Wide Whitewall Tires

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury of Tacoma, Washington. By 1958, Tacoma Toppers member Jerry Harris had transformed his 1950 Mercury into a classic mild custom. Shaved and nosed for a clean look, the Merc featured frenched headlights, a 1955 Dodge grille, rounded hood corners, and full-length lake pipes. A touch of trim above the rear wheels and the absence of skirts gave it a sportier edge. Lowered with dual spotlights, Fiesta hubcaps, and a full custom interior, the car was finished in smooth metallic paint, making it a textbook example of late-1950s custom style.

Wide Whitewall Tires are one of the most iconic styling elements of traditional custom cars. Popular from the 1930s through the early 1960s, these tires featured thick white sidewalls, often 2 to 4 inches wide, that added a touch of class and contrast to any build. Widely used on customs, hot rods, and lowriders, wide whites paired perfectly with chrome hubcaps, steelies, or wire wheels, enhancing the overall stance and style of the car. Whether rolling on a tail-dragging Mercury or a flamed Shoebox Ford, wide whitewalls remain a timeless detail in vintage custom culture.

Custom Cars Featuring Wide Whitewall Tires

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury