The 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS sits at the end of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated, analog V8 wedge-era, blending Pininfarina lines with the open-roof character that makes the GTS especially appealing to collectors. On this car, tire fitment is built around a staggered radial setup rather than a one-size arrangement, with 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear on 16-inch rims. That means the real decision is not just finding the right sizes, but choosing the right combination of series, brand, and appearance within those dimensions. For an owner focused on road manners, presentation, or careful upkeep, keeping the front and rear fitment straight is the first step.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS
The 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS uses two primary tire sizes, both in metric radial construction on 16-inch rims. Because the fitment is staggered, the first step is confirming position on the car: 205/55R16 belongs at the front and 225/50R16 belongs at the rear. Once that is sorted, the decision shifts to comparing available tire series, brand choices, and whether a traditional blackwall or a more appearance-driven option best suits the car’s intended use.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS, this size serves the front position and preserves the intended staggered relationship with the rear tire. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic offerings, mostly in blackwall form with one wide whitewall option. Selecting this size means balancing the car’s front-end fitment needs with the appearance and driving character you want from the finished setup.
225/50R16 is also a metric radial size, with 225 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 50 indicating aspect ratio, and 16 identifying the rim diameter in inches. On the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS, this size is used at the rear, giving the car its wider back-tire fitment. Product choices here center on blackwall radial options from BFGoodrich and Michelin across different performance-oriented series. Evaluating this size correctly means confirming rear placement first, then comparing tire series and wheel-width compatibility rather than treating it as interchangeable with the front tire.
Sub-model fitment on the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS is position-specific rather than trim-based. Checking whether you are selecting a front or rear tire matters because the car uses different sizes at each end, even though both fitments share 16-inch radial construction.
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1989 Ferrari 328 GTS Quattrovalvole Front
The Quattrovalvole Front position uses the 205/55R16 radial size on a 16-inch rim. Tire selection here is mainly about keeping the correct front fitment while comparing available brands, series, and sidewall presentation within that size.
The Quattrovalvole Rear position uses the 225/50R16 radial size on a 16-inch rim. That makes rear tire choice more about selecting among the available blackwall radial options while maintaining the car’s staggered front-to-rear setup.
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 Ferrari 328 GTS Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS tires focus on 16-inch radial fitment, with BFGoodrich and Michelin options in both front and rear sizes and an American Classic wide whitewall choice in 205/55R16. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility by axle position.
These 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS tire FAQs focus on the staggered front and rear sizes, 16-inch rim fitment, radial selection, sidewall and brand choices, and the practical checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS?
The 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS uses a staggered tire setup with 205/55R16 at the front and 225/50R16 at the rear. Both are radial sizes mounted on 16-inch wheels, so this car does not use one universal tire size at all four corners.
That staggered arrangement means the first job is identifying axle position before choosing a tire. Mixing up the front and rear sizes can change the car’s fitment balance, so it is worth confirming the actual wheel setup on the car as well, especially if aftermarket wheels or past changes are part of its history.
What size rim does a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS are built around a 16-inch rim diameter. The front 205/55R16 and rear 225/50R16 share that wheel diameter even though the rear tire is wider and lower in profile than the front.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still matters when comparing tire choices. Front products in 205/55R16 commonly pair with 5.5 to 7.5-inch rim widths, while rear 225/50R16 products commonly pair with 6.0 to 8.0-inch rim widths, making it important to verify each wheel before selecting a tire.
Why does the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS has more than one tire size because it uses a staggered setup: 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear. The two sizes work together as part of the car’s intended front-to-rear tire arrangement rather than serving as interchangeable choices.
For tire selection, that means the key decision is not choosing between two optional sizes for the same wheel position. The practical step is matching each size to the correct end of the car, then checking wheel width, tire series, and clearance if the car has been modified or fitted with non-original wheels.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 tire set for a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS?
Start with the basics: 205/55R16 belongs on the front and 225/50R16 belongs on the rear of the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS. From there, compare radial tire series, brand offerings, sidewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility so the front and rear tires suit the car as a matched setup.
A useful comparison goes beyond size alone. Think about how the car is used, whether preserving a traditional blackwall presentation matters, and whether the wheel widths on the car match the intended tire. On a collector Ferrari, choosing carefully by axle position helps avoid an uneven look or a setup that does not match the wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS tires?
Most 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS tire options in these sizes use a blackwall sidewall, which is the dominant appearance across both front and rear fitments. A wide whitewall option is also available in the front 205/55R16 size through the American Classic Radial line.
That makes sidewall choice partly a matter of appearance and partly a matter of keeping the car visually consistent from front to rear. Since the rear 225/50R16 choices shown here are blackwall, anyone considering a whitewall front tire should evaluate whether that presentation matches the overall look they want for the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS?
BFGoodrich and Michelin both offer tires for the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS in its front and rear 16-inch sizes. American Classic also appears in the front 205/55R16 fitment, adding an appearance-focused alternative with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility rather than treated as the only decision. Since this Ferrari uses different front and rear sizes, it is also smart to consider how the selected tires work together as a set, both visually and in terms of the car’s intended road use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS?
A period-style approach for a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS usually starts with preserving the correct staggered radial sizing: 205/55R16 in front and 225/50R16 in the rear. Within those sizes, blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Michelin keep the presentation closer to the low-profile radial look associated with late-1980s performance cars.
Appearance choice still depends on the standard you are building toward. A careful road car may simply need the right sizes and a clean blackwall presentation, while a detail-focused restoration may call for checking period photos, marque-club references, or other Ferrari-specific documentation before deciding which tire series best suits the car.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS?
On the 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is radial in both front and rear sizes. That radial profile is part of the car’s late-1980s visual character, especially with the lower-profile metric sizing and the staggered relationship between the narrower front and wider rear tire.
The more noticeable appearance differences come from sidewall treatment and tire series rather than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction. Keeping the correct front and rear sizes in place matters visually, and sidewall choice should be considered as part of the car’s overall presentation, not as an isolated styling decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS even when the tire sizes themselves are correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension work, or lowering can all influence how a 205/55R16 front or 225/50R16 rear tire sits in the car.
That is why the actual wheel and chassis setup should be checked before assuming any tire in the nominal size will suit the car. A modified 328 GTS may need closer attention to steering clearance, fender space, and rear fitment than a car that still uses its original wheel and suspension layout.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm front and rear sizes are mounted in the right positions, and look over valve stems, wheel condition, and inflation. It is also wise to make sure the tires clear suspension and bodywork at full steering lock.
A collector car deserves a broader pre-drive check as well. Examine alignment-related tire wear, verify there are no rubbing marks from prior use, and make certain older suspension or steering components are in sound condition. A fresh tire can only perform as intended when the surrounding wheel and chassis setup is healthy.
How should 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 tires on a collector 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance on a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and keeping the front 205/55R16 and rear 225/50R16 positions properly matched. Tread depth, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of slow air loss all deserve attention, especially on a car that is driven infrequently.
Storage habits matter just as much as miles. A 328 GTS kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources will generally treat its tires better over time. Even when tread looks good, a low-use Ferrari should still have its tires inspected routinely so age and condition do not get overlooked.
