The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe came at the end of the prewar era, when Plymouth had built a reputation for practical, well-styled cars that were meant to be driven regularly rather than merely admired. Today, that same character makes this model appealing to restorers and collectors who want an authentic roadgoing experience. Tire fitment for the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe centers on two 16-inch bias-ply sizes, 600-16 and 650-16, depending on the exact sub-model. Within those sizes, there is meaningful choice in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles across several vintage tire series and brands. The right selection depends on confirming the sub-model first, then balancing period-style appearance with intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe
The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down to sub-model rather than wheel diameter or construction. Both sizes are bias-ply designs for 16-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the car is the 6 Cyl. model or the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) version before comparing sidewall style, tire series, and brand choices.
In the 650-16 size, the 650 indicates an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and the 16 denotes a 16-inch rim. It is also a bias-ply fitment, but it applies to the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger), making sub-model confirmation especially important before ordering. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Garfield, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel across several classic and utility-oriented series. This is the right size to consider when the car is the 7 Passenger model and the choice shifts from fitment identification to appearance, series, and intended use.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe because tire size changes between the covered configurations. Both use 16-inch bias-ply tires, but choosing the right size starts with confirming whether the car is the standard 6 Cyl. model or the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger).
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1940 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl.
The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the narrower of the two primary bias-ply fitments offered for this model range. That makes tire selection less about construction choice and more about choosing the right 600-16 style, brand, and series for the car's appearance and driving plans.
The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses the larger primary bias-ply fitment in this application. Tire selection for this version should stay focused on the 650-16 size first, then move to sidewall presentation, brand, and whether a passenger-car or more utility-oriented tread style makes sense for the vehicle.
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.
Best 1940 Plymouth Deluxe Tires for Sale
Available 1940 Plymouth Deluxe tire choices center on 600-16 and 650-16 bias-ply options from brands including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and others. The product grid is most useful for comparing blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles along with classic passenger and more utility-oriented tire series.
These 1940 Plymouth Deluxe tire FAQs focus on the two correct bias-ply sizes, how fitment changes by sub-model, and how to compare sidewall styles, brands, and restoration-oriented choices before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe?
A 1940 Plymouth Deluxe uses either 600-16 or 650-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims. The 6 Cyl. model uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16, so there is not one universal size across every Deluxe configuration.
The most important step is confirming the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the decision usually becomes which sidewall style, brand, and tire series best suits the car, rather than whether to choose between different constructions or rim diameters.
What size rim does a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe use?
The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe uses 16-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. Both 600-16 and 650-16 are built around that same 16-inch rim diameter, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire size changes between sub-models.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel on the vehicle, especially if it has been modified over the years, and to compare wheel width with the tire's intended range before settling on a specific product.
Why does the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe have more than one tire size?
The 1940 Plymouth Deluxe has more than one tire size because the fitment changes by sub-model. The standard 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) moves to 650-16, even though both remain 16-inch bias-ply applications.
That difference means tire selection starts with vehicle identification, not just the year and model name. A buyer looking at a seven-passenger car should not assume it uses the same tire as a standard Deluxe, and a buyer with changed wheels should also verify the current setup before replacing tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 or 650-16 tire for a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe?
Start with the exact size required by the sub-model, since the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe uses 600-16 in the 6 Cyl. version and 650-16 in the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, compare bias-ply tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width suitability, and whether the tire is aimed at passenger-car presentation or a more utility-oriented tread style.
A restoration-focused car may call for a traditional blackwall or wide whitewall look, while a driver with special-use needs may lean toward a different tread pattern within the same size. Matching the tire to the car's actual wheel dimensions and intended use matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1940 Plymouth Deluxe tires?
1940 Plymouth Deluxe tires are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall depending on size and series. The 600-16 size offers the broadest visual range, while 650-16 also includes both blackwall and wide whitewall options across several classic bias-ply lines.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on the car's finished presentation, especially on a prewar Plymouth with tall 16-inch tires. Appearance should still be paired with the correct sub-model size first, since a whitewall in the wrong size does not solve the underlying fitment question.
What brands offer tires for the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe?
Tires for the 1940 Plymouth Deluxe are available from several brands, including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Lester, Excelsior, STA, Avon, Ford Script, Garfield, Camac, and Tornel depending on the size and series. The mix includes both traditional passenger-car offerings and some utility or military-style bias-ply choices.
Brand matters less than matching the tire to the correct size, wheel, and intended look. Once the sub-model size is confirmed, comparing brand by sidewall style, tread character, load specification, and rim-width compatibility gives a much clearer basis for choosing the right tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Plymouth Deluxe?
A period-style 1940 Plymouth Deluxe tire choice begins with the correct bias-ply size for the specific sub-model: 600-16 for the 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, traditional blackwall and wide whitewall offerings are both available, along with several vintage tire series that preserve a prewar look.
The best visual match depends on how the car is being restored and which appearance cues matter most. When exact originality is important, it is wise to compare the intended tire style with period photos, marque-club guidance, or other Plymouth-specific historical references before making the final choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1940 Plymouth Deluxe?
On a restored 1940 Plymouth Deluxe, bias-ply construction plays a large role in maintaining the traditional prewar stance and tire profile associated with the car's era. That matters here because both primary fitments, 600-16 and 650-16, are bias-ply sizes rather than modern radial applications.
Construction is only part of the appearance story, since sidewall treatment also changes the overall look. A blackwall can keep the presentation understated, while a wide whitewall or double-whitewall creates a more formal vintage impression, provided the tire size still matches the correct sub-model.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe even when the original size is known. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body alterations can all change how a 600-16 or 650-16 tire sits and clears the vehicle.
A car that has been updated over time should be checked at the wheel, not just by the factory-style fitment. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering stops helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the model on paper but conflicts with the actual setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires?
Before driving a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or heavy corrosion, confirm the wheel size and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the sub-model. The valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition should also be checked before road use.
Once the tires are installed, look for adequate clearance at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement. It also helps to monitor inflation, bead seating, and any early signs of rubbing or air loss during the first miles, especially on a collector car returning to service after long storage.
How should 600-16 and 650-16 tires on a collector 1940 Plymouth Deluxe be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe should be inspected regularly for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Tire pressure should be checked before use, and the car should not rely on appearance alone, since older tires can look usable while still being unsafe.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a prewar vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and a careful inspection before each season or longer drive is a sensible habit for any seldom-driven Plymouth.
