1935 Lincoln stood firmly in the American luxury field, offering refined V12 power and dignified coachwork at a time when prestige cars were expected to deliver both presence and long-distance composure. By the mid-1930s, Lincoln buyers were shopping in a market where ride quality, road manners, and visual correctness all mattered to the finished car. For 1935 Lincoln, the tire question is unusually straightforward because the model range centers on one size, 750-17, used on the Lincoln V12 in bias-ply construction. The key step before choosing a tire is confirming your car's model and then deciding which sidewall treatment best matches your restoration goals and how you use the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1935 Lincoln
One tire size appears for 1935 Lincoln, and it is shared across the model range covered here rather than varying from one model to another. That makes the main decision less about fitment and more about choosing the right bias-ply presentation, sidewall style, and product details for your Lincoln V12. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car's intended look and use.
Year(s): 1935|Fit(s): V12|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.50 indicating the nominal section width and 17 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. Firestone and BFGoodrich offer this size with Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall styling, and load and pressure figures vary by product, with examples including 1870 pounds at 40 psi and 1646 pounds at 36 psi. This is the year-correct construction choice for a 1935 Lincoln and suits restorations that aim to preserve the original prewar driving character as well as the proper visual stance.
One model is covered for 1935 Lincoln. Tire size does not vary across the lineup here, so the fitment question is simple, while the real difference comes down to how closely you want the sidewall look and overall presentation to match your restoration goals. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and available tire options.
1935 Lincoln V12
The 1935 Lincoln V12 represented the marque's traditional luxury formula, combining smooth multi-cylinder power with stately styling and substantial road presence. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels, and the available fitment centers on preserving the correct prewar bias-ply appearance and road feel expected of a proper Lincoln restoration.
Four products are available across one tire size for 1935 Lincoln vehicles. In 750-17, Firestone and BFGoodrich offer bias-ply fitments with Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles, so the main choice is the look and specification that best suits your Lincoln V12.
Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.75 Inch Double Whitewall | 750-17
These FAQs focus on the single 750-17 fitment used on 1935 Lincoln, including what that size means, how sidewall style choices affect restoration authenticity, and what to inspect before driving or storing a prewar collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1935 Lincoln vehicles?
1935 Lincoln vehicles covered here use one tire size: 750-17. That size applies to the 1935 Lincoln V12, and the available products are all bias-ply tires built for a 17-inch rim. Where rim width is specified, examples include a 4-inch rim on some Firestone offerings and a 5.50 to 6.00-inch range on one BFGoodrich offering, so wheel details should be checked against the exact tire you intend to run.
That makes 1935 Lincoln simpler than many year-make combinations because you are not sorting through multiple diameters or modern metric conversions at this level. The real task is verifying your actual wheel and choosing the sidewall presentation that fits the car's character, whether you want a blackwall look or a more formal whitewall treatment appropriate to a luxury prewar automobile.
What does 750-17 mean on a 1935 Lincoln tire?
On a 1935 Lincoln, 750-17 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 7.50 portion identifies the nominal section width, while the 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike modern metric radial sizing, this older format does not spell out an aspect ratio in the code, and the construction here is bias-ply rather than radial.
That matters because a 750-17 tire should be chosen as part of a prewar fitment system, not as a direct equivalent to a modern passenger-car size by name alone. If your goal is to keep the car visually and dynamically appropriate to its era, staying with the correct numeric bias-ply format is usually the starting point before comparing brand, sidewall style, and the exact rim-width suitability of the tire.
Do all 1935 Lincoln models use the same tire size?
Within the 1935 Lincoln coverage here, yes. The Lincoln V12 uses 750-17, so there is no split in tire size across multiple models at this year-make level. All available fitments for that size are bias-ply tires designed for 17-inch wheels, which keeps the basic selection process straightforward.
That does not mean every 1935 Lincoln owner should make the exact same final choice. A car restored for formal show presentation may call for a different sidewall appearance than a car intended for touring or preservation driving, so once you have confirmed the 750-17 size, the next step is choosing the tire style that best suits the car's finished look and use.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1935 Lincoln tires?
1935 Lincoln tires in 750-17 are available in Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall styles. Firestone appears in Blackwall and Double-Whitewall form, while BFGoodrich appears in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall form. All of these are bias-ply offerings, so the visual choice is happening within the correct prewar construction type rather than between old and modern construction styles.
Sidewall style has a major effect on how a 1935 Lincoln presents. A blackwall can suit a more restrained or driver-oriented appearance, while whitewall treatments generally align with the formal luxury image many owners want from a mid-1930s Lincoln. If the car is being judged, confirm the expected sidewall treatment with the relevant marque authority or event rules before making the final selection.
What brands make tires for 1935 Lincoln vehicles?
Firestone and BFGoodrich both make 750-17 tires for 1935 Lincoln vehicles. Firestone offerings include Balloon-series tires in blackwall and double-whitewall form, while BFGoodrich offerings include Silvertown Classic Bias Ply versions in blackwall and wide whitewall form. All are bias-ply products built around the correct 17-inch rim diameter for this fitment.
For most 1935 Lincoln owners, brand choice comes down to visual preference, exact product specification, and how closely a given tire complements the car's restoration theme. Since some listings also differ in stated load-and-pressure figures and approved rim-width information, it is wise to compare the exact tire rather than assuming every 750-17 product behaves or fits identically.
What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply for the 1935 Lincoln?
For 1935 Lincoln in 750-17, both Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply are bias-ply choices, but they differ in sidewall treatments and some listed specifications. Firestone appears in blackwall and double-whitewall versions with examples showing a 4-inch rim and a 1870-pound maximum load at 40 psi, while BFGoodrich appears in blackwall and wide whitewall form, with one listed example showing 1646 pounds at 36 psi and a 5.50 to 6.00-inch rim-width range.
That means the choice is not simply about brand name. Owners should compare the exact product's sidewall look, wheel compatibility, and published load-and-pressure pairing against the car's wheel setup and intended use. On a prewar luxury car, the visual effect is especially important, but wheel details still need to match the specific tire selected.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1935 Lincoln tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1935 Lincoln tires depends on the exact 750-17 product. Some Firestone 750-17 listings specify a 4-inch rim, while one BFGoodrich 750-17 listing specifies a 5.50 to 6.00-inch rim-width range. All of these fit the same 17-inch wheel diameter, but they are not presented as identical in wheel-width suitability.
That is why wheel verification matters even when the tire size itself seems straightforward. Before choosing a tire, measure the actual wheel or confirm its dimensions through marque references so the product's approved rim-width range aligns with the wheel on the car. That step helps preserve proper tire shape, appearance, and road behavior on a substantial prewar Lincoln.
Do 1935 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
The available 1935 Lincoln 750-17 products shown here do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in the size description, so tube requirements should be confirmed against the exact tire and wheel combination you plan to use. On a vehicle from 1935, tube use is often part of the broader wheel-and-tire setup rather than a question answered by size alone.
That makes the wheel itself just as important as the tire choice. If your Lincoln still uses original-style wheels, confirm tube, flap, and valve-stem requirements before finalizing the setup. Owners working toward authenticity or long-distance touring alike should treat tube fitment as a specific component decision rather than assuming every 750-17 installation is assembled the same way.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1935 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 1935 Lincoln should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls. Keep the tires properly inflated, park on a clean surface, and move the car periodically if possible. Because 1935 Lincoln uses bias-ply tires, long static storage can encourage flat-spotting more readily than many later radial designs.
If the car will sit for an extended period, rolling it occasionally or supporting it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch can help preserve tire shape. Storage care matters on a heavy prewar luxury car because tire condition affects not only appearance but also ride quality and smoothness the next time the car is driven.
How long do tires on a 1935 Lincoln typically last?
Tires on a 1935 Lincoln should be judged more by age and condition than by miles traveled. Collector-car tires are commonly evaluated closely once they reach the five-to-seven-year range, and replacement is often considered around ten years regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code, along with visible sidewall condition and overall performance, gives a better picture than mileage on a low-use antique car.
That approach is especially important for a car that may spend long periods parked between outings. A 1935 Lincoln can wear tires very slowly in terms of tread, yet still age them out through time, heat cycles, and storage conditions. Regular age tracking helps owners avoid relying on old-looking but brittle rubber simply because the tread still appears usable.
How often should tires on a 1935 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 1935 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, uneven tread wear, and any sign that a tire is losing pressure. If your wheel-and-tire setup uses tubes, include valve stems and any evidence of slow leakage in that routine inspection.
Frequent checks matter because collector cars often sit longer than modern daily drivers, and age-related problems can appear before wear-related problems do. A quick walkaround before departure can catch a deteriorating sidewall or pressure issue early, which is especially valuable on a prewar car whose handling and braking already demand more anticipation than a modern vehicle.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1935 Lincoln V12?
A 1935 Lincoln V12 would have originally used bias-ply tires, which was the standard construction for the period. The correct size covered here is 750-17, matching the prewar numeric sizing format and 17-inch wheel diameter used on the Lincoln V12. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery details, so the most dependable restoration baseline is the correct size, construction type, and era-appropriate sidewall presentation.
For most restorations, that means starting with a 750-17 bias-ply tire and then narrowing the choice by visual style. Owners aiming for the closest possible historical match should compare their car against factory literature, surviving photographs, and marque-club guidance, especially if the car is being restored for formal judging rather than for general collector use.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1935 Lincoln?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1935 Lincoln. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction type, sidewall style, and overall proportion because tires strongly influence the car's stance and period character. On a prewar luxury automobile, an obviously incorrect sidewall treatment or a construction type outside the era can distract from an otherwise careful restoration.
A 750-17 bias-ply tire keeps the car within the right historical framework, but authenticity standards can still differ between tours, marque events, and concours judging. Before committing to a blackwall, double-whitewall, or wide-whitewall presentation, check the expectations of the event or the advice of Lincoln specialists so the finished look supports the level of originality you are pursuing.
What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply for the 1935 Lincoln?
For a 1935 Lincoln restoration, Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply both keep the car in the correct bias-ply era, but they offer different presentation and spec combinations within 750-17. Firestone appears with blackwall and double-whitewall choices, while BFGoodrich appears with blackwall and wide whitewall choices; the listed rim-width guidance and load-and-pressure pairings also differ between certain products.
That distinction matters in restoration work because authenticity is not only about size. The visible whitewall width and the way the tire sits on the wheel can materially change the car's stance and period impression. When refining a judged or high-level restoration, compare the exact tire's sidewall look against period photos and trusted Lincoln references rather than selecting solely by brand familiarity.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1935 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
A properly selected and well-maintained 750-17 bias-ply tire can be used for normal road driving on a 1935 Lincoln, provided the tire is in sound condition and matched to the wheel correctly. The available listings here do not show speed ratings, so owners should treat the car as a prewar luxury automobile and drive within the limits of its tires, steering, brakes, suspension, and overall mechanical condition rather than assuming modern freeway capability.
In practice, a 1935 Lincoln's road-readiness depends on the whole vehicle. Even with fresh tires, age, chassis setup, wheel condition, and brake performance all matter when planning sustained higher-speed travel. A careful pre-drive inspection and a conservative approach to speed are more appropriate than trying to use a 1930s Lincoln as though it were a modern sedan.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1935 Lincoln tires?
Inflation pressure for 1935 Lincoln tires should be set by the specific tire and the vehicle's original guidance, not by guesswork. Among the available 750-17 products, examples include a maximum load of 1870 pounds at 40 psi and another showing 1646 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are product-specific load-and-pressure pairings, not universal instructions to apply across every 750-17 tire.
The best approach is to begin with the factory vehicle recommendation when available, then confirm it against the tire manufacturer's rated information for the exact product fitted to the car. That avoids transferring a pressure figure from one bias-ply tire to another with different casing characteristics, approved wheel widths, or intended service assumptions.
What should I check before taking a 1935 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1935 Lincoln, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is in usable condition as well. Check the valve stems and confirm that each tire is holding pressure consistently over time. Since the car rides on prewar bias-ply tires, also pay attention to any vibration, pull, or change in feel that suggests a tire or wheel issue.
Tire condition is only one part of preparing a prewar car for distance. A 1935 Lincoln should also have its broader mechanical systems reviewed, including brakes, steering, cooling, and wheel hardware, because safe touring depends on the entire vehicle working together. Tires are your first point of contact with the road, but they should be evaluated as part of a complete pre-drive routine.