Avanti II Tires

Avanti II uses four tire sizes across the years covered here. Models from 1983 through 1985 use 205/75R15 on 15-inch rims, while 1987 through 1991 use 215/60R15 on 15-inch rims. Later Avanti II models from 2001 through 2004 use 17-inch rims and list two sizes: 235/45R17 and 255/50R17.

That means year alone is only part of the answer. An early Avanti II needs the correct 15-inch size for its production period, while a 2001-2004 Avanti II also requires you to determine whether the car uses one size at one axle and the other at the opposite axle, or another 17-inch arrangement specific to that car.

Avanti II uses two rim diameters in the years covered here: 15-inch and 17-inch. The 15-inch fitments appear on 1983-1985 and 1987-1991 cars, while the 17-inch fitments appear on 2001-2004 cars. The change to 17-inch wheels appears in 2001.

Rim diameter is the first fitment point to verify because neither a 15-inch tire nor a 17-inch tire can be safely mounted on the other wheel size. Check the wheel itself, the current tire sidewall, and any restoration paperwork before moving ahead, especially if the Avanti II has changed hands or has been modified during its life.

A 2001 Avanti II has two tire sizes listed because both 235/45R17 and 255/50R17 were used in that model year, and both are 17-inch radial sizes. Since the rim diameter stays the same, the split is not a wheel-diameter change. It points to a configuration difference within the year, most likely related to front-to-rear fitment rather than a simple year-only change.

The practical step is to inspect the car itself rather than assume every 2001 Avanti II uses the same arrangement. Compare the current front and rear tires, measure wheel width if needed, and confirm whether the car is set up with matched sizes or a staggered layout before choosing replacement tires.

A 2004 Avanti II falls into the late 17-inch group and lists two sizes: 235/45R17 and 255/50R17. Because both sizes appear in the same year, the correct choice depends on how that specific Avanti II is configured. The first step is to verify whether the car uses one size on the front and the other on the rear, or the same size at all four corners.

Start with the tire sidewalls currently on the car, then compare wheel widths and axle positions. If the car has been restored or personalized, do not assume the present fitment is original; use the year listing as a starting point and then confirm what is actually mounted on the car before replacing anything.

Avanti II tires are available in several sidewall styles across the listed sizes, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, goldline, redline, and RWL. The 205/75R15 size offers the broadest cosmetic variety, while 215/60R15 includes blackwall, whitewall, redline, and RWL. The later 17-inch sizes are more performance-oriented overall, though redline and RWL still appear in 255/50R17.

Sidewall choice changes the character of an Avanti II as much as the size itself. Earlier cars often suit whitewall, goldline, or redline treatments depending on the look you are restoring, while later 17-inch cars usually lean toward blackwall or performance-styled sidewalls for a more contemporary appearance.

Avanti II tires in the listed sizes come from BFGoodrich, Tornel, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, Dunlop, Avon, Vredestein, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Brand coverage varies by size, with the early 205/75R15 fitment offering the widest spread. The late 17-inch sizes are covered by a smaller group of brands oriented more toward modern radial performance fitments.

Brand choice should come after size, rim diameter, and the intended look of the car. Once those basics are settled, compare sidewall style, tread character, load rating, and compatible rim-width range to find the option that best matches how your Avanti II is restored, shown, or driven.

Avanti II tires are offered in a wide mix of series, including Silvertown Radial, Tornel Classic, American Classic Radial, Coker Classic Radial, Star Series, Classic Whitewall MA-1, UN106, Asymmetrical Tread, Radial T/A, Sport Classic, CR6ZZ, Sprint Classic, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, Nitto NT555 G2, and Street Pro III. Some emphasize period-correct styling with whitewalls, goldlines, or redlines, while others are clearly performance-oriented blackwall radials. The size you need determines which families are actually available to you.

That difference matters because an early 15-inch Avanti II can be set up to preserve a classic appearance, while a late 17-inch Avanti II often points toward modern performance rubber. Choose the series that matches both the wheel size and the visual era you want the car to present.

An Avanti II should be stored on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dark, dry space away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and chemical exposure. Electric motors, welders, furnaces, and long-term outdoor heat all accelerate rubber aging. If the car will sit for extended periods, move it occasionally so the same contact patch is not carrying the load month after month.

Collector cars often age their tires by inactivity rather than mileage. Using tire cradles or slightly increasing movement frequency during storage helps reduce flat spotting, especially on lower-profile late Avanti II fitments where stiffness and visible shape changes can show up sooner than owners expect.

Tires on an Avanti II should be inspected at least every time the car is prepared for a drive and more thoroughly several times each year. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, punctures, irregular wear, weathering around the bead, and changes in air retention. Older collector cars also benefit from checking wheel condition and valve stems at the same time.

Inspection matters because many Avanti II cars are driven infrequently and can appear fine at a glance while aging internally. A careful routine before seasonal driving, touring, or show travel is one of the simplest ways to catch problems early and avoid chasing vibration, pull, or handling issues later.

Avanti II tires should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, impact damage, repeated air loss, or structural concerns appear, even if tread depth still looks acceptable. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out. A tire that has spent years carrying a low-mileage car can still become unsuitable for road use because rubber condition matters as much as visible tread.

That is especially important on Avanti II because the car spans both classic-style and more performance-oriented fitments, and both rely on sound tire structure for stable handling. If there is any doubt about age or condition, have the tires evaluated before continued driving rather than relying on appearance alone.

Avanti II uses several size and style combinations across the years covered here rather than one single original fitment. Early cars in this range use 205/75R15, later 15-inch cars use 215/60R15, and the 2001-2004 cars use 235/45R17 and 255/50R17. The available tire families range from classic-styled whitewall and goldline radials to later blackwall performance series.

For an originality-focused restoration, the right answer is tied to the exact production year and the way that individual car was delivered or historically equipped. Factory literature, prior photos, and marque-club knowledge are the best references when authenticity matters more than simply matching the basic size.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect how an Avanti II is judged, presented, and valued, especially when the car is being restored to a particular period appearance. Size, sidewall treatment, and overall stance all shape whether the car looks right for its year. An Avanti II wearing the wrong profile or the wrong visual style can look noticeably out of character even when the tire physically fits.

That does not mean every owner must pursue strict show accuracy. It does mean you should decide early whether your goal is concours authenticity, period-custom flavor, or road-use practicality, then choose a tire package that supports that goal consistently across both axles.

The correct sidewall style for an Avanti II restoration depends on the year and the look you want to recreate. The listed options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, goldline, redline, and RWL, with the broadest vintage-style spread appearing in 205/75R15 and 215/60R15. Later 17-inch Avanti II fitments lean more heavily toward blackwall performance presentation, though redline and RWL are available in 255/50R17.

A restoration aimed at early-1980s flavor may call for a whitewall, goldline, or redline, while a later performance-oriented Avanti II will often look more natural on blackwalls or RWL tires. Period photos of the specific car are extremely useful when you want the finished stance and sidewall treatment to feel authentic.

These Avanti II tires are modern radial offerings sized for the years listed, so they are road-use tires in principle when properly matched to the correct wheel diameter, wheel width, and axle position. Safety still depends on using the right size for the car, maintaining correct inflation, and making sure the tire is in sound condition. A 15-inch Avanti II and a 17-inch Avanti II do not share interchangeable fitments.

Road safety also depends on the condition of the rest of the car. Before regular driving, make sure alignment, steering components, brakes, suspension bushings, and wheel condition are all up to standard so the tire can do its job without being compromised by unrelated chassis problems.

Before driving an Avanti II, check cold inflation pressure, visible sidewall and tread condition, wheel fastener security, and whether the tire size on the car matches the intended wheel diameter and axle position. On 2001-2004 cars, also confirm that any two-size arrangement is installed where it belongs. Uneven wear, vibration, or a sudden change in ride height should be treated as warning signs.

A short walk-around is worthwhile every time the car comes out of storage. Avanti II models are often hobby-driven and can sit long enough for pressure loss, flat spotting, or age-related changes to appear between outings, so small checks before departure can prevent bigger problems on the road.

Appropriate speed for an Avanti II depends on the exact tire chosen, its condition, and the speed rating where one is identified in the tire marking. Several listed Avanti II fitments include modern performance-style radials, but no owner should assume that appearance alone determines safe sustained speed. Age, inflation, load, and the mechanical condition of the car all matter.

The sensible approach is to drive within the limits of the installed tire and the condition of the car, not the theoretical capability of the model. If the Avanti II is newly acquired, freshly restored, or returning to the road after long storage, begin with moderate-speed shakedown driving and confirm everything feels stable before asking more of it.