1931 Marmon sits at the twilight of one of America’s most technically ambitious luxury makes, a year when the company still offered everything from the compact Roosevelt to the prestigious Sixteen. That broad spread matters because 1931 Marmon vehicles did not share a single tire size across the range. Instead, the 69 Roosevelt, 88 Series, and 16 Series each used a different numeric bias-ply size, with 19-inch fitments on two models and an 18-inch fitment on the flagship Sixteen. Before narrowing down a tire, the first thing to confirm on a 1931 Marmon is the exact model, because that determines the correct size and wheel diameter before sidewall style or restoration preference comes into play.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1931 Marmon
Three tire sizes are used across 1931 Marmon vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main decision starts with confirming the correct model and rim diameter, since the sizes span both 18-inch and 19-inch wheels and all are bias-ply fitments. Sorting that out first makes it much easier to choose the right tire and sidewall style for the car you are restoring or driving.
Year(s): 1931|Fit(s): 16 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 18 in
700-18 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents nominal section width and the final number is the wheel diameter, so it fits an 18-inch rim. This size is offered in Firestone lines with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles, and the available tires share a 1520-pound load rating at 36 psi. Because it is specific to the 1931 Marmon 16 Series, it is the size to focus on if you are fitting the flagship model rather than the smaller Marmon lines. Buyers usually choose among these versions based on restoration appearance, especially whether the car calls for blackwall or whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1931|Fit(s): 69 Roosevelt|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 19 in
550-19 is a numeric bias-ply size, with a nominal section-width code up front and a 19-inch rim diameter after the dash. BFGoodrich offers it in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, and the available tires carry a 1040-pound load rating at 32 psi. This size is specific to the 1931 Marmon 69 Roosevelt rather than universal across the make, so Roosevelt owners should stay with this fitment instead of the larger sizes used on senior models. It suits buyers who want an era-correct pre-war bias-ply tire with a sidewall look that matches the character of a smaller Marmon.
Year(s): 1931|Fit(s): 88 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 19 in
650-19 is another numeric bias-ply size, using the same period sizing convention and mounting on a 19-inch wheel. It appears in Firestone and Lester offerings with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and rim-width guidance varies by product, with some tires specified for 3.25- to 3.50-inch rims; one available Firestone whitewall lists a 1430-pound load rating at 36 psi. Because this size is specific to the 1931 Marmon 88 Series, it should be chosen by owners of that model rather than the Roosevelt or Sixteen. It is the right path for buyers who want authentic pre-war bias-ply construction while still being able to tailor the look of the car through sidewall treatment.
Three Marmon models are covered for 1931, and each one uses its own tire size rather than sharing a common fitment across the lineup. In practical terms, that means year and make alone are not enough here; you need to identify whether you have a 69 Roosevelt, 88 Series, or 16 Series before choosing a tire. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the products that match it.
1931 Marmon 16 Series
The 1931 Marmon 16 Series represented the marque at its most ambitious, built around the prestige of Marmon’s celebrated V-16 era and aimed at the top end of the luxury market. Its tires mount on 18-inch wheels, setting it apart from the two 19-inch Marmon fitments used elsewhere in the lineup. Owners usually approach this model with a strong emphasis on period appearance, so sidewall presentation can matter nearly as much as the size itself.
The 1931 Marmon 69 Roosevelt was the smaller, more accessible Marmon offering, intended to bring the make’s engineering reputation to a broader audience than the senior cars. It uses 19-inch tires, but in a narrower size than the 88 Series, so the correct model identification matters before choosing a replacement. That makes the Roosevelt a distinct fitment case within the 1931 Marmon range rather than simply a trimmed variation of the larger cars.
The 1931 Marmon 88 Series sat in the middle of the Marmon range, carrying more presence than the Roosevelt while remaining separate from the elite Sixteen. Its tires also mount on 19-inch wheels, though in a larger size than the Roosevelt’s fitment. For many restorers, the 88 Series balances drivability and appearance concerns, so the main choice often comes down to the sidewall look they want within the correct bias-ply size.
Thirteen products are available across three tire sizes for 1931 Marmon vehicles. 700-18 includes four Firestone bias-ply options in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles; 550-19 includes two BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall and wide whitewall; 650-19 includes four Firestone and Lester bias-ply options in blackwall and wide whitewall styles.
Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-18
The questions below sort out the model-specific tire sizes used across 1931 Marmon vehicles, how pre-war numeric sizing works, which brands and sidewall styles are available, and what to check when fitting and caring for a collector car that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1931 Marmon vehicles?
1931 Marmon vehicles use three different tire sizes, and each size belongs to a specific model. The 1931 Marmon 16 Series uses 700-18, the 1931 Marmon 69 Roosevelt uses 550-19, and the 1931 Marmon 88 Series uses 650-19. The 16 Series mounts on 18-inch rims, while the Roosevelt and 88 Series both use 19-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance is available, 700-18 fits 3.75- to 4.00-inch rims, 550-19 fits 2.50- to 3.00-inch rims, and some 650-19 products fit 3.25- to 3.50-inch rims.
That means a 1931 Marmon owner should identify the exact model before doing anything else. Even though two of the three Marmon models share a 19-inch wheel diameter, they do not share the same tire size, so it is not safe to choose by year and make alone. Once the model is confirmed, the next step is checking the actual wheel and deciding whether the car should wear a blackwall, wide whitewall, or, where offered, a double-whitewall to suit its restoration style.
What does 700-18 mean on a 1931 Marmon tire?
On a 1931 Marmon tire, 700-18 is a pre-war numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 designation is the nominal section-width code used in period sizing, and the 18 indicates the tire mounts on an 18-inch rim. For 1931 Marmon applications, that size belongs to the 16 Series. Available versions come in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, all in bias-ply construction.
That size code is less about modern dimensional precision than it is about matching the wheel diameter and the period-correct tire family for the car. A 1931 Marmon 16 Series owner should treat 700-18 as the proper starting point, then narrow the choice by visual finish and wheel compatibility. If the car is a restored senior Marmon, the sidewall look can make a noticeable difference in how authentic the finished stance appears.
Do all 1931 Marmon models use the same tire size?
No, 1931 Marmon models do not all use the same tire size. The 69 Roosevelt uses 550-19, the 88 Series uses 650-19, and the 16 Series uses 700-18. All three are bias-ply sizes, but they are assigned to different models, and the Sixteen also differs by using an 18-inch wheel rather than a 19-inch wheel.
That model-by-model split is typical of a make like Marmon, which sold cars at very different price and size levels in the same year. For a buyer, it means the correct tire decision begins with confirming the model name on the car rather than comparing sidewalls or brands first. Once the model is pinned down, choosing among the available products becomes much simpler and avoids crossing over into a size intended for another Marmon line.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Marmon tires?
1931 Marmon tires are available in several period-appropriate sidewall styles, depending on size. The 700-18 fitment for the 16 Series is offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions. The 550-19 fitment for the 69 Roosevelt is available in blackwall and wide whitewall, while the 650-19 fitment for the 88 Series is also available in blackwall and wide whitewall. All of these are bias-ply tires, which keeps the construction in line with the era of the car.
Sidewall choice on a 1931 Marmon is usually an appearance and authenticity decision rather than a fitment change. Blackwalls tend to suit understated or utility-minded presentations, while wide whitewalls and double-whitewalls create a more formal pre-war luxury look. Because show standards can vary by event and by the way a particular car was delivered, restorers often compare old photographs, factory literature, and marque-club guidance before settling on the sidewall treatment.
What brands make tires for 1931 Marmon vehicles?
Three brands cover the 1931 Marmon sizes listed here. Firestone offers 700-18 for the 16 Series and also appears in 650-19 for the 88 Series. BFGoodrich covers 550-19 for the 69 Roosevelt, and Lester is also available in 650-19 for the 88 Series. Every listed option uses bias-ply construction, which suits the pre-war character of the make.
Brand choice on a 1931 Marmon often comes down to which size your model uses first, then which sidewall presentation you want within that size. The 88 Series gives the widest brand spread because 650-19 appears in both Firestone and Lester versions, while the Roosevelt and Sixteen are narrower in brand coverage but still offer visual choices. Buyers comparing brands should also look at load listings, rim-width guidance, and the sidewall style that best matches the intended finish of the car.
What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and Firestone Classic Bias Ply for the 1931 Marmon?
On 1931 Marmon applications where both appear, Firestone Balloon and Firestone Classic Bias Ply are separate bias-ply series within the correct period size. In 700-18, Firestone Balloon versions list a 1520-pound load capacity at 36 psi and appear in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall forms, while a Firestone Classic Bias Ply blackwall is also offered in the same size. In 650-19, Firestone Balloon appears in blackwall and wide whitewall, while Firestone Classic Bias Ply appears as a blackwall option.
For a 1931 Marmon owner, that means the difference is less about changing fitment and more about selecting the series and visual treatment that best suits the car. If the goal is a very specific pre-war look, the sidewall style may be the deciding factor. If the goal is simply to stay within the correct bias-ply family for the model, both series remain within the proper period construction, and the final choice should be checked against the wheel and the car’s restoration direction.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1931 Marmon tires require?
1931 Marmon rim-width guidance varies by tire size. The 700-18 fitment used on the 16 Series is specified for 3.75- to 4.00-inch rims. The 550-19 fitment used on the 69 Roosevelt is specified for 2.50- to 3.00-inch rims. Some 650-19 products for the 88 Series are specified for 3.25- to 3.50-inch rims.
Those ranges matter because the right rim width helps the tire sit and wear as intended, especially on a tall bias-ply casing. Before fitting tires to a 1931 Marmon, compare the actual wheel on the car with the size-specific range rather than assuming all 19-inch Marmon wheels are interchangeable. Many pre-war cars have had wheel changes over the decades, so measuring the wheel already on the car is a sensible step before committing to a tire.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1931 Marmon when the tires are fitted?
A 1931 Marmon should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Because all listed 1931 Marmon fitments are bias-ply tires, long static storage can encourage flat-spotting more readily than many owners expect. Clean floors, stable inflation, and protection from standing moisture all help preserve the casing and sidewall finish.
For cars that sit for extended periods, it helps to move the 1931 Marmon occasionally so the same section of tread is not carrying the load month after month. Some collectors also use tire cradles or support the vehicle to reduce prolonged stress during long-term storage. When the car is returned to use, give the tires time to warm and round out before judging ride quality, since a stored bias-ply tire can feel temporarily different on the first miles.
How long do tires on a 1931 Marmon typically last?
Tire life on a 1931 Marmon is usually judged more by age, storage conditions, and inspection results than by mileage alone. A collector tire should be evaluated regularly once it reaches the five- to seven-year range, and many owners treat the ten-year point as a serious replacement consideration even if the tread still looks presentable. The manufacturing date code on the tire is an important reference when deciding whether age has become the bigger concern than wear.
That approach fits the way many pre-war cars are actually used, with modest annual mileage but long periods of storage between drives. A 1931 Marmon may spend far more time aging in place than wearing out its tread on the road. Sidewall cracking, hardening, repeated pressure loss, or changes in ride and tracking are all signs that age may be overtaking appearance, even on a car that only comes out for shows and fair-weather driving.
How often should tires on a 1931 Marmon be inspected?
Tires on a 1931 Marmon should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for cracking in the sidewall, cuts, bulges, tread separation, irregular wear, and any sign that the tire is no longer holding pressure consistently. Since a pre-war Marmon often sees infrequent use, it is also wise to inspect the spare and make sure its condition matches the four road tires closely enough to be usable if needed.
Frequent inspection matters because age-related problems can appear well before the tread looks worn. A bias-ply tire on a 1931 Marmon can look cosmetically acceptable while still developing issues from storage, underinflation, or simple age. Building a quick pre-drive walkaround into the routine is one of the easiest ways to reduce surprises, especially before tours where the car will be asked to run longer at speed than it typically does around town or on local show trips.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1931 Marmon 16 Series?
A 1931 Marmon 16 Series would have been a bias-ply car when new, which matches the 700-18 bias-ply fitment used here. That size mounts on an 18-inch rim and aligns with the period construction expected on a pre-war American luxury car. The available replacements stay within that same general construction family, which is important for preserving the car’s era-correct stance and presentation.
Owners restoring a 1931 Marmon 16 Series for authenticity usually start with the correct size and bias-ply construction, then decide whether blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall best fits the car’s intended appearance. Factory literature, surviving photos, and marque-club guidance are helpful for sorting out market-specific or coachbuilt variations. That is especially useful on a Marmon, where individual restoration goals can range from formal concours correctness to a carefully aged touring presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1931 Marmon?
Correct tire fitment matters quite a bit when showing a 1931 Marmon because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation quickly. A 69 Roosevelt wearing 650-19s, an 88 Series on 550-19s, or a 16 Series on the wrong rim diameter would stand out as incorrect. Even when the size is right, a sidewall style that clashes with the intended restoration period or market presentation can affect how authentic the car appears.
For most show-oriented owners, getting the model-specific size right is the non-negotiable first step, then refining the visual finish comes next. A formal restoration may call for a different sidewall look than a driver-quality preservation car, even within the same correct size. Because event standards can vary, a 1931 Marmon owner should compare the tire choice against the judging rules of the specific venue and the guidance of Marmon specialists before finalizing the car.
What is the difference between Firestone and Lester options for the 1931 Marmon 88 Series?
For the 1931 Marmon 88 Series, both Firestone and Lester appear in the correct 650-19 bias-ply size, but they are not identical in presentation. Firestone options include blackwall and wide whitewall versions in both Balloon and Classic Bias Ply series, while Lester is represented by a wide whitewall in its Classic Bias Ply line. Some Firestone 650-19 products also include 3.25- to 3.50-inch rim-width guidance, and one wide-whitewall Firestone version lists a 1430-pound load capacity at 36 psi.
That gives 88 Series owners room to choose between brands while staying within the proper size and construction. The practical difference is often in sidewall appearance and how closely a particular tire matches the visual goal of the car rather than in changing the basic fitment. If the restoration is detail-focused, compare the wheel on the car, the desired sidewall treatment, and the product specifications together so the finished result looks right and fits the intended use of the Marmon.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1931 Marmon tires safe for highway driving?
1931 Marmon tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size for the model, are in sound condition, and are used within the limits of a pre-war bias-ply tire and the vehicle itself. All listed 1931 Marmon fitments are bias-ply tires, which means their road feel, tracking, and response are different from modern radials. On a car of this age, the broader mechanical condition of the brakes, steering, suspension, and wheel integrity often matters just as much as the tire when planning sustained highway driving.
The safest approach is to treat a 1931 Marmon as a carefully prepared collector car rather than expecting modern-road behavior from a ninety-year-old chassis. Highway use should start with a close inspection, correct inflation, and realistic speeds for the car’s age and condition. If the Marmon is newly restored or has spent long stretches off the road, shorter shakedown drives are a smart way to learn how it behaves before committing to a longer run at steady speed.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1931 Marmon tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1931 Marmon depends on the exact tire size and the specific tire chosen. Available 700-18 tires list 1520 pounds at 36 psi, available 550-19 tires list 1040 pounds at 32 psi, and one listed 650-19 tire shows 1430 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not a universal instruction to run every Marmon at the same pressure. The correct running pressure should be checked against the vehicle’s original literature and the current tire maker’s guidance for that specific product.
That distinction matters because a load-and-pressure rating shows the tire’s capability, while the car’s ideal operating pressure depends on the weight distribution, model, and intended use. A 1931 Marmon owner should avoid borrowing a pressure figure from one size and applying it to another just because the cars are from the same make and year. Matching pressure to the actual size on the car is one of the simplest ways to protect ride quality, wear pattern, and overall confidence on the road.
What should I check before taking a 1931 Marmon on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive, inspect each 1931 Marmon tire for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and stable inflation. Confirm that the tire size matches the model, check the condition of the spare, and make sure the wheels and valve hardware are secure and free from obvious damage. On a pre-war car, it is also wise to look beyond the tires to the braking system, steering play, wheel bearings, and overall chassis readiness.
Longer trips put a different kind of demand on an older car than a short local outing does, especially if the Marmon has spent most of its life in light-use collector service. A careful pre-drive inspection helps catch age-related problems before heat and sustained speed bring them to the surface. If anything feels unusual during the first miles, stop early and recheck the car rather than pressing on and hoping the issue settles out.
