The 1940 Packard 1800 Series came from the final prewar years when Packard still stood for formal American luxury, smooth road manners, and carefully tailored styling. Buyers restoring or maintaining one today usually want a tire that looks right under the car’s proportions and also respects the way these big sedans were originally engineered to ride. The primary fitment is a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. That makes the decision less about sorting through multiple sizes and more about choosing the right period-style bias-ply presentation for restoration goals, driving habits, and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Packard 1800 Series
The 1940 Packard 1800 Series uses one primary tire size: 6.25-16. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. Once size is confirmed, the real decision becomes selecting the tire that best suits the car’s restoration character, intended road use, and existing wheel setup.
In the 6.25-16 size, the 6.25 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while 16 identifies the wheel diameter. This is a traditional numeric bias-ply size, which matches the construction style associated with the 1940 Packard 1800 Series and helps preserve the car’s proper prewar stance and visual character. Numeric bias-ply tires in this range are typically chosen by owners who want an authentic-looking profile rather than a modern radial appearance. It is the right size to evaluate when the goal is maintaining period-style fitment on the original 16-inch wheel diameter.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward on the 1940 Packard 1800 Series. The covered sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on selecting the right 6.25-16 bias-ply tire rather than sorting through different fitment combinations.
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1940 Packard 1800 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1940 Packard 1800 Series 6 Cyl. uses the 6.25-16 bias-ply tire size. That keeps tire selection centered on period-style appearance, wheel condition, and how closely the finished car is meant to reflect a traditional prewar Packard presentation.
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
These FAQs focus on the 1940 Packard 1800 Series tire size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, restoration appearance, and the inspection points that matter before putting a prewar Packard back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1940 Packard 1800 Series?
The 1940 Packard 1800 Series uses a 6.25-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the covered vehicle and its 6 Cyl. sub-model.
That means the first step is confirming that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to another diameter over the years. On an older restoration or long-stored car, checking actual wheel size, wheel condition, and clearance before mounting new tires helps keep the selection focused on the right period-style fitment.
What size rim does a 1940 Packard 1800 Series use?
The 1940 Packard 1800 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 6.25-16 tire size. The wheel diameter is important because the tire size is built specifically around that 16-inch rim measurement.
A prewar car may have had wheels changed during its life, so it is worth verifying the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle before choosing a tire. Measuring the wheel and inspecting for damage, rust, or previous repairs is especially important on collector cars that have seen long periods of storage or multiple restoration phases.
Does the 1940 Packard 1800 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1940 Packard 1800 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.25-16 bias-ply tire size as the covered model range. There is no separate primary tire size to sort through for that sub-model.
That simplifies the fitment decision, since the main question is not which size applies but which 6.25-16 tire best matches the car’s appearance and intended use. Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to confirm that the wheels on the car remain 16-inch originals or period-appropriate replacements before mounting new tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.25-16 tire for a 1940 Packard 1800 Series?
Start with the correct 6.25-16 size and bias-ply construction, since that is the primary fitment for the 1940 Packard 1800 Series. For a prewar Packard, buyers usually focus on preserving the car’s traditional profile, sidewall presentation, and overall period-style look.
Beyond size, pay attention to how the tire suits the car’s intended role. A vehicle built for judged restoration, touring, or occasional local driving may call for a different balance of appearance and use. Wheel condition, actual wheel dimensions, and the age and setup of the suspension should also be checked before finalizing a tire choice.
How do I choose between the available 6.25-16 tires for a 1940 Packard 1800 Series?
The best way to compare 6.25-16 tires for a 1940 Packard 1800 Series is to stay with the correct size first, then evaluate differences in styling and intended presentation. On a car from this era, visual character matters almost as much as mechanical fitment.
Think about whether the Packard is being restored to a formal prewar look, maintained as a preservation car, or driven regularly for tours and events. A tire that complements the car’s proportions and wheel setup will usually be a better choice than simply selecting by appearance alone. Clearance, wheel integrity, and overall condition of the car should still be verified.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing tires for a 1940 Packard 1800 Series?
The key rim-fitment detail is that the 1940 Packard 1800 Series uses a 16-inch wheel with a 6.25-16 tire. Matching the tire to the proper wheel diameter is essential before any other styling or restoration choice is made.
On an older Packard, it is also wise to inspect the wheel itself for rust, distortion, prior repairs, and bead-seat condition before mounting new tires. Cars that have been stored for decades or restored in stages sometimes carry replacement wheels, so a quick physical verification helps avoid ordering a correct-looking tire for the wrong wheel setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Packard 1800 Series?
A period-style 1940 Packard 1800 Series should begin with the correct 6.25-16 bias-ply size. That sizing and construction preserve the prewar profile and visual proportions that suit the car’s original design language much better than a modern-looking substitute.
For many restorations, the goal is not simply making the car mobile but keeping the finished stance and presentation believable for the era. Owners pursuing high-level authenticity should still compare their tire choice against marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation, especially when sidewall appearance and judging standards matter.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1940 Packard 1800 Series restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Packard 1800 Series restoration. The proper 6.25-16 bias-ply size influences the car’s stance, wheelhouse appearance, and the overall visual balance that makes a prewar Packard look settled and properly finished.
A tire that departs too far from the intended fitment can change the way the car presents even before it moves. That is why restorers usually confirm wheel diameter, tire construction, and overall appearance early in the project rather than treating tires as a final detail after paint, trim, and ride height have already been established.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Packard 1800 Series?
Yes. A 1940 Packard 1800 Series may originally call for a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire, but later wheel changes, suspension work, altered ride height, or body repairs can all affect how that tire sits on the car. Even small changes can matter on a prewar chassis.
A careful check of wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and clearance at the fenders and suspension points is worthwhile before mounting new tires. Cars restored long ago or updated for touring sometimes differ from stock in ways that are not obvious at first glance, so fitment should be confirmed on the actual vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Packard 1800 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and the general condition of the brake and suspension system along with the new tires themselves. On a 1940 Packard 1800 Series, the surrounding mechanical condition matters just as much as the fresh 6.25-16 tires.
A prewar car that has spent time parked should also be checked for proper tire pressure, free steering movement, and any signs of rubbing once the tires are mounted. A short, slow initial drive followed by a second inspection can reveal clearance issues, settling, or hardware concerns before the car is taken on a longer outing.
How should 6.25-16 tires on a collector 1940 Packard 1800 Series be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 6.25-16 size should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone. On a 1940 Packard 1800 Series that sees occasional use, condition often matters more than tread wear alone.
Routine checks for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss are especially important on cars that spend long stretches in storage. Moving the car periodically, keeping the tires clean, and inspecting the wheels and sidewalls before each drive helps preserve both appearance and roadworthiness on a lightly used prewar Packard.
