The 1979 Porsche 928 came from a period when Porsche was pairing grand-touring refinement with unmistakably modern late-1970s styling. Its front-engine, V8-powered layout gave the 928 a different character than the company’s rear-engine sports cars, and tire selection plays a big role in preserving that balance of road manners and visual stance. Fitment on the 1979 Porsche 928 is radial, with 215/60R15 and 225/50R15 used depending on whether the car is Automatic or Standard. Available choices range from blackwall performance-oriented radials to redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall treatments. The key is matching the correct size to the exact drivetrain configuration, wheel setup, and intended presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Porsche 928
The 1979 Porsche 928 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both sizes are radial tires for 15-inch rims, but the Automatic uses one fitment and the Standard uses another. Before choosing a tire, confirm which version of the car you have, then compare the available brands, tread series, sidewall style, and rim-width suitability within that size.
In 215/60R15, the 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is a modern metric radial fitment used on the 1979 Porsche 928 Automatic, giving the buyer a more contemporary size format than older alphanumeric or numeric bias-ply sizing. Available choices include American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall styles. That makes this size a useful decision point for owners balancing touring use, period-style presentation, and wheel-width compatibility.
In 225/50R15, the 225 indicates nominal section width in millimeters, the 50 identifies the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 15 is the required rim diameter. This is also a modern metric radial size, but on the 1979 Porsche 928 it applies to a different sub-model than 215/60R15. Because the profile and dimensions differ from the other primary fitment, it should be selected only after confirming the exact configuration and wheel setup on the car. The practical question here is not just diameter, but using the proper size for the specific 928 version rather than treating the two fitments as interchangeable.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Porsche 928 because the covered versions do not share the same primary tire size. Identifying whether the car is Automatic or Standard is the first step before comparing tire style, construction details, or product options.
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1979 Porsche 928 (Automatic)
The 1979 Porsche 928 Automatic uses the 215/60R15 radial tire size. That gives the owner a broad mix of available product styles, from traditional whitewall or redline presentation to blackwall and raised white letter options, while still keeping selection centered on the correct 15-inch fitment.
The 1979 Porsche 928 Standard uses the 225/50R15 radial tire size rather than the Automatic’s fitment. That makes exact sub-model confirmation especially important, since choosing between the two sizes starts with matching the tire to the car’s specific configuration instead of selecting by wheel diameter alone.
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 1979 Porsche 928 Tires for Sale
Available 1979 Porsche 928 tire choices center on 215/60R15, with options from American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. The product mix includes blackwall, redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall styles across several radial series, with rim-width specifications that are worth comparing before final selection.
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Radial Tires
American Classic Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 215/60R15
These 1979 Porsche 928 tire FAQs focus on the two primary sizes, 15-inch rim fitment, sub-model differences, radial tire choices, sidewall and brand selection, and the checks that matter before road use on a collector-era GT.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Porsche 928?
A 1979 Porsche 928 uses one of two radial tire sizes: 215/60R15 or 225/50R15. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, with the Automatic using 215/60R15 and the Standard using 225/50R15. Both sizes are built for 15-inch wheels, but they are not the same fitment.
The first step is confirming whether the car is an Automatic or Standard version, then verifying that the wheels on the car are still the correct 15-inch setup. If the 928 has been changed over to different wheels or suspension components, compare the actual wheel width and available clearance before choosing between replacement tires.
What size rim does a 1979 Porsche 928 use?
The 1979 Porsche 928 uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The Automatic fitment, 215/60R15, and the Standard fitment, 225/50R15, both share the same rim diameter even though the tire dimensions differ. Rim diameter is the last number in each size code.
That shared 15-inch diameter does not mean the two tire sizes should be treated as interchangeable. Width, profile, and wheel-width suitability still matter, especially on a car with replacement wheels. Confirm the exact tire size required for the sub-model, then check the wheel width against the tire’s approved range before mounting a new set.
Why does the 1979 Porsche 928 have more than one tire size?
The 1979 Porsche 928 has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The Automatic uses 215/60R15, while the Standard uses 225/50R15. Both are radial tires on 15-inch rims, but they represent different primary fitments for different versions of the same model year.
That means the buyer decision starts with identifying the exact configuration of the car rather than simply ordering by year and model name. A 15-inch wheel alone is not enough to choose correctly. Checking the sub-model, current wheel setup, and any prior modifications helps keep the replacement tire aligned with the car’s intended dimensions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 215/60R15 tire for a 1979 Porsche 928?
Start by confirming that 215/60R15 is the correct fitment for the 1979 Porsche 928 Automatic. From there, compare the available radial choices by sidewall style, tire series, brand, and wheel-width suitability. In this size, the range includes blackwall, redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall designs, so appearance can vary as much as the specifications.
A restoration-minded owner may focus on traditional visual character, while another buyer may want a more understated blackwall or performance-oriented look. It also helps to compare rim-width ranges and load figures where they are stated, especially if the car no longer wears its original wheels. Matching the tire to both the car’s configuration and its intended presentation usually leads to a better choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Porsche 928 tires?
The available 1979 Porsche 928 tire options in 215/60R15 include several sidewall styles: blackwall, redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall. Those choices create very different visual effects even within the same basic size. Sidewall treatment is one of the biggest appearance decisions once the correct fitment has been confirmed.
A blackwall keeps the look more restrained and closer to many late-1970s performance and touring presentations, while redline, raised white letter, or wide whitewall options push the car in a more customized or period-flavored direction. Sidewall style should be selected after size and wheel compatibility are settled, since appearance alone does not override the underlying fitment requirements.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Porsche 928?
For the 1979 Porsche 928 in 215/60R15, available brands include American Classic, BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Avon, and Vredestein. Those brands appear across several radial tire series, including Asymmetrical Tread, Radial TA, Sport Classic, CR6ZZ, and Sprint Classic. The result is a mix of visual styles and intended character within the same basic size.
Choosing among them comes down to the kind of presentation and specification mix that suits the car. Some options lean toward traditional collector-car appearance, while others keep a more understated blackwall performance look. Once the correct size is confirmed for the sub-model, compare the series, sidewall style, rim-width range, and any stated load or speed markings instead of choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Porsche 928?
A period-style 1979 Porsche 928 tire choice starts with using the correct primary size for the exact sub-model: 215/60R15 for the Automatic or 225/50R15 for the Standard. After that, the most relevant decision is the look you want the car to carry, since available radial options in 215/60R15 range from understated blackwalls to more stylized redline, raised white letter, and wide whitewall treatments.
For a restoration-oriented car, the safest approach is to treat the right size and overall visual character as the starting point rather than assuming any available sidewall was used when new. Owners pursuing strict originality should compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation, especially before selecting a more decorative sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Porsche 928?
On a 1979 Porsche 928, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial rather than bias-ply. That means the appearance difference comes less from choosing between construction types and more from selecting the right metric radial size, sidewall style, and tire series. Even within one size, the car can look notably different with blackwall, redline, raised white letter, or wide whitewall tires.
For a restored 928, visual balance matters because the tire strongly influences how the wheel opening, stance, and overall late-1970s character read at a glance. A restrained blackwall usually keeps the presentation more natural for the model’s era, while bolder sidewall treatments create a more personalized look. Size should remain the anchor point, with appearance choices made only after correct fitment is confirmed.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Porsche 928?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Porsche 928 even when the replacement tire is one of the correct primary sizes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or body and alignment changes can influence clearance and how the tire sits on the car. That matters with both 215/60R15 and 225/50R15 fitments.
A 928 that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before new tires are selected. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect inner and outer clearance at normal ride height and at steering lock where applicable. That extra step helps avoid choosing a tire by size code alone when the car itself has changed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Porsche 928 on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Porsche 928 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify proper inflation, and make sure the tires match the car’s exact sub-model fitment. It is also wise to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, tread seating, and any visible clearance around the suspension and body.
A collector-era grand touring car may have sat for extended periods, so the inspection should go beyond the tires alone. Check for uneven ride height, worn suspension parts, brake drag, and any sign that the old tires rubbed under use. A short, careful test drive followed by another visual check can help confirm that the new setup is tracking and clearing as expected.
How often should tires on a 1979 Porsche 928 be inspected?
Tires on a 1979 Porsche 928 should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. In addition to normal pressure checks, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. Collector cars can accumulate age-related tire issues even when tread wear is minimal.
A good routine is to inspect the tires before any extended drive and again after the car has been parked for a while. Storage conditions also matter, since prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can shorten tire life. Staying ahead of condition problems is just as important as maintaining the correct 15-inch fitment and sub-model-specific size.
