By 1958, Ferrari stood at the height of its early grand touring and competition reputation, building exotic road cars that blended racing pedigree with unmistakably Italian style. The 1958 Ferrari lineup represented a world of coachbuilt luxury and high-speed touring, where details like wheel and tire choice shape both the car’s stance and its period character. Across the three Ferrari model lines covered here, two bias-ply sizes appear, and both are shared across the full range rather than assigned to just one model. For most buyers, the first step is confirming whether their car is set up for 15-inch or 16-inch wheels before narrowing the choice to the tire size that matches the actual rim.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1958 Ferrari
Two tire sizes are available for 1958 Ferrari vehicles, and both sizes are shared across all three models covered here. The key decision is not model-specific fitment, but confirming whether your car carries 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, since both available sizes are bias-ply and both maintain an era-correct look. Understanding that difference before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the wheel already on the car.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): America, Europa, Millemeglia|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 600 refers to a nominal 6.00-inch section width and the 16 identifies a 16-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles offered in this size; the Avon version also carries an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling while the others use a standard numeric marking. This size suits a 1958 Ferrari owner who wants a traditional bias-ply construction on a 16-inch wheel, whether the priority is a cleaner blackwall appearance or a more distinctive whitewall presentation. Rim width listings in this size run from 4.00 to 4.50 inches where stated.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): America, Europa, Millemeglia|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
710-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 710 denotes a nominal 7.10-inch section width and the 15 identifies a 15-inch wheel diameter. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone, with both blackwall and wide whitewall versions offered in this size, all in bias-ply construction. This size is the right direction for a 1958 Ferrari running 15-inch wheels and looking to preserve the period-correct behavior and appearance that suit a late-1950s grand touring car. Rim width listings in this size run from 5.00 to 5.50 inches.
Three Ferrari models are covered for 1958. All three share the same two tire sizes, so the practical fitment question is usually wheel diameter rather than model name alone. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1958 Ferrari America
The 1958 Ferrari America sat at the upper end of Ferrari’s road-car world, known for combining prestige, long-distance touring manners, and coachbuilt exclusivity. In tire terms, the important point is that America applications here appear with both 16-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments, so the actual wheel on the car should be confirmed before choosing a size.
The Ferrari Europa helped establish Ferrari’s grand touring identity, pairing elegant road-car styling with the marque’s early high-performance character. Europa fitments here also span both 16-inch and 15-inch wheel diameters, making wheel verification the first step before selecting tires.
The Millemeglia name carries strong Ferrari competition associations, reflecting the brand’s deep connection to endurance road racing and Italian motorsport heritage. For this 1958 Ferrari model line, both listed tire sizes are bias-ply, with one mounting on 16-inch wheels and the other on 15-inch wheels depending on the car’s setup.
Thirty-nine products are available across two tire sizes for 1958 Ferrari vehicles: 26 in 600-16 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall form, and 13 in 710-15 from BFGoodrich and Firestone in bias-ply blackwall and wide whitewall form.
These FAQs cover how the two bias-ply sizes used on 1958 Ferrari models relate to wheel diameter, what the older numeric sizing means, and what to check for authenticity, setup, road use, and long-term collector storage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1958 Ferrari vehicles?
1958 Ferrari vehicles in this group use two tire sizes: 600-16 and 710-15. All three covered models—the America, Europa, and Millemeglia—appear with both sizes rather than one model being locked to only one fitment. The 600-16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel and commonly lists a 4.00 to 4.50 inch rim width range where stated. The 710-15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel and commonly lists a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range.
That means the first fitment question for a 1958 Ferrari is usually wheel diameter, not just model name. If your car already has its original-style wheels, verify whether they are 15-inch or 16-inch before choosing tires. If the car has been restored, re-bodied, or reconfigured over the years, inspect the actual wheel and compare its dimensions with the tire’s listed rim range. Doing that early prevents ordering a period-correct size that is still wrong for the wheel currently on the car.
What does 600-16 mean on a 1958 Ferrari tire?
On a 1958 Ferrari, 600-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 identifies a nominal 6.00-inch section width, while the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older American-style sizing convention rather than a modern metric code, so you are reading width and wheel diameter directly, not a modern aspect ratio format. In this fitment group, 600-16 is used across the America, Europa, and Millemeglia.
A buyer looking at 600-16 should think of it as a traditional bias-ply fitment for a Ferrari running 16-inch wheels. Product choices in this size include blackwall and wide whitewall styles, which can change the visual character of the car even when the nominal size stays the same. If originality matters, compare the sidewall appearance to period photos and event standards. If driving use matters most, still confirm that the tire’s listed rim width range aligns with the wheel on the car.
What does 710-15 mean on a 1958 Ferrari tire?
On a 1958 Ferrari, 710-15 is also a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 710 denotes a nominal 7.10-inch section width and the 15 denotes a 15-inch wheel diameter. Like 600-16, it uses an older sizing convention common to period tires rather than a modern metric format. This size is shared by the America, Europa, and Millemeglia wherever those cars are equipped with 15-inch wheels.
The practical takeaway is that 710-15 is not interchangeable with 600-16 simply because both were used somewhere in the 1958 Ferrari range. The wheel diameter is different, and the listed rim width range is also broader in this size. If your Ferrari currently wears 15-inch wheels, 710-15 keeps you within the period bias-ply format used for these cars. Sidewall style then becomes the next choice, especially if the goal is to match a restoration theme or a particular road-going appearance.
Do all 1958 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
Yes, the 1958 Ferrari America, Europa, and Millemeglia all share the same two listed tire sizes: 600-16 and 710-15. There is no model here that uses a unique size apart from the others. The difference lies in whether the individual car is fitted with 16-inch or 15-inch wheels, since the two sizes mount on different rim diameters.
That shared fitment broadens your options if you are researching by model, but it does not remove the need to verify the actual wheel on the car. Many vintage Ferraris have lived long restoration lives, and wheel sets can change over time for appearance, competition use, or owner preference. Once wheel diameter is confirmed, the choice becomes much simpler because both available sizes stay within the same late-1950s bias-ply construction family and preserve an era-appropriate look.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 600-16 or the 710-15 for my 1958 Ferrari?
A 1958 Ferrari owner should choose 600-16 only for a car fitted with 16-inch wheels and 710-15 only for a car fitted with 15-inch wheels. Both sizes are bias-ply, both are shared across the America, Europa, and Millemeglia, and neither is a modern radial substitute within this page’s fitments. The decision is therefore driven by wheel diameter first, then by sidewall appearance and brand preference within the selected size.
Once the wheel diameter is settled, compare the look you want from the car. Blackwalls usually suit a more understated sporting presentation, while wide whitewalls can shift the visual tone toward formal grand touring style. If the car is being judged, match the tire’s construction and sidewall treatment to the standard expected for your event. If the car is primarily driven on tours, focus on selecting a bias-ply product whose dimensions and load characteristics align cleanly with your wheel and intended use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Ferrari tires?
1958 Ferrari tires in these sizes are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. The 600-16 size includes blackwall and wide whitewall options, and the same is true of 710-15. That gives owners flexibility in how closely they want to match a sporting European presentation or a more decorative period luxury look. Both styles remain within the bias-ply construction used for these fitments.
For many Ferraris of the late 1950s, blackwalls tend to look the most naturally aligned with the marque’s performance image, especially on cars with a competition-influenced or continental touring stance. Whitewalls can still be appropriate on certain coachbuilt or luxury-oriented presentations, particularly where the car’s restoration leans toward period glamour. The right choice depends on the story your car is meant to tell. If show authenticity matters, compare your intended sidewall style with period photographs and your event’s judging expectations.
What brands make tires for 1958 Ferrari vehicles?
Four brands appear across the available 1958 Ferrari fitments: BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. In 600-16, choices include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. In 710-15, choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone. All of the listed offerings stay within the bias-ply category for these Ferrari applications, though sidewall style varies by product.
Brand choice matters most after the size and wheel diameter are already confirmed. Some owners prioritize a particular sidewall look, others want a recognized period-style American classic tire name, and some will be drawn to the Avon option in 600-16 because it carries an H speed rating marking. None of those preferences overrides the need to start with the correct rim diameter. Narrow the field by size first, then compare brand, sidewall style, and the specific load or speed information shown on the tire you are considering.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1958 Ferrari tires require?
For 1958 Ferrari fitments where rim width is listed, 600-16 commonly calls for a 4.00 to 4.50 inch rim and 710-15 commonly calls for a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim. Those ranges correspond to different wheel diameters as well, since 600-16 is a 16-inch fitment and 710-15 is a 15-inch fitment. Matching both the rim diameter and the listed rim width range is the sound way to approach installation.
That distinction matters because a vintage Ferrari can have wheels changed during restoration or decades of ownership. A buyer should not rely on a model name alone when the physical wheel can be measured directly. If the wheel falls within the tire’s published rim range, you are working from a much firmer starting point. If the wheel is outside the listed range, pause before fitting the tire and compare the wheel to factory literature or consult a Ferrari specialist familiar with period wheel and tire combinations.
Do 1958 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
The available 1958 Ferrari fitments here are bias-ply tires, but tube markings are not uniform across the products shown. Some size descriptions do not identify tube type or tubeless status in the tire marking itself, so tube requirements should be confirmed on the specific product and against the wheel design being used. That is especially important on vintage wheels, where the wheel construction often influences whether a tube is appropriate.
A restorer should treat inner-tube use as a wheel-and-tire system question, not just a tire-size question. Older wire wheels, riveted rims, and other period wheel designs may call for a different setup than a later one-piece steel wheel. Before mounting, inspect the wheel condition, valve hole, and sealing surfaces, and compare them to the tire’s intended use. Verifying that detail in advance avoids unnecessary remounting and helps keep a collector Ferrari true to safe vintage practice.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1958 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1958 Ferrari should be stored in a cool, dry, dark environment with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to flat-spotting if the car sits motionless for long periods. Keep the car on clean flooring, maintain proper inflation, and move it periodically if possible to change the contact patch.
For longer off-season storage, many collectors either roll the car a short distance every few weeks or use stands to reduce prolonged load on the tires and suspension. Tire cradles can also help minimize flat-spot formation on bias-ply constructions. If the Ferrari is stored with wide whitewalls, keep the sidewalls clean and avoid dressing products that can stain or dry the rubber over time. Good storage habits preserve both the ride quality and the visual finish that matter on a period exotic.
How long do tires on a 1958 Ferrari typically last?
On a low-use collector car like a 1958 Ferrari, tire age matters more than mileage. A good rule is to begin evaluating the tires closely once they are about five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code, if present on the tire, is the quickest way to establish age on a modern reproduction tire.
Collector cars often accumulate very few miles, which can make old tires look better than they actually are. Rubber hardens with time, sidewalls can crack, and the internal structure can age even when tread wear is minimal. If the Ferrari has been stored for years or driven only to events, age inspection becomes even more important. A tire that still looks presentable may no longer be the right choice for highway touring, spirited road use, or extended distances.
How often should tires on a 1958 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1958 Ferrari should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, embedded debris, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss. Since vintage wheel and tube practices can vary, pay close attention to valve stems and any signs of slow leakage after the car has been sitting.
That routine matters because collector cars often spend more time parked than driven, and age-related issues can appear without much warning. A quick visual check before a short local drive can catch a problem early, while a full inspection before a tour helps avoid roadside interruptions. If the car develops a pull, vibration, or sudden change in steering feel, stop and inspect the tires again rather than assuming it is only suspension or alignment. Small issues on vintage rubber can become large ones quickly.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1958 Ferrari America?
A 1958 Ferrari America would originally have been associated with bias-ply construction, which was the standard tire type for high-end road cars of the era. Within the fitments covered here, the America uses 600-16 and 710-15, both in bias-ply form. The exact factory-delivery combination can vary with wheel equipment, body style, market, and later restoration history, so the important starting point is bias-ply construction in the correct wheel diameter rather than assuming one universal tire for every car.
If you are restoring an America for authenticity, begin by confirming the wheel diameter on the car and comparing its presentation with period photographs, build records, and marque-club guidance. Sidewall style also affects authenticity, since a blackwall and a wide whitewall create very different visual impressions even when the size is correct. For top-level concours work, ask your event or Ferrari specialist what standards are used for your body configuration and destination market before settling on the final tire specification.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1958 Ferrari?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1958 Ferrari because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation immediately. A bias-ply tire in the proper numeric size keeps the car visually and historically aligned with the period. A mismatch in wheel diameter, an obviously modern profile, or a sidewall style that does not suit the car’s restoration theme can stand out even to non-specialists.
The right tire helps the whole car read correctly, from stance to wheel-arch fill to the visual balance of the body. On a Ferrari, that matters because so much of the appeal lies in proportion and detail. If the car is being judged, verify what your event expects before selecting blackwall versus whitewall and before assuming any later tire convention is acceptable. Marque clubs and model experts are the best final authority when a restoration is chasing point-level authenticity.
What is the difference between wide whitewall and blackwall tires for the 1958 Ferrari?
For a 1958 Ferrari, the main difference between wide whitewall and blackwall tires is visual character rather than basic fitment when the size stays the same. Both 600-16 and 710-15 are available in blackwall and wide whitewall versions from the listed brands. Blackwalls present a cleaner, more sporting look, while wide whitewalls create a more formal period luxury appearance that can suit certain coachbuilt or grand touring presentations.
Choosing between them depends on how the car is restored and how closely you want to mirror a particular delivery style or market taste. A blackwall often feels more natural on a competition-influenced Ferrari, while a whitewall can complement a more elegant touring specification. Neither choice should be made in isolation from the rest of the restoration. Wheel finish, trim level, body style, and period photography all help determine which sidewall treatment makes the car look authentically complete.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1958 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
1958 Ferrari tires in these fitments can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their construction and speed limits. Both listed sizes are bias-ply, and one 600-16 offering carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. The other products shown use traditional bias-ply sizing without the same modern speed-letter presentation. On a late-1950s Ferrari, the car’s brakes, chassis setup, steering, and overall condition are often just as important as the tire itself.
For normal touring speeds, a properly maintained bias-ply tire can be entirely appropriate on a well-sorted vintage Ferrari. The key is to avoid treating a collector tire like a modern ultra-high-performance radial, especially on an older car with period road manners. Check inflation, age, visible condition, and wheel integrity before longer drives. If you expect sustained high-speed use, pay closer attention to the exact speed marking on the tire you select and make sure the rest of the car is equally prepared.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1958 Ferrari tires?
Several 1958 Ferrari tire offerings here list maximum load and pressure figures rather than a universal operating pressure. In 600-16, examples include 1400 pounds at 32 psi and 1,433 pounds on the Avon-marked tire. In 710-15, listed examples show 1550 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures describe the tire’s rated capacity at a stated pressure and should not automatically be treated as the one correct running pressure for every Ferrari application.
The best practice is to start with the factory recommendation for your specific Ferrari model and wheel setup, then compare that with the tire manufacturer’s published guidance for the reproduction tire you are using. Because 600-16 and 710-15 are different sizes on different wheel diameters, pressure should never be transferred casually from one size to the other. If the car’s original literature is unavailable, a Ferrari specialist familiar with period setup can help you establish a sensible baseline for road use and tuning.
What should I check before taking a 1958 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1958 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the spare is usable, that the valve stems are sound, and that the wheels themselves are clean and free of visible damage. Because these are vintage-type bias-ply fitments, it is also wise to look for signs of flat-spotting if the car has been parked for an extended period.
A tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine that includes brakes, steering, wheel bearings, fluids, lighting, and cooling system condition. Vintage Ferraris reward preparation, and long-distance confidence comes from treating the car as a complete mechanical system rather than focusing on one component. If the car has been dormant, take a short local test drive first to feel for vibration or pull before committing to a tour. That small step can reveal issues while you are still close to home.