1940 Hudson 40 Series Tires

The 1940 Hudson 40 Series uses a 550-16 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply size used on a 16-inch rim, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same fitment. For most owners, the size question is simple because there is one primary fitment rather than several competing original sizes.

The next step is confirming that the car still has the correct wheel diameter and an appropriate wheel width for the tire being considered. Many prewar cars have seen wheel changes over time, so it is worth checking the actual rim before choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall options in 550-16.

The 1940 Hudson 40 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire fitment. That rim diameter is built directly into the tire size, with the final number showing the wheel diameter in inches. For this Hudson, the tire and rim pairing stays in the traditional prewar numeric bias-ply format.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width should also be checked before mounting a replacement tire. Some available 550-16 products are intended for rims in the 3.25- to 4.00-inch range, which makes actual wheel measurement especially worthwhile on a car that may have changed hands or seen restoration work.

Yes. The covered 1940 Hudson 40 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 550-16 bias-ply tire size as the main 1940 Hudson 40 Series fitment. That keeps the selection process consistent, with no separate alternate primary size to sort through for this sub-model.

Even with shared size fitment, the tire choice can still change the car's final presentation. A blackwall version gives a more restrained look, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger restoration-oriented visual statement, so the decision usually comes down to appearance, wheel compatibility, and how the Hudson is expected to be used.

Start with the correct 550-16 size and confirm that the wheel is a 16-inch rim with suitable width for the tire. Because this Hudson uses a bias-ply fitment, the core decision is usually not size conversion but selecting the right tire within that traditional format.

After fitment is confirmed, compare sidewall style, tire series, brand, and any meaningful specification differences such as rim-width guidance or load figures where they are available. A car restored for shows may call for a wide whitewall presentation, while a more restrained driver may suit a blackwall tire better.

The available 550-16 tires for the 1940 Hudson 40 Series include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both stay within the proper prewar-size format, but they create a noticeably different finished appearance once mounted on the car.

Blackwall tires tend to give the Hudson a more understated look, while wide whitewalls emphasize period styling and restoration presence. Choosing between them is less about fitment than about the visual direction of the car, though the same basic checks still apply for wheel dimensions and overall tire condition before road use.

Tires for the 1940 Hudson 40 Series in 550-16 are available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Those options cover several bias-ply series, including Excelsior Bias Ply, Tourist Crossply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.

The practical difference is not just the brand name on the sidewall. Owners should compare the appearance they want, the specific series being considered, and any rim-width or load details tied to that tire, especially on an older vehicle where wheel originality and restoration choices can vary from one car to another.

A period-style starting point for a 1940 Hudson 40 Series is a 550-16 bias-ply tire, because that preserves the original sizing format and traditional construction style used by the car. Within that size, the main visual and presentation choices come from brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment.

A wide whitewall can give the Hudson a more formal restoration-oriented look, while a blackwall keeps the presentation more restrained. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare those choices against marque references, period photography, or vehicle-specific documentation rather than assuming every tire offered in the size matches original delivery appearance.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Hudson 40 Series because tire size and construction strongly affect the car's stance, proportions, and overall period presence. Staying with the proper 550-16 bias-ply format helps preserve the visual relationship between the wheel opening, sidewall height, and 16-inch wheel.

Restoration quality is not only about the paint and trim; tires are one of the first details people notice on a prewar car. Even when the size is right, the final impression can change depending on whether the Hudson wears blackwalls or wide whitewalls, so appearance goals should be set before choosing among otherwise correct-fitment options.

Yes. A 1940 Hudson 40 Series may have had wheel, suspension, or brake changes over the years, and any of those can affect how a 550-16 tire fits in practice. Even though 550-16 is the proper primary size, a modified car should not be treated the same as one still using its original-style wheel setup.

Wheel diameter and width are the first things to verify, followed by clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension travel. A careful look matters especially on older restorations and long-owned cars, where changes may have been made decades ago and are no longer obvious from the outside.

Before driving a 1940 Hudson 40 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition, confirm the tires are mounted to the correct rim diameter, and check for proper inflation. It also helps to make sure the valve stems, wheel hardware, and overall installation are in sound condition before the car goes back on the road.

Once the car is moving, pay attention to any signs of rubbing, unusual steering feel, or uneven seating after the first short drive. A prewar car benefits from a cautious shakedown, so checking clearance at full steering lock and rechecking pressure after initial use is a smart part of putting it back into service.

550-16 tires on a collector 1940 Hudson 40 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and cleaned during normal vehicle care. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for inspection, because age and storage conditions matter as much as miles on an older collector car.

Storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire's condition over time. It is also wise to look over the tires before any longer outing, since a car that spends much of its life parked can develop condition issues that do not show up until the Hudson is put back into regular road use.