1940 Lincoln V12 Tires

The 1940 Lincoln V12 uses a 750-17 tire size. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 17-inch rim, and it is the primary size used for the covered Base model as well.

The important next step is making sure the car still has the expected wheel setup, especially if it has been restored or modified over the years. Once the 17-inch wheel diameter is confirmed, the real choice becomes which 750-17 version best suits the car, including blackwall, double-whitewall, wide whitewall, or a heavier-duty pattern intended for a different visual or service use.

The 1940 Lincoln V12 uses a 17-inch rim with its 750-17 tire size. That 17-inch diameter is the key wheel measurement tied to the primary fitment.

Rim diameter should be verified before ordering tires, because a collector car may no longer be wearing its original-style wheels. Width matters too, since some 750-17 products are associated with narrower passenger-car rims while others are built around wider truck-type applications. Matching the tire to the actual wheel on the car helps avoid appearance issues and reduces the chance of clearance or compatibility problems.

Yes. The 1940 Lincoln V12 Base uses the same 750-17 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment simple at the sub-model level, with no alternate primary size shown for the covered configuration.

Even with a shared size, tire selection is not completely identical from one car to another. Some owners want a formal prewar look with a whitewall, while others prefer a blackwall or need to review wheel width carefully because the car has replacement wheels. Confirming the actual wheel dimensions and the intended use of the car is still worthwhile before choosing among the available 750-17 options.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 750-17, and confirm that the car is still on a 17-inch wheel. From there, compare the tire’s intended type, since this size includes traditional passenger-car bias-ply choices as well as heavier truck-style options with different load-oriented specifications and rim-width associations.

Appearance is usually the next major factor on a prewar Lincoln. Blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions create very different visual results, even within the same size. It also helps to compare the tire series and wheel-width suitability against the wheels actually on the car, especially if the vehicle has seen restoration work or wheel changes during its lifetime.

The 1940 Lincoln V12’s 750-17 tire size is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices can change the car’s presentation significantly even when the basic size and bias-ply construction stay the same.

A blackwall usually gives the car a more restrained and utilitarian look, while whitewall treatments create a more formal restoration-oriented appearance. The best choice depends on how the Lincoln is being finished and used rather than on size alone. Buyers concerned with historical accuracy should also compare the car’s trim level, photos, and marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall style.

Tires in 750-17 for the 1940 Lincoln V12 are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Tornel, and STA. Those brands appear across several different series, including Firestone Balloon, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Tornel Classic Truck, and Super Transport.

Brand alone should not drive the decision. It makes more sense to compare what each tire represents in this size, such as sidewall treatment, passenger-car versus truck-type construction purpose, wheel-width compatibility, and the overall look you want on the car. That approach keeps the selection focused on how the tire suits the Lincoln rather than treating every 750-17 as the same.

A period-style 1940 Lincoln V12 starts with the correct 750-17 bias-ply size and then narrows the choice by appearance and tire character. Passenger-car series such as Firestone Balloon and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply will usually make the most sense when the goal is a traditional prewar luxury-car presentation.

The final choice depends on how formal or understated the restoration is intended to look. Blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall options all exist in this size, and each changes the car’s visual balance. Owners pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare period photos, marque-club guidance, and vehicle-specific records before deciding on a particular sidewall treatment or brand presentation.

The 1940 Lincoln V12’s primary fitment is bias-ply, and that construction plays an important role in the car’s restored appearance. Bias-ply tires carry the visual character most buyers expect on a prewar luxury car, especially when paired with the appropriate sidewall style in 750-17.

Construction affects more than road feel; it influences the stance and overall presentation of the car. A blackwall 750-17 gives a different impression than a double-whitewall or wide whitewall, even before brand and series are considered. For a restoration-focused Lincoln, choosing the proper size and a visually suitable bias-ply design is usually just as important as selecting the finish of the wheel itself.

Yes. A 1940 Lincoln V12 may have had wheel, suspension, or brake changes over the years, and those changes can affect how a 750-17 tire works on the car. Even when the nominal tire size remains the same, wheel width and the available space around the tire can alter the final fitment picture.

Checking the actual wheel diameter and width on the car is the best starting point. After that, inspect clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension through the full range of motion. That becomes especially important if the Lincoln has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or a replacement axle setup, because those changes can make one 750-17 version more suitable than another.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the tires are mounted and inflated properly, and check for even seating on the rims. It is also smart to look over the suspension, steering, and brake components on a prewar car before putting miles on fresh 750-17 tires.

A short, careful test drive should follow any tire change. Listen for rubbing, watch steering response, and recheck air pressure after the first outing. Since many collector cars spend long periods parked, it also helps to confirm that there are no old alignment issues, loose wheel hardware, or age-related mechanical problems that could affect how the Lincoln behaves on the road.

Collector-car tires in 750-17 should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and bulges, even if the 1940 Lincoln V12 is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires on low-use vehicles can age out or develop condition issues long before the tread appears worn.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to check pressure before each outing and to give the Lincoln a periodic close inspection, because a vehicle that sits for long stretches often hides tire and wheel issues until it returns to regular road use.