The 1940 Graham Supercharger comes from the final chapter of an independent American automaker that stood apart for its streamlined styling and unusual place in prewar automotive history. For collectors, it is a car that rewards careful attention to detail, especially when the goal is to preserve its period character on the road. This exact model uses a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, so the main fitment question is straightforward. The real choice is selecting the right period-style tire presentation within that size. For restoration-minded owners, appearance, wheel compatibility, and overall road-readiness all matter before the car returns to regular driving.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Graham Supercharger
The 1940 Graham Supercharger uses one primary tire size: 6.25-16. It is a bias-ply fitment built for a 16-inch rim, and the same size applies to the covered Base sub-model. With the size question settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right period-style tire within that fitment and confirming that the wheels on the car still match the original diameter and width requirements.
A 6.25-16 tire is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which 6.25 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1940 Graham Supercharger, this sizing format matches the car’s prewar tire construction and keeps the overall fitment in the correct vintage context. The key selection point in this size is not choosing among multiple primary fitments, but choosing a tire that suits the car’s restoration goals and intended road use. Before installation, it is worth confirming that the vehicle still carries proper 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel setup over time.
Sub-model fitment is simple for the 1940 Graham Supercharger. The covered Base model uses the same 6.25-16 bias-ply tire, so the main task is verifying that the car still has the proper 16-inch wheel setup before choosing a tire.
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1940 Graham Supercharger Base
The 1940 Graham Supercharger Base uses the 6.25-16 bias-ply tire size on a 16-inch rim. That keeps tire selection focused on finding the right vintage-style replacement and confirming that the wheels on the car have not been changed during past restoration or maintenance work.
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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of a 1940 Graham Supercharger usually need clear guidance on the 6.25-16 tire size, 16-inch rim fitment, restoration-minded tire selection, and the checks that matter before putting a prewar car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1940 Graham Supercharger?
The 1940 Graham Supercharger uses a 6.25-16 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment for this model, including the covered Base sub-model. The size is built around a 16-inch wheel, which is an important part of the fitment picture on a prewar car.
That makes the size decision fairly straightforward, but the car itself still needs to be checked carefully. Older vehicles are often restored, repaired, or modified over time, so the wheel diameter and wheel condition should be confirmed before mounting new tires. Once that is settled, the buyer can focus on choosing a tire that matches the car’s intended appearance and driving use.
What size rim does a 1940 Graham Supercharger use?
The 1940 Graham Supercharger uses a 16-inch rim with its 6.25-16 tire fitment. In this tire size, the final number identifies the wheel diameter, so the tire is intended for a 16-inch wheel rather than a different rim size. That rim diameter is central to maintaining correct vintage fitment.
Wheel diameter should always be confirmed on the actual car, especially on collector vehicles that may have seen decades of repairs or parts changes. A prewar wheel can also have age-related condition issues that deserve inspection before new tires go on. Checking diameter, overall wheel integrity, and the actual wheel setup helps avoid ordering a correct tire for the wrong wheel.
Does the 1940 Graham Supercharger Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1940 Graham Supercharger Base uses the same 6.25-16 bias-ply tire size as the core vehicle fitment. There is no alternate primary tire size within the covered sub-model information, so the fitment remains consistent rather than branching into multiple size paths for different trims.
That consistency simplifies tire shopping, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. A vintage vehicle may have replacement wheels, changed brake components, or other age-related alterations that affect what is currently installed. Confirming the wheel diameter and overall setup is still the best way to make sure the correct 6.25-16 tire is being matched to the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.25-16 tire for a 1940 Graham Supercharger?
Start with the basic fitment: the 1940 Graham Supercharger uses a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. Since there is only one primary size, the selection process centers on choosing a tire that suits the car’s period-style presentation and intended use rather than sorting through multiple factory fitments.
A restoration-focused car may call for a tire that preserves a traditional prewar look, while a driver-quality car may place equal emphasis on road manners and condition. Wheel diameter, wheel condition, and overall compatibility deserve close attention before installation. It also helps to think about how the car will actually be used, whether for show display, local cruising, or longer collector-car outings.
How do I choose between the available 6.25-16 tires for a 1940 Graham Supercharger?
Choosing among 6.25-16 tires for a 1940 Graham Supercharger begins with staying inside the correct size and construction type. Since the fitment itself is fixed, the comparison usually comes down to the tire’s overall vintage presentation, how well it complements the restoration direction of the car, and whether the wheel setup is still appropriate.
A car preserved for authenticity may benefit from a more traditional visual approach, while a less formal restoration may allow a broader appearance choice within the same size. Tire selection should also account for how often the car is driven and how carefully the existing wheels have been inspected. On prewar vehicles, correct size alone is not enough if the wheel condition has been overlooked.
What rim-width specifications should I compare when choosing 1940 Graham Supercharger tires?
Rim-width comparison matters because a 6.25-16 tire needs to be matched to a wheel with compatible dimensions, not just the correct 16-inch diameter. On a 1940 Graham Supercharger, that point is especially important because many older cars have seen wheel replacements, repairs, or mixed parts over the years.
A tire can be the correct nominal size and still be a poor match for the wheel that is actually on the car. Measuring the wheel and checking its condition helps prevent fitment problems and helps preserve the way the tire sits and presents on the vehicle. That step is worthwhile before making any final decision, especially on a restoration or long-stored collector car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Graham Supercharger?
For a period-style 1940 Graham Supercharger, the right starting point is the correct 6.25-16 bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim. That keeps the car within the proper prewar sizing and construction framework. On a vehicle from this era, tire choice has a strong visual effect, so the fitment itself is part of the restoration presentation.
Exact originality can depend on historical details beyond size alone, including brand and sidewall treatment, so owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should compare against marque references or other vehicle-specific documentation. For many collector cars, though, staying with the correct 6.25-16 bias-ply format provides the most appropriate period-style foundation for the vehicle’s overall look.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1940 Graham Supercharger restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Graham Supercharger restoration. The 6.25-16 bias-ply size is part of the car’s visual stance and helps maintain the proportions expected of a prewar American automobile. Tires that stray too far from the intended fitment can change how the car sits and how authentic the finished restoration appears.
Fitment also affects the practical side of the restoration. The wheel diameter needs to match the tire, and the wheel itself should be sound before the car returns to service. Even a beautifully restored vehicle can be undermined by the wrong tire profile or by mounting a correct-size tire on wheels that are worn, altered, or no longer appropriate for the setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Graham Supercharger?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Graham Supercharger even when the intended tire size remains 6.25-16. Wheel changes, brake work, suspension repairs, or body adjustments made over the years can all alter the real-world space available for a tire or change the wheel dimensions that the tire must fit.
That is why the actual vehicle should be checked before mounting new tires. A collector car may have replacement wheels, altered ride height, or components from a different period of ownership. Looking at wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance around suspension and fenders, and overall vehicle condition helps confirm that the chosen tire still suits the car as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Graham Supercharger on new tires?
Before driving a 1940 Graham Supercharger on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then check the tires themselves for proper inflation and seating. A prewar car also deserves a broader look at steering, suspension, and brake condition, since tire performance depends heavily on the health of the surrounding chassis.
Roadworthiness on a collector vehicle is never just about installing fresh rubber. It is smart to look for rubbing points, confirm even clearance, and make sure the car tracks and steers normally at low speed before heading farther out. After the first few drives, another inspection can help catch air loss, fastener issues, or signs that the setup needs adjustment.
How should 6.25-16 tires on a collector 1940 Graham Supercharger be maintained?
6.25-16 tires on a collector 1940 Graham Supercharger should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Because many prewar cars are driven infrequently, age and environment can matter as much as tread wear. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and persistent air loss all deserve attention.
Storage conditions have a major effect on tire life, especially when a car sits for long stretches. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every outing rather than assuming they are ready simply because the car was parked in working condition the last time.