The 1940 Studebaker Commander comes from a moment when American cars were moving toward more integrated styling while still retaining the upright proportions and road manners of the late prewar era. For collectors, that makes tire choice part of both the look and the driving character. This Commander uses a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, which keeps the fitment rooted in its original sizing convention. The main decision is usually whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation and how closely the tire's overall appearance suits the car. Before putting the car back on the road, confirm the wheel size and inspect the full chassis setup carefully.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Studebaker Commander
The 1940 Studebaker Commander uses one primary tire size: 6.25-16. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 16-inch rim, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. That means the main choice is not between multiple primary fitments, but between period-style tire options that preserve the right overall sizing approach for the car.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 6.25-16, the 6.25 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. This is a traditional bias-ply construction, which matches the type of fitment associated with a 1940 Studebaker Commander and helps preserve the car's prewar driving feel and visual stance. Buyers looking at this size are usually balancing road use, restoration presentation, and wheel compatibility rather than choosing among multiple modern sizing systems. It is the right starting point when the goal is to keep the Commander in its proper vintage tire format.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1940 Studebaker Commander sub-model. The Commander 6 Cyl. uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on selecting the right bias-ply tire and confirming the car still has the correct 16-inch wheel setup.
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1940 Studebaker Commander 6 Cyl.
The 1940 Studebaker Commander 6 Cyl. uses the 6.25-16 bias-ply tire size. That keeps selection relatively simple, with the key considerations being a traditional prewar tire presentation, proper wheel confirmation, and the condition of any existing wheels before road use.
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
For a 1940 Studebaker Commander, the most common tire questions center on the 6.25-16 size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, restoration-minded appearance, and the basic inspections that matter before returning a prewar car to the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1940 Studebaker Commander?
The 1940 Studebaker Commander uses a 6.25-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment for the covered Commander 6 Cyl. application.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel setup over the years. On an older collector car, wheel swaps, brake work, and long-term storage can all affect what is currently on the vehicle, so it is worth checking the actual wheel and tire combination before making a replacement choice.
What size rim does a 1940 Studebaker Commander use?
The 1940 Studebaker Commander uses a 16-inch rim with its 6.25-16 tire size. The tire's size code and fitment both center on that 16-inch wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is one of the most important details to verify on a prewar car because a tire cannot be matched correctly if the wheel size has changed. It also helps to inspect the wheel itself for age, damage, rust around the bead area, and any signs of prior repair, especially if the car has been sitting for long periods or has an uncertain restoration history.
Does the 1940 Studebaker Commander 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1940 Studebaker Commander 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.25-16 bias-ply tire size. There is no separate primary size within this covered sub-model fitment.
That consistency helps narrow the decision to tire type and overall presentation rather than sorting through multiple factory sizes. Even so, it is still smart to verify the wheels currently on the car, since many older vehicles have seen decades of maintenance, parts substitution, or cosmetic changes that may leave the present wheel setup different from the expected 16-inch configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.25-16 tire for a 1940 Studebaker Commander?
Start with the correct size and construction type. A 1940 Studebaker Commander uses a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire, so the right choice begins with staying in that vintage sizing format and confirming the car still carries the proper 16-inch wheels.
From there, think about how the car will be used and presented. A touring-focused driver may prioritize dependable road readiness, while a restoration-oriented owner may care more about preserving a traditional prewar look and feel. It also helps to inspect wheel condition, confirm that all four corners match, and avoid choosing a tire solely by appearance without checking the car's actual setup.
How do I choose between available 6.25-16 tires for a 1940 Studebaker Commander?
Choosing between 6.25-16 tires for a 1940 Studebaker Commander usually comes down to selecting a tire that keeps the correct size and bias-ply character while matching the way the car is being restored, displayed, or driven. The size itself should remain the anchor point.
Look beyond the sidewall at the full combination of wheel condition, intended use, and the overall visual impression you want on the car. A Commander used mainly for shows may call for one type of presentation, while a car driven on tours may push the owner to think more carefully about age, condition, and consistency across all five tires if a spare is carried.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1940 Studebaker Commander tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail for a 1940 Studebaker Commander is the 16-inch wheel diameter required by the 6.25-16 tire size. On a collector car of this era, that basic confirmation matters more than chasing alternate sizing ideas that may not suit the car.
It is also wise to check that the wheels are a matching set and that none have been replaced with a different style or dimension over time. Uneven wheel widths, repaired rims, or later wheel substitutions can affect how a tire seats and presents on the car, even when the nominal diameter appears correct at first glance.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Studebaker Commander?
For a period-style 1940 Studebaker Commander, the right starting point is the original-size format: a 6.25-16 bias-ply tire. That preserves the vintage numeric sizing convention and supports the kind of prewar appearance most owners want from a restoration-minded tire choice.
A period-style result is not only about matching the size code. Tire construction, sidewall presentation, and how the tire sits on the car all influence whether the finished look feels appropriate for a 1940 Commander. When exact originality matters, it is worth comparing the tire choice against marque references, historic photos, and restoration records for the specific vehicle.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1940 Studebaker Commander restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Studebaker Commander restoration. The proper 6.25-16 bias-ply format affects not only whether the tire matches the wheel, but also how the car stands, steers, and presents visually as a prewar automobile.
A tire that departs too far from the expected size or construction can change the character of the finished car, even if it physically mounts to the wheel. Restorers should pay attention to wheel diameter, overall vintage appearance, and consistency across the full set so the Commander looks cohesive rather than assembled from mixed eras of parts and styling cues.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Studebaker Commander?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Studebaker Commander, even when the intended tire size remains 6.25-16. Wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, or body alterations can all influence clearance and the way a tire sits on the car.
A Commander that has been lowered, fitted with non-original wheels, or altered for modern road use should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel condition all deserve attention. That is especially true on older cars, where changes made decades ago may not be obvious until the old tires are removed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Studebaker Commander on new tires?
Before driving a 1940 Studebaker Commander on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the steering and suspension. The car's new tires should also be checked for proper seating and inflation before any extended road use.
A prewar vehicle benefits from a broader once-over as well. Look for cracked or loose steering components, worn suspension parts, brake condition, and any rubbing points that could affect the tires once the car is moving. A slow test drive followed by a second inspection can reveal clearance or mechanical issues that are easy to miss while the car is stationary.
How should 6.25-16 tires on a collector 1940 Studebaker Commander be maintained?
6.25-16 tires on a collector 1940 Studebaker Commander should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Since many collector cars are driven infrequently, tire condition often matters more than tread wear alone.
Watch for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss, especially after the car has been parked for long stretches. Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition. It also helps to inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming low mileage means they are automatically road-ready.
