The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB sits at an important point in Ferrari’s V8 road-car lineage, blending the sharp Pininfarina shape of the era with the more developed drivability that made the 328 such a respected road and collector car. Tire selection on this car is tied to its staggered setup, with 205/55R16 used at the front and 225/50R16 at the rear, both in radial construction on 16-inch rims. That keeps the decision focused on choosing the right modern metric radial in each position, with differences in brand, tire series, and sidewall presentation. For a well-sorted 328 GTB, matching the correct front and rear fitment matters as much as the tire style itself.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB uses two primary tire sizes, and the choice depends on whether you are selecting a front or rear tire. Both sizes are metric radial fitments on 16-inch rims, so the first step is confirming wheel position and making sure the tire matches the car’s staggered setup before comparing brands, series, and sidewall style.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size where 205 identifies the section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB, this size is used at the front, where maintaining the proper front fitment is part of preserving the car’s intended balance. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic products, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments offered across several tire series. This size should be evaluated as a front-position fitment, not as a universal size for all four corners.
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim diameter. On the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB, this is the rear tire size, making it the companion fitment to the narrower front tire in the car’s staggered arrangement. Product choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Michelin blackwall radials in performance-oriented series such as g-Force and Pilot Sport. This is the size to compare when replacing the rear tires and confirming that the wheel and tire remain matched to the correct axle position.
Fitment on the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB is straightforward once the tire position is identified, because the covered front and rear Quattrovalvole applications use different sizes. Checking the exact sub-model position matters here since the car uses a staggered front-to-rear setup rather than one uniform size all around.
1
1987 Ferrari 328 GTB Quattrovalvole Front
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB Quattrovalvole Front uses a 205/55R16 radial fitment on a 16-inch rim. That makes the main decision one of selecting the right front-position tire by brand, series, and sidewall treatment while keeping the staggered setup intact.
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB Quattrovalvole Rear uses a 225/50R16 radial fitment on a 16-inch rim. Tire selection at the rear should stay focused on the correct axle-specific size, with attention to available radial series and wheel compatibility.
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 Ferrari 328 GTB Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB tire choices center on modern radial blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Michelin, with an additional wide whitewall offering in 205/55R16 from American Classic. The product grid is where to compare front and rear size coverage, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specifications.
These FAQs focus on the staggered 16-inch tire fitment used on the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB, including front-versus-rear sizing, radial tire selection, brand and sidewall choices, and the key checks to make before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB?
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB uses a staggered tire setup with 205/55R16 at the front and 225/50R16 at the rear. Both are radial tire sizes mounted on 16-inch rims, so this Ferrari does not use one uniform size at all four corners.
That means tire selection starts with confirming wheel position before choosing a replacement. A front tire should be matched to the 205/55R16 fitment, while the rear should stay with 225/50R16. If the car has had wheel or suspension changes over the years, it is worth verifying the actual wheel dimensions and checking clearance before installing new tires.
What size rim does a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB use?
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB uses 16-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The front 205/55R16 and rear 225/50R16 fitments share the same rim diameter, even though the tire widths and aspect ratios differ between the two positions.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it should not be treated as the only measurement that matters. Wheel width still needs to match the tire being used, especially on a staggered setup like this one. Before changing tires, confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car and make sure the front and rear positions have not been swapped or modified.
Why does the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB uses more than one tire size because it has a staggered setup, with a narrower 205/55R16 tire in front and a wider 225/50R16 tire in the rear. Both sizes are radial, but they serve different positions on the car.
For the owner, that means tire replacement is not simply a matter of ordering one size for the whole car. Each axle should keep its intended size unless the vehicle has been deliberately reconfigured and measured for a different setup. A quick check of wheel location, wheel width, and overall clearance helps avoid mismatching the front and rear fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing tires for a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB?
Start with the correct staggered sizes: 205/55R16 for the front and 225/50R16 for the rear. From there, compare radial tire series, brand availability, sidewall style, and the rim-width range that matches each position on the car.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how you want it to present. A blackwall performance-oriented radial may suit a road-focused 328 GTB, while a whitewall front option changes the appearance significantly. It also helps to compare load figures where shown, along with tire weight and wheel compatibility, before deciding on a front and rear combination.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB are primarily blackwall, with a wide whitewall option also available in the 205/55R16 front size. Most of the fitments in both front and rear sizes follow a blackwall presentation.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision once the correct size and wheel compatibility are established. Blackwall keeps the look closest to a modern performance radial presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a very different visual character. Because the whitewall option appears in the front size only, owners should think through the overall appearance they want before mixing styles.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB?
Tires for the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB are available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in both of the primary sizes, with American Classic also available in the 205/55R16 front size. Those options give the car a mix of performance-oriented radial lines and an appearance-focused whitewall alternative.
Brand choice should be considered alongside tire series, sidewall treatment, and size position rather than in isolation. A front and rear set should remain consistent with the car’s staggered dimensions first, then be narrowed by the type of presentation and specification range you want. Checking the product’s approved rim-width range is a practical final step before selecting a tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB?
A period-style starting point for a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB is keeping the original staggered sizing theme intact with 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear, both in radial construction. Within those sizes, blackwall tires generally preserve the most natural late-1980s performance-car presentation.
The best visual match depends on how strictly the car is being restored and whether originality or road use is the bigger priority. Tire series details and sidewall treatment can change the car’s overall look more than many owners expect. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque documentation, period photos, or trusted Ferrari restoration references before making a final decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB?
On the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires in both front and rear sizes. That means the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about the specific radial series, tread style, and sidewall treatment chosen in each size.
A blackwall radial keeps the overall look aligned with the car’s original era and performance-focused character, while a wide whitewall front tire creates a much different visual statement. Restored cars often benefit from keeping the front and rear presentation cohesive, especially on a staggered setup. The tire should support the intended character of the car rather than distract from it.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB even when the nominal tire sizes remain 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension alterations, and ride-height changes can all influence how those tires sit and clear the car.
A 16-inch diameter alone does not guarantee that a tire and wheel package will work properly. Any modified car should be checked for steering clearance, inner-fender clearance, and correct wheel width before new tires are installed. That is especially important on a staggered Ferrari setup, where front and rear positions already have different dimensions by design.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, and overall mounting quality, then confirm that the front tires are 205/55R16 and the rear tires are 225/50R16. It also helps to verify air pressure, look for any visible interference, and make sure the tires are seated correctly on the rims.
A short initial road test is a smart follow-up after installation. Pay attention to rubbing during steering, any vibration, and whether the car tracks consistently. On a collector car that may sit for long periods, it is also wise to check suspension bushings, alignment condition, and brake function so the new tires are not asked to compensate for unrelated mechanical issues.
How often should tires on a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTB should be inspected regularly, especially because collector cars often spend long stretches parked between drives. Routine checks should include tread condition, air pressure, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of slow air loss at the wheel or valve stem.
A visual inspection before each drive is a sensible habit, and a closer review after storage is even more important. Tires can age and deteriorate even when they are not seeing many miles. Keeping the car stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, but periodic inspection remains essential before any meaningful road use.
