The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB sits in an interesting place in Ferrari history, combining late analog character with the sharper chassis and styling language that defined the brand’s early 1990s road cars. Its mid-engine layout and driver-focused feel make tire fitment especially important, because the car uses a staggered radial setup with 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in back on 17-inch rims. That means the real choice is not one universal size, but selecting the right front and rear tires within the correct fitment. Available options include Blackwall, Redline, and raised white letter styling, so appearance and road-use priorities both deserve a careful look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB uses two primary tire sizes, both in radial construction on 17-inch rims. The key step is confirming the car’s staggered layout, since the front and rear positions use different sizes rather than a single all-around fitment. Once that is clear, the decision shifts to choosing the right tire series, sidewall style, and product characteristics for each end of the car.
215/50R17 is a metric radial size where 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB, this size is used at the front, where steering feel and proper staggered balance matter. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich across several g-Force series, all in Blackwall form. This is the size to evaluate when refreshing the front axle while keeping the car’s intended front-to-rear tire relationship intact.
255/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB, this is the rear tire size, giving the car its wider back-end fitment as part of the staggered setup. Product choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options, with Blackwall, Redline, and RWL sidewall treatments available. This rear size deserves careful selection because it shapes both the car’s visual stance and how closely the finished setup matches the intended front-to-rear balance.
Fitment on the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB is straightforward in one sense but position-specific in another, because the covered configuration uses one front size and one rear size. Checking whether you are selecting for the front or rear matters more than trim variation here, since the two ends of the car do not share the same tire size.
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1994 Ferrari 348 GTB Base Front
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB Base Front uses a 215/50R17 radial tire on a 17-inch rim. Front tire selection should focus on maintaining the correct staggered pairing with the rear, while comparing available radial series and rim-width suitability for the wheel being used.
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB Base Rear uses a 255/45R17 radial tire on a 17-inch rim. Rear tire choice affects both the car’s stance and its proper staggered setup, so it is worth comparing sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel compatibility before settling on a replacement.
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 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB Tires for Sale
Available 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB tire choices center on 215/50R17 front and 255/45R17 rear radial fitments, with BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options in the mix. The product grid lets you compare tire series, Blackwall versus Redline or RWL styling, and the rim-width ranges tied to each size.
Owners of a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB usually need answers about the staggered front and rear tire sizes, 17-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, appearance options, and what to inspect before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
The 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB uses a staggered tire setup rather than one size at all four corners. The front uses 215/50R17 and the rear uses 255/45R17, and both are radial tires mounted on 17-inch rims.
That means the first fitment question is whether you are replacing front tires, rear tires, or the full set. Matching the correct size to the correct axle position matters on a car like the 348 GTB, so the owner should verify wheel position and check that any replacement tire also suits the installed wheel width and overall vehicle setup.
What size rim does a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB are built around a 17-inch rim diameter. The front 215/50R17 and rear 255/45R17 share that same rim diameter even though the tire widths and profiles differ from front to rear.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a staggered sports car. It is also worth confirming the actual wheel width at each end of the car, particularly if the car has changed hands or has aftermarket wheels, because a 17-inch diameter alone does not guarantee that every tire in the correct nominal size will suit the wheel already on the car.
What does 215/50R17 and 255/45R17 mean on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
These are modern metric radial tire sizes. In 215/50R17, the 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R means radial, and 17 is the rim diameter; 255/45R17 follows the same pattern, with a wider section and lower-profile sidewall.
Understanding the size code helps when comparing tire options that may include slightly different service descriptions, series names, or sidewall treatments. On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB, those numbers also explain why the front and rear cannot be treated as interchangeable, so each tire should be selected for its intended position and checked against the wheel and clearance at that corner.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing tires for a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
Start with the correct staggered sizes: 215/50R17 for the front and 255/45R17 for the rear. From there, compare the tire series available in each size, confirm the tire is radial construction on a 17-inch rim, and make sure the tire’s rim-width range suits the wheel being used.
The next step is deciding what matters most for the car’s use and presentation. Some owners will focus on a clean Blackwall look, while others may prefer a more distinctive rear sidewall treatment such as Redline or raised white letter. It also helps to compare product details such as load figures where stated, tire weight, and whether the front and rear pair make sense together as a balanced set.
What sidewall styles are available for 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB include Blackwall in both fitment sizes, with additional Redline and RWL options available in the 255/45R17 rear size. That gives the owner a traditional black sidewall option or a more visually assertive rear presentation.
Sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision, but it should still be made within the correct front and rear fitment. A buyer trying to preserve a restrained, contemporary sports-car look may stay with Blackwall all around, while someone aiming for a more personalized or period-inspired presentation may explore the rear Redline or raised white letter choices without changing the underlying tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
BFGoodrich appears in both 215/50R17 and 255/45R17 fitments for the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB, while Nitto and Pro-Trac appear in the 255/45R17 rear size. The available series include BFGoodrich g-Force lines, Nitto NT555 G2, and Pro-Trac Street Pro III.
Brand choice should be treated as part of a larger fitment decision rather than the whole decision by itself. It is worth checking which brand and series are available in the exact front or rear size you need, then comparing construction details, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and the overall appearance you want the finished car to have.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
A period-style approach starts with keeping the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB in its correct staggered 17-inch radial sizes: 215/50R17 in front and 255/45R17 in back. From there, the most restoration-oriented visual choice usually comes down to selecting a tire series and sidewall treatment that complements the car’s early-1990s character without changing the underlying fitment.
Blackwall is the most understated presentation available across the fitments, while some rear options add Redline or RWL styling for a more customized look. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is smart to compare your car against marque references, photos, and ownership documentation before choosing a sidewall treatment simply because it is offered in the correct size.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
On the 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB, tire construction is less of a visual divide than it would be on an earlier collector car because the primary fitment is already radial. The main appearance differences come from tire series design and sidewall style rather than a bias-ply-versus-radial decision.
That shifts the restoration conversation toward details such as Blackwall versus more expressive rear sidewall treatments, and how modern tread and lettering presentation look against the car’s body lines and wheels. Keeping the correct front and rear sizes is still important, because a restored sports car can quickly lose its intended visual balance if the staggered setup is ignored.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension adjustments, or body modifications can all change how a 215/50R17 front or 255/45R17 rear tire sits in the car.
A modified car should be checked at each corner before replacement tires are chosen. Steering clearance, suspension travel, fender room, and the actual wheel dimensions matter just as much as the size stamped on the sidewall, especially on a staggered mid-engine sports car where front and rear fitment are already intentionally different.
What should I inspect before driving a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB on new tires?
Before putting a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the front and rear sizes are mounted in the correct positions, and check inflation, bead seating, and valve condition. It is also wise to look over alignment-related wear items and make sure there is no obvious interference at full steering lock.
Collector and low-mile sports cars often need more than just fresh rubber. Brake condition, suspension bushings, shock condition, and any signs of rubbing should be reviewed before a serious drive, because a new set of tires cannot compensate for mechanical issues that affect stability, ride quality, or clearance under real road use.
How often should tires on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB be inspected?
Tires on a 1994 Ferrari 348 GTB should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. A visual check for pressure loss, tread wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall cracking, and uneven wear patterns is a sensible routine before use and at regular intervals during the driving season.
Stored collector cars can age their tires even when mileage stays low, so condition matters as much as tread depth. Looking over both the 215/50R17 front tires and the 255/45R17 rear tires helps catch problems early, and keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives.
