The 1960 Ferrari 250 sits in one of the most admired eras of grand touring, when Ferrari road cars blended competition-bred engineering with elegant coachwork and long-distance capability. Tire choice on this model is more configuration-specific than many buyers expect, because the 250 family spans sub-models that use either 175R400 or 185R15 radial sizing. That makes the first step identifying whether the car is a 250 GT or a 250 GT 2+2. For the 15-inch fitment, available choices include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall styles across Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. The right selection depends on preserving the car’s presentation, matching the wheel setup, and choosing a radial that suits intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Ferrari 250
The 1960 Ferrari 250 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. A 250 GT uses 175R400, while a 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires on a 15-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm the sub-model and verify the wheel currently on the car, especially if it has seen wheel changes over the years.
175R400 is a millimetric radial size, with 175 indicating nominal section width in millimeters and 400 referring to a millimetric wheel dimension rather than a modern inch-based size code. On the 1960 Ferrari 250, this size belongs with the 250 GT application and keeps the selection centered on a period-style radial format. Its significance is less about choosing among many cosmetic variations and more about confirming that the car still uses the proper wheel standard for this fitment. Buyers considering replacement should verify the actual wheel dimensions before assuming interchangeability with inch-designated alternatives.
185R15 is a classic Euro-metric radial size in which 185 represents nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 15 indicates a 15-inch rim. On the 1960 Ferrari 250, this size is used by the 250 GT 2+2 and offers the broadest visible choice in brands, tire series, and sidewall presentation. Available options include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall styles from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. That makes 185R15 the fitment where the decision often shifts from basic size identification to appearance, rim-width compatibility, and intended driving use.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1960 Ferrari 250 because the covered versions do not share the same tire size. Identifying whether the car is a 250 GT or a 250 GT 2+2 is the key step before comparing radial choices or confirming the wheel setup.
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1960 Ferrari 250 GT
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT uses the 175R400 radial fitment, which follows a millimetric sizing convention rather than the more familiar inch-based 15-inch code. Tire selection here starts with confirming that the car still carries the proper wheel standard and then choosing a replacement that respects the car’s original sizing approach.
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses the 185R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim, giving owners a wider range of visible tire choices. That opens the door to comparing blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall presentations while still keeping wheel width and overall fitment in focus.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1960 Ferrari 250 Tires for Sale
Available 185R15 choices span Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, appearance, and rim-width compatibility within this radial 15-inch fitment.
These FAQs for the 1960 Ferrari 250 focus on sub-model tire sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, radial selection, sidewall and brand choices, restoration-minded appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a collector Ferrari back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Ferrari 250?
The 1960 Ferrari 250 uses two different radial tire sizes depending on the sub-model. The 250 GT uses 175R400, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15. Those are not simply alternate ways of writing the same size, so the exact model configuration matters before a tire is selected.
The practical step is to confirm the car’s sub-model first and then inspect the wheels currently on the vehicle. Many collector cars have changed hands several times, and wheel substitutions can complicate fitment. Matching the correct size to the actual wheel setup helps avoid clearance issues and keeps the tire choice aligned with the car’s intended presentation.
What size rim does a 1960 Ferrari 250 use?
A 1960 Ferrari 250 with the 185R15 fitment uses a 15-inch rim. The 175R400 fitment is a millimetric radial size, so it should not be treated as a standard inch-based 15-inch designation simply because the family summary shows a 15-inch rim diameter elsewhere in the range.
Wheel confirmation matters as much as tire size on a car like this. The 250 GT and 250 GT 2+2 do not share the same primary fitment, and a metric wheel standard requires careful verification before changing tires. Measuring the wheel and confirming its markings is the safest way to sort out the correct replacement path.
Do all 1960 Ferrari 250 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT uses 175R400 radial tires, while the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires. That difference makes the sub-model designation an essential part of tire selection rather than a minor trim detail.
A buyer should avoid choosing by model name alone and instead verify the exact variant and the wheels on the car now. That is especially important on restored or long-owned collector vehicles, where wheel changes may have been made in the past. Once the sub-model and wheel standard are confirmed, comparing the available radial options becomes much more straightforward.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R15 tire for a 1960 Ferrari 250?
For a 1960 Ferrari 250 using 185R15, the main considerations are correct size, radial construction, wheel compatibility, and the character of the tire itself. Available choices differ by brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, weight, and in some cases load or speed-oriented markings.
Selection usually comes down to how the car will be used and how it should look when parked. A touring-focused owner may prioritize one presentation, while a restoration-minded owner may focus on sidewall appearance. Checking the wheel width before buying helps narrow the field and keeps the chosen tire aligned with the car’s actual setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Ferrari 250 tires?
For the 185R15 fitment used on the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall. Those choices appear across several radial offerings, so the visible look of the tire can be tailored without leaving the correct basic size family.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on the car’s overall presentation, especially on a grand touring Ferrari where wheel and tire appearance are easy to notice. The right choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained sporting look or a more distinctive restoration-oriented appearance. It is still important to confirm size and rim suitability before deciding purely on looks.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Ferrari 250?
For the 185R15 fitment on the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available brands include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those options appear in several tire series, including Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport.
Brand choice should be considered alongside sidewall style, wheel-width range, and the overall character you want the car to present. Some options lean toward a traditional blackwall look, while others add redline or narrow whitewall styling. Comparing those details side by side is usually more useful than focusing on the brand name by itself.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Ferrari 250?
A period-style tire choice for a 1960 Ferrari 250 starts with using the correct sub-model size: 175R400 for the 250 GT or 185R15 for the 250 GT 2+2. From there, radial construction remains consistent, and the visual decision becomes more relevant on the 185R15 fitment, where several sidewall treatments are available.
Appearance should be balanced with wheel compatibility and how the car will actually be driven. A blackwall, redline, or narrow whitewall can each create a very different impression without changing the basic fitment family. If exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references and restoration records are worth checking before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Ferrari 250?
On the 1960 Ferrari 250 covered here, construction is radial across both primary fitments, so the appearance discussion is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about sizing format and sidewall treatment. The 175R400 millimetric fitment carries a distinctly European vintage character, while 185R15 opens more visible style choices.
That means a restored car’s final look can change noticeably based on whether it wears blackwalls, redlines, or a narrow whitewall in the proper size family. Construction still matters in the sense that the tire should suit the car’s wheel setup and intended road use, but the visual outcome on this Ferrari is shaped most clearly by fitment and sidewall presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Ferrari 250?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, brake upgrades, and body or fender work can all affect tire fitment on a 1960 Ferrari 250. That matters even more on a car with sub-model-specific sizing, because 175R400 and 185R15 are different fitment paths rather than interchangeable labels.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and space at full suspension movement before a new tire is chosen. Cars restored many years ago can also carry older changes that are easy to overlook. Verifying the present setup helps prevent ordering a tire that matches the model name but not the car itself.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Ferrari 250 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, lug hardware, and basic clearance around the suspension and body. On a collector Ferrari, it is also smart to look over brake function and steering response, since new tires can highlight problems that were less obvious on old or hardened rubber.
A short initial drive should be used to recheck pressure and look for rubbing, uneven stance, or any sign that the wheel and tire combination is not sitting correctly. Collector cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra caution. A careful inspection routine helps the new tires perform as intended and protects the rest of the car.
How should tires on a collector 1960 Ferrari 250 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1960 Ferrari 250 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to aging as well as tread wear. Even a car that is driven sparingly can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or internal age-related deterioration over time.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce stress from long static periods. Before any longer drive, inspect for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear so small issues do not become road-use problems.
