1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series Tires

The 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series came from a period when Packard still represented formal American luxury, with big-bodied comfort and road manners shaped around smooth touring rather than modern low-profile handling. That character matters when choosing tires, because this Packard uses a single primary 800-15 bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim. In this size, the available choices stay true to a traditional presentation with Coker Classic bias-ply tires and wide whitewall styling. The real decision is less about finding the size and more about selecting the whitewall look you want, or weighing a radial equivalent against the original-style bias-ply construction.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series

The 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series uses one primary tire size: 800-15 in bias-ply construction on a 15-inch rim. That same fitment carries across the covered 8-cylinder sub-model, so the main choice is not between multiple original sizes but between traditional bias-ply appearance, whitewall presentation, and whether a modern radial equivalent deserves a closer look for your particular wheel and driving setup.

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800-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 8 Cyl.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

An 800-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 800 designates an approximate 8.00-inch section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and it suits the car's substantial pre-radial touring character. Available options center on the Coker Classic Bias Ply series, with wide whitewall treatments that preserve a formal period-style look. This size is the right starting point when the goal is authentic visual presence, correct wheel diameter, and a tire profile in keeping with the car's original era.

Explore 800-15 Tires

1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series sub-models. The key point is simply confirming that the car falls within the 8-cylinder application, since the primary tire size remains consistent once that is established.

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1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series 8 Cyl.

The 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 800-15 bias-ply fitment that defines this application. That keeps tire selection focused on construction preference, wide whitewall appearance, and verifying the actual wheel setup before considering a radial equivalent.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series

For the original 800-15 tire size, four radial-equivalent options are available. 225R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P235/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, P235/70R15 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series option, and 800R15 is the bias-look radial equivalent. These choices span traditional metric sizing, later P-metric profiles, and a radial that preserves a more vintage visual character. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should be checked before making a change.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 225R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-15)

  • P235/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-15)

  • P235/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-15)

  • 800R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-15)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (6-8 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
  • Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
  • Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series Tires for Sale

Available 800-15 choices focus on Coker Classic bias-ply construction with wide whitewall styling. The main comparison in the product grid is whitewall treatment within the same traditional size, series, rim-width specification, and load rating.

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Bias Ply

Coker Classic 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 800-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1800@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Coker Classic 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 800-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.00 - 6.50 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1800@32 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

These 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series tire questions focus on the 800-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial choices, wide whitewall appearance, and the checks worth making before road use on a collector Packard.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

The 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series uses an 800-15 tire size in bias-ply construction. That is the primary fitment for this application, and it is built around a 15-inch wheel diameter rather than a modern metric sizing convention.

For most buyers, the important next step is not choosing between several original sizes but confirming that the car still has the correct 15-inch wheels and an unmodified wheel setup. Once that is settled, the decision usually comes down to selecting the right period-style whitewall presentation or comparing the original bias-ply fitment with a carefully checked radial equivalent.

What size rim does a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series use?

The primary tire fitment for the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series is built around a 15-inch rim diameter. The available 800-15 bias-ply products in this application are paired with that 15-inch wheel size, so the rim diameter itself is straightforward.

Rim diameter is only the first check, especially on an older luxury car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Wheel width still matters, and the available 800-15 products are associated with a 6.00 to 6.50 inch rim-width range. Measuring the wheel before purchase helps avoid avoidable issues with tire profile, seating, and overall stance.

Does the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series 8 Cyl. application uses the same 800-15 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this vehicle page. That keeps the original sizing question fairly simple compared with vehicles that split tire sizes across trims or body styles.

Even with a shared size, it is still worth checking what is actually on the car today. Collector vehicles sometimes end up with replacement wheels, later radial conversions, or suspension changes that affect how a new tire sits in the wheel opening. Confirming the current wheel diameter and width makes the final tire choice much easier.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 800-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

On the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series, 800-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. In this application, the original fitment story starts with a numeric bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, not a modern radial size.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and vehicle character in ways many restoration-minded owners want to preserve. If the goal is to keep a traditional sidewall shape and period-style look, staying with 800-15 bias-ply makes sense. If easier radial sourcing or a different driving feel is the priority, compare the listed equivalents carefully against wheel width and clearance.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-15?

Radial equivalents for 800-15 include 225R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P235/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 800R15 as a bias-look radial. Each one gives a different sizing format while staying in the same general replacement conversation.

Those alternatives should be treated as comparison options rather than automatic swaps. The equivalent range is associated with a 6-8 inch rim-width range, and the right choice still depends on the actual wheel width, the tire's installed dimensions, and available fender and steering clearance. A Packard with non-stock wheels deserves an especially careful check before converting.

Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

Yes, 800R15 is available as a bias-look radial equivalent for the original 800-15 fitment on a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series. That makes it a useful option for an owner who wants radial construction while keeping a more traditional visual presentation than a later P-metric tire usually provides.

A bias-look radial is still a radial, so it should not be treated as identical to the original bias-ply tire in every respect. Wheel width, overall installed dimensions, and clearance around the front suspension and fenders still need to be confirmed. It is often chosen when appearance matters, but road-use expectations and the actual wheel setup should guide the final decision.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 800-15 tire for a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

Start with the correct 800-15 size, then look at construction, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility. For this Packard, the available products stay in bias-ply form, so the real comparison is between period-style presentation choices within the same traditional size and series.

Beyond appearance, compare the wheel width on the car against the product rim-width specification, and keep an eye on load capacity and general tire character. The available 800-15 products carry a 1800@32 psi maximum load rating and fit 6.00 to 6.50 inch rims. Those details help narrow the choice once the car's current wheels and intended road use are confirmed.

What sidewall styles are available for 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series tires?

The available 800-15 options for the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series use wide whitewall styling. In this application, the sidewall choice stays within that traditional luxury-car presentation, with the visual distinction coming from different whitewall widths rather than from blackwall or redline alternatives.

That makes appearance an important part of the buying decision, especially on a formal early-1950s Packard where sidewall presence strongly affects the car's stance. A broader or slightly narrower whitewall can change the overall look without changing the tire size itself. Matching the whitewall treatment to the car's restoration style usually matters more here than comparing multiple sidewall categories.

What tire series are available for the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

The 800-15 products available for the 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series fall within the Coker Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on a traditional bias-ply construction and a period-style visual character suited to a large early-1950s American luxury car.

Since the series itself stays consistent, the practical comparison shifts to presentation details such as whitewall width, along with checking the product's rim-width specification against the wheels on the car. This is a good situation for buyers who already know they want an original-style bias-ply tire and simply need to choose the appearance that best fits the Packard's finish and stance.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

For a period-style 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series, the original 800-15 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point. That size and construction align with the car's era, and the available Coker Classic Bias Ply options keep the traditional profile and visual character expected on a formal early-1950s Packard.

Appearance matters as much as size on a restoration-oriented car like this, so whitewall width becomes part of the decision. A wide whitewall preserves the strong mid-century luxury look many owners want. When exact originality is important beyond general period style, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are still worth consulting before settling on one presentation.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series more than many buyers expect. An 800-15 bias-ply tire gives the car a distinctly vintage sidewall shape and stance, while a radial equivalent can alter that presentation even when the overall replacement intent remains close.

That is why construction should be chosen with the restoration goal in mind, not only with road manners in mind. A bias-look radial can be a useful middle ground for some owners, but it still will not present exactly like a bias-ply tire in every installation. On a Packard of this era, construction and whitewall treatment work together to define the finished look.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series even when the correct original size is known. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, altered ride height, or brake conversions can all influence how an 800-15 tire or a radial equivalent sits on the car.

That is especially important on collector vehicles that may have changed hands several times. A Packard that no longer carries its original wheel setup should be measured before ordering, not assumed to match stock dimensions. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components helps prevent surprises once the tires are mounted.

What should I inspect before driving a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series on new tires?

Before driving a 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the surrounding suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the tires themselves should be checked for proper seating, even sidewall shape, and any obvious signs of rubbing once installed.

A short, careful test drive is a smart next step on a heavy early-1950s car. Pay attention to pull, vibration, unusual noises, and clearance during turns or over bumps. It also helps to recheck pressure after the first drive and look again for any witness marks inside the wheel openings, especially if the car has seen previous wheel or suspension changes.

How should 800-15 tires on a collector 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series be maintained?

800-15 tires on a collector 1952 Packard 300 & 400 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and thoughtful storage habits. Low-use cars can develop age-related issues even when tread wear is minimal, so sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss deserve attention.

Long-term care also means protecting the car from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. Moving the vehicle occasionally helps reduce flat-spotting during storage, and a pre-drive walkaround remains worthwhile before each outing. On a Packard that spends more time parked than driven, age and condition matter just as much as tread depth.