1968 Ferrari sat at an interesting point between the marque's front-engine grand touring tradition and the faster-moving evolution of late-1960s European performance cars. Models such as the 275, 320, and 330 carried different personalities, but tire choice across the range comes down to a simple distinction: two models use 205R14, while the 330 steps up to 205R15. All of these are radial sizes, so the key decision is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about confirming the correct model and wheel diameter first. Once you know whether your Ferrari wears 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, choosing the right tire becomes much more straightforward.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1968 Ferrari
Two tire sizes are used across 1968 Ferrari models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car uses a 14-inch or 15-inch wheel, since both sizes are radial but they do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct Ferrari model.
Year(s): 1968|Fit(s): 275, 320|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205R14 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 205 millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter; in this year range it is specific to the Ferrari 275 and 320 rather than universal across all 1968 Ferrari models. Michelin offers this size in a blackwall XWX configuration, and the available example carries a W speed rating with a 168 mph ceiling and tubeless marking. It suits owners who want a period-appropriate European high-speed radial in the correct 14-inch fitment for those two models.
Year(s): 1968|Fit(s): 330|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205R15 is a Euro-metric radial size with a 205 millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter, and for 1968 Ferrari use it is specific to the 330. This size is available from Phoenix and Avon in both wide whitewall and blackwall form, and speed-rating details vary by product, with Avon carrying a V rating for a 149 mph ceiling. It is the correct starting point for a 330 owner, with the sidewall choice helping determine whether the emphasis is on a cleaner sporting look or a more distinctive period presentation.
Three 1968 Ferrari model lines are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so identifying whether you have a 275, 320, or 330 matters before you narrow the search to a specific tire. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tire options that match it.
1968 Ferrari 275
The Ferrari 275 is one of the marque's most admired front-engine grand touring cars, known for combining elegant coachwork with serious road performance. In 1968 Ferrari fitment, the 275 uses a 14-inch wheel with 205R14 radial sizing, making wheel diameter the first thing to confirm before moving deeper into product choice.
The 1968 Ferrari 320 sits within Ferrari's grand touring tradition, where road manners and speed mattered as much as outright competition character. Its tire fitment also centers on a 14-inch wheel, using the same 205R14 radial size shared with the 275 for this year and make grouping.
The Ferrari 330 carried the larger-displacement grand touring theme forward and is often the model buyers most carefully separate from other late-1960s front-engine Ferraris when sorting fitment. For 1968, the 330 uses a 15-inch wheel and a 205R15 radial, so it does not interchange at the tire-size level with the 275 and 320.
Three products are available across two tire sizes for 1968 Ferrari vehicles. The 205R14 radial is offered by Michelin in blackwall form, while the 205R15 radial is available from Phoenix and Avon in wide whitewall and blackwall styles. Confirm the correct size for your model before selecting a tire, since speed-rating details vary within the 205R15 range.
These FAQs focus on how 1968 Ferrari tire fitment changes between the 275, 320, and 330, what 205R14 and 205R15 mean in period European radial sizing, and what to check for authenticity, setup, and occasional-use care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1968 Ferrari vehicles?
1968 Ferrari vehicles use two tire sizes across three model lines. The Ferrari 275 and Ferrari 320 use 205R14, while the Ferrari 330 uses 205R15. Both are radial sizes, but they mount on different rim diameters, so the fitment split is between 14-inch and 15-inch wheels rather than between two interchangeable tires on the same wheel.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1968 Ferrari. Start by confirming the model, then verify the actual wheel diameter on the car before ordering. Rim width guidance also differs by size: 205R14 products fit 5.50 to 7.50-inch rims, while 205R15 products in this range are tied to 5.50 to 6.00-inch rims where that specification is published.
What does 205R14 mean on a 1968 Ferrari tire?
On a 1968 Ferrari, 205R14 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 205 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this year range, that size belongs to the Ferrari 275 and Ferrari 320 rather than the Ferrari 330.
For a buyer, the important point is that 205R14 is a period European radial size, not a later P-metric American fitment. It should be matched to the correct 14-inch wheel and to the right model family. If your Ferrari is a 275 or 320, 205R14 is the proper place to continue your search; if it is a 330, move to 205R15 instead.
Do all 1968 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
No. 1968 Ferrari models do not all share one tire size. The 275 and 320 use 205R14, while the 330 uses 205R15, so there is a clear model-specific split within the year and make.
That difference matters because a 14-inch radial and a 15-inch radial are not interchangeable without changing wheels. If a car has had wheels swapped at some point in its life, check the actual wheel diameter and compare it with the model you own. That simple verification prevents a common ordering mistake on collector Ferraris that have passed through multiple owners or restorations.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Ferrari tires?
1968 Ferrari tire sidewall appearance depends on size. The 205R14 fitment is available as a blackwall Michelin XWX, while 205R15 is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall form through Avon and Phoenix. That means the Ferrari 330 has more visible styling variation at the tire level than the 275 and 320.
Most late-1960s Ferrari buyers seeking an authentic sporting look gravitate toward blackwall radials, especially on grand touring cars with European character. A wide whitewall creates a much different visual impression and should be chosen carefully with the car's intended presentation in mind. If authenticity for judging or marque-correct appearance matters, compare the tire's sidewall look with period photos and club guidance before making the final call.
What brands make tires for 1968 Ferrari vehicles?
Three brands cover 1968 Ferrari fitment across the two sizes used here. Michelin offers 205R14 through the XWX line for the Ferrari 275 and 320, while Phoenix and Avon offer 205R15 options for the Ferrari 330. All of these are radial tires, but they differ in sidewall presentation and, in the 205R15 range, in published speed-marking details.
Brand choice should follow size first, not the other way around. If your Ferrari is a 275 or 320, Michelin is the 14-inch path in this fitment range. If your car is a 330, you can compare Avon and Phoenix within 205R15 based on appearance, published load information, and the overall character you want the finished car to present.
What is the difference between Avon and Phoenix 205R15 tires for a 1968 Ferrari?
For a 1968 Ferrari 330, Avon and Phoenix both offer 205R15 radial tires, but they differ in presentation and published details. Avon uses a blackwall sidewall and carries a 97V marking, which corresponds to a 149 mph speed ceiling. Phoenix uses a 2.50-inch wide whitewall appearance and publishes a maximum load of 1,609 pounds at 34 psi, matching Avon's 1,609-pound load figure where load capacity is shown.
The practical choice is less about size, since both are 205R15, and more about visual style and how closely the tire matches the car's intended look. A blackwall Avon suits a more traditional late-1960s European GT presentation, while the Phoenix whitewall creates a more distinctive custom or presentation-oriented appearance. Confirm that the sidewall style fits your restoration goals before narrowing the decision further.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1968 Ferrari tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1968 Ferrari tires depends on the size. The 205R14 Michelin fitment is matched to rims from 5.50 to 7.50 inches wide. The 205R15 Phoenix fitment is matched to rims from 5.50 to 6.00 inches wide, and that narrower published range should be respected when that specific product is under consideration.
This is one reason it helps to confirm both the wheel diameter and the wheel width before selecting a tire. A 14-inch Ferrari wheel for a 275 or 320 gives broader width flexibility in the published range than the 15-inch Phoenix fitment for a 330. If your wheel width falls near the edge of the acceptable range, verify against the exact tire you intend to run.
Do 1968 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
Tube use depends on the specific 1968 Ferrari tire and wheel combination. The Michelin 205VR14 option for the Ferrari 275 and 320 is marked TL, indicating tubeless construction. The 205R15 options for the Ferrari 330 do not carry a consistent tube marking here, so tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and the wheel design rather than assumed from size alone.
That matters because many vintage wheels and modern reproduction tires do not always align in the simplest way. Even when a tire is built as tubeless, the wheel itself may still determine whether tube use is appropriate. Before final installation, inspect the wheel condition, confirm whether the rim is suited for tubeless service, and match the setup to the product's sidewall marking.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1968 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1968 Ferrari should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall aging. Keep the car in a cool, dry space, maintain proper inflation, and move it periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Radials generally resist flat-spotting better than older bias-ply designs, but they still benefit from regular movement during long storage.
For longer off-season storage, many collectors place the car on stands or slightly overinflate within the tire maker's limits to reduce static deformation, then reset pressures before driving. Clean the tires with mild soap and water only, not petroleum-based dressings. Good storage habits protect both appearance and structural condition on low-mileage Ferraris that spend more time parked than driven.
How long do tires on a 1968 Ferrari typically last?
On a 1968 Ferrari, tire age matters more than mileage because many collector cars cover relatively few miles each year. A sound rule is to begin evaluating tires closely at about five to seven years of age and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if tread wear appears minimal. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the standard reference for age.
Collector cars can fool owners because a tire that looks nearly new may still be aging internally. Heat cycles, time, storage conditions, and long periods of inactivity all affect service life. If a Ferrari is driven at sustained road speed or used on extended touring events, age-based replacement becomes even more important than it would on a car that only moves onto trailers or show fields.
How often should tires on a 1968 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1968 Ferrari should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer road outing. Check inflation pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, punctures, and any signs of irregular wear that might point to alignment or suspension issues. On a car that sits often, also look for age hardening and for valve-stem condition, since time can be just as damaging as mileage.
A quick pre-drive walkaround is especially important on vintage Ferraris because the tire is only one part of a tightly connected chassis system. Catching a pressure loss or sidewall issue early can prevent damage to hard-to-replace wheels and bodywork. Include the spare in the inspection routine as well, since a decades-old spare may no longer be a safe fallback for road use.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1968 Ferrari 275?
A 1968 Ferrari 275 would have been associated with radial European performance tire fitment in the 205R14 range represented here, and radial construction was already established on high-performance European grand touring cars by the late 1960s. Michelin's presence in this size is consistent with the kind of premium European tire expected for a Ferrari of the period, although market-specific or owner-delivered variations can exist.
For a restoration, the safest approach is to match the size, construction type, and sidewall appearance first, then verify details against factory literature, period photography, and Ferrari marque specialists. If your car is being judged, even small differences in sidewall presentation can matter. Club registries and model-specific historians remain the best final authority for exact market and delivery-correct presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1968 Ferrari?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when a 1968 Ferrari is shown seriously. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often look at more than overall size; construction type, sidewall style, and the visual relationship between the tire and the wheel all affect how authentic the car appears. A blackwall radial with the right period character generally supports a more convincing late-1960s Ferrari presentation than a visibly incorrect sidewall treatment.
The importance of those details rises with the standard of the event. A local cruise night may be forgiving, while marque judging can be far stricter about whether a tire looks appropriate for the era and model. Before finalizing a show car, compare your chosen tire with period imagery and review event-specific guidance so the tire does not become an avoidable deduction point.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1968 Ferrari 330?
The 1968 Ferrari 330 uses 205R15 in this fitment range, and a radial tire is the correct construction family for a late-1960s Ferrari grand tourer of this type. The key original-style cues are the 15-inch fitment, the European radial profile, and a sidewall look that suits a sporting Italian GT. Blackwall appearance is generally the more natural visual match for that character.
Owners restoring a 330 should confirm whether the car is being prepared for authentic road presentation, marque judging, or a more personalized display style. That choice affects whether a blackwall or whitewall even makes sense visually. When authenticity is the priority, use period photos, factory references, and Ferrari specialists to make sure the finished tire presentation supports the car rather than distracting from it.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1968 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
1968 Ferrari tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in good condition, properly inflated, and matched to the intended use of the car. The 205VR14 Michelin option carries a W rating, which corresponds to a 168 mph ceiling, and the 205R15 Avon carries a V rating, corresponding to 149 mph. Those figures exceed ordinary U.S. highway speeds by a wide margin.
Real-world safety on a vintage Ferrari still depends on much more than the tire's speed symbol. Brake condition, suspension health, alignment, steering components, and the age of the tire itself usually matter more during normal road use than the published top-speed ceiling. A sound, correctly fitted radial on a well-sorted car is the right foundation, but the whole chassis needs to be equally ready.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1968 Ferrari tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1968 Ferrari should follow the vehicle's factory guidance first, then be checked against the tire maker's published limits for the exact tire. The 205R15 Phoenix tire publishes a maximum load of 1,609 pounds at 34 psi, and the 205R15 Avon tire publishes a maximum load of 1,609 pounds. Those figures are tire-capacity references, not automatic instructions to inflate every Ferrari tire to the same pressure.
Use the original owner's manual or a trusted Ferrari specialist to establish the baseline pressure for your model, then confirm that your chosen tire is being used within its approved operating range. Do not transfer a pressure figure from 205R15 to 205R14, or from one brand to another, just because the section width appears similar. Correct pressure supports handling, tread life, and wheel protection.
What should I check before taking a 1968 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1968 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check the spare as well, and make sure the valve stems are sound. If the car has been sitting, look closely for flat spotting or age-related hardening, since collector vehicles often spend long stretches parked between outings.
That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-drive routine that includes brakes, fluid levels, cooling system condition, belts, lights, and basic chassis checks. Vintage Ferraris reward preparation, and small issues become larger ones quickly on a sustained drive. A careful inspection before departure is one of the simplest ways to protect both the car and the experience.
