1941 Buick 40 Special Tires

The 1941 Buick 40 Special uses a 650-16 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 16-inch wheel, and the covered 8-cylinder sub-model uses the same primary fitment.

That makes size selection relatively simple, but the tire choice still deserves a close look. Before replacing anything, confirm that the Buick still has its correct wheel diameter and that no later wheel swap or suspension modification has changed the fitment requirements.

The 1941 Buick 40 Special uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire size. Among available 650-16 products, wheel-width compatibility commonly falls in the 4.50 to 5.00 inch range, with some options also suited to narrower widths such as 4.00 to 4.50 inches.

Rim diameter is the first item to confirm, but rim width matters too when comparing actual tire choices. A Buick that has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels should have both dimensions checked before a new set of bias-ply tires is selected.

On a 1941 Buick 40 Special, 650-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.

That format differs from modern metric radial sizing, so it helps to read the code in period terms rather than modern ones. Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing among blackwall or wide whitewall versions and matching the tire to the Buick’s wheel width and intended presentation.

Start with the correct 650-16 size and make sure the tire remains bias-ply if the goal is to retain the Buick’s original-style construction. Then compare sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, rim-width specification, and whether the car is being finished for restoration display or regular collector road use.

A wide whitewall can dramatically change the Buick’s visual character compared with a blackwall, even within the same size. It also helps to compare load figures where they are stated and to make sure the chosen tire matches the actual wheel dimensions now on the car.

The 1941 Buick 40 Special’s 650-16 tire choices include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners room to choose a more understated look or a brighter pre-war presentation without changing the basic tire size.

Sidewall style affects appearance much more than fitment, but it can shape the whole personality of a restoration. Buyers focused on historical presentation often compare whitewall width and overall visual balance, while road-use buyers may simply want the correct size with the sidewall treatment they prefer.

Tires for the 1941 Buick 40 Special in 650-16 are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior. Those options cover several classic bias-ply series as well as both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations.

Brand choice is only part of the decision. It is equally important to compare the specific tire series, sidewall style, tread character, and wheel-width compatibility so the finished tire suits both the Buick’s appearance goals and the actual wheels being used.

A period-style starting point for a 1941 Buick 40 Special is the correct 650-16 bias-ply size. Keeping the original sizing format and bias-ply construction preserves the visual proportions and traditional stance that suit a pre-war Buick.

From there, the choice usually comes down to presentation. Blackwall and wide whitewall options create very different looks, so owners pursuing a stricter restoration should compare the car against marque references, period photos, or other authoritative Buick sources before settling on one specific sidewall treatment.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1941 Buick 40 Special because tire size and construction strongly influence the car’s stance, wheelwell fill, and overall period impression. A proper 650-16 bias-ply tire supports the restored Buick’s visual authenticity more effectively than an unrelated modern substitute.

Appearance is only part of the equation. Proper fitment also helps avoid wheel mismatch, clearance issues, and an out-of-place profile that can distract from an otherwise carefully restored car, so it is worth confirming wheel dimensions before the final tire choice is made.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1941 Buick 40 Special even when the intended tire size remains 650-16. Wheel changes, altered wheel widths, suspension work, brake conversions, or body and fender modifications can all change the space available around the tire.

A Buick that no longer uses its original-style wheels should be checked carefully before new tires go on. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at steering and suspension travel helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the catalog size but not the actual car.

Before driving a 1941 Buick 40 Special on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, brake condition, steering components, and overall suspension health. The tire itself should also be checked for proper seating, inflation, and any early signs of rubbing once installed.

A pre-war car often spends long periods parked, so road readiness involves more than fresh rubber alone. A short initial drive followed by another inspection is a smart way to confirm pressure stability, clearance, and general behavior before taking the Buick on a longer outing.

650-16 tires on a collector 1941 Buick 40 Special should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even a lightly driven collector car can develop issues from age, underinflation, sunlight, moisture, or long stationary periods.

Look over the tread and sidewalls for cracking, bulges, cuts, or unusual wear, and move the car often enough to avoid long-term flat spotting. Clean, dry storage away from heat and ozone sources helps preserve both blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires over time.