1940 Packard 1801-A-120 Tires

The 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 uses a 700-16 tire. This is a numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment for the covered vehicle and its listed 8-cylinder sub-model, keeping tire selection focused on one established prewar size rather than multiple factory fitments.

That simplifies the first step, but the buying decision still matters. Once 700-16 is confirmed, the next things to compare are sidewall style, tire series, brand, and the wheel dimensions actually on the car. A restored Packard on original-style wheels may call for a very different presentation than a driver that has seen wheel replacement or other changes over time.

The primary tire fitment for the 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 is built around a 16-inch rim. The 700-16 size itself reflects that wheel diameter, and several available products in this fitment also state rim-width compatibility in the 4.50 to 5.50 inch range.

Wheel diameter should be verified on the car before ordering, especially on an older Packard that may have changed hands many times. Rim width also affects tire choice, so it is worth confirming the actual wheel dimensions if the car has replacement wheels, truck-type wheels, or any non-original setup that could change how a 700-16 tire sits and clears.

Yes. The listed 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the core vehicle fitment. That means the basic fitment question stays consistent across the covered sub-model rather than shifting to a different primary size or rim diameter.

Consistency in size does not eliminate every decision, though. Owners still need to choose the tire style that suits the car's purpose, whether that means a formal wide whitewall look, a blackwall presentation, or a more utility-oriented tread. Confirming the exact sub-model remains useful because it helps keep the purchase aligned with the right chassis family and wheel setup.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and the bias-ply construction that belongs to this fitment. From there, compare the tire's intended character, whether it is a classic passenger-car style or a more utility-oriented military or truck-type design, along with brand, sidewall treatment, and any stated rim-width specification.

A formal prewar Packard usually calls for different visual priorities than a vehicle built for rough-road utility or mixed-use touring. Wide whitewall and blackwall choices can change the car's presentation significantly, so think about restoration goals first, then verify that the wheel dimensions and the tire's stated application match how the car will actually be used.

The 700-16 tires available for the 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a clear appearance choice within the correct size, ranging from a restrained utility look to a more formal prewar presentation that better suits many restoration-minded Packards.

Sidewall style affects more than looks on a collector car because it shapes the entire visual stance of the vehicle. A wide whitewall often complements the Packard's era and trim presence, while a blackwall can suit a simpler or more service-oriented presentation. The key is choosing the sidewall treatment that matches the car's finish level, wheel covers, and intended historical impression.

Available 700-16 tires for the 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 come from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those choices include classic bias-ply passenger-car offerings along with military- and truck-oriented designs, so brand selection is tied closely to the type of tire presentation and use you want.

Rather than trying to rank brands, compare what each one offers in this size. Some focus on traditional wide whitewall or blackwall passenger-car styling, while others lean toward utility tread patterns and heavier-duty applications. Matching the brand and series to the Packard's purpose will usually matter more than choosing by name alone.

A period-style 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 should start with the correct 700-16 bias-ply fitment. Within that size, classic passenger-car bias-ply tires with traditional sidewall treatments usually make the most sense for a restoration-oriented car, especially when the goal is to preserve the visual character expected of a prewar Packard.

The final choice depends on how exact the appearance needs to be. Wide whitewall and blackwall options create very different impressions, and not every period-style tire look is necessarily right for every restoration. When originality matters at a very high level, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, and other Packard-specific documentation before settling on a final combination.

Tire construction has a major effect on the look of a restored 1940 Packard 1801-A-120 because the correct primary fitment is a bias-ply design. Bias-ply tires carry the traditional visual character associated with prewar cars, so the construction itself supports the overall stance and presentation of a restoration-oriented Packard.

Appearance is only part of the equation, but it matters on a car from this era. A tire that is correct in size yet wrong in style can change how the wheel opening, sidewall profile, and trim interact visually. That is why many owners decide on construction and sidewall treatment together rather than treating tire size as the only restoration decision.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 700-16 on a 16-inch rim, changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can affect how that tire fits a 1940 Packard 1801-A-120. Older collector vehicles often have decades of repairs or alterations behind them, so the car in front of you may not match its original wheel setup exactly.

The safest approach is to verify the actual wheel diameter and width already on the car, then check clearance at the fenders and steering components. A Packard that has aftermarket wheels or non-stock suspension parts may need closer measurement even when the tire size itself is correct. Physical inspection matters more than assumptions on a vehicle of this age.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire beads are seated properly, and check inflation carefully. It is also worth looking over steering and suspension components, because a 1940 Packard depends heavily on those systems being sound if the new 700-16 tires are going to track and wear as expected.

A short test drive should be treated as a shakedown rather than a long trip. Recheck air pressure, look for any signs of rubbing, and pay attention to pull, vibration, or unusual steering feel. Collector cars that have been stored for long periods can reveal unrelated chassis issues only after fresh tires and renewed road use put the system back into motion.

Collector-car tires in 700-16 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. On a 1940 Packard 1801-A-120, that means watching for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally.

Low annual mileage can hide tire aging, so condition matters as much as tread depth on a prewar Packard. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce long-term flat spotting. Routine inspection before each drive is a smart habit for any seldom-used collector vehicle.