White Sidewall Tires

Recently I saw a 1950s era Ford stationwagon fully restored to “as new” condition. As a part of the restoration, the stationwagon had white sidewall tires. When I was growing up in Superior, white sidewall tires were popular. These tires cost more than the standard blackwall tires and their presence on a car would indicate an owner who was (1) able to afford the special tires and (2) wanted to indicate his vehicle was above the typical vehicle on the streets.

The 1950s white sidewall tires had a broad white sidewall. All was fine with them until the driver pulled in a little too close to the c...