1958 Maserati 3500 Tires

The 1958 Maserati 3500 uses two primary tire sizes: 185R16 in radial construction and 650-16 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for 16-inch wheels, and the 3500 Gran Turismo is associated with both fitment paths rather than a single exclusive size.

That means the real decision is not just size, but also tire construction and the type of presentation you want from the car. A buyer should confirm the actual wheel width on the car, then compare the intended tire style, overall look, and clearance before choosing between the radial and bias-ply options.

The tire sizes associated with the 1958 Maserati 3500 both use a 16-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 185R16 radial fitment and the 650-16 bias-ply fitment, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, because wheel width still matters when comparing available tires. Before selecting a tire, check the wheel itself for actual width and condition, especially if the car has had wheel changes at any point in its life.

650-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches, making it a classic pre-metric sizing format that suits many restoration-oriented applications.

On a 1958 Maserati 3500, that size points you toward a traditional bias-ply construction rather than a modern radial layout. It also opens up more appearance choices, including blackwall and wide whitewall styles, so the next step is matching the tire to the car’s wheels and the look you want.

650-16 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1958 Maserati 3500. It uses the older numeric sizing system and gives the car a traditional construction style, while the radial fitment associated with this model is 185R16 instead.

Choosing between them affects more than the size code on the sidewall. Bias-ply and radial tires can call for different wheel-width considerations and can change the car’s visual character, so it is smart to verify the current wheel setup and make the choice that suits the car’s restoration and driving goals.

Both approaches are represented on the 1958 Maserati 3500. A 650-16 bias-ply tire leans toward a more traditional vintage presentation, while an 185R16 radial keeps the car on a 16-inch wheel with a more modern radial construction.

The better choice depends on how the car is being used and how closely you want the finished look to follow an earlier period style. Wheel width, tire clearance, and the condition of the steering and suspension should all be reviewed before making a construction change on a collector car.

Start by confirming that the car actually has 16-inch wheels suited to the radial tire’s width requirements, since both 650-16 and 185R16 share the same rim diameter but not the same sizing system. The tire itself is only part of the conversion decision.

A careful check should include wheel width, clearance at the fenders and suspension, and the overall condition of steering and suspension components. That matters especially on an older grand touring car, where worn bushings, alignment issues, or aftermarket wheel changes can affect how well a radial setup works.

Start with the two accepted fitment paths: 650-16 bias-ply or 185R16 radial, both on 16-inch rims. From there, the important comparisons are tire construction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the car is being restored for a traditional look or prepared for regular road use.

Product selection also varies sharply by size. The radial 185R16 choices are all blackwall offerings from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein, while 650-16 bias-ply choices include multiple brands and both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, making the appearance decision much more prominent in that size.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size you choose for the 1958 Maserati 3500. The available 185R16 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 650-16 bias-ply range includes both blackwall and wide whitewall choices across several classic-style product lines.

That makes sidewall treatment part of the car’s visual identity rather than a minor detail. A blackwall keeps the presentation understated and sporting, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal period-style look, so the best choice depends on how the car is being restored and displayed.

The 1958 Maserati 3500 has tire options from Michelin, Avon, and Vredestein in 185R16 radial form. In 650-16 bias-ply form, available brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel.

That brand spread matters because it reflects different product families, sidewall styles, and intended character within the same size. Rather than choosing by brand name alone, compare the correct size, construction type, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width suitability so the tire matches both the car and its intended use.

A period-style 1958 Maserati 3500 usually starts with the 650-16 bias-ply fitment, since it preserves a more traditional sizing format and construction style. That size also gives the broadest range of classic-looking options, including blackwall and wide whitewall variations.

Appearance goals still vary from one restoration to another, especially on a European grand touring car with different visual tastes among owners. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references and period photography, then matching the tire’s sidewall style and overall presentation to the car’s finished character.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of the car as much as the ride setup does. A 650-16 bias-ply tire gives the 1958 Maserati 3500 a more traditional collector-car look, while an 185R16 radial usually presents the car with a more modern, understated blackwall appearance.

That difference becomes more noticeable once wheel design, stance, and sidewall profile are part of the finished restoration. Owners restoring for show presentation often weigh construction and sidewall style together, while owners focused on regular touring may place more emphasis on the radial-versus-bias decision.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Maserati 3500 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, suspension work, altered ride height, or body repairs can all change how a 650-16 bias-ply or 185R16 radial sits within the available space.

A car that has been changed from its original wheel or suspension setup should be checked carefully before a new set goes on. Pay particular attention to wheel width, inner clearance, fender clearance, and steering travel so the chosen tire works with the car’s actual current configuration.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for diameter, width, and general condition, then verify that the tires are seated properly and inflated appropriately for the application. It is also smart to look over the car’s steering and suspension for worn parts that could affect how the new tires behave.

A collector car deserves one more round of checks after the first short drive. Reinspect tire pressure, watch for any signs of rubbing, and confirm that the car tracks cleanly through turns and braking, especially if the 3500 has changed from one construction type to another.

Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly even if the 1958 Maserati 3500 is driven only occasionally. Look for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and keep the tires clean and properly inflated for the way the car is stored and used.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use grand tourer. Try to keep the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources, and check the tires before any longer outing so age-related condition issues do not go unnoticed.