1938 Lincoln stood at an interesting point in American luxury car history, with the traditional V12 carrying the make’s formal prestige while the Zephyr represented Lincoln’s streamlined, more modern design direction. That split matters for tires, because the 1938 Lincoln lineup did not share one universal size across all models. The V12 uses 750-17 bias-ply tires, while the Zephyr uses 700-16 bias-ply tires, so the practical choice is driven first by identifying the correct model and wheel diameter rather than choosing between constructions. Before moving on to products, confirm whether your car is a V12 or a Zephyr and verify the wheel size already on the vehicle.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1938 Lincoln
Two tire sizes are available for 1938 Lincoln vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming the correct model and wheel diameter, since the Lincoln V12 and Lincoln Zephyr use different bias-ply sizes on different rims. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1938|Fit(s): V12|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.50 refers to nominal section width and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This V12-specific size is offered by Firestone and BFGoodrich in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, with listed load figures including 1870 pounds at 40 psi and 1646 pounds at 36 psi depending on the product. Buyers restoring a formal, full-size Lincoln V12 will usually look here for an era-correct bias-ply fitment and then choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the car’s presentation.
Year(s): 1938|Fit(s): Zephyr|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
700-16 is a numeric bias-ply size where 7.00 denotes nominal section width and 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This Zephyr-specific size is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and products in the size include an L speed rating on the 700-16C Avon listing, equal to 75 mph, while others do not show a speed symbol. Zephyr owners looking to preserve the model’s streamlined late-1930s character should choose this size first, then narrow the selection by sidewall appearance and the details of the individual tire.
Two 1938 Lincoln models are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough for a correct starting point; you need to identify whether your car is a V12 or a Zephyr before choosing a size. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and the tires that apply to it.
1938 Lincoln V12
The 1938 Lincoln V12 carried the marque’s traditional luxury-car role, with classic long-wheelbase American prestige styling and the smooth character buyers expected from a senior Lincoln of the period. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, which sets it apart from the smaller, more streamlined Zephyr. For restorers, the visual choice often comes down to whether the car calls for a blackwall or whitewall presentation.
The 1938 Lincoln Zephyr was Lincoln’s aerodynamic, more modern-looking offering, notable for its flowing styling and its place in the Art Deco era of American car design. Its tire fitment mounts on 16-inch rims rather than the V12’s larger wheel diameter, so the Zephyr follows its own size path. That makes model identification especially important before comparing sidewall styles or brands.
Twenty products are available across two tire sizes for 1938 Lincoln vehicles: 750-17 includes 10 bias-ply choices from Firestone and BFGoodrich in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, while 700-16 includes 10 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 FAQs sort out the two model-specific 1938 Lincoln tire sizes, explain what the numeric size codes mean, and cover sidewall style, wheel fit, road use, and storage concerns that matter to collector cars driven sparingly.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1938 Lincoln vehicles?
1938 Lincoln vehicles use two different tire sizes depending on model. The Lincoln V12 uses 750-17 bias-ply tires on 17-inch rims, while the Lincoln Zephyr uses 700-16 bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims. Rim-width listings appear on some products: 750-17 products include fitments on 4-inch and 5.50- to 6.00-inch rims, and 700-16 products include fitments on 4.50- to 5.50-inch rims.
That means 1938 Lincoln fitment starts with model identification, not just year and make. A V12 owner should stay within the 750-17 family, and a Zephyr owner should stay within the 700-16 family. If your car has had wheels changed over the years, verify the actual rim diameter and width before settling on a tire, because the two Lincoln models do not share a common wheel size in 1938.
What does 750-17 mean on a 1938 Lincoln tire?
On a 1938 Lincoln, 750-17 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 7.50 figure is the nominal section width in inches, and the 17 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. For 1938 Lincoln applications, that size belongs to the V12 rather than the Zephyr, so it is tied to the senior Lincoln model’s 17-inch wheel fitment.
Modern buyers sometimes expect a radial-style metric code, but prewar American luxury cars often used these older numeric designations. When you see 750-17 on a 1938 Lincoln, think of it as a period-correct bias-ply size rather than a modern profile formula. The next step is comparing sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility on the specific product, and the load-and-pressure figures shown on the tire you are considering.
What does 700-16 mean on a 1938 Lincoln tire?
On a 1938 Lincoln, 700-16 is also a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 identifies the nominal section width in inches, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. In the 1938 Lincoln range, that size is used on the Zephyr, which separates it from the V12’s larger 17-inch fitment.
That older numeric system is straightforward once you know the basic pattern: width first, wheel diameter second, with bias-ply construction implied by the size family and the available products. For a Zephyr owner, the important point is not to substitute the V12 size simply because both cars are 1938 Lincolns. Confirm that your wheels are the correct 16-inch type and then choose among the available blackwall or whitewall offerings.
Do all 1938 Lincoln models use the same tire size?
No, 1938 Lincoln models do not use the same tire size. The Lincoln V12 uses 750-17 bias-ply tires, and the Lincoln Zephyr uses 700-16 bias-ply tires. The two sizes mount on different wheel diameters, so this is more than a cosmetic difference.
That split reflects the different character of the two cars within the Lincoln lineup. The V12 sits in the larger, more formal luxury class, while the Zephyr follows a more streamlined design path with its own wheel and tire package. If you are working from a title, a cowl tag, or family memory alone, identify the model carefully before purchasing, because year and make by themselves are not enough to choose the correct size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1938 Lincoln tires?
1938 Lincoln tires are available in several sidewall styles, but the choices vary by size. The 750-17 size for the Lincoln V12 appears in blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. The 700-16 size for the Lincoln Zephyr is offered in blackwall and wide whitewall versions.
Sidewall style changes the car’s visual character more than its fitment. Blackwalls usually suit a more restrained look, while whitewall treatments are often favored on formal prewar luxury cars and restorations aiming for period presentation. The right choice depends on how your particular 1938 Lincoln is being finished and shown, so compare the tire’s sidewall appearance against period photos, surviving cars, and the style expected for your restoration goals.
What brands make tires for 1938 Lincoln vehicles?
Several brands offer tires for 1938 Lincoln vehicles, depending on size. The 750-17 size used on the Lincoln V12 is available from Firestone and BFGoodrich. The 700-16 size used on the Lincoln Zephyr is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone.
Brand choice on a prewar Lincoln is usually less about changing size and more about selecting the look and specification that fits your intended use. Some brands focus on classic American visual cues such as whitewall styling, while others bring different casing details or rating information within the same size family. Once you have the correct size for your model, compare brands by sidewall style, rim-width listing, and any stated load or speed information rather than by name alone.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 750-17 tires for the 1938 Lincoln V12?
For the 1938 Lincoln V12, both Firestone and BFGoodrich offer 750-17 bias-ply tires, but the details vary. Firestone listings include blackwall and double-whitewall versions in the Balloon series, with listed load figures of 1870 pounds at 40 psi on some products and a 4-inch rim listing. BFGoodrich listings include blackwall and wide whitewall versions in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, with one listing showing 1646 pounds at 36 psi and a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim range.
Those differences matter when you are trying to match both the visual style and the wheel setup on your V12. A narrower listed rim and a heavier formal sidewall treatment can steer one restorer in a different direction than another. Instead of treating every 750-17 as identical, compare the individual tire’s sidewall appearance, published rim-width compatibility, and load-and-pressure specification against the wheels and presentation goals of your car.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1938 Lincoln tires require?
Rim-width listings for 1938 Lincoln tires depend on the size and the individual product. In 750-17, one product is listed for a 4-inch rim, while another is listed for a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim range. In 700-16, listed products show a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim range.
That spread is a reminder to match the exact tire to the exact wheel, especially on a prewar car that may have seen wheel changes over time. Even when the nominal tire size is correct for your 1938 Lincoln model, the product you choose should still be checked against your actual rim width. Measure the wheel if needed and compare it to the specific tire’s listed fitment rather than assuming all tires in the same size fit the same rim equally well.
Do 1938 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
The available 1938 Lincoln tires shown here are bias-ply products, and their size markings do not indicate a separate tubeless designation. For prewar applications such as the 750-17 V12 and 700-16 Zephyr sizes, buyers should treat tube fitment as part of the normal wheel-and-tire setup decision and match it to the construction of the wheel and the exact tire being used.
The practical point is to inspect the wheel itself before mounting anything. Original-style riveted or older multi-piece wheels, wheel condition, and the tire maker’s specific recommendations all affect whether tubes are appropriate. When servicing a 1938 Lincoln, many owners also replace valve hardware and inspect the spare at the same time so the entire rolling set is consistent and ready for road use.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1938 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 1938 Lincoln should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls. Because both 1938 Lincoln sizes are bias-ply, long static storage can encourage flat-spotting more readily than many modern radial applications. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and proper inflation all help reduce stress on the tire carcass during layups.
If the car will sit for extended periods, move it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces continuous load on one contact patch. Owners who keep a collector Lincoln parked for months at a time should also check the spare, since it often gets overlooked until it is urgently needed. Good storage habits preserve both the appearance and the drivability of vintage bias-ply tires.
How long do tires on a 1938 Lincoln typically last?
Tires on a 1938 Lincoln usually age out before they wear out, especially on collector cars that see limited annual mileage. A practical rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they are around five to seven years old and to treat about ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age.
That schedule matters because a prewar Lincoln may spend much of its life parked, and storage time still affects rubber, casing flexibility, and sidewall integrity. A tire that looks attractive on a garage-kept car can still be too old for confident road use. Age, visible cracking, irregular wear, and any change in how the car rides or tracks should all factor into your replacement timing.
How often should tires on a 1938 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 1938 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. On an older collector car, the valve stems and the condition of any tube-related hardware also deserve attention during routine checks.
Frequent inspection is especially important because many prewar cars are driven intermittently rather than daily. A problem can develop during storage just as easily as during road use, and you may not notice it until the next event or tour. Building a quick walk-around into your routine helps catch age-related issues early and makes a 1938 Lincoln far more predictable on the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1938 Lincoln V12?
For a 1938 Lincoln V12, the correct general construction type for the period is bias-ply, and the model uses the 750-17 size in the fitment range shown here. That aligns with what buyers expect on a senior prewar American luxury car, where bias-ply construction was standard practice long before radials entered common use. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery details, so size and construction come first.
If your goal is an accurate restoration, start with a 750-17 bias-ply tire and then choose the sidewall style that best matches the way your particular car would have been presented. Event standards can differ, especially between touring, preservation, and concours settings. For the final call on exact judging expectations, compare period photos and consult Lincoln marque specialists or club resources familiar with 1938 V12 cars.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1938 Lincoln?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1938 Lincoln because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall style quickly. A V12 shown with the Zephyr’s 700-16 size, or a Zephyr shown with the V12’s 750-17 size, would stand out as incorrect. Sidewall treatment also affects authenticity, especially on a high-visibility prewar luxury car.
The closer your tire size and appearance are to the model’s proper period presentation, the more convincing the restoration will look. Even outside formal judging, correct fitment helps preserve the proportions and stance that make a 1938 Lincoln read properly to an experienced eye. Before a serious show, compare the car to marque references and confirm that your chosen sidewall style matches the image you want the car to present.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-16 tires for the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr?
For the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr, both Firestone and BFGoodrich offer 700-16 bias-ply tires, but they are not identical in presentation and published specification. The Firestone listing shown here is a wide whitewall with a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim range and a load figure of 1800 pounds at 36 psi. The BFGoodrich listing is a blackwall with the same 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim range and a load figure of 1900 pounds at 36 psi.
That makes the decision partly visual and partly technical. A restorer chasing a period luxury appearance may lean toward the whitewall look, while another owner may prefer the simpler blackwall presentation. Since both share the same nominal size and listed rim range, the choice comes down to the car’s intended appearance, the published load figure, and how closely the finished tire matches the Zephyr’s restoration plan.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1938 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
1938 Lincoln tires can be suitable for normal road use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their stated limits. The available sizes here are bias-ply, and one 700-16C product carries an L speed rating, which corresponds to 75 mph; other listings do not show a speed symbol. On a prewar Lincoln, the car’s braking system, steering, suspension, and overall mechanical condition are often just as important as the tire itself.
Highway use should be approached with the character of a 1938 automobile in mind, not with modern-car expectations. Bias-ply tires will typically feel different from later radial designs, especially in tracking and response, and an older luxury car should be driven at speeds that suit both the tires and the chassis. Before any sustained road trip, make sure all four road tires and the spare are age-appropriate and freshly inspected.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1938 Lincoln tires?
Inflation pressure for 1938 Lincoln tires depends on the exact size and product. Published examples include 750-17 at 1870 pounds at 40 psi and 1646 pounds at 36 psi, plus 700-16 at 1900 pounds at 36 psi and 1800 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are product-specific load-and-pressure ratings, not blanket settings to apply interchangeably across every tire in the lineup.
Use the original Lincoln literature as your starting point for the car’s intended operating pressure, then compare that with the tire maker’s rating information for the exact reproduction tire you are using. A V12 and a Zephyr should not automatically be given the same pressure simply because they are both 1938 Lincolns. Matching pressure to the exact tire and the car’s real operating condition helps ride quality, wear, and safety.
What should I check before taking a 1938 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1938 Lincoln on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is serviceable as well. Check the valve stems, confirm the wheel fasteners are secure, and look for any sign that a tire has shifted or aged during storage. On a bias-ply prewar car, condition matters as much as tread depth.
A longer drive also calls for a broader mechanical once-over because the tire is only one part of an eighty-plus-year-old automobile’s roadworthiness. Brake performance, cooling, steering play, and wheel-bearing condition all deserve attention before the car spends extended time at speed. Taking a few extra minutes in the garage is far easier than dealing with a preventable roadside problem in a 1938 Lincoln.
