The 1962 Ferrari 250 sits in one of the marque’s most admired grand touring eras, when Ferrari road cars balanced competition-bred engineering with elegant coachwork and fast road manners. For buyers sorting tire fitment, this model is not a one-size-fits-all case, because the 250 GT and 250 GT 2+2 use different radial tire sizes. The 250 GT uses 175R400, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 on a 15-inch rim. That also means the choice is not only about size, but about selecting the right radial format and, where available, the right brand, tire series, and sidewall presentation. Getting the exact sub-model right is the first step before considering appearance, road use, or restoration priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Ferrari 250
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1962 Ferrari 250, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are radial fitments, but they do not share the same sizing convention, so the first thing to confirm is whether the car is a 250 GT or a 250 GT 2+2 before comparing tire options.
175R400 is a millimetric radial size, with 175 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 400 referring to the wheel measurement in millimeters rather than a standard inch-based rim callout. On the 1962 Ferrari 250, this size applies to the 250 GT. Its main relevance is preserving the proper fitment format for a car that used this classic metric approach, so buyers should confirm the wheel setup carefully before choosing a replacement tire.
185R15 is a classic Euro-metric radial size, with 185 denoting nominal section width in millimeters, R for radial construction, and 15 for a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1962 Ferrari 250, this size is used on the 250 GT 2+2 and has the broadest visible product selection, including options from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Available choices also vary by tire series and sidewall style, including blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall, which makes this size especially important for buyers balancing road use with presentation.
Tire fitment for the 1962 Ferrari 250 varies by sub-model rather than staying uniform across the range. Confirming whether the car is a 250 GT or a 250 GT 2+2 is essential before selecting a tire, because each uses a different primary radial size.
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1962 Ferrari 250 GT
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GT uses the 175R400 radial size, which follows a millimetric fitment format rather than a more familiar inch-based rim designation. Tire selection starts with confirming that wheel specification, especially on cars that may have seen wheel changes during restoration or long-term ownership.
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires on a 15-inch rim. That opens the door to several brand, tire-series, and sidewall choices, so the decision shifts from basic size identification to choosing the right look and road-use character within the correct fitment.
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 1962 Ferrari 250 Tires for Sale
For 185R15 fitment on the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available options include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire selections. Buyers can compare series such as Michelin XVS, Universal Sport, Coker Classic Radial, and Turbosteel CR3B, along with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall sidewall styles.
These FAQs focus on the tire-size split between 1962 Ferrari 250 sub-models, classic radial fitment, available 185R15 product choices, and the wheel, condition, and clearance checks that matter before putting a collector Ferrari back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Ferrari 250?
A 1962 Ferrari 250 does not use one universal tire size across every sub-model. The 250 GT uses 175R400 radial tires, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires. Both are radial fitments, but they follow different sizing conventions, so the right answer depends on the exact car.
That distinction matters before looking at brands or sidewall style, because a 175R400 millimetric fitment is not the same decision as a 185R15 fitment on a 15-inch rim. Start by confirming the sub-model and checking the actual wheels currently on the car, especially if it has had restoration work, wheel replacement, or long-term storage.
What size rim does a 1962 Ferrari 250 use?
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses a 15-inch rim with its 185R15 radial tire size. The 250 GT uses a 175R400 millimetric radial fitment, which should be treated as a separate wheel specification rather than assumed to be the same as a standard 15-inch setup.
Rim confirmation is especially important on vintage Ferraris because wheel changes over the years can alter what tire can be mounted safely. Check the wheel diameter stamped on the wheel when possible, and also verify width and overall condition before selecting tires, particularly if the car has seen previous restoration or modification work.
Do all 1962 Ferrari 250 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1962 Ferrari 250 range covered here uses two different tire sizes depending on sub-model. The 250 GT uses 175R400 radial tires, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires. That means fitment is tied directly to the exact version of the car rather than the model family alone.
For a buyer, that makes sub-model identification the first step in the process. It also means wheel verification becomes part of tire selection, since these sizes use different fitment conventions. Once the exact sub-model and wheel setup are confirmed, the next decision becomes product choice, sidewall appearance, and intended road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R15 tire for a 1962 Ferrari 250?
For a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, the first requirement is staying with the correct 185R15 radial fitment on a 15-inch rim. After that, the main variables are brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the car is being prepared for driving, display, or a restoration-oriented presentation.
Several 185R15 choices differ in sidewall treatment and recommended rim-width range, so wheel dimensions should be checked before settling on a particular tire. It also helps to consider the car’s visual style, since blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall options create very different presentations on a grand touring Ferrari from this era.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Ferrari 250 tires?
For 185R15 fitment on the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall. Those choices appear across several radial offerings, which gives the buyer some freedom to tailor the appearance while staying within the correct tire size for that sub-model.
The right sidewall depends on how the car is being presented rather than on one universally correct look. A blackwall usually keeps the appearance understated, while redline or narrow whitewall treatments add a more deliberate visual accent. Matching the tire’s appearance to the car’s restoration direction and wheel setup usually leads to a more coherent result.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Ferrari 250?
For the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 in 185R15, available brands include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those offerings span several radial series, including Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport, with differences in sidewall presentation and rim-width specifications.
Brand choice should come after the fitment is confirmed, because the 250 GT uses a different size entirely. Once the correct sub-model and wheel setup are established, compare the available series by the details that matter to your car, such as sidewall style, intended appearance, and whether the wheel width falls within the tire’s stated range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Ferrari 250?
A period-style choice starts with using the correct size for the exact 1962 Ferrari 250 sub-model. The 250 GT uses 175R400, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15. On the 2+2, several radial options are available, so the decision often becomes which tire series and sidewall treatment best supports the car’s intended presentation.
For restoration-oriented work, the safest approach is to treat correct fitment as the foundation and appearance as the next decision. If originality is especially important, compare the tire’s visual character with marque references, period photography, and model-specific historical guidance. That helps avoid choosing a sidewall treatment that looks attractive but feels out of place.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Ferrari 250?
On the 1962 Ferrari 250 covered here, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the appearance question is less about choosing between bias-ply and radial and more about selecting the right radial style. Within 185R15, blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall versions can change the visual tone of the car significantly.
A restored Ferrari can look more restrained or more stylized depending on that sidewall choice, even when the tire size remains correct. The best result usually comes from considering the car as a whole, including wheel design, paint color, trim, and restoration intent, rather than choosing a sidewall treatment in isolation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Ferrari 250?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1962 Ferrari 250 even when the original size is known. Replacement wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, brake conversions, or bodywork adjustments can all affect what tire can be mounted and how much clearance remains around the tire once installed.
That is especially important on a vintage Ferrari, where decades of restoration work may have changed the car from original wheel specifications. Check wheel diameter, width, and condition first, then inspect clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range. A tire that matches the nominal size still needs to suit the actual setup on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Ferrari 250 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Ferrari 250 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the tire mounting itself, then confirm inflation pressure, bead seating, and basic clearance. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, since worn bushings, alignment issues, or looseness can affect how a freshly mounted tire behaves.
Collector cars deserve an extra walk-around after the first few miles. Recheck pressure, look for any signs of rubbing, and inspect for unusual scuffing or contact marks near the wheel opening and suspension. On a car that has been stored for long periods, a general condition review is just as important as the tire installation.
How should tires on a collector 1962 Ferrari 250 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1962 Ferrari 250 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or signs of air loss, and keep an eye on the wheels as well, since corrosion or damage at the rim can affect tire service life.
Low annual mileage does not remove the need for inspection. Cars stored for long periods should be kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources, and the tires should be checked before each road outing. A short pre-drive inspection often catches aging or clearance issues before they become a roadside problem.
