Ferrari 246 Tires

Ferrari 246 represents one of the defining mid-engine road cars of the early 1970s, blending compact proportions, responsive handling, and the unmistakable character that made the Dino-era Ferrari so admired by enthusiasts and restorers. Built across the 1972 to 1974 model years covered here, Ferrari 246 sits in a period where tire choice affects not only appearance, but also steering feel, ride quality, and overall road manners. Tire selection is more straightforward here than on many earlier collector cars, but construction style, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility still matter. Before choosing a tire for a Ferrari 246, confirm the car still carries 14-inch wheels in the appropriate width range for the tire selected.

Ferrari 246 Tire Size Guide

205/70R141972-1974

Ferrari 246 uses one tire size across the 1972 to 1974 model span: 205/70R14. In modern metric radial sizing, 205 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the required rim diameter in inches. The available products for this size fit 14-inch wheels and list rim-width ranges from 5.00 to 7.50 inches depending on the tire chosen. All listed options are radial tires, with choices including blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual redline, and RWL sidewall styles. The practical next step is to match the tire to the wheel width actually fitted to the car and decide whether period-style appearance or modern road use is the priority.

Ferrari 246 Tires by Year

The year listing shows which tire size applies to each Ferrari 246 model year and is the fastest way to confirm whether your car stays on the standard 14-inch fitment. Each year from 1972 through 1974 uses the same 205/70R14 size, so the key check is wheel width and the sidewall style that best suits the car’s intended look and use.

Best Ferrari 246 Tires for Sale

Available Ferrari 246 tires include 5 products from 3 brands in 205/70R14. Sidewall choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual redline, and RWL, so confirm the correct size, sidewall treatment, and 14-inch rim before selecting.

205/70R14 Products

These are the available products for 205/70R14.

Radial Tires

Maxxis |.75 Inch Whitewall | 205/70R14

Maxxis - Classic Whitewall MA-1

SidewallNarrow Whitewall
Rim Diameter14 in
Rim Width5.00 - 7.00 in
Weight24 lb
Max Load1433@35 psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Radial T/A | RWL | 205/70R14

BFGoodrich - Radial TA

SidewallRWL
Rim Diameter14 in
Rim Width5.00 - 7.00 in
Weight23.7 lb
Max Load1,433 lbs @ 35psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | Dual Redline | 205/70R14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SidewallDual-Redline
Rim Diameter14 in
Rim Width5.50 - 7.50 in
Weight24 lb
Max Load1433@35 psi
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | Redline | 205/70R14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SidewallRedline
Rim Diameter14 in
Rim Width5.50 - 7.50 in
Weight24 lb
Max Load1433@35 psi
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Radial Tires

Michelin XWX | 205/70VR14

Michelin - Michelin XWX

SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter14 in
Rim Width5.50 - 7.50 in
Weight22 lb
Max Load—
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Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ below focuses on the single 14-inch Ferrari 246 fitment, how to read 205/70R14 sizing, how radial tire choices differ by appearance and series, and what to consider when selecting tires for a collector Ferrari that may see limited road use.

Size Basics & Fitment

Ferrari 246 uses 205/70R14 for the 1972, 1973, and 1974 model years covered here. Every available tire in this fitment is built for a 14-inch rim, and the listed products show approved rim-width ranges from 5.00 to 7.50 inches depending on the specific tire series. That means the diameter is consistent across the full year range, but wheel width compatibility can vary slightly between products.

The practical takeaway is that year alone does not create a size split on Ferrari 246, but wheel specification still matters. Check the wheel width stamped on the wheel or confirm it through the car’s records, then match it to the approved range for the tire you want. That is especially important if the car has had aftermarket wheels fitted or if you are balancing originality against road-driving preferences.

Ferrari 246 tire size 205/70R14 is a metric radial designation. The 205 refers to section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 70 percent of that width, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. One listed Ferrari 246 option also appears as 205/70VR14, where the V adds a speed-rating designation while keeping the same fundamental size.

Understanding that code helps you avoid one of the most common collector-car mistakes, which is focusing on the first number and overlooking the wheel diameter or construction type. On Ferrari 246, the important point is that all of these products remain 14-inch radial tires in the same base size. Once the size is confirmed, the next decisions are wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether you want a more touring-oriented or performance-oriented series.

Ferrari 246 uses a 14-inch rim diameter across the 1972 to 1974 range shown here. Every listed tire for Ferrari 246 is built around a 14-inch wheel, with product fitment ranges covering wheel widths from 5.00 to 7.50 inches. There is no rim-diameter change within this year group, which simplifies size selection compared with many earlier collector cars.

Even with a consistent 14-inch diameter, it is still worth confirming the wheels on the actual Ferrari 246 before fitting tires. Cars that have been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels may not always retain their original wheel dimensions. A tire that is correct in diameter can still be a poor match if the wheel width falls outside the approved range for the specific tire series you choose.

Buying the Right Tire

A 1972 Ferrari 246 in the year range covered here uses 205/70R14. The tire options in that size are all radial and all built for 14-inch wheels, but they do not all share the same approved wheel-width range. Some fit 5.00 to 7.00 inch rims, while others are intended for 5.50 to 7.50 inch rims.

Start by verifying the wheel diameter and width on the car itself, then choose the tire that matches both the wheel and the character you want from the car. A narrow whitewall, redline, dual redline, blackwall, or RWL sidewall can change the visual presentation significantly even when the size remains the same. That makes Ferrari 246 tire selection as much about the finished look as the basic dimensions.

Ferrari 246 tire choices here include Narrow Whitewall, RWL, Dual-Redline, Redline, and Blackwall sidewall styles. All of them are offered in the same 205/70R14 size, so the difference is visual treatment rather than overall fitment. The available series include classic whitewall, performance-style raised white letter, traditional redline treatments, and a blackwall Michelin XWX option.

That variety gives Ferrari 246 owners room to tune the car’s appearance to match a restoration goal, period personalization, or a more understated road-going presentation. For a factory-leaning European sports car look, many owners gravitate toward blackwall or subtle period-style sidewalls, while others choose redlines or RWL for a stronger visual statement. The right choice depends on how authentic, restrained, or era-customized you want the finished car to appear.

Ferrari 246 tires in this fitment are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. BFGoodrich appears in multiple series and sidewall treatments, including Radial T/A and Silvertown Radial offerings, while Michelin is represented by the XWX and Maxxis by the Classic Whitewall MA-1. All are radial tires sized for 14-inch wheels.

Brand choice on Ferrari 246 usually comes down to the balance between appearance, intended use, and the character you want from the car. Some owners prioritize a more European performance-oriented presentation, while others want a sidewall style that complements a particular restoration or show theme. Once the wheel width is confirmed, comparing the series and sidewall style often narrows the field more effectively than comparing brand names alone.

Ferrari 246 tire options here include Classic Whitewall MA-1, Radial TA, Silvertown Radial, and Michelin XWX. All are radial 14-inch tires in the same basic size, but they differ in sidewall presentation and intended character. The Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 is offered with a narrow whitewall, the BFGoodrich Radial T/A with raised white letters, the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with redline or dual-redline styling, and the Michelin XWX as a blackwall.

Those differences matter because Ferrari 246 owners are often choosing between visual authenticity, period flavor, and the look they want at a show or on the road. The tire series can change the personality of the car even when the dimensions stay constant. Selecting the right series starts with fitment, then moves to aesthetics and the kind of driving you expect to do with the car.

Maintenance & Longevity

Ferrari 246 should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and major temperature swings when the tires are fitted. Proper inflation matters during storage because an underinflated collector tire can develop flat spotting or sidewall stress while the car sits. If the car will remain parked for long periods, moving it occasionally helps distribute the load across the tire carcass.

Long-term storage habits have a direct effect on how a Ferrari 246 feels when it returns to the road. Tire cradles, short periodic rolling, and keeping petroleum products away from the rubber are all sensible measures for a low-use collector car. If the car will sit for an extended season, many owners also inspect for age cracking and check pressures before and after storage rather than waiting until the next drive.

Tires on a Ferrari 246 should be inspected before each drive and more thoroughly at regular service intervals, even if the car covers very little mileage. A collector Ferrari can spend long periods parked, and that means age, storage conditions, and inflation loss often matter more than tread wear alone. Look for cracking, bulges, irregular wear, impact damage, and signs that the tire is not sitting correctly on the wheel.

That inspection routine is especially important because Ferrari 246 is a responsive sports car, and small tire issues can show up quickly in steering feel, ride quality, or stability. Check the valve stems, confirm pressures when cold, and look across all four tires for consistency of wear and appearance. If anything appears questionable, a tire professional familiar with vintage and specialty applications should evaluate the set before the car goes back on the road.

Ferrari 246 tires should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, impact damage, or structural concerns appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector cars often age their tires out before they wear them out, and a low-mileage car is not exempt from that rule. Calendar age, storage history, and the condition of the casing matter at least as much as visible tread depth.

That means a Ferrari 246 owner should think in terms of condition and service life rather than waiting for the tread to disappear. Tires that have become stiff, show sidewall weathering, or have an uncertain age should be evaluated carefully before further road use. Replacing an aged set in time protects the car’s handling and helps avoid the kind of failure that can damage bodywork, suspension parts, or confidence behind the wheel.

Restoration & Authenticity

Ferrari 246 is covered here with one fitted size across the 1972 to 1974 range: 205/70R14. The available replacement series include Classic Whitewall MA-1, Radial TA, Silvertown Radial, and Michelin XWX, all in radial construction. That establishes the size and the current replacement families, but it does not make every sidewall style equally appropriate for every restoration goal.

For a Ferrari 246 restoration, the important step is to separate correct size from correct presentation. A car restored for marque authenticity may call for a different visual choice than one restored to reflect period road use or owner personalization. Factory literature, period photography, and Ferrari marque specialists are the best references when deciding which of the available 205/70R14 styles most closely suits a particular car.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect the presentation, credibility, and sometimes the judged quality of a Ferrari 246. Size, overall stance, and sidewall treatment are all immediately visible on a mid-engine Ferrari, and judges or knowledgeable buyers often notice when the tire choice feels out of step with the car’s period. Even when the size is correct, an overly aggressive or obviously mismatched sidewall style can alter the car’s visual balance.

For owners chasing concours standards or top-tier resale presentation, the tire should support the restoration rather than distract from it. That usually means confirming the proper 14-inch fitment first, then choosing a sidewall style that aligns with the car’s era, finish, and intended level of authenticity. Ferrari clubs, marque historians, and period photos are often more useful here than generic modern tire advice.

Ferrari 246 tire choices in this fitment include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual redline, and RWL styles. Because all of these are offered in the same 205/70R14 size, the real question is not fitment but restoration intent. Among the available options, blackwall generally presents the most restrained and European sports-car appearance, while redline, dual redline, whitewall, and raised white letters each push the car toward a more stylized period look.

A Ferrari 246 restored for marque-correct presentation will usually benefit from a sidewall choice that suits the car’s original character rather than competing with it. Owners building a show car around a period custom theme may reasonably choose otherwise, but the sidewall should still feel intentional and era-aware. Looking at period images of similarly prepared cars is one of the best ways to decide which style complements your restoration.

Safety & Road Use

The listed Ferrari 246 tires are modern radial products in the correct 205/70R14 size category for the 1972 to 1974 cars covered here, so they are fundamentally more road-usable than many earlier vintage tire formats. Safety still depends on the condition of the individual tires, correct wheel width, proper inflation, and the mechanical condition of the car itself. A sound tire cannot compensate for neglected suspension, stale brake hydraulics, or damaged wheels.

For road use, think of the tire as one part of the whole system on Ferrari 246. Matching the tire to the wheel, balancing the set properly, and checking alignment can make as much difference as the brand on the sidewall. If the car is newly restored or has sat for years, a careful mechanical review before regular driving is as important as selecting the right tire size.

Before driving a Ferrari 246, inspect tire pressures cold, look for visible cracking or bulges, and confirm that the tires are seated properly on the 14-inch wheels. It is also wise to check wheel-nut security, brake response, steering feel at low speed, and whether the tires show any flat spotting after storage. On a low-use collector car, these checks matter every time because age and inactivity can create issues even when mileage is minimal.

A short, careful shakedown is often the best first step if Ferrari 246 has been parked for a while. Listen for vibration, pulling, or unusual noises that may point to a tire, wheel, or chassis issue. If the car feels unsettled, do not assume it will improve with speed; return and inspect the car before continuing. Catching a small problem early is far better than discovering it under load on the road.

Ferrari 246 should only be driven at speeds appropriate to the condition, age, and specification of the tires actually fitted, not simply to the car’s performance capability. Among the listed options, one tire appears as 205/70VR14, indicating a V-rated version of the same basic size, while another carries a 93S marking. Those markings show that tires in the same size can differ significantly in intended service.

The practical lesson for Ferrari 246 owners is to match your driving style to the exact tire on the car and to the overall mechanical state of the vehicle. Even with a suitable modern radial, a collector Ferrari deserves a measured approach until the car is fully sorted and the tires are known to be healthy. Smooth inputs, sensible road speeds, and realistic expectations preserve both the car and the driving experience.