The 1970 Porsche 911 sits at an important point in the early 911 story, carrying the classic long-hood shape while reflecting Porsche’s growing focus on sharper road manners and broader model distinction. For owners today, tire choice is closely tied to that character because this exact model year uses 15-inch radial fitments in either 165R15 or 185/70R15, depending on the specific version. That creates a meaningful decision between a taller Euro-metric radial presentation and a lower-profile metric radial setup, with available choices that range from blackwall sport-oriented tires to whitewall restoration-style options. Getting the right size starts with the sub-model and the wheel actually on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1970 Porsche 911
The 1970 Porsche 911 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial fitments on 15-inch rims. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because the Base & T can use either 165R15 or 185/70R15, while the 911 E and 911 S use 185/70R15. Once the correct size is confirmed, the real choice becomes tire series, sidewall style, and the kind of period appearance or road-use character you want from the car.
A 165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 165-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This format is commonly associated with an 80-series profile, giving it a traditional tall-sidewall look that suits many early 911 applications. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs from brands such as Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, and Vredestein across several tire series. This size is worth considering when the goal is to preserve a more classic visual proportion while staying with the proper 15-inch radial format.
A 185/70R15 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim diameter. Compared with older Euro-metric sizing, this format uses a stated profile and brings a more modern metric convention to the 1970 Porsche 911. Product choices include mostly blackwall performance-oriented offerings from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon, along with a wide whitewall BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for a more distinctive appearance. This size matters when the car is a 911 E or 911 S, or when a Base & T owner has confirmed a wheel and setup intended for the wider radial fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1970 Porsche 911 because tire size is not completely uniform across the range. The Base & T can use either primary size, while the 911 E and 911 S use the wider 185/70R15 radial, so confirming the exact version is the first step before comparing tires.
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1970 Porsche 911 Base & T
The 1970 Porsche 911 Base & T is the most flexible fitment within this model year, using either 165R15 or 185/70R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, after which the decision becomes whether the car should keep a taller traditional radial look or a wider, lower-profile metric presentation.
The 1970 Porsche 911 E uses 185/70R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. Tire selection for the E is therefore less about choosing between primary sizes and more about comparing the available tire series, blackwall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility before settling on a specific option.
The 1970 Porsche 911 S uses 185/70R15 radial tires on 15-inch rims. For S owners, the key is selecting within that correct size while checking wheel width, intended driving use, and whether the car should wear a straightforward blackwall sport appearance or a more restoration-oriented sidewall treatment.
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 1970 Porsche 911 Tires for Sale
Available 1970 Porsche 911 tires span 165R15 and 185/70R15 radial fitments from Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Vredestein, Dunlop, and Avon. The main comparison points are tire series, blackwall versus whitewall styling, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct 15-inch size.
Common 1970 Porsche 911 tire questions usually come down to the correct size for the exact sub-model, how 165R15 differs from 185/70R15, and how to choose among radial tire series, sidewall styles, wheel fitment, and road-use considerations.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1970 Porsche 911?
A 1970 Porsche 911 uses either 165R15 or 185/70R15 tires, and both are radial sizes for 15-inch rims. The exact fitment depends on the sub-model: the 911 Base & T can use either size, while the 911 E and 911 S use 185/70R15.
That means the first job is confirming which version of the car is being fitted and checking the actual wheels on the car today. Many early 911s have changed wheels over time, so matching the tire to the sub-model and the wheel width matters more than simply choosing a 15-inch tire.
What size rim does a 1970 Porsche 911 use?
The 1970 Porsche 911 uses 15-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The two tire options, 165R15 and 185/70R15, share the same rim diameter even though they represent different sizing conventions and different tire proportions.
Rim diameter alone is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a car as sensitive to wheel setup as an early 911. Wheel width should also be checked against the specific tire being considered, because the available products do not all share the same approved rim-width range.
Do all 1970 Porsche 911 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. Tire size varies within the 1970 Porsche 911 range. The Base & T can use either 165R15 or 185/70R15, while the 911 E and 911 S use 185/70R15 radial tires.
That difference is important because it changes the tire profile and the range of products available to you. A buyer should confirm the exact sub-model first, then verify the wheel setup already on the car, especially if it has had wheel changes or restoration work at some point in its life.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1970 Porsche 911 tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 165R15 or 185/70R15, depending on the sub-model and wheel setup. From there, compare radial tire series, approved rim-width ranges, sidewall style, and whether the goal is a more traditional early-911 look or a sportier modern metric presentation.
A taller Euro-metric 165R15 and a lower-profile 185/70R15 do not create the same visual effect, even though both fit 15-inch rims. It also helps to compare practical details such as load figures where stated, tire weight when relevant, and how the car will actually be driven once it is back on the road.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Porsche 911 tires?
1970 Porsche 911 tires are available in several sidewall treatments, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size and tire series selected. The broadest styling range appears in 165R15, while 185/70R15 is offered mostly as blackwall with one wide whitewall option.
Sidewall style changes the car’s visual character more than many buyers expect, especially on an early 911 with relatively small-diameter wheels and visible sidewall. A blackwall usually keeps the look simple and purposeful, while whitewall treatments can push the car toward a more restoration-oriented or personalized presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1970 Porsche 911?
The 1970 Porsche 911 is supported by several brands across its two tire sizes, including Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Vredestein, Dunlop, and Avon. Brand availability varies by size, so the full choice in 165R15 is different from the product mix available in 185/70R15.
That matters because the brand also tends to shape the available tire series and sidewall treatments, not just the name on the sidewall. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare the actual specifications tied to each product, including rim-width compatibility and intended appearance, rather than choosing by brand alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1970 Porsche 911?
A period-style 1970 Porsche 911 tire choice starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and wheel setup. For many owners, 165R15 creates a more traditional early-911 visual proportion, while 185/70R15 gives the car a wider metric radial look that still belongs within the correct model-year fitment range.
Once the size is settled, the final appearance comes from the tire series and sidewall treatment. Buyers focused on strict originality should compare their car against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation, because a tire can be visually appropriate for the era without being proven as the exact factory-delivered style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1970 Porsche 911?
On a 1970 Porsche 911, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial rather than bias-ply. The appearance difference comes less from construction change and more from the specific radial format, since a 165R15 has a taller sidewall profile than a 185/70R15.
That means the restored look of the car can shift noticeably even while staying within correct radial fitments. Sidewall treatment plays a role too, with blackwall giving a cleaner sporting look and whitewall choices creating a more stylized vintage presentation, so appearance decisions should be made alongside confirmed wheel and sub-model fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1970 Porsche 911?
Yes. Even though the 1970 Porsche 911 uses 15-inch radial sizes, wheel and suspension changes can alter what works on the car in practice. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, offset changes, lowered suspension, or body modifications can all affect clearance and how a 165R15 or 185/70R15 sits in the wheel opening.
That is especially important on an early 911, where small changes can have a visible effect on stance and steering clearance. Before choosing a tire, inspect the current wheel dimensions and look for any non-stock suspension or body changes so the selected tire matches the car as it is actually configured today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1970 Porsche 911 on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the car’s sub-model and wheel setup, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated. It is also wise to check the valve stems, balance, tread condition, and the clearance around fenders, suspension parts, and steering components.
A 1970 Porsche 911 should also be evaluated as a complete running car, not just as a tire installation. Steering components, alignment, shocks, and bushings all influence how the new tires behave, so an owner planning regular driving should treat the tires as part of a broader mechanical and safety inspection.
How should tires on a collector 1970 Porsche 911 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1970 Porsche 911 should be checked regularly for pressure loss, uneven wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and age-related deterioration. Cars that spend long periods parked need extra attention because low annual mileage can hide problems that are still serious once the car returns to regular road use.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting during long storage periods. Before any longer drive, inspect each tire closely and confirm the car is carrying the expected load safely.
