1901 Vehicle Tire Fitment Guide

The 1901 applications covered here use two tire sizes: 28X3 and 34X4. Both are bias-ply sizes associated with very early automotive fitment, and they belong to different vehicle applications rather than representing interchangeable choices across the year.

The 28X3 size is linked to the 1901 Oldsmobile Model R, while 34X4 is associated with the 1901 Packard Model C. These are early diameter-by-section style designations, not modern metric sizes, so they should be matched carefully to the exact vehicle and wheel setup. On antique cars, even when the year is correct, restoration changes can affect what is currently on the vehicle.

No. The 1901 vehicles represented here do not share one universal tire size. The year includes at least two distinct fitments, with one size used for the 1901 Oldsmobile Model R and a larger one used for the 1901 Packard Model C.

That difference is typical of very early motoring, when vehicle designs varied widely and tire sizing was closely tied to the individual application. A 28X3 tire and a 34X4 tire are not simply appearance variations of the same fitment. They represent separate size classes, so the correct approach is to identify the exact year, make, and model first, then confirm the wheel and current vehicle configuration before selecting a product.

Start with the exact year, make, and model. For the 1901 vehicles covered here, the 1901 Oldsmobile Model R uses 28X3, while the 1901 Packard Model C uses 34X4. That vehicle-specific match is the best starting point when searching for antique tire fitment.

From there, confirm that the car still has the correct wheel setup for its current configuration. Early vehicles may have gone through restoration work, wheel replacement, or other changes over the decades. If product details list a rim diameter, such as the 26-inch specification shown on several 34X4 choices, that should also be checked against the wheel on the vehicle. Matching the size first prevents confusion when comparing brands and sidewall styles.

The 1901 fitment coverage here includes Oldsmobile and Packard. Each make is represented by one model, and each of those models uses its own tire size rather than sharing a common fitment.

That narrow but distinct coverage is useful for antique vehicle research because it keeps the tire search focused. Instead of sorting through a broad modern-style application list, shoppers can move from the make to the specific model and then to the applicable size. For early cars, that level of precision matters because the tire itself is a major part of both the vehicle's function and its period-correct visual presence.

The models represented are the 1901 Oldsmobile Model R and the 1901 Packard Model C. Those two vehicles account for the year's tire-size applications shown here, with each model tied to a single distinct size.

This kind of one-model, one-size relationship is helpful when researching Brass Era fitment, but it still should not replace a physical check of the vehicle. Surviving examples may no longer wear their original-style wheels, and some restorations favor a different visual treatment than others. Once the model is identified, the next step is to compare the applicable size with the tire products available in that same size.

Yes. Even within one model year, different vehicles can use very different tire sizes, and 1901 is a clear example. The Oldsmobile and Packard applications shown here are separated by distinct early sizes rather than sharing one common tire specification.

That variation is especially common in the Brass Era because vehicle weight, wheel setup, and overall design could differ significantly from one manufacturer to another. It also affects product selection. One 1901 application may have a smaller, more limited style range, while another may offer multiple brand and sidewall choices. For that reason, tire shopping for 1901 vehicles should always begin with the exact model, not just the year.

The 1901 tire options represented here are bias-ply tires in early antique sizes. Product offerings include period-oriented styles for Brass Era use, with sidewall treatments that vary by size, including All White, Blackwall, and Wide Whitewall options.

The smaller 28X3 fitment is offered through Universal Vintage Tire in ribbed-tread form, while the larger 34X4 fitment opens access to multiple branded choices from Michelin, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Universal Vintage Tire. Some 34X4 products also identify series names such as Milltown, Silvertown Cord, Firestone High Pressure, and Universal Classic Bias Ply, which can help shoppers compare appearance and product character within the correct size.

The 1901 applications covered here are bias-ply, not radial. Both 28X3 and 34X4 are represented with bias-ply construction, which aligns with the very early automotive era and the antique tire formats used on these vehicles.

For a 1901 vehicle, the more relevant selection questions involve the exact size, the product's sidewall styling, and whether the tire's overall character fits the restoration or display goal. On 34X4 options, some products are also identified with Brass Era or high-pressure style attributes. Since these are specialized early applications, it is best to avoid assuming interchangeability with later tire constructions or modern sizing conventions.

Tire sizes vary across 1901 vehicles because early automobiles were not built around the standardized sizing systems seen on later cars. Different makes and models often required distinct dimensions, and the tire was closely tied to the vehicle's wheel design, weight, and intended use.

Construction in this 1901 group is consistently bias-ply, but the sizes still differ substantially between applications. That is why a year-only search is not enough. A buyer needs to connect the tire size to the specific vehicle, then compare available products within that size. On larger Brass Era applications, product details such as stated rim diameter or load information can also become part of the selection process.

The first priority is selecting the correct tire size for the exact vehicle, since 1901 applications are specific rather than shared across all makes. After that, consider the tire's construction, sidewall appearance, brand, and whether the product matches the vehicle's restoration goals or intended road use.

For example, 28X3 choices include All White and Blackwall versions of a Universal ribbed-tread tire, while 34X4 products span several brands and include both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall styles. Some 34X4 options also list a 26-inch rim diameter and one includes a stated maximum load capacity of 1102 at 60 psi. Those details can help narrow a correct and suitable antique tire choice.

The brands represented for 1901 vehicle tires are Universal Vintage Tire, Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Brand availability depends on the tire size, so not every brand appears in both 28X3 and 34X4 applications.

Universal Vintage Tire is available in 28X3 and also appears in 34X4, while Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Firestone are shown in the larger 34X4 fitment. That makes brand comparison part of the shopping process for Packard owners in particular. When comparing options, stay focused on the correct size first, then evaluate sidewall style, series naming, and other product details that may matter for appearance or period-oriented restoration priorities.

The sidewall styles available for 1901 vehicle tires include All White, Blackwall, and Wide Whitewall. The exact choices depend on the applicable tire size, so sidewall style should be treated as a size-specific product feature rather than a universal option across all 1901 applications.

For 28X3, the listed choices include All White and Blackwall versions from Universal Vintage Tire. In 34X4, Blackwall options appear across several brands, and a Wide Whitewall BFGoodrich Cord option is also available. Sidewall selection can have a strong visual effect on an antique vehicle, especially on Brass Era cars where tire appearance is highly noticeable alongside wheel and body restoration details.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1901 vehicle just as much as on later collector cars, and sometimes more. Changes to wheels, hubs, suspension components, steering geometry, or body clearance can alter what tire size or product configuration works on the vehicle today.

That matters because 1901 tires are specialized early sizes, not broadly adaptable modern fitments. A surviving car may have gone through decades of repairs or restoration decisions that changed its current setup. Even when the correct application points to 28X3 or 34X4, it is still wise to inspect the wheel and surrounding clearances before purchase, especially if the vehicle has non-original hardware or has not been recently evaluated.

Before installation, confirm the year, make, model, and applicable tire size, then inspect the wheels and overall vehicle condition. On products where a rim diameter is listed, such as the 26-inch specification shown on several 34X4 tires, that should be matched to the wheel in use.

It is also smart to inspect the wheel for age-related wear, damage, or restoration issues that could affect mounting and operation. Since antique vehicles often spend long periods in storage, check for looseness, corrosion, and signs of prior repairs. If the car has been modified, verify that steering and body clearance remain appropriate with the intended tire before putting the vehicle back into service.

Tires on a 1901 vehicle should be inspected regularly for visible aging, cracking, abnormal wear, and any signs of damage from storage or road use. Air pressure should be checked with care, and any load or pressure guidance stated for the specific product should be followed where applicable.

Maintenance on Brass Era vehicles also includes watching the condition of the wheels and making sure the tires continue to sit correctly after periods of non-use. Antique cars are often driven less frequently, which means deterioration can go unnoticed if inspections are too casual. Even a visually attractive tire should be evaluated as part of the whole wheel-and-tire assembly before touring, showing, or regular demonstration driving.