The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider belongs to the long-running Series 4 era, when Alfa’s classic open-top roadster blended Italian sports-car character with more modern road manners and trim distinctions. For buyers at this level, the key tire question is not broad Spider fitment but which version of the car is sitting in the garage. The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider uses either 185/70R14 or 195/60R15 radial tires, depending on sub-model. That opens up meaningful choice in blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter presentations, along with touring and sport-oriented series. Getting the right size starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before comparing appearance and driving intent.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider
Two tire sizes apply to the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider, and the right one depends on the specific sub-model and its wheel diameter. Graduate and Veloce models use a 14-inch radial fitment, while the Quadrifoglio uses a 15-inch radial fitment. Before choosing a tire, confirm which Spider sub-model you have and verify the wheel diameter actually on the car, especially if it has seen wheel changes over the years.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider, this size suits the 14-inch wheel fitment used on certain sub-models and keeps the tire selection firmly in the radial category. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across several distinct tire series. This size is the right place to start if your Spider retains the 14-inch wheel setup and you want to balance road use, appearance, and period-minded character.
195/60R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. For the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider, this size belongs to the 15-inch fitment used on the Quadrifoglio, giving that sub-model its own tire-selection path. Choices in this size include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL sidewall treatments, with BFGoodrich and Michelin offerings across Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, and Primacy 3 lines. This size deserves close attention if appearance matters as much as fitment, since the available sidewall styles can noticeably change the car’s presentation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider because the covered versions do not all share the same tire size or wheel diameter. Graduate and Veloce follow one path, while the Quadrifoglio uses a different radial size, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing tires.
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1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate
The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate uses the 185/70R14 radial tire size on a 14-inch wheel setup. That keeps the focus on selecting among blackwall or wide whitewall options and choosing a tire series that matches the car’s intended look and use.
The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio uses the 195/60R15 radial tire size, which sets it apart from the other covered Spider sub-models. Tire selection here begins with confirming the 15-inch wheel and then comparing sidewall treatments such as blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, or RWL.
The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce uses the same 185/70R14 radial tire size as the Graduate. That gives Veloce owners a straightforward fitment path, with the main decision shifting to tire series, sidewall style, and how traditional or understated the finished look should be.
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 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider tires stay within the correct radial fitments but vary meaningfully by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification. BFGoodrich, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein options include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL presentations.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Common 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 14-inch versus 15-inch wheels, radial tire choices, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era roadster back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider?
A 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider uses one of two radial tire sizes: 185/70R14 or 195/60R15. The 185/70R14 size applies to the Spider Graduate and Spider Veloce, while the Spider Quadrifoglio uses 195/60R15.
The practical difference is wheel diameter as well as sub-model. A Spider with 14-inch wheels follows the 185/70R14 path, and a Spider with 15-inch wheels follows the 195/60R15 path. Since many older cars have had wheels changed over time, checking both the sub-model and the actual wheel size on the car is the safest way to avoid ordering the wrong fitment.
What size rim does a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider use?
The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Graduate and Veloce models use the 14-inch fitment with 185/70R14 tires, while the Quadrifoglio uses the 15-inch fitment with 195/60R15 tires.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before comparing tires because a 14-inch tire and a 15-inch tire are not interchangeable. It also helps to verify wheel width when reviewing product details, since some tires in these sizes have different approved rim-width ranges. That step matters even more if the Spider has aftermarket wheels or a previous owner changed the original wheel setup.
Do all 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate and Veloce share the 185/70R14 radial size, but the Quadrifoglio uses 195/60R15. Fitment is not uniform across all covered Spider sub-models for this model year.
That means the first decision is identifying the exact version of the car rather than jumping straight to brand or sidewall style. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the tire search becomes much more straightforward. It is still worth checking the wheels currently on the car, because sub-model fitment guides the correct size, but the actual wheel diameter on an older Spider always deserves a quick visual confirmation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider tire?
Start with the correct size for the sub-model: 185/70R14 for Graduate and Veloce, or 195/60R15 for Quadrifoglio. From there, compare radial tire construction details, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and load information where it is given.
The right choice depends on how the Spider is used and how you want it to look. A blackwall tire gives a more understated appearance, while wide whitewall, redline, or RWL options create a stronger visual statement on cars that use those sizes. Matching the tire to the wheel setup, the car’s presentation, and realistic road use usually matters more than chasing one name or series.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider include blackwall and wide whitewall in 185/70R14, while 195/60R15 adds blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL options. Those treatments can change the visual tone of the car even when the tire size itself stays correct.
Appearance should be considered alongside sub-model fitment and wheel size, not instead of them. A Spider owner aiming for a restrained European sports-car look may lean toward blackwall, while a more customized or show-oriented presentation may point toward whitewall, redline, or raised white letter styling. The sidewall choice does not change the need to confirm the proper diameter and approved wheel compatibility.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider?
Available brands for the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, depending on tire size. The 185/70R14 fitment has the broadest mix of brands, while 195/60R15 includes BFGoodrich and Michelin choices.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare the tire series offered within the correct size, the sidewall presentation you want on the car, and any rim-width or load details that matter to your setup. On a collector roadster like the Spider, the best match is usually the one that aligns the proper fitment with the look and road use you have in mind.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider?
A period-style starting point for a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider is the correct sub-model size in a radial tire that suits the car’s intended appearance. That means 185/70R14 for Graduate and Veloce, or 195/60R15 for Quadrifoglio, then narrowing the choice by sidewall style and tire series.
Blackwall tires usually preserve a restrained European sports-car presentation, while whitewall, redline, or RWL options create a more interpretive look. For a restoration where exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque-club guidance, period photography, and vehicle-specific history. A visually appropriate tire can look right on the car without automatically being a confirmed factory-delivered specification.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider because both primary fitments are radial sizes. The visible difference in a restoration is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about the chosen profile, sidewall treatment, and overall tire character within the correct 14-inch or 15-inch fitment.
That gives the owner room to shape the finished look without leaving the proper size family for the car. A blackwall radial can feel closer to a clean road-use presentation, while wide whitewall, redline, or RWL versions make the tire a more prominent styling element. Keeping the correct size tied to the right sub-model is still the foundation of a restoration-oriented tire decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider?
Yes. Modifications such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or body alterations can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider even when the tire size looks close to the original sub-model specification. Wheel diameter remains the first thing to confirm.
A Graduate or Veloce should be checked against the 185/70R14 fitment path, while a Quadrifoglio should be checked against 195/60R15, but the actual car may differ after years of changes. Clearance at the fenders and steering components matters just as much as the size stamped on the sidewall. Taking a few measurements before replacing tires can prevent avoidable fitment problems.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and verify that inflation pressure is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup. A visual check for rubbing at full steering lock is also worthwhile.
The rest of the inspection should focus on the car, not just the tire. Look at suspension wear, steering play, brake condition, and any uneven wheel position that could signal alignment issues. A fresh set of tires will not correct worn chassis parts, and an older Spider that has sat for long periods benefits from a careful once-over before returning to regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters at least as much as tread depth.
Storage also plays a big part in tire life. Keeping the Spider away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to inspect the tires before any longer outing, since collector cars often spend weeks or months parked and may develop flat spotting or lose pressure without obvious warning.
