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I was watching an episode of "American Pickers" when the subject of car tires came up relative to a pick they were doing. I was amazed to discover that originally car tires were white until 1913 when manufacturers starting adding a black polymer to the mix to improve longevity (I think).

I take it, then, that early Packards had white tires.

as always
Garrett Meadows

The tires were white because the rubber used then , like the rubber used today, is off-white. Carbon black was added as a reinforcing filler and weathering aid to the polymer compound, making tires black. There was a brief fling with colored tires, in I believe the late 40's.

Fascinating information. Thank you for sharing it.

The subject of car tires came up on "American Pickers" when he guys were negotiating buying a caste-iron Michelen Man air-compressor novelty item primarily used in Europe back in the teens/twenties. They started talking "early tires," and that's when I discovered that tires were initially white (really off-white).

I'm almost embarrassed to admit I have learned a lot of arcane information watching "American Pickers" and "Pawn Stars." I guess some reality TV show have some redeemable value.

as always
Garrett Meadows

Once had a 1917 Oakland open touring car. It had all white (both sides) straight ribbed tires.