1948 Packard Super Tires

The 1948 Packard Super uses two primary tire sizes: 700-16 and 760-15. Both are bias-ply fitments, but they do not use the same rim diameter, so they are tied to different wheel setups rather than being interchangeable versions of the same package.

The practical first step is checking the actual wheels on the car before choosing a tire. A Packard that has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels may no longer match its earlier setup, so wheel diameter should be confirmed first and sidewall style or radial-equivalent questions handled only after that.

A 1948 Packard Super can use either a 16-inch rim with 700-16 tires or a 15-inch rim with 760-15 tires. That means rim diameter is central to tire selection on this model, because each primary size belongs to a different wheel diameter.

Checking only the tire size stamped on an old casing is not always enough, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Measure or verify the wheel itself, then compare the tire’s rim-diameter requirement and, where relevant, the rim-width guidance before settling on a replacement.

The 760-15 designation is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 760 indicates an approximate 7.60-inch section width, while the 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1948 Packard Super, it is a traditional bias-ply fitment used on 15-inch wheels.

That size format matters because it differs from modern metric radial sizing, and the visual effect is part of the decision as well. Once the 15-inch wheel is confirmed, the next choices involve sidewall appearance, brand and tire series, and whether to stay with a bias-ply tire or compare one of the available radial equivalents.

On the 1948 Packard Super, 760-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It belongs to the car’s original-style fitment approach, and the available tires in that primary size are bias-ply products with period-style sidewall treatments such as narrow whitewall and wide whitewall.

A radial can still enter the conversation because 760-15 also has radial-equivalent options, but that does not turn the primary fitment itself into a radial size. The important distinction is that the original size remains bias-ply, while any radial alternative should be evaluated as a conversion with attention to wheel compatibility and clearance.

Radial equivalents for 760-15 include 215R15 as the 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as the P-metric 75-series radial, P235/70R15 as the P-metric 70-series radial, and 760R15 as the bias-look radial equivalent. These are alternative radial formats associated with the original 760-15 bias-ply size.

Each option should be treated as a comparison point rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, and the owner should still verify wheel dimensions, overall tire clearance, and the car’s current setup before moving from a bias-ply tire to a radial format.

Start by confirming that the car is using the 15-inch wheel setup tied to the 760-15 fitment, because the available radial equivalents apply to that size. From there, compare the intended radial size with the wheel on the car and note the associated 6- to 8-inch rim-width guidance where it applies.

A conversion should also include a careful look at clearance around the fenders, steering components, and suspension through the full range of movement. On an older Packard, it also makes sense to inspect wheel condition, suspension wear, and overall stance before changing construction, since those factors can affect how a radial alternative behaves on the car.

The first decision is wheel diameter, because 700-16 and 760-15 belong to different rims. After that, the main selection factors are keeping the proper bias-ply construction, choosing a sidewall style that suits the car’s appearance, and comparing available brands and tire series within the correct size.

A buyer should also look at practical details such as rim-width guidance where it is stated, load figures when they are given, and the intended use of the car. A Packard driven mainly to shows may call for a different appearance emphasis than one used for regular road miles, even when the same size remains correct.

Sidewall choices for the 1948 Packard Super include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall depending on tire size and product line. The 700-16 selection includes blackwall and wide whitewall options, while 760-15 adds both narrow whitewall and several wide whitewall treatments.

That matters because sidewall styling changes the car’s visual character almost as much as the wheel itself. A more formal restoration-oriented presentation often points buyers toward whitewalls, while blackwalls create a plainer look, so the sidewall decision should be made alongside size, wheel diameter, and the overall appearance planned for the Packard.

Tires for the 1948 Packard Super are available from several brands, including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Lester, Avon, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Tornel, and STA. Brand availability varies by size, so the mix of choices is different between 700-16 and 760-15.

The useful comparison is not simply brand name alone but how each option is presented within the correct size. Looking at sidewall style, tire series, rim-width guidance where listed, and the car’s intended use will usually narrow the field more effectively than trying to treat every brand as if it serves the same purpose.

A period-style 1948 Packard Super generally starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the wheel on the car, either 700-16 or 760-15. From there, the most restoration-oriented choices usually come from traditional bias-ply product lines with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall treatments that suit the car’s overall presentation.

The right answer depends on whether the goal is formal postwar touring appearance, a simpler driver look, or a closer match to the car’s current restoration theme. When exact originality matters, buyer research should extend to marque references and vehicle-specific documentation so the final choice supports both fitment and historical presentation.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1948 Packard Super because bias-ply tires carry the shape and stance most closely associated with the car’s original era. On this model, both primary sizes are bias-ply, so staying with that construction preserves a more traditional postwar look.

A radial alternative for 760-15 may still be worth considering for some owners, especially if the car sees regular road use, but the appearance can differ from a classic bias-ply presentation. That makes construction choice part of the restoration decision, not just a technical one, particularly on a car where whitewalls and profile play such a visible role.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1948 Packard Super. Wheel changes are especially important here because the car uses both 700-16 and 760-15 depending on rim diameter, so an altered wheel setup can change which tire size is appropriate before any discussion of sidewall style or construction begins.

Suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, and aftermarket wheels can also influence clearance and how the tire sits in the wheel opening. On a collector car, it is wise to inspect the actual setup rather than assume it remains stock, then verify wheel size, width, and visible clearance before choosing a replacement tire.

Before driving a 1948 Packard Super on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct diameter, make sure the tires are properly mounted and inflated, and look over the suspension and steering for obvious wear. It also helps to confirm that the chosen size matches the wheel setup on the car.

A short, careful road test is a sensible next step after installation. During that first drive, pay attention to clearance while turning, any unusual vibration, and the car’s general tracking, then recheck tire pressure and visual seating once the car returns, especially if the Packard has been stored for long periods.

Collector-car tires on a 1948 Packard Super should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of age-related deterioration. Because these cars are often driven infrequently, condition matters just as much as mileage, whether the car is on 700-16 or 760-15 tires.

Storage habits also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the Packard away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic pressure checks are important even when the car is parked. Any sign of damage or uncertainty deserves a closer evaluation before road use.