White Wall Tires: A Ford Fashion Statement | April 6th, 1934 | Today in Ford Motor Company History

April 6, 2023

On April 6th, 1934, Ford Motor Company made an announcement that would change the look of cars forever. They introduced white wall tires as an option on their new vehicles, giving drivers the opportunity to add a touch of luxury to their cars at a cost of $11.25 per set. This seemingly small change would become an iconic symbol of style and sophistication and has remained popular to this day.

White wall tires were not a new invention in 1934, but they had not yet been widely adopted in the automotive industry. Ford was one of the first automakers to offer them as an option, and they quickly became a hit with drivers who wanted to add a touch of elegance to their cars. The white wall tire was a simple design feature, with a white strip of rubber added to the outer edge of the tire. This small addition gave the car a polished, upscale look that was previously reserved for luxury vehicles.

White Wall Tires in the 1950's

The popularity of white wall tires grew quickly, and by the 1950s, they had become a staple of American automotive culture. Many car manufacturers, including Ford, began offering them as a standard feature on their vehicles. White wall tires were especially popular on large, flashy cars such as Cadillacs and Lincolns, which were symbols of wealth and prosperity.

White Wall Tires in the 1960's & 1970's

The popularity of white wall tires continued into the 1960s and 1970s, although they began to fall out of fashion as car design shifted towards a more minimalist aesthetic. However, white wall tires have never completely gone out of style, and they remain a popular option for classic car enthusiasts and those who want to add a touch of vintage charm to their modern vehicles.

Ford’s announcement on April 6th, 1934, that white wall tires would be available as an option on their new vehicles was a small change that had a big impact on the automotive industry. The addition of this simple design feature gave cars a luxurious, upscale look that was previously reserved for high-end vehicles. Although their popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, white wall tires remain an iconic symbol of automotive style and sophistication, and they continue to be a popular choice for drivers who want to add a touch of vintage charm to their cars.