By 1989, the Bertone X-1/9 had settled into a distinctive niche as a lightweight mid-engine sports car with Italian character and sharp, compact proportions. Owners tend to value these late X-1/9s for their nimble road manners, tidy packaging, and preservation appeal more than outright horsepower. The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 uses a 185/60R13 radial tire on a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about multiple factory sizes and more about choosing the right tire within that exact specification. In this size, the available choice centers on a blackwall Michelin radial. That makes wheel condition, rim width, and overall road-use readiness especially important before putting a collector car back into regular service.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Bertone X-1/9
The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 uses one primary tire size: 185/60R13, and it is a radial fitment for a 13-inch rim. The Base sub-model uses this same size, so the main decision is not between multiple factory fitments but between tire selection details such as brand, sidewall presentation, and wheel compatibility within the correct size.
Sub-model fitment for the 1989 Bertone X-1/9 is straightforward. The covered sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on selecting the right tire within that fitment and confirming that the car still wears the correct wheel setup.
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1989 Bertone X-1/9 Base
The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 Base uses the same 185/60R13 radial fitment as the core model. That keeps tire selection centered on choosing the right radial tire for a 13-inch wheel and verifying wheel width and overall condition before road use.
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 1989 Bertone X-1/9 Tires for Sale
Available 185/60R13 choices for the 1989 Bertone X-1/9 focus on a Michelin radial in the Pilot Exalto PE2 series with a blackwall sidewall. The key comparison point in the product grid is wheel compatibility, including its 5 to 6.5-inch rim-width range.
These FAQs for the 1989 Bertone X-1/9 focus on its 185/60R13 tire size, 13-inch wheel fitment, product selection, restoration-minded appearance, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 uses a 185/60R13 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model year and places the car on a 13-inch wheel, using a modern metric radial sizing format rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply size.
That makes the main task less about choosing between different factory sizes and more about confirming that the car still has the proper 13-inch wheels. On a collector car, it is also smart to check whether any previous owner changed wheels or suspension, since those changes can affect clearance and the way a 185/60R13 tire sits on the car.
What size rim does a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 use?
The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 uses a 13-inch rim with its 185/60R13 tire size. The available tire in this fitment is approved for a 5 to 6.5-inch rim-width range, which gives a useful benchmark when checking whether the wheels on the car are still suited to the correct tire.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is worth confirming actual wheel width before selecting a tire. A car that has been modified, restored with aftermarket wheels, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years may still have a 13-inch diameter but fall outside the tire's intended width range.
Does the 1989 Bertone X-1/9 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 Base uses the same 185/60R13 radial tire size as the core model fitment. That keeps tire selection simple because there is no separate alternate primary size to sort through for the Base sub-model.
Even with shared fitment, it is still wise to confirm the actual wheel setup on the car before replacing tires. Older sports cars are often changed over time, and wheel swaps, alignment issues, or suspension wear can affect how a correctly sized 185/60R13 tire behaves once the car is back on the road.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/60R13 tire for a 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
Start with the correct size and construction: 185/60R13 radial on a 13-inch wheel. From there, the important selection points are whether the wheel width matches the tire's approved range, whether the tire's appearance suits the car, and whether the tire supports the kind of driving the X-1/9 will actually see.
For this fitment, the available option is a Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 blackwall radial with a 5 to 6.5-inch rim-width range. That means the real decision is often about condition and compatibility rather than a long list of competing sizes. Checking wheel width, age-related wheel condition, and general suspension health helps avoid problems after installation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Bertone X-1/9 tires?
The available 185/60R13 fitment for the 1989 Bertone X-1/9 is offered with a blackwall sidewall. Blackwall styling suits the car's late-1980s sports-car character and gives it a clean, understated presentation without introducing a more vintage sidewall treatment.
Appearance still matters on a car like the X-1/9, especially if the goal is a tidy, era-appropriate look rather than a heavily customized one. Since sidewall choices in this size are limited, the better use of time is usually confirming that the wheel finish, ride height, and overall stance complement the blackwall tire once mounted.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
The available tire in 185/60R13 for the 1989 Bertone X-1/9 comes from Michelin. It is offered in the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 series, which keeps the product choice focused on one known radial option rather than comparing several brands in the same size.
With only one brand represented in this fitment, the selection process shifts toward confirming that the tire works with the car's existing wheels and intended use. Owners bringing an X-1/9 back into service should also inspect wheel condition, check for uneven wear caused by alignment issues, and verify that all four tires match in size and general age.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
A period-style starting point for a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 is the correct 185/60R13 radial size on the proper 13-inch wheel. Staying with the right size does more for the car's visual balance and intended stance than chasing an incorrect larger or wider fitment that changes the X-1/9's compact proportions.
The available blackwall Michelin radial gives the car a clean late-1980s presentation that suits a restoration-oriented approach. When exact originality matters, owners should compare tire appearance against marque literature, surviving examples, and club guidance, while still checking wheel width and clearance so the car remains usable as well as presentable.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 because the car's compact dimensions and mid-engine sports-car layout make visual proportion especially noticeable. Using the proper 185/60R13 size helps preserve the intended relationship between wheel opening, ride height, and the car's overall stance.
Restoration-minded owners should think beyond tread alone and look at wheel diameter, wheel width, and sidewall presentation together. A tire can be the right general size but still look or sit wrong on an altered wheel, so checking the actual wheels on the car is an important step before trying to finalize a restoration-oriented setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 even when the tire size remains 185/60R13. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, lowering, or suspension replacement parts can all influence clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering positions.
A modified X-1/9 should be checked with the wheels turned lock to lock and with the suspension carrying normal vehicle weight. That is especially worthwhile on a small sports car where space is tighter than on a larger classic. Verifying wheel width and overall tire clearance helps prevent rubbing and keeps the tire choice aligned with the car's actual setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that all four wheels are the correct diameter, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper 185/60R13 size. It is also worth checking valve stems, air pressure, and overall tread and sidewall condition.
On a collector car that may sit for long periods, the rest of the chassis deserves attention too. Alignment, shocks, bushings, brakes, and wheel bearings all influence how a fresh set of tires will feel on the road. A short local test drive followed by a second pressure and visual check is a sensible final step.
How should 185/60R13 tires on a collector 1989 Bertone X-1/9 be maintained?
185/60R13 tires on a collector 1989 Bertone X-1/9 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and close attention to age-related deterioration. Even if tread wear is minimal, cracks, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or repeated air loss can all signal that the tires need closer evaluation.
Storage conditions matter on a low-use car like the X-1/9. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, ozone sources, and damp conditions helps preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically, inspect the tread contact area for flat spotting, and recheck pressures before any longer outing.