The 1963 Ferrari 250 sits in one of the marque’s most admired grand touring periods, when Colombo V12-powered Ferraris combined coachbuilt style with serious road manners. Tire choice on this car is closely tied to the exact version, because the 250 GT uses a 175R400 radial while the 250 GT 2+2 uses a 185R15 radial on a 15-inch rim. That makes this a fitment-first decision rather than a generic vintage Ferrari tire search. Within the available 185R15 selection, choices include brands such as Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, along with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall presentations. Checking the exact sub-model and wheel setup comes first, especially on restored or modified cars.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1963 Ferrari 250
Two tire sizes apply to the 1963 Ferrari 250, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. The 250 GT uses a 175R400 radial, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses a 185R15 radial on a 15-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm which 250 variant you have and verify the actual wheel dimensions on the car, especially if the wheels have ever been changed.
175R400 is a classic metric radial size that uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width and a 400-millimeter rim designation rather than a conventional inch-based wheel diameter. Its radial construction suits the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT’s grand touring character while preserving the specialized sizing convention tied to that version of the car. This is not the same format as a 15-inch radial, so the main consideration is wheel compatibility rather than comparing sidewall treatments or product series. For a 250 GT, confirming the original millimetric wheel setup is the essential first step before evaluating any replacement tire.
185R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1963 Ferrari 250, this size belongs to the 250 GT 2+2 and opens up meaningful choice in both appearance and tire series. Available options include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall styles from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire across series such as Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, Coker Classic Radial, and Universal Sport. For a 250 GT 2+2, this size gives the buyer room to balance visual presentation, brand preference, and wheel-width compatibility.
Tire fitment varies within the 1963 Ferrari 250 range, so identifying the exact sub-model matters before choosing a tire. The 250 GT and 250 GT 2+2 do not share the same size, and one of them uses a specialized millimetric fitment.
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1963 Ferrari 250 GT
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GT uses the 175R400 radial size, which is a classic millimetric fitment rather than a standard 15-inch radial. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, since replacement planning starts with verifying the original wheel type before considering tire selection.
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses the 185R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim. That gives this sub-model a broader range of available tire choices, including different brands, series, and sidewall styles for owners focused on road use or restoration-oriented appearance.
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 1963 Ferrari 250 Tires for Sale
For the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, the available 185R15 radial choices span Michelin, Avon, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. The product grid highlights differences in tire series, sidewall style, load specification, weight, and rim-width range rather than changes in primary fitment.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1963 Ferrari 250, how fitment changes between sub-models, and how to compare available radial tire options, sidewall styles, wheel compatibility, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1963 Ferrari 250?
The 1963 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 interchangeable descriptions of the same tire, and they point to two different wheel-fitment situations.
The first step is identifying whether the car is a 250 GT or a 250 GT 2+2, then confirming the actual wheels on the car. Many collector cars have seen wheel or tire changes over the years, so checking the wheel diameter or millimetric wheel marking before ordering helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the model family but not the specific car.
What size rim does a 1963 Ferrari 250 use?
A 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses a 15-inch rim with its 185R15 radial tire. The 1963 Ferrari 250 GT uses 175R400, which is a millimetric radial size and reflects a different wheel-format convention rather than a standard 15-inch fitment.
That distinction matters because a tire marked 185R15 is built for a 15-inch wheel, while 175R400 belongs to a millimetric wheel setup. On a car from this era, wheel swaps and restoration changes are common enough that measuring the wheel and reading the existing tire markings is a smart check before selecting a replacement.
Do all 1963 Ferrari 250 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1963 Ferrari 250 GT uses 175R400 radial tires, while the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires. Even though both are radial fitments, the sizes follow different sizing conventions and should be treated as separate fitment paths.
That means sub-model identification is central to tire selection on this page. A buyer looking at sidewall style, brand, or tire series choices for 185R15 should not assume those same options apply to a 250 GT with 175R400. Verifying the exact sub-model and wheel setup keeps the search focused on the tires that belong on that version of the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R15 tire for a 1963 Ferrari 250?
For a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, the starting point is staying with the correct 185R15 radial size and confirming the wheel is a 15-inch fitment. After that, the real choice becomes brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility, since available 185R15 options include several different presentations.
Appearance and intended use usually guide the final decision. A blackwall keeps a restrained sporting look, while redline or narrow whitewall options shift the visual character. It also helps to compare rim-width ranges, load specification where stated, and tire weight, especially on a vintage grand touring car where wheel setup and driving use may differ from one restored example to another.
What sidewall styles are available for 1963 Ferrari 250 tires?
Within the 185R15 fitment used on the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall. Those choices do not change the primary tire size, but they do noticeably affect the car’s visual presentation and the period mood the finished car conveys.
The best choice depends on whether the goal is a more understated roadgoing appearance or a stronger restoration-oriented accent. Since sidewall treatment is a visual decision layered onto the correct size, it makes sense to confirm the sub-model and wheel first, then compare sidewall style alongside tire series, brand preference, and any published rim-width range that applies.
What brands offer tires for the 1963 Ferrari 250?
In the 185R15 radial fitment used on the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available brands include Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those brands appear across several tire series, including Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, Coker Classic Radial, and Universal Sport.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a car like this. It is more useful to compare how each tire is presented in the correct size, whether the sidewall style suits the car, and whether the wheel-width specification matches the wheels actually installed. That approach keeps the selection centered on fitment and appearance rather than on name recognition alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1963 Ferrari 250?
A period-style choice starts with using the correct tire size for the exact 1963 Ferrari 250 sub-model. The 250 GT requires 175R400, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15. Once that fitment is confirmed, the visual character of the tire becomes the next decision, especially on the 185R15 side where several radial options are available.
For restoration-oriented buyers, the goal is usually to keep the tire’s proportions and visual tone in line with the car’s era rather than simply filling the wheel opening. If exact originality matters, marque-club guidance and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth checking before settling on a particular brand or sidewall treatment.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 1963 Ferrari 250?
On the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2’s 185R15 fitment, blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall choices are available. Each creates a different look: blackwall is subtle and sporting, redline adds a stronger visual accent, and narrow whitewall brings a more formal vintage presentation.
The right appearance depends on the way the car is being finished and presented. A buyer pursuing a restrained grand touring look may lean toward blackwall, while a more stylized restoration may favor a stripe or whitewall treatment. Keeping the correct size first and treating the sidewall as the appearance decision usually leads to a more coherent result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1963 Ferrari 250?
Yes. Even when the correct tire size for the sub-model is known, modifications can change whether that size remains appropriate on the actual car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or bodywork differences can all affect tire fitment on a 1963 Ferrari 250.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel itself rather than relying only on model-year fitment. Confirm the wheel diameter, compare the wheel width with the tire’s accepted range when available, and inspect steering and fender clearance at full lock and full suspension movement. That is especially important on low-production collector cars where small setup changes can matter.
What should I inspect before driving a 1963 Ferrari 250 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, tire mounting direction if applicable, and overall tire condition after installation. On a 1963 Ferrari 250, it also makes sense to confirm that the tires clear the body and suspension properly and that the installed size matches the correct sub-model fitment.
A short initial drive should be paired with another visual check for rubbing, unusual wear marks, or air loss. Vintage cars often spend long periods parked, so it is also wise to inspect the rest of the chassis basics before heading out, including brake condition and suspension wear, since fresh tires can reveal issues that older tires may have masked.
How should tires on a collector 1963 Ferrari 250 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1963 Ferrari 250 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation matters, and periodic visual checks are especially important on a vintage Ferrari that may spend long stretches in storage between drives.
Storage conditions also affect long-term tire health. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tire casing and appearance. Moving the car periodically and checking pressures before every outing are simple habits that support more consistent road manners and help catch aging-related issues before a longer drive.
