The 1940 Willys 40 Series came from an era when compact American cars still relied on narrow bias-ply tires, modest wheel widths, and proportions that are easy to upset with the wrong replacement. For owners restoring a pre-war Willys or preparing one for careful road use, tire choice affects both stance and character as much as simple fitment. The 1940 Willys 40 Series uses a 550-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. Within that size, there are blackwall and wide whitewall options from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. The key decision is whether the car is being finished with a more understated driver-style look or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Willys 40 Series
The 1940 Willys 40 Series uses one primary tire size: 550-16. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and it remains consistent for the covered 4 Cyl. sub-model. Once the size is confirmed, the real choice is how you want the tire to look and which product details matter most for your wheel width, restoration goals, and intended road use.
A 550-16 tire uses a vintage numeric bias-ply size format in which the 5.50 figure refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1940 Willys 40 Series, this size preserves the narrow pre-war bias-ply profile that suits the car's original-era proportions and wheel package. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall treatments across Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone series. This is the size to evaluate when keeping the Willys visually traditional and mechanically consistent with its 16-inch rim setup.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1940 Willys 40 Series sub-models. The main reason to check the exact sub-model is simply to confirm that the car still carries the expected 16-inch wheel setup and has not been changed over the years.
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1940 Willys 40 Series 4 Cyl.
The 1940 Willys 40 Series 4 Cyl. uses the same 550-16 bias-ply fitment associated with this model line. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, along with confirming wheel width before choosing among the available brands and series.
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 Willys 40 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-16 tires for the 1940 Willys 40 Series span Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone offerings in traditional bias-ply construction. The main differences in the product grid are sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width compatibility on certain Firestone and Excelsior options.
These FAQs for the 1940 Willys 40 Series focus on 550-16 fitment, 16-inch rim considerations, sidewall and brand choices, restoration-minded selection, and the checks worth making before putting a pre-war Willys back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1940 Willys 40 Series?
The 1940 Willys 40 Series uses a 550-16 tire size. That is a bias-ply fitment matched to a 16-inch wheel, and it is the primary size associated with this model.
Using the correct size matters because a pre-war car like the Willys depends on a narrow tire profile to maintain its intended proportions and wheel fit. If the car has been modified with different wheels at some point, confirm the actual wheel diameter and width before choosing among the available 550-16 tires.
What size rim does a 1940 Willys 40 Series use?
The 1940 Willys 40 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire fitment. Product fitment details in this size include rim-width ranges such as 3.25 to 4.00 inches on certain options.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify on an older vehicle because many pre-war cars have seen wheel changes over time. Even when the diameter is correct, wheel width still matters, especially if you are narrowing your choice between brands or comparing blackwall and whitewall options within the same tire size.
Does the 1940 Willys 40 Series 4 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1940 Willys 40 Series 4 Cyl. uses the same 550-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core fitment. That keeps the basic tire decision simple because there is no alternate primary size to sort through for this covered sub-model.
With the size already settled, selection usually comes down to appearance and product character. A blackwall tire gives the Willys a more understated presentation, while a wide whitewall leans more toward a restoration-oriented look. It is still smart to inspect the actual wheels on the car before finalizing a tire choice.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-16 tire for a 1940 Willys 40 Series?
Start with the basics: the correct 550-16 size, bias-ply construction, and a 16-inch wheel. From there, compare sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any rim-width guidance that applies to the specific tire you are considering.
A 1940 Willys 40 Series can look noticeably different depending on whether it wears blackwalls or wide whitewalls, so appearance is a major part of the decision. Beyond looks, check that the tire suits your actual wheel width and intended use, especially if the car is driven regularly rather than shown occasionally.
What sidewall styles are available for 1940 Willys 40 Series tires?
The available 550-16 tires for the 1940 Willys 40 Series come in blackwall and wide whitewall form. Those two sidewall treatments give the car distinctly different visual character while staying within the same primary tire size and bias-ply construction.
Blackwalls tend to suit a simpler, more restrained presentation, while wide whitewalls bring a stronger period-style visual statement. Neither choice changes the need to confirm proper wheel fit, and either one should be selected with the car's overall finish, restoration direction, and road-use plans in mind.
What brands offer tires for the 1940 Willys 40 Series?
The 1940 Willys 40 Series has 550-16 tire options from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series and include both blackwall and wide whitewall choices in this size.
Brand choice is only part of the picture on a pre-war fitment like this. It also helps to compare sidewall appearance, series styling, rim-width guidance where stated, and details such as load figures on individual products. That approach keeps the decision tied to how the Willys will look and be used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Willys 40 Series?
A 550-16 bias-ply tire is the right starting point for a period-style 1940 Willys 40 Series because it preserves the narrow vintage size and construction associated with the car. Within that size, blackwall and wide whitewall versions offer different restoration-oriented visual directions.
Choosing between them depends on how the car is being presented rather than on fitment alone. A more understated build may favor blackwalls, while a dressed-up pre-war look may lean toward wide whitewalls. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references and the specific history of the individual car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1940 Willys 40 Series restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1940 Willys 40 Series restoration because tire size and construction strongly influence the car's stance, wheel opening appearance, and overall pre-war character. The 550-16 bias-ply format is a central part of that visual and mechanical presentation.
A tire that is too modern in shape or too different in proportion can change the look of the Willys quickly, even if the wheel diameter seems close. Along with selecting the right size, pay attention to sidewall style and wheel width so the finished car keeps a coherent, era-appropriate appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Willys 40 Series?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Willys 40 Series even when the tire size remains 550-16. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can all alter how a tire sits and moves within the available space.
A pre-war vehicle often accumulates decades of alterations, so it is wise to inspect the actual setup rather than assume it is still stock. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before mounting new tires, especially if the Willys has aftermarket wheels or suspension changes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Willys 40 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1940 Willys 40 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or distortion, confirm the lug hardware is correct, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for the application. A visual check for clearance at full steering lock is also worthwhile.
On an older car, tire installation is only one part of road readiness. It helps to look over suspension components, steering play, and brake condition so the new 550-16 tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated mechanical issues. A careful short test drive is a smart final step.
How should 550-16 tires on a collector 1940 Willys 40 Series be maintained?
550-16 tires on a collector 1940 Willys 40 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss, and stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when the car is not being used often.
Collector cars often age their tires through time as much as mileage, so tread depth alone does not tell the whole story. Moving the car periodically, checking pressures before each outing, and watching for changes in ride feel or steering response can help catch problems before a longer road drive.
