In 1955, Packard was balancing luxury-car tradition with a rapidly changing American market, offering senior Packard lines alongside the Clipper range under the same corporate umbrella. That made 1955 Packard especially interesting from a tire standpoint, because the model lineup did not rely on one universal size across the board. Two distinct bias-ply sizes were used across the two model groups, with both mounting on 15-inch wheels but serving different parts of the range. For anyone sorting out a 1955 Packard today, the first step is to confirm whether you have a 5540/5560 Clipper-based car or a 5580-series Packard before choosing the correct tire size and sidewall look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1955 Packard
Two tire sizes were used on 1955 Packard vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. Because both sizes are bias-ply and both fit 15-inch rims, the real choice starts with identifying the correct model group and then confirming the wheel width that matches that size. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you land on the right Packard tire from the start.
Year(s): 1955|Fit(s): 5540 Series & 5560 Clipper|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
The 760-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.60 indicating the nominal section width and 15 indicating the wheel diameter, and it is specific to the 1955 Packard 5540 Series and 5560 Clipper models rather than the full Packard range. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire products with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles; listed examples use a 15-inch rim, and load figures reach 1710 pounds at 32 psi on products where that rating appears. This is the size to choose when your Clipper-based Packard calls for the smaller of the two year-specific bias-ply fitments and you want an era-correct construction with a sidewall treatment that suits the car's presentation.
Year(s): 1955|Fit(s): 5580 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
The 800-15 is also a numeric bias-ply size, with 8.00 as the nominal section width and 15 as the wheel diameter, and it is reserved for the 1955 Packard 5580 Series rather than shared with the Clipper-based models. Current offerings in this size come from Coker Classic in wide whitewall form, with listed load capacity at 1800 pounds at 32 psi and fitment centered around 15-inch rims. This is the correct route for a senior-series 1955 Packard that requires the wider of the two bias-ply sizes and a traditional large-whitewall appearance.
Both sizes use 15-inch rims, so wheel diameter stays consistent across the year, but rim-width compatibility should still be confirmed before choosing between them.
1955 Packard Models
Two 1955 Packard model groups are covered here. Tire size changes by model, so identifying the exact Packard series matters before you narrow your choices. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1955 Packard 5540 Series & 5560 Clipper
The 5540 Series and 5560 Clipper models represented Packard's mid-market side in 1955, carrying much of the make's styling presence in a more accessible package than the senior Packards. These cars use tires that mount on 15-inch wheels, and their fitment centers on the 760-15 size rather than the larger senior-car size. For restorers, sidewall width can shape the final look as much as the size itself on these Clipper-based cars.
The 5580 Series sat in Packard's senior range for 1955 and carried the fuller luxury-car presence buyers expected from the Packard name in the mid-1950s. These models use tires for 15-inch wheels as well, but they take the larger 800-15 fitment instead of the Clipper size. That makes proper series identification essential before you choose a tire for a show-minded restoration or a roadgoing refresh.
Nine products are available across two tire sizes for 1955 Packard vehicles. The 760-15 size includes seven bias-ply offerings from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, while 800-15 includes two Coker Classic bias-ply options in wide whitewall form.
These FAQs focus on the two model-specific bias-ply sizes used across 1955 Packard cars, along with whitewall choices, wheel-width considerations, long-term collector storage, and what to verify before putting a mid-1950s Packard back on the road.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1955 Packard vehicles?
1955 Packard vehicles use two tire sizes: 760-15 and 800-15. The 760-15 size fits the 1955 Packard 5540 Series and 5560 Clipper models, while the 800-15 size fits the 1955 Packard 5580 Series. Both sizes mount on 15-inch rims, but they are not interchangeable across the full Packard lineup simply because the wheel diameter matches.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a 1955 Packard tire decision. You need to identify whether your car is a Clipper-based 5540/5560 model or a 5580-series senior Packard, then confirm your wheel width against the tire you plan to run. That extra step helps avoid ending up with the right era of tire but the wrong size for the car's intended fitment.
What does 760-15 mean on a 1955 Packard tire?
On a 1955 Packard tire, 760-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.60 portion refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. This is the size used on the 1955 Packard 5540 Series and 5560 Clipper models, and current offerings include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.
For a buyer, that means 760-15 is both a fitment identifier and a styling decision. You are not choosing between radial and bias-ply here, because the available products in this year-make grouping are bias-ply; instead, you are mainly confirming that your Packard belongs to the Clipper-based model group and then selecting the whitewall width that best suits your restoration goals.
What does 800-15 mean on a 1955 Packard tire?
On a 1955 Packard tire, 800-15 is also a numeric bias-ply size. The 8.00 identifies the nominal section width in inches, while the 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. Within the 1955 Packard range, this size belongs to the 5580 Series rather than the 5540 and 5560 Clipper-based cars.
That difference matters because the 800-15 is not just another whitewall variation of the same fitment. It is the larger of the two Packard sizes used that year, and it should be matched to the correct senior-series model and a wheel width suited to that tire. If you are restoring a higher-line 1955 Packard, this is the size that preserves the proper scale and stance for that series.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1955 Packard tires?
1955 Packard tires are available with different whitewall treatments depending on size. In 760-15, choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. In 800-15, the available options are wide whitewall versions from Coker Classic, including 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall looks.
That gives owners room to tune the appearance of a 1955 Packard without changing the underlying size. A Clipper-based car can be finished with either a more restrained whitewall or a fuller period-style whitewall, while the senior 5580 Series stays in the wide-whitewall lane that suits mid-1950s luxury-car presentation. Sidewall style will not substitute for the correct size, but it does shape how formal or understated the finished car looks.
What brands make tires for 1955 Packard vehicles?
Three brands appear in the available 1955 Packard tire range: BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. The 760-15 size is offered by all three, while the 800-15 size is represented by Coker Classic. All of the options in this year-make group are bias-ply tires sized for Packard's mid-1950s fitment needs.
Brand choice mainly affects the styling mix and the specific product family available in your size. If you have a 760-15 Clipper-based car, you have the broadest brand selection and the widest spread of whitewall appearances. If you have an 800-15 5580 Series Packard, the decision is more focused on choosing the appropriate wide whitewall look within the available Coker Classic offerings.
What is the difference between Coker Classic and BFGoodrich 760-15 tires for a 1955 Packard?
For a 1955 Packard in 760-15, Coker Classic and BFGoodrich both offer bias-ply tires sized for 15-inch applications, and both carry listed load capacity up to 1710 pounds at 32 psi on products where that rating appears. BFGoodrich options include a 3.375-inch wide whitewall and a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall, while Coker Classic offers a 3.00-inch wide whitewall. Listed rim-width guidance appears at 5.50 to 6.00 inches on rated examples in this size.
The real difference is visual character more than fitment category. A buyer choosing between these lines should first confirm the car needs 760-15, then decide whether the Packard should wear a broad luxury-era whitewall or a slimmer, more restrained stripe. On a restoration where appearance carries as much weight as size, that sidewall treatment can be the deciding factor.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1955 Packard tires require?
1955 Packard rim-width guidance varies by tire size. For 760-15 tires, listed rim-width ranges run from 5.50 to 6.00 inches on products where that specification appears. For 800-15 tires, listed rim-width ranges run from 6.00 to 6.50 inches. Both sizes use 15-inch wheel diameter, but they do not share the same width window.
That means a 15-inch wheel alone is not enough to confirm compatibility. Before choosing a tire for a 1955 Packard, measure the actual wheel or confirm the wheel specification against the size you intend to use. This is especially important on cars that may have had wheels exchanged over the years, because an incorrect wheel width can affect fit, profile, and overall appearance even when the diameter seems correct.
Can the original 1955 Packard wheels be used with both tire sizes?
Original 1955 Packard wheels can only be considered for both tire sizes at the diameter level, because both 760-15 and 800-15 fit 15-inch rims. The width requirement is different by size: 760-15 products list 5.50 to 6.00-inch rim widths, while 800-15 products list 6.00 to 6.50-inch rim widths. That overlap at 6.00 inches does not make every original Packard wheel a universal solution.
A buyer should treat wheel diameter and wheel width as separate checks. If your Packard still has its original wheels, confirm which series the car belongs to and then verify the actual wheel width before assuming the wheel can carry either size. That is the safest way to preserve the intended stance and avoid forcing a model-specific tire size onto a wheel that was never meant for it.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1955 Packard when the tires are fitted?
A 1955 Packard should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires protected from direct sunlight, electric motors, furnaces, welders, and other ozone-producing sources. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so the same part of each bias-ply tire is not left supporting the weight for long stretches. Bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more readily during static storage than modern radials.
For a collector Packard that sits through parts of the year, storage habits directly affect ride quality and sidewall life. If the car will remain parked for an extended period, many owners either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged loading. Good storage will not stop aging, but it can help preserve the tire's shape, sidewall appearance, and road manners.
How long do tires on a 1955 Packard typically last?
Tires on a 1955 Packard should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A good rule for collector vehicles is to begin careful evaluation at around five to seven years and to treat about ten years as a serious replacement point, even if tread depth still looks generous. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, and that matters because many collector cars accumulate very little annual mileage.
Mid-1950s Packards are often driven seasonally, which can make old tires look healthier than they really are. Sidewall checking, internal aging, and long periods of inactivity can all catch up with a low-mileage collector tire. If the age is creeping up or the tire no longer holds pressure and shape consistently, replacement should be part of the car's routine preservation rather than delayed until obvious failure appears.
How often should tires on a 1955 Packard be inspected?
Tires on a 1955 Packard should be inspected before every drive and more thoroughly before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread damage, irregular wear, bulges, weathering around the bead area, and any sign that the tire is losing air between drives. Collector cars can sit long enough for age-related issues to appear even when mileage is low.
A longer trip deserves an extra check of inflation pressure, spare-tire condition, and valve-stem health, especially on a car that may spend weeks or months between uses. Frequent inspections are one of the easiest ways to catch developing problems before they affect ride quality or safety. On a heavy, full-size 1955 Packard, a quick walkaround before departure is time well spent.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1955 Packard 5540 Series & 5560 Clipper?
The 1955 Packard 5540 Series and 5560 Clipper use the 760-15 size, and bias-ply construction is the period-correct tire type for a mid-1950s Packard. Available replacement choices in that size remain true to that construction and include both narrower and wider whitewall presentations. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and production detail, so the key authenticity markers are the correct size, era-correct construction, and an appropriate whitewall style.
For a restoration, that means the first goal is matching the Clipper-based car to 760-15 rather than borrowing the larger senior Packard size. Once size is correct, you can fine-tune the look with sidewall width to suit the car's trim and the visual character you want. If you are aiming for event-level authenticity, a Packard club or marque specialist is the right place to confirm model-specific judging expectations.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1955 Packard?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1955 Packard because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, and sidewall appearance. A Clipper-based car wearing the senior 800-15 size, or a 5580 Series Packard wearing the smaller 760-15 size, can look visibly off even if both are 15-inch tires. On an originality-focused car, the sidewall treatment also contributes strongly to whether the finished presentation feels right for the era.
For show use, the safest path is to start with the size assigned to your specific model group and then choose a whitewall style that matches the level of formality and authenticity you are pursuing. Different events can apply different standards, especially when originality is scored closely. A local Packard club or judging guide can help you refine the final whitewall choice once the basic size and construction are settled.
What is the difference between the 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall 800-15 tires for the 1955 Packard?
For the 1955 Packard 5580 Series in 800-15, the available Coker Classic choices differ primarily in whitewall width rather than size, construction, load rating, or wheel diameter. Both are bias-ply 800-15 tires for 15-inch rims, both list a maximum load of 1800 pounds at 32 psi, and both call for a 6.00 to 6.50-inch rim-width range. The visible distinction is the sidewall treatment: one uses a 2.50-inch whitewall and the other a 3.00-inch whitewall.
That makes the decision mainly about presentation. A broader whitewall tends to emphasize the formal, upscale look expected of a senior 1955 Packard, while the slightly narrower version gives a subtly cleaner appearance without changing fitment. If your goal is strict authenticity for a particular body style or judging standard, compare the tire's visual effect against period photos and marque guidance before making the final choice.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1955 Packard tires safe for highway driving?
1955 Packard tires in this grouping are bias-ply products, and no separate modern speed-rating letters are shown for the listed sizes. That means highway use should be approached with the expectations appropriate to a collector-car bias-ply tire and a mid-1950s automobile. On many Packards of this era, overall roadworthiness on the highway depends at least as much on the car's steering, braking, suspension condition, and alignment as on the tire itself.
For normal touring use, a fresh, properly inflated bias-ply tire in the correct size can serve well when the car is mechanically sound. The owner should still remember that a 1955 Packard will not react like a modern car, especially in crosswinds, emergency lane changes, or long high-speed runs. If highway use is part of the plan, tire age, wheel condition, and a full mechanical inspection should be part of the preparation.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1955 Packard tires?
Inflation pressure for 1955 Packard tires should begin with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the specific model and then be checked against the tire's own maximum-rated pressure information. In the listed products, 760-15 tires show maximum load figures up to 1710 pounds at 32 psi, and 800-15 tires show maximum load figures of 1800 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are load-and-pressure limits for the tire, not blanket instructions to run every Packard at that pressure.
The best approach is to verify the factory pressure specification for your exact Packard series and body style, then make sure the tire you select is being used within its rated range. Do not transfer pressure assumptions from 760-15 to 800-15 or vice versa just because both are 15-inch tires. Matching the correct pressure to the correct size helps preserve handling balance, tread wear, and ride quality.
What should I check before taking a 1955 Packard on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1955 Packard, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is serviceable as well. Confirm that the car is wearing the correct size for its model group, since 760-15 belongs to the 5540 and 5560 Clipper-based cars while 800-15 belongs to the 5580 Series. A tire that is the right age and size is only part of the equation on a collector car of this era.
A proper pre-drive routine should also include a broader mechanical check of wheel hardware, brakes, steering response, fluid levels, and any signs of suspension looseness. Longer trips place more heat and sustained load into a vintage tire than short local drives do. On a substantial mid-1950s Packard, that preparation helps the car feel composed and reduces the chance that a small issue turns into a roadside problem.
