1935 Packard sat at a fascinating point in the luxury-car market, offering everything from prestigious Twelve-cylinder automobiles to the newer One Twenty line that broadened the marque’s reach without losing its upscale character. That range means tire selection for 1935 Packard is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. Four models are covered here, using three different bias-ply sizes, with the senior 12 Cyl. and 1207 Series sharing 750-17 while the 120 Series and 1200 Series use their own sizes. Before choosing a tire for your 1935 Packard, the first step is confirming the exact model and then deciding which sidewall style and period-correct bias-ply presentation best suits your restoration or driving plans.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1935 Packard
Three tire sizes are used across 1935 Packard models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The main decision starts with identifying your Packard model and confirming whether it uses a 16-inch or 17-inch wheel, since all three sizes are bias-ply but they do not all share the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1935|Fit(s): 12 Cyl., 1207 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number represents nominal section width and the final number identifies a 17-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1935 Packard 12 Cyl. and 1207 Series, with offerings from Firestone and BFGoodrich in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. It is the right choice for buyers restoring one of Packard’s larger senior cars who want the proper period tire format and the ability to choose a sidewall presentation that matches the car’s intended appearance.
Year(s): 1935|Fit(s): 120 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
700-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, using a nominal section-width code with a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1935 Packard 120 Series and is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall options; speed rating markings vary by product, including an L-rated example with a 75 mph ceiling. It suits Packard One Twenty owners who want a size tied to that model’s wheel diameter and who need to choose between a plainer touring look and a more formal whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1935|Fit(s): 1200 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
700-17 is a numeric bias-ply size that indicates a nominal section width with fitment on a 17-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1935 Packard 1200 Series, with Firestone and Ensign products offered in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles; one Ensign listing carries an L speed rating with a 75 mph ceiling. It is the model-correct choice for 1200 Series cars and gives buyers a straightforward way to stay with an era-appropriate bias-ply tire while selecting the sidewall style that fits the car’s restoration character.
Four Packard models are covered for 1935, and tire size changes across the range rather than staying the same from one model to the next. That means year and make alone are not enough here; buyers need to identify whether they have a 12 Cyl., 120 Series, 1200 Series, or 1207 Series before settling on a size. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Packard.
1935 Packard 12 Cyl.
The 1935 Packard 12 Cyl. represented the marque’s flagship prestige tradition, built for buyers who wanted the smoothness and status of a true senior luxury automobile. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, and the car shares its size with the 1207 Series rather than the smaller-displacement One Twenty line.
The 1935 Packard 120 Series was a turning-point model for the company, bringing Packard style and quality to a broader market while remaining distinctly upscale for its class. Its tire fitment uses a 16-inch rim, setting it apart from the 17-inch senior Packards in the same year.
The 1935 Packard 1200 Series belonged to Packard’s senior lineup and carried the formal, substantial road presence buyers expect from a mid-1930s luxury car. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, but it uses a different size from the 12 Cyl. and 1207 Series, so model identification matters before choosing tires.
The 1935 Packard 1207 Series sits in the senior Packard family, where correct proportions and formal appearance play a major role in how the finished car looks. It uses 17-inch rims and shares the same tire size as the 12 Cyl., giving restorers a familiar senior-Packard fitment path.
Twenty-four products are available across three tire sizes for 1935 Packard vehicles: 750-17 includes 10 Firestone and BFGoodrich bias-ply options in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles; 700-16 includes 10 Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone bias-ply options in blackwall and wide whitewall; 700-17 includes 4 Firestone and Ensign bias-ply options in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall.
Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.75 Inch Double Whitewall | 750-17
These answers focus on how 1935 Packard tire selection changes by model, what numeric bias-ply sizes like 700-16 and 750-17 actually mean, and how sidewall style, rim fit, highway use, and long-term collector storage affect the right choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1935 Packard vehicles?
1935 Packard vehicles use three tire sizes across four model lines. The 1935 Packard 12 Cyl. and 1935 Packard 1207 Series use 750-17, the 1935 Packard 120 Series uses 700-16, and the 1935 Packard 1200 Series uses 700-17. The 700-16 size mounts on a 16-inch rim, while both 700-17 and 750-17 mount on 17-inch rims. Rim width guidance appears on several products, including 4.50 to 5.50 inches for some 700-16 tires, 3.5 to 4.0 or 4 inches for 700-17, and 4 or 5.50 to 6.00 inches for certain 750-17 tires.
Getting the size right starts with confirming the exact Packard model, not just the year. A 1935 Packard owner with a One Twenty will be looking at a different diameter wheel than an owner of a senior 12 Cyl. car, and even among the 17-inch senior models the tire size is not always the same. Once the model is confirmed, the next step is choosing the sidewall look and checking the individual tire’s approved rim-width range against the wheels actually on the car.
What does 750-17 mean on a 1935 Packard tire?
On a 1935 Packard, 750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 17 refers to the wheel diameter in inches, and the 750 portion is the older numeric width designation rather than a modern metric measurement. That format belongs to the prewar bias-ply era and is used on the 1935 Packard 12 Cyl. and 1935 Packard 1207 Series. Available versions include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall choices from Firestone and BFGoodrich.
Seeing 750-17 on your Packard is a strong sign that you are dealing with a senior-model fitment rather than the 120 Series. The key practical point is not to translate it loosely into another diameter or modern sizing system without checking the wheel and the intended appearance of the car. If your goal is a proper prewar look, keeping the correct numeric bias-ply size and choosing the sidewall treatment that suits the restoration is usually the right direction.
Do all 1935 Packard models use the same tire size?
1935 Packard models do not all use the same tire size. The 1935 Packard 120 Series uses 700-16, the 1935 Packard 1200 Series uses 700-17, and the 1935 Packard 12 Cyl. and 1935 Packard 1207 Series use 750-17. All three are bias-ply sizes, but they are tied to different models and, in one case, a different wheel diameter.
That difference matters because a buyer who knows only “1935 Packard” can still end up comparing the wrong tire group. The One Twenty line and the senior Packards were distinct cars, and the tire fitment reflects that. If the car has changed hands several times, verify the model plate and check the wheels before moving ahead, especially on restored cars where wheels may have been swapped at some point in their long life.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1935 Packard tires?
1935 Packard tires are offered in several period-appropriate sidewall styles depending on size. The 750-17 size is available in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. The 700-16 size is available in blackwall and wide whitewall, while 700-17 is offered in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall. That gives Packard owners room to match a formal luxury presentation or a more restrained touring look within the correct size for the car.
For a prewar Packard, sidewall choice influences the car’s character almost as much as the wheel itself. A blackwall often suits a plainer or more understated presentation, while a whitewall generally complements the fuller, more elegant visual style many restorers want on senior cars. If the car is being prepared for judged events, check the expectations of the specific marque club or event, because judges often look closely at sidewall style as well as size and construction.
What brands make tires for 1935 Packard vehicles?
Several brands cover 1935 Packard fitments. The 750-17 size is available from Firestone and BFGoodrich, the 700-16 size is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, and the 700-17 size is available from Firestone and Ensign. All of these listings are bias-ply tires, which is appropriate for a 1935 Packard and keeps the tire format in step with the period of the car.
Brand choice on a prewar Packard often comes down to the combination of sidewall style, exact size availability, and the visual character you want once the car is finished. Some owners prioritize a familiar American classic-tire name, while others focus on finding a specific whitewall presentation or a product with a rim-width range that aligns neatly with their wheels. Narrow your choice by model and size first, then compare brands within that one correct fitment group.
What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply for the 1935 Packard?
Within the 750-17 fitment for 1935 Packard, Firestone Balloon and BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply differ in sidewall offerings, published load figures, and listed wheel-width coverage. Firestone Balloon appears in blackwall and double-whitewall versions with a listed 1870-pound load capacity at 40 psi on examples using a 4-inch rim, while BFGoodrich adds blackwall and wide whitewall choices, including one 1646-pound listing at 36 psi with a 5.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range.
That means the choice is not just about brand name. On a 1935 Packard, one product may line up better with the wheel already on the car, while another may better match the sidewall look needed for the restoration. Compare the exact product specifications rather than assuming every 750-17 behaves the same, especially if your car has specific wheel widths or you are trying to recreate a very particular prewar appearance.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1935 Packard tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1935 Packard tires depends on the size and the specific product. In 700-16, published fitments include 4.50 to 5.50 inches. In 700-17, examples include 3.5 to 4.0 inches and 4 inches. In 750-17, published fitments include 4 inches on some products and 5.50 to 6.00 inches on another. Those ranges show why it is important to match the tire to the actual wheel, not just the tire size printed in a manual or on an old receipt.
A Packard that has been restored decades ago may no longer be wearing the exact wheels it left the factory with, so physical verification matters. Before selecting a tire, measure the wheel or have a specialist confirm it, then compare that measurement to the approved width range on the product you are considering. Staying within the listed rim-width range helps preserve the intended profile, steering response, and overall appearance of a bias-ply tire.
Do 1935 Packard tires require inner tubes?
1935 Packard tire listings here are bias-ply products, but the individual size markings shown do not consistently identify tube-type or tubeless status across the range. What matters most on a prewar Packard is the wheel itself, because many original-style wheels and rim constructions are commonly run with tubes even when buyers focus first on the tire. The safest approach is to confirm the exact tire’s sidewall marking and match that to the wheel design currently on the car.
Inner-tube decisions should be made as part of the wheel-and-tire package, not as an afterthought. If your 1935 Packard still uses original-style rims, tube use is often part of preserving proper setup and serviceability. Before mounting tires, have the wheels inspected for condition, ensure the valve-hole arrangement is correct, and make sure any tube, flap, or stem choice aligns with the specific tire and wheel combination being assembled.
Can the original 1935 Packard wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1935 Packard wheels cannot be assumed to interchange across all tire sizes used that year. The 700-16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim, while 700-17 and 750-17 use 17-inch rims. Even within the 17-inch group, published rim-width ranges differ by product, so the wheel that suits one 17-inch tire may not automatically be ideal for another. Diameter compatibility comes first, then width compatibility for the specific tire under consideration.
For owners sorting through spare parts or mixed wheels from long-ago restorations, the practical takeaway is simple: confirm the wheel diameter and width before choosing a tire. A senior Packard wheel may visually resemble another prewar wheel without sharing the same dimensions. Treat the existing wheel as a part that needs verification, especially if the car has been apart for years or if the wheels have been repainted and no longer carry easy-to-read markings.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1935 Packard when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1935 Packard should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to flat-spotting when they sit in one position for long stretches, and long-term exposure to heat and ozone encourages sidewall aging. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and proper inflation help reduce stress on both the tires and the wheels.
If the car will sit for months, move it periodically or support it in a way that reduces continuous loading on one section of the tire. Many collector owners also place a barrier between the tire and bare concrete to limit moisture transfer. Before the first drive after storage, inspect every sidewall and tread area closely, because an attractive prewar tire can still develop age-related cracking long before tread wear becomes a meaningful factor.
How long do tires on a 1935 Packard typically last?
Tires on a 1935 Packard are usually aged out before they are worn out. On a collector car that sees occasional use, a tire should be evaluated regularly once it reaches the 5- to 7-year range, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as it approaches roughly 10 years from its date code, regardless of tread depth. That rule is especially important on prewar bias-ply tires, where appearance can remain presentable even as the rubber hardens with time.
Mileage alone is rarely the right yardstick for a Packard of this era. A car driven only to local shows may still need fresh tires sooner than an owner expects, simply because rubber ages while parked. Check the date code, look for sidewall cracking or stiffness, and think in terms of calendar age and condition rather than whether the tread still looks deep enough for occasional touring use.
How often should tires on a 1935 Packard be inspected?
Tires on a 1935 Packard should be inspected before every drive, with a more detailed check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, embedded debris, and signs that the tire is not holding pressure evenly. On a prewar car, it is also wise to inspect valve stems and the spare, since long periods of storage can age those components almost as quickly as the road tires themselves.
A short pre-drive inspection is one of the easiest ways to prevent trouble on an older Packard. These cars often spend more time parked than driven, so issues tend to develop slowly and then reveal themselves all at once on the road. Catching a weak valve stem, a weathered sidewall, or a slowly leaking tire in the garage is far preferable to discovering it once the car is loaded with passengers and headed to a tour or event.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1935 Packard 12 Cyl.?
A 1935 Packard 12 Cyl. would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the correct size here is 750-17. That aligns with the construction type expected on a senior American luxury car of 1935 and matches the size used by the 12 Cyl. and 1207 Series in this lineup. Whitewall or blackwall presentation could vary by market taste, equipment level, and the look an owner wanted, so marque-specific verification is worthwhile if the restoration aims for factory-delivery precision.
For most restorers, the important point is that size and construction come first. A modern-looking substitute in a different format may change both the proportions and the judged authenticity of the car, even if it physically mounts to the wheel. If the car will be shown seriously, compare your intended tire to period photos, factory literature, and Packard club guidance so the sidewall treatment and overall stance remain in character with a 1935 Twelve.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1935 Packard?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1935 Packard. Judges and knowledgeable marque enthusiasts often notice whether the car has the right overall size, the proper bias-ply construction for the era, and a sidewall style that suits the period and the model. A One Twenty wearing the wrong diameter tire or a senior Packard carrying an incorrect size can affect the car’s stance and visual balance even before anyone looks deeper.
That does not mean every event uses identical standards, but authenticity-minded judging almost always rewards getting the basics right. For a Packard, those basics include using the model-correct size, preserving the period tire profile, and avoiding sidewall treatments that look too modern or too flashy for the class of restoration. If the car is headed for marquee competition, let the event handbook or Packard club guidance settle the final details before the tires are mounted.
What is the difference between Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 for the 1935 Packard?
In the 700-17 fitment used on the 1935 Packard 1200 Series, Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 differ in sidewall presentation, published load figures, and listed rim-width coverage. Firestone Balloon appears in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions with a listed 1480-pound capacity at 36 psi on examples using a 4-inch rim. Ensign B5 is shown as a blackwall tire with a listed 1901-pound capacity at 36 psi and a 3.5 to 4.0 inch rim-width range, along with an L speed rating marking.
For a restoration, that comparison helps separate appearance choices from setup requirements. Firestone provides more visible sidewall-style variety for owners building a more formal prewar presentation, while Ensign offers a blackwall option with its own published wheel-width and service markings. The right pick depends on the visual direction of the car and the wheels it currently has, so compare the exact product specifications before deciding which 700-17 tire belongs on your Packard.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1935 Packard tires safe for highway driving?
1935 Packard tires can be suitable for normal highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their markings. The fitments here are all bias-ply, and some products in 700-16 and 700-17 carry an L speed rating, which corresponds to a 75 mph ceiling. On a prewar Packard, real-world safety at highway speeds is often influenced as much by brake performance, steering condition, suspension wear, and overall mechanical health as by the tire itself.
That means highway confidence comes from the full condition of the car, not just from seeing fresh tread. A well-sorted Packard driven at sensible speeds can tour comfortably, but old suspension parts, poor alignment, or underinflated tires will show up quickly on a heavy prewar automobile. Before regular road use, confirm the tires are age-appropriate and pressure-correct, then make sure the chassis and braking system are equally ready for sustained driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1935 Packard tires?
Inflation pressure on 1935 Packard tires should be matched to the exact tire and the vehicle guidance for that model. Several products list rated load-and-pressure figures, including 750-17 examples at 1870 pounds at 40 psi and 1646 pounds at 36 psi, 700-16 examples at 1800 pounds at 36 psi, 1874 pounds, or 1900 pounds at 36 psi, and 700-17 examples at 1480 pounds at 36 psi or 1901 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are product ratings, not universal operating pressures for every Packard fitment.
The practical approach is to start with the original Packard recommendation for the specific model, then compare it with the tire maker’s load-and-pressure guidance for the exact tire you are using. Do not transfer a pressure from 700-16 to 750-17 or from one brand to another just because both are bias-ply. Correct pressure affects ride quality, tread wear, steering effort, and casing stress, especially on a substantial prewar car.
What should I check before taking a 1935 Packard on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1935 Packard, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and stable pressure, and do the same for the spare. Pay close attention to sidewalls and valve stems, because age-related deterioration often appears there first on collector tires. Confirm that the tires are the correct size for the model, that the wheels are sound, and that lug hardware is secure before leaving the garage.
A Packard of this era also deserves a broader mechanical pre-drive check. Tire condition is only one part of touring readiness alongside brakes, wheel bearings, steering play, cooling, and fluid levels. If the car has been sitting, a short local shakedown drive is wise before committing to a full-day trip. That lets you feel for pull, vibration, or heat buildup and gives the tires a chance to reveal any storage-related issues under light use first.
