1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper Tires

The 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper uses a 760-15 tire size as its primary fitment. That is a numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the main reference point when selecting a period-style replacement tire for this Packard.

Since there is one primary size, the next step is choosing the tire style within 760-15 rather than sorting through multiple fitments. Whitewall width, brand, tire series, and the decision to remain with bias-ply or evaluate a radial equivalent are the details that shape the final choice.

The primary tire fitment for the 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper is built around a 15-inch rim diameter. The 760-15 size confirms that wheel diameter, and available products in this fitment are also built for 15-inch rims.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on an older collector car. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel on the vehicle, because replacement wheels, later service parts, or long-ago modifications can change width and affect how a tire sits or clears the body and suspension.

Yes. The covered 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper 8 Cyl. uses the same 760-15 bias-ply tire size as the broader model coverage. That keeps fitment simple and makes the buying decision more about tire style and construction than about sorting through different primary sizes.

Even with shared fitment, it is still worth checking the actual wheels and stance of the car before purchase. A Packard that has been stored for years, fitted with replacement wheels, or altered during restoration may need closer attention to wheel width, clearance, and overall tire presentation.

For the 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper, 760-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction matches the traditional sizing format used on many American cars of the period and is the starting point for owners who want the original-style tire format.

Staying with bias-ply usually appeals to buyers focused on period-style appearance and traditional presentation. A change to radial construction can be considered, but it should be treated as a separate fitment decision that includes checking wheel width, vehicle clearance, and whether the overall look still suits the Packard.

Radial equivalents for 760-15 include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P235/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial. These give the 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper several radial-format alternatives tied to the original size.

Those equivalents are useful comparison points, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range associated with these radial equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, so wheel width, overall dimensions, steering travel, and body clearance should all be reviewed before making a construction change.

A bias-look radial equivalent is available for this Packard in the 760R15 size. That option gives owners of a 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper a way to consider radial construction while keeping a tire size presentation closer to the original 760-15 format.

That makes it especially relevant for buyers who want a more traditional visual impression without staying strictly with bias-ply construction. Even so, the wheel setup still matters, and the vehicle should be checked for rim width, clearance at full steering lock, and any suspension or ride-height changes that could affect fitment.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 760-15, then compare the tires by construction, sidewall treatment, brand, and tire series. For this Packard, the available products are bias-ply, so the real differences are how the tire looks on the car and how closely it matches the style of your restoration or driver.

Whitewall width is often the most visible choice on a full-size 1956 Packard. After appearance, compare rim-width compatibility where stated, and consider load figures such as 1710@32 psi when they are shown, especially if the car is driven regularly or carries a full-size spare and typical road-trip gear.

The 760-15 fitment for the 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper is available with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. That gives the car a meaningful appearance choice, from a more restrained whitewall presentation to a fuller mid-1950s luxury-car look.

Sidewall style can change the visual character of the Packard as much as the wheel cover design or ride height. Buyers trying to match a restoration theme should compare the whitewall width they prefer against period photos, marque references, and the overall look of the specific car rather than choosing on size alone.

Available 760-15 tires for the 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. Those choices appear across several bias-ply series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Super Cushion Deluxe.

Brand matters mostly as part of the overall package rather than as a ranking exercise. It helps to compare each option by sidewall style, series character, stated rim-width fitment where available, and any published load or weight details, then match that combination to how the Packard will be restored, shown, or driven.

A 760-15 bias-ply tire is the period-style starting point for a 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper because it preserves the original sizing format and traditional tire presentation. Within that fitment, the main appearance decisions involve brand, tire series, and especially the width and style of the whitewall.

For many restorations, the most convincing result comes from choosing the sidewall treatment that best matches the car’s trim level, wheel covers, and intended presentation. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque-club resources, photographs, and vehicle-specific historical references when the goal is a highly exact restoration.

Tire construction affects more than ride and handling on a restored 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper; it also changes the car’s visual character. A 760-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional mid-1950s sizing format, while a radial alternative can alter the way the tire presents in relation to the wheel opening and sidewall shape.

That difference matters on a large Packard, where whitewall style and sidewall profile are a major part of the finished look. Owners balancing road use with a traditional appearance often compare a standard bias-ply with a bias-look radial to see which combination best suits the restoration goal.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper even when the intended tire size remains 760-15. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all influence clearance, steering travel, and how the tire sits within the fender opening.

That is especially important when considering a radial equivalent, since construction and sizing format may differ from the original bias-ply. A careful check of actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at rest and during full steering movement helps avoid choosing a tire that clashes with the car’s current setup.

Before driving the Packard on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive rust, confirm that the tire size and rim diameter match the car, and make sure each tire is seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over valve stems, wheel fasteners, and general clearance around the suspension and fenders.

A collector car that has spent time parked deserves a broader road-readiness check as well. Steering components, shocks, bushings, and brake condition can all affect how the car behaves once the new tires are installed, so the first drive should be a short evaluation rather than an immediate long-distance trip.

760-15 tires on a collector 1956 Packard 5640 Series & 5660 Clipper should be kept at the proper pressure for the tire and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread wear, and signs of air loss. Low-use collector cars can develop age-related tire problems even when the tread still looks presentable.

Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Packard away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls and appearance, especially on whitewall tires. Regular movement, periodic pressure checks, and a visual inspection before each outing are simple habits that support safer road use.