1934 Auburn came to market in the final years of the Classic Era, blending Auburn’s flair for dramatic styling with a model range that still reflected Depression-era market realities. Even within a single year, 1934 Auburn covered different standard and custom offerings, and that matters when you get down to tires. Across four models, three different bias-ply sizes appear, with two models sharing 6.25-16 while the others step into model-specific 650-16 or 550-17 fitments. For anyone sorting out a 1934 Auburn today, the first step is to confirm the exact model and wheel diameter, because the right tire choice here starts with fitment accuracy before sidewall style or restoration preference.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1934 Auburn
Three tire sizes are used across 1934 Auburn vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The key decision is confirming which model you have first, because these sizes do not all share the same rim diameter. Getting that distinction right before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct Auburn chassis and wheel.
Year(s): 1934|Fit(s): 50 Standard, 52 Custom|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16-in rim
6.25-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.25 indicates the nominal section width and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1934 Auburn 50 Standard and 52 Custom rather than the full Auburn line for the year. Buyers restoring one of those shared-fit models should use the model-specific tire page to compare available bias-ply choices and sidewall treatments in the correct size.
Year(s): 1934|Fit(s): 50Y Custom|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 as the nominal section width and 16 as the wheel diameter in inches. For this size, brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles available; load markings reach 1580 pounds at 32 psi on several products. This size is specific to the 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom, making it the right path for owners who want a proper 16-inch bias-ply fitment with a choice between understated blackwalls and more formal whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1934|Fit(s): 52 Standard|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
550-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.50 as the nominal section width and 17 as the wheel diameter in inches. BFGoodrich offerings in this size include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, giving the 17-inch fitment a broader visual range than many single-size pre-war applications. This size is specific to the 1934 Auburn 52 Standard, so owners should confirm that 17-inch wheel fitment first and then choose the sidewall style that best suits the car’s restoration direction.
Four 1934 Auburn models are covered here. Tire size does vary by model, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly; identifying whether you have a 50 Standard, 50Y Custom, 52 Custom, or 52 Standard comes first. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and tire options to the correct size.
1934 Auburn 50 Standard
The 1934 Auburn 50 Standard represented Auburn’s effort to offer attractive Classic Era styling in a more accessible package. It uses a 16-inch tire fitment, and its shared size with the 52 Custom means the focus is less about wheel diameter differences and more about selecting the right bias-ply look for the car’s intended finish.
The 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom sat higher in presentation, reflecting the make’s long-standing emphasis on style and upscale detailing even in difficult economic years. It mounts on 16-inch wheels, but unlike the 50 Standard it uses its own 650-16 fitment, so size selection should follow the model designation carefully.
The 1934 Auburn 52 Custom carried Auburn’s signature sense of proportion and presence, with custom-trim positioning that appealed to buyers wanting more distinction. It also uses a 16-inch tire fitment, sharing its size with the 50 Standard, which makes sidewall style and overall restoration character the main visual choice once fitment is confirmed.
The 1934 Auburn 52 Standard remained part of Auburn’s broad Depression-era lineup, offering the brand’s recognizable styling in a standard specification. It stands apart here with a 17-inch tire fitment, so it should not be grouped with the 16-inch Auburn models when selecting tires.
Twenty-two products are available across three tire sizes for 1934 Auburn vehicles. The 650-16 size includes 19 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while 550-17 includes 3 BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles.
These FAQs sort out the model-specific sizing used across 1934 Auburn cars, the differences between available pre-war sidewall styles, and the practical checks that matter before fitting or driving a collector Auburn.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1934 Auburn vehicles?
1934 Auburn vehicles use three different tire sizes, and they are tied to specific models rather than shared across the whole make. The 1934 Auburn 50 Standard and 52 Custom use 6.25-16, the 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom uses 650-16, and the 1934 Auburn 52 Standard uses 550-17. That means two Auburn models share a 16-inch fitment, one custom model uses a different 16-inch size, and one standard model moves to a 17-inch rim.
Model identification matters before you choose a tire, because 1934 Auburn fitment is not one-size-fits-all. Where product fitment details are available, 650-16 tires are built for 16-inch rims with a 4.50- to 5.00-inch rim-width range, while 550-17 mounts on a 17-inch rim. If your car has been restored or re-wheeled over the years, compare the actual wheel diameter on the car to the model designation before moving ahead.
What does 650-16 mean on a 1934 Auburn tire?
On a 1934 Auburn tire, 650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size. The first number refers to the tire’s nominal section width, read as 6.50 inches, and the second number is the wheel diameter in inches, so it fits a 16-inch rim. In the 1934 Auburn range, that size belongs to the 50Y Custom.
Numeric bias-ply sizing is common on pre-war American cars, and it reads differently than later radial or metric sizing. If you own a 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom, the 650-16 size gives you the right starting point before you compare brands or decide between blackwall and whitewall presentation. It is a model-specific size, so it should not be substituted simply because another 1934 Auburn also uses a 16-inch wheel.
Do all 1934 Auburn models use the same tire size?
No, 1934 Auburn models do not all use the same tire size. The 50 Standard and 52 Custom share 6.25-16, but the 50Y Custom uses 650-16 and the 52 Standard uses 550-17. Even though two of those sizes fit 16-inch wheels, they are still separate fitments and should be treated that way.
That split is typical of a pre-war make offering standard and custom variants within the same year. If you are starting with only a title, cowl tag, or family history, pin down the exact model before choosing a tire. Once the model is confirmed, you can move on to the visual decision of blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall where that sidewall treatment is offered in the correct size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1934 Auburn tires?
1934 Auburn tire sidewall choices depend on size. In 650-16, available styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. In 550-17, available styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those options keep the overall fitment correct while letting the finished car lean toward a more restrained or more formal period look.
For a 1934 Auburn, sidewall appearance has a strong effect on the car’s stance and presentation because these cars came from an era when whitewalls were a visible styling feature. Blackwalls usually suit a simpler or more understated restoration, while whitewall treatments emphasize the upscale pre-war character many Auburn owners want. Match the sidewall style to the model’s intended presentation and the judging standards, if the car will appear in organized shows.
What brands make tires for 1934 Auburn vehicles?
Several brands cover 1934 Auburn fitments, depending on size. The 650-16 size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield, while 550-17 is offered in BFGoodrich versions. All of the listed 1934 Auburn products are bias-ply tires, which is consistent with the period of the car.
Brand choice on a 1934 Auburn often comes down to the look you want and the exact size your model requires, rather than a change in fundamental tire type. Auburn owners who want a familiar American pre-war visual vocabulary often compare tread style, sidewall treatment, and brand heritage within the correct size first. Start with the proper fitment, then narrow the field by the appearance that best matches your restoration goals.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 650-16 tires for the 1934 Auburn?
For 1934 Auburn 650-16 fitment, BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer bias-ply options sized for 16-inch rims with a 4.50- to 5.00-inch rim-width range, and both carry a listed maximum load of 1580 pounds at 32 psi. The BFGoodrich 650-16 option shown here is offered as a wide whitewall and weighs 24 pounds, while the Firestone 650-16 option is a blackwall at 23 pounds.
That makes the comparison more about presentation and series preference than a dramatic change in fitment specification. A restorer chasing a brighter upscale pre-war look may lean toward the BFGoodrich whitewall version, while someone wanting a darker, more understated appearance may prefer the Firestone blackwall. Either way, the correct question starts with whether your Auburn is the 50Y Custom, since 650-16 is not shared across every 1934 model.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1934 Auburn tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for some 1934 Auburn sizes. The 650-16 tires offered for the 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom are built for 4.50- to 5.00-inch rim widths on a 16-inch wheel. The tire listings here do not all carry the same level of wheel-detail information across every Auburn size, so the wheel on the car should still be checked directly before mounting.
That matters because pre-war wheels are often swapped during long restorations, and a correct diameter alone does not settle every fitment question. If your 1934 Auburn has replacement wheels, artillery wheels from another car, or reproduction rims, compare the actual measured wheel dimensions to the tire’s approved range. Taking that extra step helps preserve proper sidewall shape and avoids forcing a tire onto a wheel it was not intended to use.
Do 1934 Auburn tires require inner tubes?
The listed 1934 Auburn products do not show tube-type or tubeless markings in the size field, so tube choice should be confirmed against the specific tire and wheel combination you plan to run. That is especially important on pre-war Auburn wheels, since wheel design, riveted construction, and restoration condition often influence whether a tube is appropriate in practice.
On a 1934 Auburn, tube decisions are not something to guess through just because the tire size is correct. Before mounting, inspect the wheel’s interior condition, bead seat area, and valve-stem arrangement, then verify the tire’s sidewall markings and manufacturer guidance. If the car still uses original-style pre-war wheels, many restorers also consult a marque specialist or experienced vintage tire installer before final assembly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1934 Auburn when the tires are fitted?
A 1934 Auburn should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, generators, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires clean, maintain correct inflation, and avoid letting the car sit for long periods on damp concrete or in standing moisture. Because 1934 Auburn fitments are bias-ply, long static storage can also encourage temporary flat-spotting.
If the car will sit for months, move it periodically so the tire footprint changes, or use well-placed stands if the storage plan and chassis support points allow it safely. Owners who keep a collector Auburn on display often overlook environmental damage because tread wear stays low, but sunlight and ozone usually age the tire faster than miles. Storage conditions matter as much as driving habits on a pre-war car.
How long do tires on a 1934 Auburn typically last?
Tires on a 1934 Auburn are usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A good rule is to evaluate them closely once they reach roughly five to seven years of service and to treat about ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread wear looks light. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age.
Collector cars like a 1934 Auburn often spend much of their life indoors, so owners can be fooled into thinking a nice-looking sidewall means the tire is still serviceable. Rubber hardening, internal aging, and subtle cracking matter more than odometer miles on a low-use car. If the tire age is creeping up, pair the date check with a hands-on inspection before any touring, event driving, or extended highway use.
How often should tires on a 1934 Auburn be inspected?
Tires on a 1934 Auburn should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. Valve stems and the spare deserve the same attention, because a rarely used spare on a collector car can age just as much as the tires on the ground.
A quick visual walkaround is not enough on a pre-war car that may go weeks or months between outings. Put a gauge on each tire, inspect the inner sidewall as well as the outer face, and make sure the car still feels stable once underway. Catching age-related issues early is especially valuable on a 1934 Auburn, where the tire is only one part of an older overall chassis and brake system.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1934 Auburn 50 Standard?
A 1934 Auburn 50 Standard would have originally been a bias-ply application, since radial fitments were not part of normal American passenger-car practice in that period. For the 50 Standard specifically, the size used here is 6.25-16. That gives restorers the right construction family and a strong starting point for authentic fitment without assuming one brand was universal across every car built.
Original-equipment details on pre-war cars could vary by production timing, body style, selling dealer, and market, so serious authenticity work still benefits from period photographs, surviving factory literature, and Auburn marque specialists. For most restorations, getting the size, construction type, and sidewall presentation correct has a bigger visual and judging impact than chasing an unverified brand name. Start with the proper 6.25-16 bias-ply fitment, then refine from there.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1934 Auburn?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1934 Auburn because show judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction type, and sidewall treatment immediately. A model wearing the wrong wheel diameter, the wrong numeric size, or an overly modern-looking sidewall can disrupt the car’s period presentation even if the rest of the restoration is strong. On a pre-war luxury-oriented make like Auburn, tire appearance is part of the overall visual story.
For local events, owners often focus on getting the correct size and an era-appropriate blackwall or whitewall look. For concours-level competition, details can become stricter, and event standards may treat the wrong construction or sidewall style as a visible authenticity issue. If your 1934 Auburn is being prepared for judged competition, compare your tire choice against the event rulebook and consult Auburn club resources before finalizing the setup.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Garfield 650-16 tires for the 1934 Auburn?
For the 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom in 650-16, both BFGoodrich and Garfield offer wide whitewall bias-ply tires sized for 16-inch rims with a 4.50- to 5.00-inch rim-width range. Each carries a listed maximum load of 1580 pounds at 32 psi. The BFGoodrich version is listed at 24 pounds, while the Garfield Zig Zag Tread version is listed at 23 pounds.
That leaves visual character and series preference as the main points of comparison for a restoration-minded owner. Garfield’s Zig Zag Tread presentation may appeal to someone trying to capture a very specific pre-war tread look, while BFGoodrich carries a familiar period American brand identity many restorers appreciate. Since both are tied to the 650-16 fitment, make sure the car is in fact a 1934 Auburn 50Y Custom before comparing the finer details between them.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1934 Auburn tires safe for highway driving?
1934 Auburn tire safety starts with condition, correct size, and proper mounting more than with outright speed capability. The listed fitments for 1934 Auburn are bias-ply tires, which can be entirely suitable for normal road use when they are fresh, correctly inflated, and fitted to sound wheels. On a pre-war Auburn, the car’s own braking, steering, suspension, and chassis condition are usually a bigger practical limit than modern traffic speed alone.
Highway use should be approached with the manners of the era in mind. A well-sorted 1934 Auburn can be enjoyable on secondary roads and moderate highway stretches, but it should never be driven as though it were a modern car simply because the tread looks new. Before sustained road use, inspect the tires carefully and make sure the rest of the car is equally ready for the trip.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1934 Auburn tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1934 Auburn should follow the vehicle’s factory guidance first and the tire manufacturer’s specifications for the exact reproduction tire second. Where load information is listed, several 650-16 products carry a maximum load of 1580 pounds at 32 psi. That figure is a tire rating point, not a universal setting for every 1934 Auburn model or for every size used across the range.
Do not transfer a pressure figure from 650-16 to 6.25-16 or 550-17 just because the cars are all Auburns from the same year. The right pressure depends on the actual size, the tire design, the vehicle’s weight distribution, and the intended driving use. If your owner’s manual, restoration literature, and the current tire markings differ, use that difference as a cue to verify the setup carefully rather than splitting the difference by guesswork.
What should I check before taking a 1934 Auburn on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1934 Auburn, inspect every tire for cracking, bulges, tread damage, punctures, and pressure loss, and look just as closely at the spare. Check valve stems, confirm the wheels are in sound condition, and make sure the tread and sidewalls are free from cuts or signs of age-related deterioration. Tire condition should be part of a broader pre-drive inspection of the car’s fluids, brakes, steering, and cooling system.
A pre-war Auburn rewards a slower, more deliberate preparation routine than a modern car. If the car has sat for a while, take a short local test drive first and pay attention to vibration, pull, or unusual steering feel before committing to distance. The goal is not only to verify that the tires are usable, but also to make sure the entire car is ready to support them safely over a longer route.
