1939 Lincoln sat at an interesting point in the luxury market, with the formal V12 carrying traditional Lincoln prestige while the Zephyr represented the make’s more streamlined, modern direction. Both cars belong to the late prewar era, when styling, ride quality, and road manners were still closely tied to tall bias-ply tire construction. For 1939 Lincoln, the tire choice varies by model rather than sharing one universal size: the V12 uses 750-17, while the Zephyr uses 700-16. The most important first step is confirming which Lincoln you have, because model identification determines the correct rim diameter and tire size before you decide on sidewall style or brand.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1939 Lincoln
Two tire sizes are used across 1939 Lincoln models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car takes a 16-inch or 17-inch wheel, since both available sizes are bias-ply but they mount on different rim diameters. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct Lincoln model.
Year(s): 1939|Fit(s): V12|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents a nominal section width of about 7.50 inches and the trailing 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1939 Lincoln V12 and is available from Firestone and BFGoodrich in Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall styles. Buyers restoring a formal prewar Lincoln often choose this size when they want the tall stance, steering feel, and period appearance associated with original-style bias-ply construction.
Year(s): 1939|Fit(s): Zephyr|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
700-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number reflects a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches and the 16 indicates a 16-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr and appears from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall styles, with one Avon version carrying an L speed rating for 75 mph. Zephyr owners looking to preserve the proper prewar look and behavior typically stay with this size and choose the sidewall treatment that best suits the car’s intended presentation.
Two models are covered for 1939 Lincoln, and they do not share the same tire size. That means year and make alone are not enough here; identifying whether you have a V12 or a Zephyr determines the correct wheel diameter and tire size before you narrow the choice by brand or sidewall style. Select a model below to explore model-specific fitment history and available tires.
1939 Lincoln V12
The 1939 Lincoln V12 carried the make’s traditional senior-car character, with long-wheelbase luxury proportions and the formal presence buyers expected from a prewar Lincoln. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels, giving the car the taller, stately look associated with upper-end American luxury cars of the period.
The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr was the streamlined, more modern-looking Lincoln of the lineup, known for its aerodynamic prewar styling and lower visual profile. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, which helps distinguish it from the larger V12 when you are sorting out correct fitment.
Eight products are available across two tire sizes for 1939 Lincoln vehicles. The 750-17 selection includes four bias-ply choices from Firestone and BFGoodrich in Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall styles, while 700-16 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 FAQs sort out the model-specific size split on 1939 Lincoln cars, explain prewar numeric bias-ply sizing, and cover practical details such as rim width, sidewall style, highway use, and long-term collector car tire care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1939 Lincoln vehicles?
1939 Lincoln vehicles use two different tire sizes, depending on model. The 1939 Lincoln V12 uses 750-17 tires on 17-inch wheels, while the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr uses 700-16 tires on 16-inch wheels. Rim width guidance appears on some products within those sizes: 750-17 examples are listed for 4-inch rims and for 5.50- to 6.00-inch rims, while 700-16 examples are listed for 4.50- to 5.50-inch rims.
That split means there is no one-size-fits-all tire for every 1939 Lincoln. Start by identifying the model and confirming the actual wheel diameter on the car before narrowing the choice by sidewall style or brand. If your car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the decades, verifying the mounted wheel before purchase is the safest way to avoid choosing the wrong size.
What does 750-17 mean on a 1939 Lincoln tire?
On a 1939 Lincoln, 750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.50 refers to a nominal section width of about 7.50 inches, and the 17 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, that size belongs to the Lincoln V12 and reflects the taller prewar bias-ply sizing system used before modern metric radial sizing became common.
Understanding that code helps you avoid mixing size families that may look similar at a glance but mount on different wheels. A 750-17 tire should be chosen as part of a correct V12 fitment plan, along with attention to sidewall style and rim-width suitability for the specific product you select. It is a classic prewar luxury-car size rather than a modern metric equivalent printed in contemporary form.
What does 700-16 mean on a 1939 Lincoln tire?
On a 1939 Lincoln, 700-16 is also a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 identifies a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For 1939 Lincoln applications, this size is used on the Zephyr rather than the V12.
That makes 700-16 a model-specific fitment, not a universal 1939 Lincoln size. If you are working with a Zephyr, this code tells you to look for prewar-style bias-ply tires built for 16-inch wheels, then choose among Blackwall or whitewall offerings according to the look you want. It is also wise to compare the wheel on the car to the intended tire before final selection, especially on older restorations.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1939 Lincoln tires?
1939 Lincoln tires are available in several period-appropriate sidewall treatments, but the choices differ by size. The 750-17 V12 size appears in Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall versions, while the 700-16 Zephyr size appears in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions. All of them retain bias-ply construction, so the sidewall choice is mainly about appearance and restoration character rather than a change in basic tire type.
For a formal prewar luxury presentation, many owners lean toward whitewall styles because they suit the visual language of late-1930s American luxury cars. Blackwalls can still make sense for a more restrained appearance or for a car finished to a specific period look. The key is matching the sidewall style not only to your taste, but also to the way your 1939 Lincoln will be judged, displayed, or driven.
What brands make tires for 1939 Lincoln vehicles?
Several established vintage tire brands cover 1939 Lincoln sizes. The 750-17 V12 size is available from Firestone and BFGoodrich, while the 700-16 Zephyr size is offered by Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. All of those offerings are bias-ply tires suited to the prewar character of these cars.
Brand choice usually comes down to the exact size you need, the sidewall treatment you want, and whether a particular product’s load or rim-width details better suit your car. Since the V12 and Zephyr do not share sizes, compare brands only within the correct model-specific size first. That keeps the decision focused on the right fitment before you weigh appearance and series differences.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 750-17 tires for 1939 Lincoln V12 models?
Within the 1939 Lincoln V12 size, Firestone and BFGoodrich both offer 750-17 bias-ply tires, but the details vary. Firestone examples appear in Blackwall and Double-Whitewall forms, include a listed maximum load of 1870 pounds at 40 psi on some versions, and show a 4-inch rim application on those same listings. BFGoodrich appears in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall forms, with one listed maximum load of 1646 pounds at 36 psi and a 5.50- to 6.00-inch rim recommendation on that version.
Those differences matter when you are matching the tire to the wheel already on the car and to the look you want. A buyer comparing the two should check the specific sidewall treatment, the stated rim-width fit, and the load-and-pressure marking for the exact tire rather than assuming every 750-17 is identical. That approach is especially important on older restorations where wheel choice may not be original.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1939 Lincoln tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1939 Lincoln tires vary by size and by the specific product. In 750-17 for the Lincoln V12, listed examples include a 4-inch rim application and another version for 5.50- to 6.00-inch rims. In 700-16 for the Lincoln Zephyr, listed examples show a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim range.
That spread is a reminder that tire size alone does not tell the whole mounting story. Before selecting a tire, measure or verify the wheel actually on your 1939 Lincoln and compare it to the exact product’s recommended rim width. Doing that protects both appearance and fit, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a restoration history that differs from how it left the factory.
Do 1939 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
The available 1939 Lincoln products are bias-ply tires, and no tubeless marking appears in these size listings. That keeps the setup firmly in prewar territory, where wheel condition and the intended tire-and-wheel combination deserve close attention before mounting. The product descriptions themselves should be checked carefully so the tire, tube, flap, and wheel arrangement all match the exact application.
On an older Lincoln, tube decisions should never be handled by assumption alone, especially when original or restored wheels are involved. Confirm the exact tire’s sidewall marking and the wheel’s design before installation, and make sure valve stems and any related hardware are in sound condition as part of the same job. A clean, properly prepared wheel is just as important as the tire itself on a car from this era.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1939 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 1939 Lincoln should be stored in a cool, dry, dark environment away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires benefit from clean floors, stable temperature, and protection from long periods of one-position loading. If the car will sit for months, keeping the tires properly inflated and moving the car periodically helps reduce flat-spotting.
For longer-term storage, many collectors place the car on stands or at least roll it enough to change the contact patch from time to time. Whitewall tires also deserve gentle cleaning and separation from harsh solvents that can discolor the sidewall. Good storage habits matter on a prewar Lincoln because age, sunlight, and static load tend to affect collector tires more than occasional road mileage does.
How long do tires on a 1939 Lincoln typically last?
Tires on a 1939 Lincoln should be judged primarily by age and condition rather than by miles traveled. On collector vehicles, a careful evaluation around the five- to seven-year point is wise, and many owners treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire is the practical starting point for that timeline.
A prewar car that is driven only occasionally can still age its tires significantly while sitting. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, repeated flat-spotting, and long periods of low use all matter as much as tread wear on a Lincoln of this era. If the car sees touring use or regular road time, inspecting age-related condition early is more important than waiting for the tread to look worn.
How often should tires on a 1939 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 1939 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for visible sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and signs that the tire has been run underinflated. On a prewar car, pressure retention and valve-stem condition deserve close attention because age-related issues often appear there first.
A more thorough check at the start of each driving season is also smart, including the spare if one is carried for touring. Collector cars can spend long periods parked, so a tire that looked fine at the last event may have changed noticeably by the next one. Frequent inspections are one of the simplest ways to preserve both the car and the driving experience.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1939 Lincoln V12?
A 1939 Lincoln V12 would have been fitted in bias-ply construction when new, which matches the period and the available 750-17 offerings for that model today. The key original-style identifiers are the correct size, a prewar bias-ply build, and a sidewall treatment appropriate to the specific car’s presentation. Original-equipment brand assumptions should be avoided unless supported by marque-specific evidence for your exact car.
For restoration work, the safest path is to start with 750-17 bias-ply fitment and then confirm any finer originality points through Lincoln club resources, factory literature, or judging guides tied to your market and body style. That is especially useful on high-end prewar cars, where whitewall width and overall presentation can matter as much as the base size itself.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1939 Lincoln?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when a 1939 Lincoln is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, and sidewall style all affect whether the car reads as properly restored, and the wrong wheel diameter or a visibly incorrect tire profile can stand out quickly on a prewar luxury car. A V12 on 700-16 tires or a Zephyr on 750-17 tires would be an obvious mismatch.
Judging standards vary by event, so owners aiming for concours-level accuracy should confirm expectations with Lincoln marque clubs or the specific show organizers. Even when a car is not being judged formally, proper tire fitment supports the visual proportions that define late-1930s Lincoln design. Getting the size and construction right is one of the most visible ways to respect the car’s original character.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-16 tires for 1939 Lincoln Zephyr models?
For 1939 Lincoln Zephyr applications in 700-16, Firestone and BFGoodrich both offer bias-ply choices, but the details are not identical. The Firestone version appears as a Wide Whitewall with a listed maximum load of 1800 pounds at 36 psi and a 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim range. The BFGoodrich version appears as a Blackwall with a listed maximum load of 1900 pounds at 36 psi and the same 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim range.
That makes the comparison less about basic fitment and more about the appearance and specification of the exact tire you prefer. A Zephyr owner should weigh sidewall presentation, the stated load figure, and whether the wheel on the car falls within the listed rim range. Looking at those details together gives a more informed result than choosing only by brand name.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1939 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
1939 Lincoln tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and used within their design limits. The listed 700-16 Avon version carries an L speed rating, which corresponds to 75 mph, while the other available 1939 Lincoln offerings shown here do not list a speed symbol in the size marking. On a prewar Lincoln, overall mechanical condition often matters just as much as the tire itself during sustained road use.
Highway confidence starts with realistic expectations for a late-1930s car rather than modern-car assumptions. Brake performance, steering condition, suspension wear, wheel trueness, and alignment all influence how relaxed a 1939 Lincoln feels at speed. If you plan regular touring, choose the correct model-specific size first, then review the exact tire’s rating and condition as part of the larger roadworthiness picture.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1939 Lincoln tires?
Inflation pressure for 1939 Lincoln tires should be tied to the exact size and tire you choose, not transferred loosely between models. Listed examples include 750-17 tires rated at 1870 pounds at 40 psi and 1646 pounds at 36 psi, while 700-16 examples include 1900 pounds at 36 psi and 1800 pounds at 36 psi. Those are tire ratings, not blanket factory settings for every 1939 Lincoln.
Use the vehicle’s original literature for period operating guidance, then compare that with the reproduction tire manufacturer’s stated pressure limits for the exact product on the car. The right final setting depends on the proper model-specific size, the wheel, and how the car is used. Keeping each size tied to its own pressure guidance helps avoid overgeneralizing across the V12 and Zephyr.
What should I check before taking a 1939 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1939 Lincoln, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, lodged debris, and steady air pressure. Check the valve stems, verify lug hardware and wheel condition, and make sure the spare is usable if the car carries one. Because these are prewar bias-ply applications, a calm road test at moderate speed is also helpful before committing to a full outing.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive review that includes brakes, steering, cooling system, and basic electrical reliability. Long-wheelbase luxury cars from this era can cover miles comfortably when properly sorted, but age-related issues tend to reveal themselves under sustained use rather than short local trips. A careful once-over before departure is one of the best ways to make the drive enjoyable.
