The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS sits in the middle of Ferrari's wedge-shaped V8 era, a period when sharp styling, mid-engine balance, and roadgoing exotic character defined the car as much as outright speed. For many owners, the appeal is equal parts driving experience and presentation. The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS uses a 205/70R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim, so the main decision is less about finding the correct size and more about choosing the right look and road manner within that fitment. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles. That makes it worth balancing originality-minded appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended use before settling on a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS
The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS uses one primary tire size: 205/70R14, and it is a radial fitment on a 14-inch rim. The 308 GTS Base uses that same size, so the real choice is not between multiple primary sizes, but between different tire series, sidewall presentations, and how closely the tire's appearance matches your restoration or driving goals.
In 205/70R14, the 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. That makes it a modern metric radial format, which suits the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS without the buyer needing to translate from an older bias-ply code. Within this size, there is meaningful choice in presentation, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. The practical task is choosing the version that best matches the car's wheels, appearance goals, and intended road use.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS sub-model. The key point is simply confirming that the car is the 308 GTS Base and retains the expected 14-inch wheel setup before comparing tire styles and product specifications.
1
1980 Ferrari 308 GTS Base
The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS Base uses the same 205/70R14 radial fitment that defines this page. That keeps the decision centered on tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility rather than on sorting through multiple primary sizes.
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 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS Tires for Sale
Available 205/70R14 options for the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS include Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin choices across Classic Whitewall MA-1, Radial TA, Silvertown Radial, and Michelin XWX lines. Sidewall treatments range from blackwall and narrow whitewall to redline, dual-redline, and raised white letter styling.
These FAQs focus on the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, sidewall and brand choices within 205/70R14, and the wheel, suspension, and maintenance checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS?
The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS uses a 205/70R14 radial tire. That size is the primary fitment for this model year and gives the buyer one clear starting point when replacing worn tires or planning a restoration-oriented tire change.
Since there is only one primary size here, the next decision is choosing the right version of 205/70R14 rather than sorting through multiple fitments. Compare the tire's sidewall style, brand, series, and rim-width compatibility, and make sure the car still has the expected 14-inch wheels before committing to a set.
What size rim does a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS use?
The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS uses a 14-inch rim with its 205/70R14 tire size. The tire code itself confirms the wheel diameter, and the available products in this size are all built around 14-inch rim use.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, so it is smart to confirm wheel width as well before selecting a tire. Some 205/70R14 options suit 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims, while others call for 5.50 to 7.50-inch rims, which can affect which product makes the most sense for the actual wheel on the car.
Does the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS Base uses the same 205/70R14 radial tire size. That makes fitment straightforward at the sub-model level, because there is no separate alternate primary size to sort out for the Base version.
Even with shared fitment, tire choice still matters because the available 205/70R14 products differ in sidewall appearance, tire series, and rim-width range. A blackwall Michelin XWX creates a different visual impression than a redline, dual-redline, narrow whitewall, or raised white letter tire, even though the basic size remains the same.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/70R14 tire for a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS?
Start with the correct size, 205/70R14, and confirm that the tire is suitable for the car's 14-inch wheel. After that, the meaningful differences are construction details within the radial category, the tire series, the sidewall presentation, and the rim-width range each product supports.
Appearance and use should guide the final choice. A blackwall tire gives a more understated look, while redline, dual-redline, narrow whitewall, or raised white letter options create a stronger period-style statement. It also helps to compare product weight and load specifications where available, especially if the car is driven regularly rather than displayed.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS tires?
The 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS has several sidewall styles available in 205/70R14. Choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, redline, dual-redline, and RWL, which is the raised white letter style often associated with performance-oriented presentation.
That variety means the visual choice can be nearly as important as the size itself. A Michelin XWX blackwall leans toward a more understated European look, while BFGoodrich redline, dual-redline, or RWL options change the car's character noticeably. The best pick depends on whether the goal is subtle authenticity, a sportier period vibe, or a custom restoration style.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS?
205/70R14 tires for the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. Those brands cover several distinct series, including Classic Whitewall MA-1, Radial TA, Silvertown Radial, and Michelin XWX.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It is better to compare which series matches the car's intended appearance, what sidewall style each tire offers, and whether the product's rim-width range suits the actual wheel on the car. That approach keeps the selection focused on fitment and presentation rather than on name recognition alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS?
A period-style 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS starts with the correct 205/70R14 radial size, then narrows the choice by visual character. Michelin XWX gives a blackwall presentation, while BFGoodrich and Maxxis options introduce redline, dual-redline, raised white letter, or narrow whitewall styling for a different era-specific impression.
The right answer depends on how closely the car is being restored and what look is being pursued. For a preservation-minded car, many owners prefer a tire whose sidewall presentation feels appropriate to the vehicle's design era. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, and vehicle-specific restoration documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS?
On the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS, construction is less of a visual dividing line than it would be on an earlier bias-ply-era car because the primary fitment is already radial. The more visible change comes from sidewall treatment, tread style, and the overall character of the tire series chosen within 205/70R14.
That means a restored car can look noticeably different even when the size stays correct. A blackwall radial tends to keep the presentation restrained, while redline, dual-redline, narrow whitewall, or raised white letter versions add more visual emphasis. Matching the tire's appearance to the wheel design and the car's restoration style usually matters more than the radial construction itself.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS?
Yes. Even though the primary size is 205/70R14, modifications can change whether a particular tire works well on the car. Different wheel widths, aftermarket wheel designs, altered ride height, suspension changes, or body modifications can all affect clearance and the way a tire sits on the wheel.
A car that still carries its original-style wheel setup is simpler to match, but any deviation deserves a closer look. Check wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock and suspension travel. It is also wise to confirm that the chosen tire's rim-width range matches the wheel before assuming any 205/70R14 will behave the same way.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and basic tire inflation, then look over the suspension and steering for obvious looseness or wear. On a low-use collector car such as a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS, it is also smart to verify that the alignment and brake system are in sound condition.
New tires cannot correct problems caused by worn suspension parts, bent wheels, or poor alignment. After installation, check for adequate clearance around the fenders and suspension, then watch for vibration, pulling, or uneven wear during the first drives. A careful post-installation inspection helps confirm that the tire and wheel package is working as intended.
How should 205/70R14 tires on a collector 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. On a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS, 205/70R14 tires should be examined for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically, keep the wheels clean, and inspect the tires before any longer outing rather than assuming a lightly used set is automatically road-ready.
