1936 Lincoln stood at the upper end of the American luxury market, with the formal V12 carrying traditional Lincoln prestige and the Zephyr introducing a newer streamlined direction. Both reflected prewar styling and engineering, but they did not share the same tire fitment. The 1936 Lincoln range uses two bias-ply sizes, with 750-17 reserved for the V12 and 700-16 used on the Zephyr, so the real choice is tied first to identifying the correct model and wheel diameter rather than choosing between alternate constructions. Before moving to a specific tire, confirm whether your car is a V12 or a Zephyr, then match the proper 16-inch or 17-inch fitment and preferred sidewall appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1936 Lincoln
Two tire sizes are used across 1936 Lincoln vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because the Zephyr and V12 use different rim diameters, the first step is confirming the correct model and wheel size before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): V12|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 refers to the nominal section width and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1936 Lincoln V12 rather than the full 1936 Lincoln range, and it is available from Firestone and BFGoodrich in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Buyers seeking a more formal prewar luxury look will usually focus on sidewall appearance within this size, since all currently listed choices retain bias-ply construction.
Year(s): 1936|Fit(s): Zephyr|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
700-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.00 denotes the nominal section width and 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr, with offerings from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; speed-rating markings vary by product, with Avon carrying an L rating for 75 mph. For a Zephyr restoration, the decision centers on selecting the correct 16-inch fitment and the sidewall presentation that best suits your car's intended look and use.
Two models are covered for 1936 Lincoln, and they do not use the same tire size. That means year and make alone are not enough here; identifying whether your car is a V12 or a Zephyr determines both the correct size and the correct rim diameter. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and available tire options.
1936 Lincoln V12
The 1936 Lincoln V12 represented the marque's traditional senior luxury character, with long-wheelbase presence and the smooth multi-cylinder refinement buyers expected from a top-tier prewar American car. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels, which separates it clearly from the Zephyr's smaller-diameter fitment and gives the car its own distinct replacement path.
The 1936 Lincoln Zephyr brought a more streamlined, modern shape to the Lincoln lineup and is remembered as one of the standout American aerodynamic designs of the decade. Its tires fit 16-inch wheels, so Zephyr owners need to stay with the model-specific size rather than assuming interchange with the larger Lincoln V12.
Eight products are available across two tire sizes for 1936 Lincoln vehicles. The 750-17 V12 fitment includes four bias-ply choices from Firestone and BFGoodrich in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, while the 700-16 Zephyr fitment includes four bias-ply choices from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles.
Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.75 Inch Double Whitewall | 750-17
These answers focus on how 1936 Lincoln tire fitment changes between the V12 and Zephyr, what the numeric sizes mean, which sidewall styles and brands are offered, and how to care for prewar bias-ply tires on lightly used collector cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1936 Lincoln vehicles?
1936 Lincoln vehicles use two different tire sizes depending on model. The 1936 Lincoln V12 uses 750-17 bias-ply tires, while the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr uses 700-16 bias-ply tires. Those sizes mount on different rim diameters, so they are not interchangeable across the full 1936 Lincoln range. Listed 750-17 products are built for 17-inch rims, and listed 700-16 products are built for 16-inch rims.
The practical takeaway is that the first fitment question is model identification, not brand selection. Once you know whether your 1936 Lincoln is a V12 or a Zephyr, you can narrow the search to the correct size and then choose the sidewall style that suits your restoration or driving goals. Rim-width guidance also differs by size where specified, so confirm the actual wheel before making a final selection.
What does 750-17 mean on a 1936 Lincoln tire?
On a 1936 Lincoln tire, 750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.50 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. In the 1936 Lincoln lineup, that size belongs to the V12 models rather than the Zephyr. It is a traditional prewar sizing system and should be read differently from later metric or alphanumeric tire codes.
For a V12 owner, that code tells you both the construction family and the wheel diameter you need to match. It does not automatically tell you the right sidewall style, tube arrangement, or exact rim-width compatibility across every product, so those details still need to be checked at the individual tire level. If your car wears 16-inch wheels, 750-17 is the wrong starting point regardless of appearance.
Do all 1936 Lincoln models use the same tire size?
No, 1936 Lincoln models do not all use the same tire size. The V12 uses 750-17 bias-ply tires, while the Zephyr uses 700-16 bias-ply tires. Because those two sizes also use different rim diameters, the distinction is more important than a simple width difference. A buyer who knows only the year and make still needs the model before selecting a tire.
That difference reflects the separate identities of the two cars within the Lincoln lineup. The V12 was the larger, more formal senior model, while the Zephyr followed a more modern and streamlined design direction. When you are sorting out replacement tires, confirm the model from the body or serial information first, then verify the wheel diameter on the car so the search stays focused on the correct fitment.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1936 Lincoln tires?
1936 Lincoln tires are offered in several sidewall presentations, but the choices differ by size. The 750-17 V12 size is available in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, while the 700-16 Zephyr size is available in blackwall and wide whitewall versions. All of the listed options remain bias-ply, so the appearance choice does not change the basic period construction.
For a prewar Lincoln, sidewall style has a major effect on the car's visual character. Blackwalls tend to suit a more restrained or driver-focused presentation, while whitewall treatments emphasize formal luxury styling that many owners want in a restoration. If the car will be judged, confirm what width and sidewall treatment is appropriate for your exact model and market before settling on appearance alone.
What brands make tires for 1936 Lincoln vehicles?
Several brands cover 1936 Lincoln fitments, but the brand mix depends on size. The 750-17 V12 size is offered by Firestone and BFGoodrich, while the 700-16 Zephyr size is offered by Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. All listed products for both sizes are bias-ply tires, which keeps the decision centered on model-specific fitment, sidewall style, and product details within the correct size.
Brand selection matters most after you have narrowed the search to the proper model and wheel diameter. A V12 owner working with 17-inch wheels will be choosing within a smaller brand range than a Zephyr owner on 16-inch wheels. If you are comparing products inside one size, look at sidewall appearance first and then confirm any load, rim-width, or speed-rating markings that may matter for how the car will actually be used.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 750-17 tires for a 1936 Lincoln?
Within the 750-17 size for a 1936 Lincoln V12, Firestone and BFGoodrich differ most in sidewall presentation and some listed specifications. Firestone offers blackwall and double-whitewall versions in its Balloon series, with examples showing a 4-inch rim fitment and a max load rating of 1,870 pounds at 40 psi. BFGoodrich offers blackwall and wide whitewall versions in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, including an example with a 1,646-pound load rating at 36 psi and a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim-width range.
That means the choice is not simply a brand preference. One 750-17 may better suit a wheel already known to be 4 inches wide, while another may better align with a wider rim and a different whitewall look. Compare the actual wheel on the car to the tire's stated rim-width guidance, then decide which sidewall style best matches the V12's intended presentation.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1936 Lincoln tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for both 1936 Lincoln sizes, though it varies by product. In 750-17 for the 1936 Lincoln V12, listed examples include one built for a 4-inch rim and another with a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim-width range. In 700-16 for the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr, listed examples show a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim-width range. Those figures should be treated as tire-specific guidance, not as a blanket rule across every product in the same size.
Before choosing a tire, measure or verify the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming every 16-inch or 17-inch wheel is equivalent. That is especially important on prewar cars that may have seen wheel swaps during long ownership histories. Matching the tire to the correct rim width helps preserve intended profile, fit, and steering behavior without forcing the tire onto a wheel outside its stated range.
Do 1936 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
The available 1936 Lincoln products are all bias-ply designs, but the tube status is not consistently marked in the size descriptions shown here. Prewar applications like the 1936 Lincoln V12 and 1936 Lincoln Zephyr were commonly associated with tube-type service, especially on original-style wheels, yet the final decision should be made by the exact tire's sidewall marking and the wheel you intend to use. Tube requirements can differ even when the size itself is correct.
The most reliable approach is to inspect the wheel construction and then match it to the exact tire you are considering. Original riveted or non-safety-rim wheels often call for more caution than later wheel designs. When setting up a collector car, also inspect the valve stem area, rim band condition where applicable, and the spare, since a weak spare assembly can spoil an otherwise careful tire installation.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1936 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 1936 Lincoln should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, heaters, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber more quickly. Keep the car in a cool, dry space and maintain normal inflation so the sidewalls are not left collapsed. Because 1936 Lincoln fitments are bias-ply, long static periods can encourage flat-spotting more readily than many later radial designs.
If the car will sit for extended periods, roll it occasionally to change the footprint or place it on stands in a way that does not strain the suspension. Clean tires with mild soap and water rather than dressings that can leave residue on vintage rubber. Good storage habits matter just as much for a low-mileage show car as for a regularly driven tour car because age, not mileage, is often the bigger factor.
How long do tires on a 1936 Lincoln typically last?
Tires on a 1936 Lincoln should be evaluated by age as much as by tread wear. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out, so a useful rule is to inspect them closely beginning around five to seven years and to treat roughly ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration. The DOT date code, if present on the tire, is the best quick reference for age.
A 1936 Lincoln that sees only parade, show, or occasional touring use can still have tires that look respectable while the rubber has hardened internally. That is why age-based replacement planning is wiser than waiting for visible tread wear alone. If the car's service history is unclear, starting fresh with known-age tires is often the better foundation for dependable use and easier maintenance scheduling.
How often should tires on a 1936 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 1936 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs of pressure loss, and check that each tire is holding air evenly after sitting. On a prewar car, the condition of the spare deserves the same attention as the four tires on the ground.
Frequent inspection is especially important on collector cars because they often spend more time parked than moving. A tire that was acceptable last season may show new cracking or stem deterioration after one winter in storage. If your setup uses tubes or original-style wheels, add valve stem condition and any signs of chafing or leakage to the routine so a minor issue does not turn into a roadside problem.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1936 Lincoln V12?
A 1936 Lincoln V12 would have been fitted in period with bias-ply tires, and the available replacement size for that model is 750-17. That aligns with what buyers expect from a senior American luxury car of the mid-1930s, when bias-ply construction was standard. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so the size and construction type are the more important starting points than chasing a brand assumption.
If authenticity is the goal, stay with the correct 750-17 bias-ply format first and then choose the sidewall treatment that suits the car's restoration standard. Owners preparing for high-level judging should also compare their choices against period photos, factory literature, and Lincoln marque-club guidance. Those sources can help confirm whether blackwall, double-whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation best fits a particular car's intended historical look.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1936 Lincoln?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1936 Lincoln because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation quickly. A 1936 Lincoln V12 on 750-17 bias-ply tires and a 1936 Lincoln Zephyr on 700-16 bias-ply tires are following the proper format for their respective models. Using the wrong rim diameter or the wrong visual treatment can distract from an otherwise careful restoration.
On prewar cars, tire appearance contributes heavily to stance and period character. Even when a tire physically mounts, a sidewall style that feels too modern or too aggressive for the event can hurt authenticity. Before a judged show, compare your selected tire to event standards and marque-club expectations so your car's tires support the restoration instead of becoming one of the first things judges question.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-16 tires for a 1936 Lincoln?
For the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr's 700-16 size, Firestone and BFGoodrich share the same basic bias-ply format but differ in sidewall treatment and some listed specifications. Firestone appears as a wide whitewall option in the Classic Bias Ply line with a listed load rating of 1,800 pounds at 36 psi and a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim-width range. BFGoodrich appears as a blackwall option in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line with a listed load rating of 1,900 pounds at 36 psi and the same 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim-width range.
That makes the decision partly a visual one and partly a fit-and-use comparison within the same size. If the goal is a stronger whitewall presence on a restored Zephyr, the Firestone presentation may be the deciding factor. If a blackwall look better suits the car's style or intended presentation, the BFGoodrich option keeps the proper size while changing the car's appearance more than its basic period construction.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1936 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
1936 Lincoln tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their stated limits. The available fitments for both the V12 and Zephyr are bias-ply tires, and one 700-16 Avon option carries an L speed rating, which corresponds to 75 mph. Other listed products do not always show a speed symbol, so the safest approach is to treat each tire by its own marking rather than assuming one rating applies to every option in the size.
A well-sorted prewar Lincoln is still governed by more than tire capability alone. Braking, steering, suspension condition, alignment, and the realities of a 1930s chassis often matter more than headline speed numbers during normal touring. Before sustained highway use, make sure the tires are fresh, properly inflated, and evenly worn, then drive the car in a way that respects both the tire design and the vehicle's age.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1936 Lincoln tires?
Inflation pressure for 1936 Lincoln tires should begin with the vehicle's original factory recommendation, then be checked against the specific tire's own rated figures. In the available products, 750-17 examples include 1,870 pounds at 40 psi and 1,646 pounds at 36 psi, while 700-16 examples include 1,900 pounds at 36 psi and 1,800 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are tire-specific load-and-pressure ratings, not universal instructions for every product or for every axle position.
Use them as an upper reference for the tire itself, then set the car according to the loading and handling needs of the actual vehicle. A senior V12 sedan and a lighter Zephyr may not want the same running pressure even when both are wearing reproduction bias-ply tires. Check pressures cold, keep them consistent side to side, and avoid transferring a pressure figure from one size or one product family to another.
What should I check before taking a 1936 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1936 Lincoln, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of age hardening, then verify cold inflation pressure and make sure the spare is usable. Look closely at the valve stems and the wheel-to-tire interface, especially on older wheels that may have gone many years between tire changes. Confirm that the car is wearing the correct model-specific size: 750-17 for a V12 and 700-16 for a Zephyr.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive inspection that also covers brakes, steering play, wheel bearing condition, and basic fluid levels. Prewar luxury cars are rewarding tour cars when prepared carefully, but they are less forgiving of neglected maintenance than a newer collector vehicle. A few minutes of inspection before departure is usually far easier than trying to solve a preventable tire issue on the roadside.
