The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 arrived as a refined British grand touring coupe, blending elegant Ian Callum-era styling with the kind of long-hood, short-deck proportions that made it a standout among 1990s performance cars. For tire selection, this car uses a staggered radial setup with 245/40R18 in front and 265/35R18 in the rear, both on 18-inch rims. That makes the real decision less about finding one universal size and more about preserving the intended front-to-rear balance while choosing among available radial tire series and sidewall treatments. For road use or restoration-minded presentation, wheel width, overall setup, and appearance all deserve a careful look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Aston Martin DB7
The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 uses two primary tire sizes, and the split is tied to position rather than separate trim levels. A 245/40R18 radial is used at the front and a 265/35R18 radial is used at the rear, both on 18-inch rims. The first step is confirming that the car still has its intended staggered wheel and tire setup before selecting among the available radial options.
245/40R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1996 Aston Martin DB7, this is the front tire size and it plays an important role in the car's staggered setup. Available choices include blackwall, redline, and raised white letter sidewall styles, along with series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, Nitto NT555 G2, Street Pro III, and a drag radial option. This size should be chosen with attention to front wheel width, intended use, and the overall balance of the car's front-to-rear combination.
265/35R18 is a metric radial size where 265 represents the nominal section width in millimeters, 35 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1996 Aston Martin DB7, this is the rear tire size and it completes the wider half of the factory-style staggered arrangement. Product choices in this size center on blackwall radial performance tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This size needs to be matched to the rear wheel specification and should be evaluated as part of the complete front-and-rear package, not in isolation.
Tire fitment on the 1996 Aston Martin DB7 is straightforward once the tire position is identified. The covered front and rear entries use different sizes, so selecting the correct tire means confirming whether the wheel is on the front axle or the rear axle.
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1996 Aston Martin DB7 Base Front
The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 Base Front uses a 245/40R18 radial tire on an 18-inch rim. That makes front tire selection a matter of choosing the right radial product, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility while keeping the staggered setup intact.
The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 Base Rear uses a 265/35R18 radial tire on an 18-inch rim. Rear tire selection should focus on matching the wider rear wheel correctly and preserving the intended front-to-rear sizing relationship of the car.
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 1996 Aston Martin DB7 Tires for Sale
Available 1996 Aston Martin DB7 tires span 245/40R18 front and 265/35R18 rear radial sizes from BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac. The main differences in the product grid are tire series, blackwall versus redline or raised white letter sidewalls, and wheel-width compatibility.
These FAQs focus on the staggered 18-inch tire setup used on the 1996 Aston Martin DB7, along with front-versus-rear sizing, radial tire selection, appearance choices, and the fitment checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1996 Aston Martin DB7?
The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 uses a staggered tire setup rather than one uniform size at all four corners. The front tire size is 245/40R18 and the rear tire size is 265/35R18, with both sizes using radial construction on 18-inch rims.
That means tire selection starts with wheel position first. A buyer should confirm whether the tire is for the front or rear axle, then verify the actual wheel width and overall setup on the car, especially if it has had wheel or suspension changes over the years.
What size rim does a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 use?
The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 uses 18-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes. The front 245/40R18 and rear 265/35R18 are both built around an 18-inch rim diameter, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire widths and profiles differ.
Rim diameter is only one part of correct fitment, so it is still important to check wheel width before making a final choice. The available products in these sizes are built for different rim-width ranges, and that becomes especially important on a staggered car with wider rear tires.
Why does the 1996 Aston Martin DB7 have more than one tire size?
The 1996 Aston Martin DB7 has more than one tire size because it uses a staggered setup, with a narrower 245/40R18 tire in front and a wider 265/35R18 tire in the rear. Both are radial tires on 18-inch rims, but they serve different positions on the car.
For the buyer, that means the correct choice is tied to axle location rather than trim identification. It also means the car should be evaluated as a front-and-rear combination, since changing one end without checking wheel width, clearance, and overall setup can alter how the package comes together.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R18 tire for a 1996 Aston Martin DB7?
A 245/40R18 tire for a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 belongs on the front of the car, so the first priorities are correct size, radial construction, and compatibility with the front wheel. From there, the choice comes down to tire series, sidewall appearance, and intended use.
Available front options include blackwall products, plus redline and raised white letter choices in the same size. It also helps to compare rim-width specifications, load figures where shown, and whether the tire is meant for street use or a more specialized purpose such as drag racing.
What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Aston Martin DB7 tires?
Sidewall style varies by size on the 1996 Aston Martin DB7. Blackwall is the main presentation across both front and rear fitments, while the 245/40R18 front size also includes redline and raised white letter options through the Pro-Trac Street Pro III line.
That gives the owner a choice between a more understated modern look and a more expressive period-inspired appearance at the front. Before mixing styles, it is worth thinking through how the car will look as a complete set, since the rear 265/35R18 choices remain focused on blackwall performance radials.
What brands offer tires for the 1996 Aston Martin DB7?
Tires for the 1996 Aston Martin DB7 are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, M&H Racemaster, and Pro-Trac. Brand coverage varies by size, with the front 245/40R18 offering the broadest mix, while the rear 265/35R18 centers on BFGoodrich and Nitto radial performance choices.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. The more useful comparison is how each product lines up with the correct front or rear size, its tire series, sidewall treatment, wheel-width compatibility, and whether its character suits regular road driving or a more specialized use case.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Aston Martin DB7?
For a period-style 1996 Aston Martin DB7, the starting point is keeping the correct staggered sizing: 245/40R18 in front and 265/35R18 in the rear. Since this is a 1990s grand touring car with radial construction, the appearance decision is usually about tire series and sidewall style rather than switching to an earlier tire type.
A blackwall setup gives the most understated presentation, while front redline or raised white letter options create a more customized look. Owners pursuing strict historical accuracy should compare any appearance choice against marque references and the car's individual history rather than assuming one visible style suits every DB7.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1996 Aston Martin DB7?
On a 1996 Aston Martin DB7, tire construction is already radial in the primary fitment, so the appearance question is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about how modern radial products present themselves. Sidewall styling, tread character, and overall visual proportion have the biggest effect on how finished the car looks.
A blackwall radial keeps the look clean and restrained, which often suits the DB7's grand touring design. A redline or raised white letter treatment on the available front size shifts the car toward a more customized visual statement, so the owner should choose with the whole vehicle's restoration direction in mind.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Aston Martin DB7?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 even when the tire size itself looks correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension alterations, and body or ride-height changes can all influence how 245/40R18 front and 265/35R18 rear tires sit in the car.
That is why the actual wheel and chassis setup should be checked before final selection. On a staggered car, even small changes can affect steering clearance at the front or fender and suspension clearance at the rear, so the complete package deserves a closer look than size markings alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 on new tires?
Before driving a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 18-inch diameter and appropriate width, then verify that the front and rear tires are mounted in the proper staggered positions. It also helps to confirm air pressure, valve condition, and that there is no visible interference at steering lock or normal suspension travel.
A broader pre-drive check should include looking over the rest of the tire and wheel package for any signs of rubbing, uneven seating, or slow air loss. On a collector-oriented grand touring car, it is also smart to inspect suspension and alignment condition so the new tires are not asked to mask another problem.
How should 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 tires on a collector 1996 Aston Martin DB7 be maintained?
245/40R18 front and 265/35R18 rear tires on a collector 1996 Aston Martin DB7 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and close attention to any cracking, bulges, cuts, or abnormal wear. Because collector cars are often driven less, age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth.
The car should also be kept on the correct front-to-rear sizes and checked periodically for alignment and suspension issues that can accelerate wear. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, especially when the car spends long periods parked between drives.
