By 1939, Graham stood apart in the American market as an independent make with distinctive styling and a willingness to offer something more individual than the volume brands. The year's lineup paired the more accessible Special with the more upscale Supercharger, and that split matters when you get to tires. For 1939 Graham, the model range uses two different bias-ply sizes rather than one shared fitment, even though both mount on 16-inch wheels. The smart first step is to confirm whether your car is a Special or a Supercharger, then decide which period-correct bias-ply style and sidewall treatment best suits your restoration or driving goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1939 Graham
Two tire sizes are used on 1939 Graham vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Both are bias-ply sizes on 16-inch wheels, so the real choice starts with identifying whether you have a Special or a Supercharger before narrowing down sidewall style and brand. Understanding that distinction up front saves time and helps match the tire to the correct car.
Year(s): 1939|Fit(s): Special|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 represents the nominal section width and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches, and on 1939 Graham it is specific to the Special rather than universal across the line. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles; speed ratings vary by product, with Avon carrying an H rating to 130 mph while other listings do not show a speed letter in the size marking. This size suits owners who want an era-correct bias-ply tire for a 1939 Graham Special, with the sidewall look chosen to match the car's restoration style.
Year(s): 1939|Fit(s): Supercharger|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16-in rim
6.25-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.25 represents the nominal section width and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches, and on 1939 Graham it is the Supercharger-specific size rather than a year-wide fitment. Bias-ply products are available in this size for the Supercharger's original style of fitment. This is the right path for owners restoring or maintaining a 1939 Graham Supercharger who want to stay with the construction type appropriate to the period.
Because both 1939 Graham sizes use a 16-inch rim, the key wheel checks are the correct model-specific size and the rim width required by the particular tire you choose.
1939 Graham Models
Two 1939 Graham models are covered here: the Special and the Supercharger. They do not share the same tire size, so identifying the model matters before choosing tires even though both use 16-inch wheels. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the products that match it.
1939 Graham Special
The 1939 Graham Special represented the make's more accessible offering, carrying Graham's unmistakable late-1930s character in a package aimed at buyers who still wanted something distinctive. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and this model uses the 600-16 size associated with traditional prewar bias-ply fitment.
The 1939 Graham Supercharger is the headline model most enthusiasts remember, combining Graham's styling with the added prestige of a supercharged identity. Its tires also mount on 16-inch wheels, but this model uses the larger 6.25-16 size rather than the Special's fitment.
Twenty-six products are available across two tire sizes for 1939 Graham vehicles. The 600-16 size includes 26 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Confirm your model first, since the Special and Supercharger do not use the same size.
These FAQs focus on the two model-specific 16-inch bias-ply sizes used across 1939 Graham vehicles, along with sidewall choices, tube and wheel setup considerations, and the storage habits that matter for a low-use prewar collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1939 Graham vehicles?
1939 Graham vehicles use two different tire sizes depending on model. The Graham Special uses 600-16 bias-ply tires, while the Graham Supercharger uses 6.25-16 bias-ply tires. Both sizes mount on 16-inch rims, and the 600-16 products shown for the Special fit rim widths from 4.00 to 4.50 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct tire choice on 1939 Graham. Start by confirming whether your car is a Special or a Supercharger, then match the tire size to that model before comparing blackwall versus whitewall appearance or choosing among available brands.
What does 600-16 mean on a 1939 Graham tire?
On a 1939 Graham, 600-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The first number, 6.00, is the nominal section width in inches, and the second number, 16, is the wheel diameter in inches. On 1939 Graham applications, that size belongs to the Special.
Numeric bias-ply sizes are typical of late-1930s American fitments, so the code looks different from modern metric radial markings. If your Graham is a Special, 600-16 is the size family to research further, and then the next decision becomes sidewall appearance and the exact product style you want on the car.
Do all 1939 Graham models use the same tire size?
No, 1939 Graham models do not all use the same tire size. The Special uses 600-16, while the Supercharger uses 6.25-16. Both are bias-ply 16-inch fitments, but the tire size itself changes with the model.
That difference is important because two cars from the same year and make can still need different tires. If you are working from a title, a cowl tag, or family history rather than a complete car, confirm the actual model before choosing a size so you do not end up chasing the wrong fitment.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1939 Graham tires?
1939 Graham tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles within the 600-16 fitment used on the Graham Special. The listed 600-16 choices include blackwall offerings as well as wide whitewall versions from major vintage-tire brands, all in bias-ply construction appropriate to the period.
Sidewall choice affects the finished look more than the fitment. A blackwall usually suits a more restrained or utilitarian presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal prewar appearance many restorers prefer. Match the sidewall to the way your 1939 Graham will be presented, especially if visual authenticity matters as much as simple road use.
What brands make tires for 1939 Graham vehicles?
Brands offered for 1939 Graham applications include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in the 600-16 size used on the Graham Special. Those options are all bias-ply tires, reflecting the construction type associated with a prewar American car of this period.
Brand choice on a collector car usually comes down to the look you want and the specific tire line available in your size. Once you have the correct model and size confirmed, compare the available sidewall treatments and the exact series within each brand so the tire complements the restoration style of your 1939 Graham.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, and Avon tires for a 1939 Graham Special?
For a 1939 Graham Special in 600-16, the available choices differ in sidewall styling and some product details. BFGoodrich and Firestone are offered with wide whitewalls, Coker Classic is offered as a blackwall, and Avon Turbospeed is listed as a blackwall with an H speed rating, or 130 mph ceiling. The listed BFGoodrich and Firestone tires carry a 1400-pound load rating at 32 psi, while Avon is listed at 1,433 pounds.
Those differences matter most if you are balancing appearance against product specification. A wide whitewall changes the car's character immediately, while a blackwall keeps the look more understated. If you are comparing within 600-16, use the sidewall style, stated load figure, and any speed marking shown on the tire to narrow the field for your particular 1939 Graham Special.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1939 Graham tires require?
1939 Graham tires in the 600-16 size used on the Graham Special are listed for 4.00- to 4.50-inch rim widths. All of the 600-16 products shown mount on a 16-inch rim, which aligns with the size designation itself.
Rim width matters because a tire can share the correct 16-inch diameter yet still want a particular wheel width to sit properly. Before mounting new tires on a 1939 Graham, verify the wheel's actual width and compare it to the requirements of the exact tire you plan to run instead of assuming every 16-inch wheel is interchangeable.
Do 1939 Graham tires require inner tubes?
1939 Graham tires should be checked product by product for tube requirements. The available 600-16 listings do not all use tube-type or tubeless markers in the same way, so tube status can vary by product and should be confirmed from the exact tire's sidewall marking and wheel design before installation.
That matters especially on original prewar wheels, where the wheel itself may influence whether a tube is appropriate even when the tire size is correct. If your 1939 Graham still uses original-style rims, confirm both the tire's construction details and the wheel's condition so the installation matches the intended setup.
Can the original 1939 Graham wheels be used with both tire sizes?
The two 1939 Graham tire sizes discussed here both use 16-inch rims, so the wheel diameter is shared even though the Special and Supercharger use different tire sizes. That common diameter means the question is not simply whether the wheel is 16 inches, but whether the wheel width and the model-specific size are correct.
Original wheels can often remain part of a proper restoration, but they still need to be matched to the exact tire being fitted. Treat the model as the first filter, then verify the wheel's actual dimensions and condition before mounting either 600-16 or 6.25-16 on a 1939 Graham.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1939 Graham when the tires are fitted?
A 1939 Graham should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone sources that can age rubber. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to developing temporary flat-spotting when a car sits for long periods, so periodic rolling or the use of stands during extended storage is helpful.
Good storage habits preserve both appearance and drive quality on a low-use prewar car. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid damp floors when possible, and move the car enough to change the contact patch from time to time. Those simple steps help a 1939 Graham feel better on the road when it comes back out.
How long do tires on a 1939 Graham typically last?
Tires on a 1939 Graham should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because collector cars often spend more time parked than driven. A useful rule is to begin evaluating them carefully around five to seven years of age and to treat about ten years as a serious replacement point, even if tread still looks good.
The manufacturing date code and the tire's physical condition tell the real story. Sidewall cracking, hardening, persistent air loss, and changes in ride quality all matter more than miles accumulated. On a lightly used 1939 Graham, an older tire can look presentable yet still be past its most trustworthy service life.
How often should tires on a 1939 Graham be inspected?
Tires on a 1939 Graham deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful inspection before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread damage, irregular wear, and signs of pressure loss. If your installation uses tubes, the valve stems and any signs of stem cracking also deserve attention.
Frequent inspection matters because a prewar car may go weeks or months between outings, and problems often appear while the car is sitting rather than while it is being used. A few minutes in the garage can catch issues early and make the first miles in a 1939 Graham much more predictable.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1939 Graham Special?
A 1939 Graham Special would have been fitted with bias-ply tires, which was the standard construction for an American car of that era. The size associated with the Special is 600-16, and that gives restorers the correct starting point when selecting a tire for an authentic prewar presentation.
Original-equipment branding could vary by market and history, so the most important authenticity checkpoints are the size, the bias-ply construction, and the sidewall style that suits the way the car is being restored. If your 1939 Graham Special is headed for judged display, a Graham marque specialist or club can help confirm period-correct details for your particular car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1939 Graham?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1939 Graham because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, and sidewall appearance right away. A prewar Graham shown for originality is expected to wear a period-appropriate bias-ply tire in the proper size for the model, and an incorrect size or a visibly modern look can stand out quickly.
That does not mean every show car needs the exact same presentation, but it does mean the tire should support the story the restoration is telling. If your goal is authenticity, match the Special to 600-16 and the Supercharger to 6.25-16, then choose the sidewall treatment that best fits the period image you want the 1939 Graham to project.
What is the difference between wide whitewall and blackwall tires for a 1939 Graham?
On a 1939 Graham, the difference between wide whitewall and blackwall tires is primarily visual rather than dimensional when the size is the same. The 600-16 offerings for the Graham Special include both styles, all in bias-ply construction, so the decision comes down to how formal or understated you want the car to appear.
Wide whitewalls tend to emphasize the elegance and showroom drama associated with many late-1930s American cars, while blackwalls deliver a plainer, more restrained presentation. If the car is being restored for judged display or a very specific period look, select the sidewall style that best matches period photos, factory literature, or marque-club guidance for your 1939 Graham.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1939 Graham tires safe for highway driving?
1939 Graham tires can be suitable for highway use when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and driven within their design and rating limits. The available 600-16 choices are bias-ply tires, and one listed option carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to 130 mph. In normal collector-car use, the tire's rating is only part of the picture on a prewar automobile.
A 1939 Graham's brakes, steering, suspension, road manners, and overall mechanical condition usually matter as much as the tire itself at modern traffic speeds. Highway use should be approached with the expectations appropriate to a late-1930s car, so inspect the full chassis and keep speeds, distances, and conditions in line with the car's age and preparation.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1939 Graham tires?
Inflation pressure on 1939 Graham tires should follow the vehicle's original recommendations first, then be checked against the rating information on the exact tire you are using. Within the 600-16 products shown, several tires list a maximum load of 1400 pounds at 32 psi, while another 600-16 listing shows 1,433 pounds.
Maximum-rated pressure is not automatically the same as the pressure a 1939 Graham should be driven at every day. Use the owner's manual or factory literature for the car's intended operating pressure, and then make sure the chosen reproduction tire's markings and manufacturer guidance support that setting for the way the car will be used.
What should I check before taking a 1939 Graham on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1939 Graham, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, embedded debris, and stable air pressure. Check the valve stems, and if your setup uses inner tubes, include tube-related air retention and stem condition in the inspection. The spare tire should be examined as closely as the four on the car.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine on a prewar automobile. Confirm wheel fastener tightness, steering feel, brake response, fluid levels, and cooling-system readiness along with the tires. A 1939 Graham that has been prepared methodically is far more enjoyable on a tour than one that is simply pulled from storage and driven.
