1987 Aston Martin Zagato Tires

The 1987 Aston Martin Zagato uses a 255/50R16 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model, and the covered Base sub-model uses the same size, so there is no separate alternate size to sort through within this year and model grouping.

That makes the main task confirming that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheel setup and selecting the right tire within the 255/50R16 size. If the car has been modified with different wheels, altered suspension, or nonstandard offsets, check actual wheel dimensions and clearance before assuming the existing setup matches the original fitment pattern.

The primary tire fitment for the 1987 Aston Martin Zagato is built around a 16-inch rim. The 255/50R16 size itself confirms that rim diameter, and the available tires for this application are also built for 16-inch wheels.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a specialty performance car. Wheel width and overall wheel design still matter, and the available 255/50R16 products are intended for rims in the 7.0- to 9.0-inch range. A quick check of wheel markings and measured width can prevent ordering the correct diameter tire for the wrong wheel.

255/50R16 is a metric radial tire size. The 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1987 Aston Martin Zagato, it is a modern low-profile radial fitment rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply size.

Understanding that code helps when comparing available tires in the correct size. It tells you the tire belongs on a 16-inch wheel and gives a sense of the tire’s width and profile family, but it does not replace checking actual wheel width, tire age, and body or suspension clearance on the specific car you own.

Start with the correct size and construction: 255/50R16 radial on a 16-inch rim. From there, compare the available tires by brand, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and any load-related or weight details that matter to how the car will be used, whether that is display, fair-weather touring, or more spirited road driving.

The Aston Martin Zagato is not a casual fitment purchase, so condition and setup matter as much as size. Check that the wheels fall within the tire’s approved width range, inspect the suspension and alignment, and think about whether the priority is maintaining a clean blackwall performance look or choosing a specific modern radial series from the available options.

The available 255/50R16 tires for the 1987 Aston Martin Zagato come from BFGoodrich and Michelin. Both are blackwall radial offerings, with the BFGoodrich option in the g-Force Sport Comp 2 series and the Michelin option in the Pilot Sport series.

Brand choice here is really part of a broader product comparison rather than a ranking exercise. It makes sense to compare the full specification picture, including rim-width range, any stated max-load information, tire weight, and overall product character. On a rare coachbuilt car, staying within the proper size and matching the tire to the wheel is more important than choosing by name alone.

The two main choices in 255/50R16 differ by brand and tire series, while sharing the same blackwall presentation and 16-inch application. BFGoodrich offers the g-Force Sport Comp 2, and Michelin offers the Pilot Sport, so the comparison comes down to which series best suits the car’s intended use and the specification details that matter most to the owner.

Look beyond the size label and compare wheel-width compatibility, product weight, and any stated load information before making a decision. It also helps to consider how the car is actually driven. A Zagato used mainly for shows and occasional road use may call for a different purchasing mindset than one that sees regular highway miles.

A period-style starting point for a 1987 Aston Martin Zagato begins with the correct 255/50R16 radial size on a 16-inch wheel. Since the available options in this fitment are modern blackwall radial performance tires, the appearance remains clean and understated, which suits the car’s late-1980s European performance character without forcing a more decorative sidewall treatment.

For a restoration-oriented car, staying with the proper size usually matters more visually than chasing a specific modern tire name. Owners focused on exact historical presentation should compare the tire’s sidewall look against period photos, marque references, and known-delivery examples. That extra step is worthwhile on a rare Aston Martin body style where small visual details can stand out.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Aston Martin Zagato restoration because the tire’s width, profile, and wheel diameter all influence how the car sits and how authentic the overall presentation feels. Using the established 255/50R16 radial fitment keeps the restoration anchored to the known size for this model and year.

Appearance is only part of the equation. Proper fitment also affects steering clearance, suspension travel, and the relationship between tire and wheel width. On a limited-production car with specialized styling, an incorrect tire can look obviously out of place even before the car moves, so checking wheel dimensions and overall stance is an important part of restoration planning.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Aston Martin Zagato even when the nominal tire size remains 255/50R16. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel offset, suspension lowering, spring changes, or bodywork adjustments can all influence inner clearance, outer fender clearance, and how the tire sits on the wheel.

That is why it helps to inspect the actual car rather than relying only on the original size. A Zagato with nonstandard wheels may still use a 16-inch tire but require different attention to wheel width and clearance. Before putting new tires into service, confirm the wheel dimensions, check lock-to-lock steering clearance, and look for any signs of rubbing.

Before driving a 1987 Aston Martin Zagato on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify the wheel size and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct 255/50R16 fitment. It also makes sense to check valve stems, inflation pressure, and the general condition of suspension, steering, and brake components.

A road test should begin cautiously, especially if the car has spent long periods stored. Look for vibration, pull, unusual noise, or any sign of contact at full steering lock or over suspension movement. Collector cars can hide problems that only appear once they are back in motion, so a careful first drive is part of the tire installation process.

255/50R16 tires on a collector 1987 Aston Martin Zagato should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread wear. Even if the car is driven infrequently, sidewall cracking, flat spotting from long storage, cuts, bulges, or slow air loss can develop over time.

Storage conditions matter on low-use specialty cars. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce long-term stress in one contact patch area. Before any longer drive, inspect all four tires closely and confirm that the wheels and suspension are still in sound condition.