Classic car wheel and tire selection is more complicated than it appears because the correct appearance of the finished car depends on getting both right.

For concours builds: the factory tire size and rim width are mandatory. The specific tire construction — bias-ply vs radial — matters because the sidewall appearance differs. Correct-appearing whitewall dimensions are different from modern whitewalls.

For driver builds: a slight plus-sizing (wider tire, same diameter) improves grip without changing appearance significantly. The rim should be period-appropriate in design even if not original. Wide modern tires on original steel wheels look wrong regardless of other choices.

The stance of the finished car depends on wheel offset as much as rim width. A wheel with incorrect offset will sit inside or outside the fender opening rather than aligned with the body line.