The 1964 Ferrari 250 sits in one of the most admired periods of Ferrari road-car development, when competition-bred engineering and elegant grand touring design were closely linked. For owners today, tire selection is less about broad guesswork and more about matching the exact 250 configuration. Fitment splits between 175R400 radial tires on the 250 GT and 185R15 radial tires on the 250 GT 2+2, so identifying the specific sub-model comes first. Within the 185R15 fitment, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline styles across Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. That makes appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended driving use central to the decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Ferrari 250
The 1964 Ferrari 250 uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model. The 250 GT uses 175R400 radial tires, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires on a 15-inch rim. Before comparing brands or sidewall styles, confirm which 250 variant you have and verify the wheel setup currently on the car, especially if it has been changed during restoration or previous ownership.
175R400 is a millimetric radial size, with 175 indicating nominal section width in millimeters and the 400 designation referring to a metric wheel diameter rather than a modern inch-based rim size. Its radial construction suits a car that already uses a radial fitment, but it also means wheel specification must be checked carefully before any substitution is considered. This size carries a distinctly European period feel because of its classic millimetric format. It is the key size to confirm for a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT, where preserving the intended wheel-and-tire relationship is especially important.
185R15 is a classic Euro-metric radial size, with 185 representing nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. On the 1964 Ferrari 250, this size opens up the broadest selection, including blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall treatments from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Available series include Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport. For a 250 GT 2+2 owner, this size creates a more detailed choice between visual presentation, rim-width compatibility, and the character of the tire line itself.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1964 Ferrari 250 because the covered configurations do not share the same tire size. Identifying whether the car is a 250 GT or a 250 GT 2+2 is the first step before comparing available tires, sidewall styles, or wheel compatibility.
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1964 Ferrari 250 GT
The 1964 Ferrari 250 GT uses the 175R400 radial size, which is distinct from the 15-inch fitment used elsewhere in the 250 line. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before considering any tire change, since this millimetric radial format should be matched carefully to the car's actual wheel setup.
The 1964 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 uses the 185R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim. This fitment gives the owner a wider range of choices in brand, tire series, and sidewall presentation, so the decision often comes down to appearance goals and how the car will be driven.
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 1964 Ferrari 250 Tires for Sale
Available 185R15 choices span Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall styles represented across several radial series. Rim-width specifications, load figures where stated, and overall presentation are the main points to compare in the product grid.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire-size split within the 1964 Ferrari 250, plus the wheel, appearance, product-selection, and road-use checks that matter before putting a restored or collector Ferrari back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Ferrari 250?
The 1964 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 labels for the same fitment, so the exact version of the car matters before choosing a tire.
A buyer should confirm the sub-model first, then verify the wheels currently on the car. That step is especially important on collector Ferraris that may have had wheel changes, restoration work, or prior substitutions over the years. The safest path is to match the tire to both the sub-model and the actual wheel dimensions now on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 1964 Ferrari 250 use?
A 15-inch rim is confirmed for the 185R15 fitment used on the 1964 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2. The 175R400 size used on the 250 GT is a millimetric radial format, so it should not be treated as a standard 15-inch size simply because another 250 sub-model uses a 15-inch wheel.
That distinction matters because wheel diameter is the first compatibility check before any tire purchase. On a car with 175R400 tires, the owner should inspect the wheel markings or measure the wheel setup carefully rather than assuming interchangeability. On a 250 GT 2+2, the 15-inch rim gives a clearer starting point for comparing available 185R15 products.
Why does the 1964 Ferrari 250 have more than one tire size?
The 1964 Ferrari 250 appears with more than one tire size because the covered sub-models do not share the same wheel-and-tire fitment. The 250 GT uses 175R400 radial tires, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15 radial tires. The difference is tied to the specific configuration rather than a broad interchangeable range.
That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact sub-model, not by picking whichever size looks close. It also helps explain why some product choices are available for 185R15 but not represented here for 175R400. A careful owner should confirm both the model designation and the wheels on the car before deciding on appearance, brand, or series.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R15 tire for a 1964 Ferrari 250?
For a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, the first step is staying with the correct 185R15 radial size and a compatible 15-inch wheel. After that, the main variables are sidewall style, tire series, brand, and rim-width specification. Available choices include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall presentations across several classic radial lines.
A restoration-focused owner may place appearance first, while a road-use buyer may spend more time comparing tire series and wheel-width compatibility. Load figures and product weight can also help frame the comparison where they are stated. The right choice depends on how the car is used and how closely the tire's visual character matches the intended presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Ferrari 250 tires?
Within the 185R15 fitment used on the 1964 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall. Those choices appear across brands such as Coker Classic, Michelin, and Universal Vintage Tire. Each treatment changes the visual impression of the car even when the basic tire size remains the same.
That makes sidewall selection more than a cosmetic afterthought, especially on a collector Ferrari where stance and period presentation matter. A blackwall usually gives the most understated look, while redline or narrow whitewall options introduce a stronger visual accent. The practical step is to choose the sidewall style only after confirming the correct size and wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Ferrari 250?
The 185R15 fitment for the 1964 Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 is available from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire. Those brands appear across several radial tire series, including Coker Classic Radial, Michelin XVS, Turbosteel CR3B, and Universal Sport. Each gives the buyer a different combination of sidewall styling and product specifications.
Brand choice should be viewed as part of a broader fitment decision rather than a shortcut to the right tire. Once the correct 185R15 size is confirmed, compare rim-width recommendations, sidewall treatment, and any stated load or weight details that matter to your use. A careful comparison is more useful than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Ferrari 250?
A period-style choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment. The 1964 Ferrari 250 GT uses 175R400, while the 250 GT 2+2 uses 185R15. On the 185R15 side, classic-style radial options from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire give an owner several ways to match the car's intended visual character.
For a restoration-oriented car, the best starting point is usually the tire size and overall presentation rather than a modern-looking substitute. Sidewall style can noticeably change the finished look, especially when comparing blackwall, redline, and narrow whitewall options. If exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references and marque expertise should guide the final appearance decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Ferrari 250?
On the 1964 Ferrari 250, the primary fitments covered here are radial, so the visual question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about sizing format, tread era, and sidewall treatment. A 175R400 millimetric radial carries a distinctly European vintage look, while 185R15 options can shift the presentation through blackwall, redline, or narrow whitewall styling.
That means construction alone does not determine the car's appearance; the tire's overall profile and sidewall finish matter just as much. A carefully restored Ferrari can look significantly different depending on those choices, even within the correct size. Matching the tire to the car's restoration goal usually produces a better result than selecting on brand or sidewall style alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ferrari 250?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ferrari 250 even when the nominal tire size seems correct. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork changes can all influence how a tire sits and clears the car. That matters on both the 175R400 and 185R15 fitments.
A modified car should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, inner and outer clearance, and steering movement before a new tire is selected. Collector cars often pass through several owners, so assumptions based on model name alone can be risky. Measuring the actual setup on the vehicle is the best safeguard against avoidable fitment problems.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Ferrari 250 on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Ferrari 250 on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the application, and each tire should be checked for proper seating and clearances at normal ride height and during steering movement.
A careful walkaround after installation is especially important on a collector car that may have sat for long periods. Watch for any rubbing marks, uneven stance, or air loss after the first short drive. It also helps to recheck wheel fasteners and pressures once the tires have had some initial road use and settling time.
How should tires on a collector 1964 Ferrari 250 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1964 Ferrari 250 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even when the car is driven infrequently. Pressure checks matter because low-use cars can lose air gradually without obvious signs. Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, heat, and ozone sources also helps protect tire condition.
Maintenance should include periodic visual inspection of both tread and sidewalls, along with attention to how the car sits during storage. Moving the car occasionally and avoiding long-term neglect can help reduce flat spotting and unnoticed pressure loss. Any tire showing age-related damage or questionable condition deserves professional evaluation before road use.
