-15 is confirmed on the car, the more important choice becomes selecting the right version of that size, such as blackwall or wide whitewall appearance and whether a traditional passenger-car tire or a more utility-oriented series better suits the vehicle.

What size rim does a 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 use?

The primary tire fitment for the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 is built around a 15-inch rim. Products in 700-15 commonly pair with rim widths in the 5.00- to 5.50-inch range where that specification is stated.

Rim diameter should be confirmed at the wheel before choosing a tire, especially on a collector vehicle that may have had wheel changes over the years. Verifying both diameter and width helps narrow the right 700-15 options and reduces the chance of choosing a tire that does not suit the wheel or the car's intended appearance.

Does the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 8 Cyl. application uses the same 700-15 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment straightforward within this model grouping.

Even with shared size fitment, it still helps to look closely at the car before making a final selection. A restoration-focused Chrysler may call for a different sidewall presentation than a driver or a vehicle built with a more utility-minded look, so the sub-model confirmation mainly clears the way for appearance and product-series decisions.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

Start with the correct 700-15 size and confirm that the car still has the proper 15-inch wheel. From there, the choice shifts to construction style within the available bias-ply lineup, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire is a traditional passenger-car design or a more utility-focused series.

A prewar Chrysler restored for period-style presentation often looks very different on a wide whitewall than it does on a blackwall. It also helps to compare wheel-width compatibility where stated, along with load figures and general tire character, so the final choice matches how the car is used instead of simply matching the size alone.

What sidewall styles are available for 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 tires?

The 700-15 fitment for the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Those two sidewall treatments create very different visual results even when the tire size stays the same.

Wide whitewalls usually suit buyers aiming for a fuller prewar luxury-car presentation, while blackwalls deliver a plainer and often more utilitarian look. Choosing between them is less about fitment and more about how the Chrysler is being finished, so it helps to decide early whether the goal is restoration-oriented elegance or a more understated road-going appearance.

What brands offer tires for the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

The 700-15 size for the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands cover both traditional passenger-style bias-ply offerings and more utility-oriented 700-15 series.

Brand alone is only part of the decision, because the available products also differ by sidewall treatment and tire series. Comparing the full tire description matters more than choosing by name alone, especially when one option is aimed at classic passenger-car appearance and another carries a military, traction, or transport-style presentation.

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

A period-style 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 starts with the correct 700-15 bias-ply size. From there, a traditional passenger-car bias-ply with either blackwall or wide whitewall styling usually aligns more naturally with a restoration-oriented presentation than a military or transport-style tire.

The exact visual choice depends on how the car is being finished and what historical look is being pursued. Buyers who want the most authentic appearance possible should compare the tire's sidewall treatment and general profile against period photos, marque references, or restoration records so the final presentation suits the specific car rather than just the size.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

On this application, tire construction is centered on bias-ply, and that matters visually as much as it does mechanically. A 700-15 bias-ply helps maintain the tall, formal, prewar stance and sidewall character that many restored Chrysler cars depend on for the right overall presentation.

Appearance can shift noticeably even within the same size once sidewall style and tire series change. A wide whitewall creates a more upscale road-car look, while blackwall and utility-style patterns can make the car feel more restrained or work-oriented, so construction and styling should be chosen with the finished character of the restoration in mind.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

A period-style 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 starts with the correct 700-15 bias-ply size. From there, a traditional passenger-car bias-ply with either blackwall or wide whitewall styling usually aligns more naturally with a restoration-oriented presentation than a military or transport-style tire.

The exact visual choice depends on how the car is being finished and what historical look is being pursued. Buyers who want the most authentic appearance possible should compare the tire's sidewall treatment and general profile against period photos, marque references, or restoration records so the final presentation suits the specific car rather than just the size.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

On this application, tire construction is centered on bias-ply, and that matters visually as much as it does mechanically. A 700-15 bias-ply helps maintain the tall, formal, prewar stance and sidewall character that many restored Chrysler cars depend on for the right overall presentation.

Appearance can shift noticeably even within the same size once sidewall style and tire series change. A wide whitewall creates a more upscale road-car look, while blackwall and utility-style patterns can make the car feel more restrained or work-oriented, so construction and styling should be chosen with the finished character of the restoration in mind.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26?

Yes. Even though 700-15 is the correct primary tire size for the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26, wheel changes, suspension alterations, brake conversions, or body modifications can affect how that size works on the car.

A prewar Chrysler may have accumulated decades of changes, so the actual wheel diameter and width should be checked before choosing a tire. Clearance at the fenders and steering components also matters, especially if the car sits lower than stock or uses replacement wheels, making a quick inspection worthwhile before settling on a specific 700-15 product.

What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and general condition, confirm that the tires are mounted properly, and check inflation carefully. It also helps to look over the car's steering, suspension, and brake condition so the new 700-15 tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated problems.

Collector cars that sit for long periods deserve a closer walk-around before any real drive. Watch for uneven ride height, rubbing at full steering lock, loose wheel hardware, and signs of fluid leaks or worn components, since a fresh set of tires performs best when the rest of the chassis is equally ready for road use.

How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 be maintained?

Maintain 700-15 tires on a collector 1940 Chrysler New Yorker & Saratoga 26 with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage habits. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting from long storage, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss all deserve attention even when the car is driven only occasionally.

Long-term preservation is easier when the car is kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources such as electric motors or certain shop equipment. Rolling the car periodically, keeping the suspension settled evenly, and checking tire condition before every outing helps protect both the tires and the road manners expected from a large prewar Chrysler.