The 1947 Packard Clipper comes from the immediate postwar period, when Packard’s streamlined Clipper design still stood apart for its smooth shape and upscale road manners. Buyers looking after one today are usually balancing authentic visual character with practical road use, especially on a car whose stance and presence depend heavily on proper tire selection. This Packard Clipper uses bias-ply fitments in 6.50-15 or 700-15, depending on the sub-model. That makes size identification the first step, followed by choosing the right sidewall presentation and tire series within the correct fitment. For a restoration-minded owner, the goal is getting the proper look, wheel compatibility, and road-ready condition all working together.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1947 Packard Clipper
The 1947 Packard Clipper uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a change in wheel diameter. Both sizes are bias-ply fitments on 15-inch rims, so the key step is confirming whether the car is a Clipper 6, Clipper 8, or Super 8 before choosing a tire. Once the size is settled, the next decision is usually sidewall style and overall presentation.
A 6.50-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, where the first number represents nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies a 15-inch rim. On the 1947 Packard Clipper, this size suits the Clipper 6 and Clipper 8 and keeps the car in its proper bias-ply construction family. Buyers familiar only with modern radial sizing should read it as an older, period-style fitment rather than a metric equivalent. Choosing this size starts with confirming the sub-model and wheel setup so the Packard retains the correct visual proportion and intended fitment.
A 700-15 is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number indicating a wider nominal section width than 6.50-15 and the final number again calling for a 15-inch rim. On the 1947 Packard Clipper, this size applies to the Super 8 and brings the broadest product selection on the page. Available choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA options, with blackwall and wide whitewall styles across several tire series. The practical reason to focus on 700-15 is matching the Super 8’s correct primary size before comparing appearance, rim-width range, and intended use.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1947 Packard Clipper because the covered models do not all share the same tire size. The Clipper 6 and Clipper 8 use one primary fitment, while the Super 8 uses a different one, so identifying the exact model is the first step before comparing tire options.
1
1947 Packard Clipper 6
The 1947 Packard Clipper 6 uses a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Tire selection here is mainly about staying with the proper primary size and then choosing a period-style presentation that matches the car’s restoration direction and wheel setup.
The 1947 Packard Clipper 8 shares the 6.50-15 bias-ply fitment used by the Clipper 6. That makes the process straightforward once the sub-model is confirmed, with attention focused on correct size retention, wheel compatibility, and the overall look you want the car to carry.
The 1947 Packard Clipper Super 8 uses the larger 700-15 bias-ply size rather than the 6.50-15 fitment found on the other Clipper sub-models here. That difference affects tire selection immediately, especially if the goal is a wider whitewall or a specific vintage tire series for a restoration-oriented appearance.
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 1947 Packard Clipper Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 choices span Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with blackwall and wide whitewall styles across series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway. That gives the Super 8 owner room to compare appearance, intended use, and rim-width specifications within the correct size.
These 1947 Packard Clipper tire FAQs focus on the two primary sizes, sub-model differences, bias-ply fitment, available 700-15 product choices, restoration appearance, and the wheel and condition checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1947 Packard Clipper?
A 1947 Packard Clipper uses either 6.50-15 or 700-15 bias-ply tires, depending on the sub-model. The Clipper 6 and Clipper 8 use 6.50-15, while the Clipper Super 8 uses 700-15. Both sizes are designed for 15-inch rims and belong to the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system common in the period.
The important step is confirming the exact Packard sub-model before choosing a tire, since the two sizes are not interchangeable simply because they share the same rim diameter. It is also smart to verify the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored or modified over the years, so the selected tire matches both the original fitment pattern and the present setup.
What size rim does a 1947 Packard Clipper use?
The 1947 Packard Clipper uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car takes the 6.50-15 bias-ply size or the larger 700-15 bias-ply size used on the Super 8. Rim diameter stays the same even though the sub-model fitments differ in section width.
Rim diameter alone does not settle the tire choice, because the correct width-class tire still depends on the exact sub-model and wheel configuration. On cars that have seen wheel swaps, it helps to confirm both the rim diameter and the wheel width before mounting new tires. That extra check can prevent clearance issues and helps keep the Packard’s stance and tire proportions in line with the intended fitment.
Do all 1947 Packard Clipper sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1947 Packard Clipper sub-models covered here do not all use the same tire size. The Clipper 6 and Clipper 8 use 6.50-15 bias-ply tires, while the Clipper Super 8 uses 700-15 bias-ply tires. All of them use 15-inch rims, but the tire size itself changes by sub-model.
That means a Packard owner should identify the exact model before comparing tires, whitewall styles, or brands. Choosing by year and model name alone can lead to the wrong width-class tire, even though the wheel diameter seems consistent. A quick check of the sub-model badge, vehicle records, and the wheels currently on the car helps narrow the decision to the correct fitment before moving on to appearance and usage preferences.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1947 Packard Clipper?
Start by confirming that the car is a 1947 Packard Clipper Super 8, since 700-15 is the primary fitment for that sub-model. From there, compare bias-ply construction details such as sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width specifications. Available 700-15 options include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA.
The right choice depends on how the Packard will be used and how closely the owner wants the finished look to reflect a period-style presentation. A wide whitewall may suit a restoration-minded car, while blackwall or highway and transport-oriented series may appeal in other situations. Wheel width, load requirements, and the vehicle’s current setup should all be checked before settling on a specific tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 1947 Packard Clipper tires?
For the 700-15 Packard Clipper fitment, the available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Those choices create a noticeably different visual character, even when the underlying tire size remains the same. On a postwar Packard, sidewall treatment has a strong effect on the car’s overall stance and presentation.
A buyer choosing between sidewall styles should think about the car’s restoration direction, trim level, and how formal or understated the finished appearance should be. Wide whitewalls usually emphasize period flavor, while blackwalls give a simpler and more restrained look. The first step is still confirming the correct tire size for the sub-model, since sidewall preference only matters after the proper fitment has been established.
What brands offer tires for the 1947 Packard Clipper?
The 700-15 tire size used on the 1947 Packard Clipper Super 8 is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those options cover several different tire series, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Traxion, Super Transport, and Transport Highway. All of the available products in this fitment are bias-ply tires.
Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only deciding factor. Looking at sidewall style, intended use, rim-width range, weight, and load figures can be more useful than focusing on the name alone. Since the Clipper 6 and Clipper 8 use a different primary size, the owner should verify the exact Packard sub-model before comparing available products by brand.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1947 Packard Clipper?
A period-style 1947 Packard Clipper should begin with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 6.50-15 for the Clipper 6 and Clipper 8, or 700-15 for the Super 8. Keeping the original sizing format and bias-ply construction is usually the clearest starting point when the goal is a traditional postwar Packard appearance.
After the correct size is confirmed, the appearance decision shifts to details such as blackwall versus wide whitewall and the overall character of the available tire series. Exact originality can go beyond size alone, so owners pursuing a highly accurate restoration should compare their car against marque references, build-era photos, or Packard club guidance before settling on the final sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1947 Packard Clipper?
Tire construction affects a restored 1947 Packard Clipper visually because bias-ply tires carry the vintage sizing format and overall presentation associated with the car’s era. Since this Packard uses bias-ply primary fitments, staying within that construction helps preserve the traditional look that most owners expect on a late-1940s luxury automobile.
Appearance is not only about size, because sidewall treatment also changes the car’s visual personality. A wide whitewall can create a more formal, distinctly postwar presentation, while a blackwall keeps things simpler and less ornate. Even on a restoration-focused car, the owner should still confirm wheel condition, proper size, and the intended road use before treating appearance as the only decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1947 Packard Clipper?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1947 Packard Clipper even when the original tire size is known. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all alter the space available around the tire. That matters on a collector car where original fitment assumptions may no longer match the car’s present condition.
A Packard with non-original wheels should have its actual rim diameter and width checked before new tires are mounted. Clearance around the fenders, steering components, and suspension should also be reviewed, especially when moving between sub-model tire sizes is being considered. Small setup changes can affect how a vintage bias-ply tire sits and moves, even on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.
What should I inspect before driving a 1947 Packard Clipper on new tires?
Before driving a 1947 Packard Clipper on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that the tire size matches the exact sub-model. It is also wise to check for adequate clearance at the fenders and steering components and to make sure inflation is set appropriately for the installed tire and vehicle setup.
Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the first road use should include a broader look at brake function, suspension condition, and any signs that the car has settled unevenly. A short, careful initial drive can reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or other issues before the Packard is taken on a longer trip. Rechecking pressure and visual condition after that first outing is a sensible extra step.
How should 6.50-15 and 700-15 tires on a collector 1947 Packard Clipper be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1947 Packard Clipper should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and storage habits that protect the rubber from unnecessary aging. Owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, whether the car uses 6.50-15 or 700-15 bias-ply tires. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for inspection.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as driving conditions on a vintage Packard. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition between outings. It also helps to inspect the tires before every longer drive, since collector vehicles may develop flat spotting or age-related issues while parked even when tread wear still appears minimal.
