1940 Nash Ambassador Tires

A 1940 Nash Ambassador uses one of two primary tire sizes: 6.25-16 or 700-16. The correct size depends on the sub-model, with the 6 Cyl. using 6.25-16 and the 8 Cyl. using 700-16. Both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims and follow the older numeric sizing system common to prewar American cars.

The important step is identifying the exact Ambassador configuration before choosing a tire. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next check is the actual wheel setup on the car, since many collector vehicles have seen wheel changes over time. Size, rim diameter, and the overall presentation of the tire should all line up with the car’s intended use.

The 1940 Nash Ambassador uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is fitted with 6.25-16 on the 6 Cyl. model or 700-16 on the 8 Cyl. model. The tire size changes by sub-model, but the wheel diameter remains the same across these covered configurations.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to verify wheel width and the actual wheels currently on the car before ordering replacement tires. A collector car may still wear later replacement wheels, and that can affect fitment decisions. Matching the tire to the correct 16-inch wheel setup keeps the selection process much more straightforward.

No. The 1940 Nash Ambassador does not use one shared tire size across the covered sub-models. The 6 Cyl. uses 6.25-16, while the 8 Cyl. uses 700-16. Both sizes are bias-ply fitments on 16-inch rims, but the tire size itself changes with the engine-based sub-model.

That difference matters because a buyer cannot choose by year, make, and model alone without checking the exact version of the car. It is also wise to inspect the wheels already installed, especially on older restored or partially restored vehicles. Confirming sub-model first prevents choosing a tire that matches the car generally but not the specific configuration.

Start with the vehicle itself: 700-16 applies to the 1940 Nash Ambassador 8 Cyl. and uses a bias-ply construction on a 16-inch rim. Within that size, the main points of comparison are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and whether the tire is a passenger-style classic bias-ply or a military or truck-oriented design.

Appearance and use should guide the final decision. A wide whitewall creates a more formal prewar look, while a blackwall gives a more understated presentation. It also helps to compare rim-width requirements and load figures where shown, especially if the car has replacement wheels or will be driven more regularly rather than displayed.

Sidewall style availability is strongest in 700-16, where both blackwall and wide whitewall choices are available. Those options allow the 1940 Nash Ambassador owner to choose between a more restrained look and a more formal period-style presentation. The sidewall treatment can change the car’s visual character even when the tire size remains correct.

The best choice depends on how the car is being finished and used. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer a whitewall for a fuller prewar look, while a driver-focused owner may lean toward blackwall simplicity. Since sidewall style does not override fitment, confirm the correct sub-model and wheel setup first, then compare appearance within the proper size.

In 700-16, available brands include Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those products cover several classic bias-ply and specialty series, so the choice is not limited to one look or one type of use. The 1940 Nash Ambassador 8 Cyl. owner can compare both appearance-oriented and more utility-oriented options within the correct size.

Brand choice should come after the size and wheel setup are confirmed. Once the car is verified as an 8 Cyl. with 700-16 fitment, compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width details, and any load information shown for the specific product. That approach keeps the selection grounded in fitment rather than choosing by brand name alone.

A period-style 1940 Nash Ambassador should start with the correct primary size for its sub-model: 6.25-16 for the 6 Cyl. or 700-16 for the 8 Cyl. Both are bias-ply fitments and preserve the traditional prewar sizing format that suits the car’s original-era stance and presentation. Getting the size and construction right comes before any appearance decision.

After that, sidewall treatment becomes the main visual choice where options exist. In 700-16, blackwall and wide whitewall versions create noticeably different looks while staying within the proper size family. If exact historical originality matters for a specific restoration, compare the tire choice against marque references or period vehicle documentation before settling on the final presentation.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters because tire size has a strong effect on the look and stance of a prewar car like the 1940 Nash Ambassador. Using the proper sub-model size keeps the car visually balanced and helps preserve the character that owners usually want from a restoration-oriented build. The covered fitments also retain the expected bias-ply construction style.

Restoration concerns are not only cosmetic. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the actual chassis setup should also be checked before mounting replacement tires, especially on cars that have changed hands or been modified decades ago. A tire that matches the intended style but not the real wheel setup can complicate both appearance and road readiness.

Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits on a 1940 Nash Ambassador even when the size sounds correct on paper. Replacement wheels, wheel-width changes, altered suspension height, worn springs, brake conversions, or body work around the fenders can all influence clearance and the way a bias-ply tire sits on the car.

A careful inspection helps avoid surprises. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, look at steering and fender clearance, and check for uneven suspension stance before choosing a replacement tire. On a collector car, it is common to find later changes that were made long after the car left regular service, so assumptions should be avoided.

Before driving a 1940 Nash Ambassador on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition first. The car should also be checked for basic mechanical readiness, including steering feel, brake operation, and visible suspension condition, since a fresh set of tires performs best when the rest of the chassis is also roadworthy.

Tire-specific checks still matter after installation. Confirm inflation, look for any sign of rubbing during full steering travel, and recheck the fit after a short initial drive. On an older car that may sit for long periods, it is also wise to watch for air loss and review the tires regularly for cuts, bulges, or sidewall cracking.

Collector-car tires on a 1940 Nash Ambassador should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 6.25-16 or 700-16, bias-ply tires benefit from being kept clean, protected from prolonged sunlight, and monitored for aging signs such as cracking, flat spotting, or persistent air loss.

Long periods of inactivity can be harder on an old car’s tires than steady moderate use. Rolling the car occasionally, keeping it off damp surfaces, and inspecting tread and sidewalls before each outing helps catch problems early. A prewar car that looks fine at rest can still have tire issues that only become obvious when road use resumes.