1981 Ferrari sat at an interesting point in the marque’s road-car history, balancing the sharp-edged V8 sports cars that defined the late 1970s with the more practical, 2+2-oriented Mondial that broadened the lineup. The year’s range was compact, but the tire story was not: three models used two distinctly different radial sizes, with the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi sharing one fitment while the Mondial 8 used another entirely. On a 1981 Ferrari, the real first step is confirming whether you have a 308 or a Mondial, because that determines not just the size code but also the wheel standard your car was built around.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1981 Ferrari
Two tire sizes apply to 1981 Ferrari vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Both are radial sizes, but they do not share the same rim diameter, so the key decision is identifying your model and confirming the correct wheel standard before narrowing down sidewall style or brand preference. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps match the tire to the car you actually own.
Year(s): 1981|Fit(s): 308 GTBi, 308 GTSi|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
205/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 205 millimeter section width, a stated 70-series aspect ratio, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in narrow whitewall, RWL, dual-redline, and redline sidewall styles, with a 1,433-pound load capacity at 35 psi appearing across the products and an S speed rating on the BFGoodrich Radial T/A at 112 mph. On a 1981 Ferrari, this size is specific to the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi rather than the full model range. It suits owners choosing among black-letter sport styling, period-flavored redlines, or a more traditional whitewall presentation on the 308 platform.
Year(s): 1981|Fit(s): Mondial 8|Construction: Radial|Rim: 390mm
240/55R390 is a metric radial size with a 240 millimeter section width, a stated 55-series aspect ratio, and a 390 millimeter rim diameter. Michelin offers this size as a blackwall TRX tire, and the tire is tubeless with a W speed rating that carries a 168 mph ceiling. On a 1981 Ferrari, this size is specific to the Mondial 8 and is not interchangeable with the 14-inch 308 fitment because the wheel standard is different. It is the correct path for owners keeping the car on its TRX-style wheel package.
Three 1981 Ferrari models are covered here. Tire size does vary by model, with the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi sharing one fitment and the Mondial 8 using a different metric wheel-and-tire standard, so identifying the exact model matters before choosing a tire. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi
The 308 GTBi was Ferrari’s fuel-injected berlinetta, carrying the familiar wedge-profile V8 shape in a fixed-roof coupe form. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, which places it with the mainstream metric radial fitment used by the closed 308 in this year. Buyers usually focus on whether they want a sport-oriented sidewall look or a more restoration-minded visual treatment.
The 308 GTSi paired Ferrari’s fuel-injected V8 with the open-roof targa-style body that became one of the era’s most recognizable exotic car silhouettes. Its tires also mount on 14-inch wheels, matching the shared 308 fitment rather than the Mondial’s metric TRX setup. That keeps the choice centered on brand and sidewall appearance instead of a different wheel standard.
The Mondial 8 brought Ferrari V8 power into a more spacious 2+2 format, giving the lineup a distinctly different mission from the tighter, more compact 308. Its tires mount on 390 millimeter TRX wheels rather than 14-inch rims, making it the outlier in the 1981 Ferrari range. That wheel standard is the first thing a Mondial owner should confirm before considering any tire change.
Five products are available across two tire sizes for 1981 Ferrari vehicles. The 205/70R14 has four choices from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in radial construction with narrow whitewall, RWL, dual-redline, and redline styles, while the 240/55R390 comes from Michelin as a radial blackwall TRX tire.
These FAQs focus on the split between 308 and Mondial fitments for 1981 Ferrari models, how metric and TRX sizing differs, what sidewall and brand choices exist, and how to care for collector-car tires that may see limited annual mileage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1981 Ferrari vehicles?
1981 Ferrari vehicles use two tire sizes across three models. The 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi use 205/70R14 radial tires on 14-inch rims, while the Mondial 8 uses 240/55R390 radial tires on 390 millimeter TRX rims. For 205/70R14, the available rim-width ranges span 5.00 to 7.50 inches depending on the tire. For 240/55R390, the wheel widths are expressed in metric dimensions at 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm.
That split means year and make alone are not enough for a correct tire choice on a 1981 Ferrari. A 308 owner can stay within the 14-inch fitment family, while a Mondial 8 owner must confirm that the car still wears its TRX-type metric wheels before choosing 240/55R390. If a car has been modified over the years, check the sidewall on the current tires and verify the wheel diameter directly before moving forward.
What does 205/70R14 mean on a 1981 Ferrari tire?
On a 1981 Ferrari, 205/70R14 is a metric radial tire size. The 205 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. That size belongs to the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi, not the Mondial 8.
This is a familiar modern-style size code, so it is generally straightforward to match to the correct 308 wheel. The more important follow-up is choosing the sidewall look and product character that fit your goals, since 205/70R14 appears in narrow whitewall, RWL, redline, and dual-redline form. Rim width still matters, so compare the tire’s approved wheel range with the wheel actually on your 308 before making the final decision.
What does 240/55R390 mean on a 1981 Ferrari tire?
On a 1981 Ferrari, 240/55R390 is a metric radial size used on the Mondial 8. The 240 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 390 is the rim diameter in millimeters rather than inches. That last number is the critical distinction, because it identifies a TRX-type metric wheel standard.
A 240/55R390 tire will not mount on a 14-inch wheel, even though the numbers can seem close at a glance to someone used to inch-based sizing. Mondial owners should confirm that the car still has its 390mm wheels before choosing this size, especially if the car has passed through multiple owners. Keeping the wheel standard straight is more important here than comparing sidewall styles, since the TRX fitment is much more specialized than the 308 setup.
Do all 1981 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
No. The 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi share 205/70R14 radial tires, while the 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8 uses 240/55R390 radial tires. The difference is not just section width or profile; the wheel diameter standard changes as well, with the 308 using 14-inch rims and the Mondial 8 using 390mm TRX rims.
That makes model identification the first practical step. If you know you have a 308, your search stays within 205/70R14 options. If you have a Mondial 8, the tire decision begins with whether the original-style metric wheel package is still in place. On cars with a long ownership history, checking the sidewall and wheel diameter is often quicker and more reliable than relying on memory or old paperwork.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1981 Ferrari tires?
1981 Ferrari sidewall choices depend on the model and size. In 205/70R14 for the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi, available sidewall styles include narrow whitewall, RWL, redline, and dual-redline. In 240/55R390 for the Mondial 8, the available tire is a blackwall Michelin TRX. All of these are radial tires, but the visual treatment changes the car’s look significantly.
Most owners seeking an Italian exotic appearance lean toward blackwall or restrained performance-style sidewalls rather than a more traditional whitewall look, especially on the 308 and Mondial. That said, some buyers intentionally choose redline or whitewall styling to match a personal restoration theme or period custom presentation. On a 1981 Ferrari, the sidewall choice is mainly an appearance question after you confirm the correct size and wheel standard for the model.
What brands make tires for 1981 Ferrari vehicles?
Three brands cover 1981 Ferrari tire applications here. Maxxis and BFGoodrich offer 205/70R14 options for the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi, while Michelin supplies the 240/55R390 TRX tire for the Mondial 8. Within the 205/70R14 size, BFGoodrich appears in both Radial T/A and Silvertown Radial lines, giving the 308 fitment a broader styling range than the Mondial.
Brand choice on a 1981 Ferrari is partly driven by model and partly by the look you want. A 308 owner has room to compare appearance and product character within one common 14-inch radial size, while a Mondial 8 owner with TRX wheels is working within a more specialized Michelin-only path. That is why the right sequence is model first, size second, then brand and sidewall preference.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Radial T/A and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for the 1981 Ferrari 308?
For a 1981 Ferrari 308 using 205/70R14, the BFGoodrich Radial T/A comes in RWL form with a 93S speed rating and a 5.00 to 7.00 inch rim-width range. The BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial appears in redline and dual-redline versions with a 5.50 to 7.50 inch rim-width range. Their weights are very close, with the Radial T/A at 23.7 pounds and the Silvertown Radial versions at 24 pounds.
The practical difference is less about basic size and more about presentation and wheel compatibility range. Owners wanting raised white letters and an explicitly rated S-speed product often gravitate toward the Radial T/A, while owners trying to capture a different vintage visual theme may prefer the redline or dual-redline Silvertown versions. Before choosing between them, compare your actual wheel width with the approved range for the specific tire you want.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1981 Ferrari tires require?
Rim width depends on the tire size and sometimes on the specific product. For 205/70R14 on the 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi, approved rim widths range from 5.00 to 7.50 inches across the available tires. For 240/55R390 on the 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8, approved wheel widths are 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm. Rim diameter must also match exactly: 14 inches for the 308 fitment and 390 millimeters for the Mondial 8 fitment.
That means wheel width should be checked alongside tire size, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. A tire can be correct in overall size code yet still fall outside the approved wheel-width range for the exact product you want. Verifying both width and diameter against the actual wheel prevents mounting problems and helps preserve the intended shape and stance of the tire.
Do 1981 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
1981 Ferrari tube requirements depend on the exact size and tire. The Michelin 240/55VR390 used for the Mondial 8 is marked TL, which means tubeless. The 205/70R14 tires used on the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi do not carry a tube-type marking here, so the practical focus is less on the tire itself and more on whether the wheel is suitable for tubeless service and is in proper condition.
Wheel condition matters on any older Ferrari, especially if the car has spent long periods off the road. Before mounting new tires, inspect the wheels for corrosion, damage, and sealing-surface problems, and make sure the valve stems are renewed as needed. If there is any uncertainty about whether a specific wheel should run tubeless, a knowledgeable installer or marque specialist can help confirm the correct setup.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1981 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1981 Ferrari should be stored in a cool, dry, dark environment away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall cracking. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically if possible. Radial tires generally tolerate storage better than old-style bias-ply tires, but they still age from time, environment, and static loading.
Long stationary periods can create flat-spotting, pressure loss, and stress on aging sidewalls, especially on a collector car that only comes out seasonally. If the car will sit for an extended stretch, some owners reduce stress with cradles or stands used correctly, while others roll the car periodically to change the contact patch. The key is avoiding one long, unbroken load on the same section of tire while also protecting the rubber from heat and ozone.
How long do tires on a 1981 Ferrari typically last?
Tires on a 1981 Ferrari should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A collector-car tire often looks usable long after the rubber has begun to harden, so many owners start evaluating closely once tires are around five to seven years old and consider replacement as they approach ten years, regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
This matters because a lightly driven Ferrari can age out its tires before it ever wears them out. If the car sees highway use, spirited driving, or long-distance touring, age becomes even more important than appearance alone. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, and a loss of wet-road confidence are all signs that time may be catching up with the tire even if the tread still appears presentable.
How often should tires on a 1981 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1981 Ferrari should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, embedded debris, and signs of air loss, and confirm pressures when the tires are cold. On the Mondial 8’s tubeless TRX setup, pay close attention to valve stems and bead sealing surfaces as well as the tread and sidewall itself.
A quick walk-around catches many age-related issues before they become roadside problems. Collector cars often spend enough time parked that pressures drift downward, and a tire that looked fine months ago may have developed surface cracking or a flat-spotted feel. If the Ferrari will be driven farther than usual, include the spare in the inspection so the backup tire is not older, weaker, or lower on air than the four on the car.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi?
A 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi would have been a radial-tire car from new, and the fitment used here is 205/70R14. That size places the car firmly in the era when European performance cars had already moved well beyond bias-ply construction for road use. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery specification, so the safest historical anchor is the size, radial construction, and wheel diameter rather than assuming one universal factory brand.
For a restoration-minded owner, that means the first authenticity questions are whether the car remains on 14-inch wheels and whether the tire’s sidewall look matches the presentation you want. Event standards can vary, especially between preservation, driver-class, and concours settings, so a Ferrari club, registry, or model expert is the right place to confirm market-specific details if absolute originality matters to your project.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1981 Ferrari?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1981 Ferrari because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, overall stance, and sidewall presentation. A 308 wearing 205/70R14 on proper 14-inch wheels presents differently from a Mondial 8 on its 240/55R390 TRX setup, and crossing those standards would be an obvious error. Even when both tires are radial, sidewall treatment can still influence how authentic the car appears for its era and market.
The practical takeaway is to separate authenticity goals from general driving goals before you pick a tire. If the car is being prepared for serious judging, confirm the expected look with a marque specialist or event rules rather than relying on broad period assumptions. If the car is mainly a driver, visual correctness may still matter, but you may place more emphasis on availability and the appearance you prefer.
What is the difference between Michelin TRX-B and standard 14-inch radial tires for the 1981 Ferrari?
On a 1981 Ferrari, Michelin TRX-B in 240/55VR390 belongs to the Mondial 8 and mounts on a 390 millimeter wheel, while standard 14-inch radial tires such as 205/70R14 belong to the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi. The TRX tire is a blackwall radial marked 89W TL, and its approved wheel widths are 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm. The 205/70R14 family uses inch-based 14-inch rims and appears in several sidewall styles.
From a restoration standpoint, the difference is significant because the TRX system is part of the Mondial 8’s period-correct wheel-and-tire identity. A Mondial owner concerned with originality will usually care first about retaining the metric wheel standard, while a 308 owner is working within a more conventional inch-based radial world. That distinction should be preserved when authenticity is a major goal.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1981 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
1981 Ferrari tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size for the model, in good condition, properly inflated, and matched to sound wheels. The available speed markings include S on a 205/70R14 BFGoodrich option, which carries a 112 mph ceiling, and W on the 240/55VR390 Michelin TRX, which carries a 168 mph ceiling. Those ratings exceed normal U.S. highway speeds, but age and condition remain just as important as the printed letter.
On a 1981 Ferrari, the broader mechanical condition of the car often matters more than the tire’s theoretical speed ceiling during ordinary road use. Suspension bushings, alignment, brakes, and wheel condition all affect confidence and safety in ways a fresh tire alone cannot fix. For regular highway use, focus on recent tire age, stable pressure retention, smooth running, and an overall chassis inspection rather than assuming any old tire is acceptable because the tread still looks deep.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1981 Ferrari tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1981 Ferrari should follow the car’s factory guidance first, then stay within the tire’s own load-and-pressure limits. In 205/70R14, the available tires show a maximum load of 1,433 pounds at 35 psi. The 240/55VR390 Michelin TRX is identified by size, speed rating, and wheel fitment, so the best reference remains the car’s original placard or owner’s manual together with Michelin’s service information for that tire.
Maximum sidewall pressure is not the same thing as the ideal running pressure for the car. Use the manufacturer’s recommendation for the vehicle as your baseline, then confirm that the tire and wheel combination are in good condition and holding pressure evenly. If the Ferrari has been modified, corner-weighted, or converted away from factory wheel specifications, treat pressure setting as part of the setup rather than copying numbers across different sizes.
What should I check before taking a 1981 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1981 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracks, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the 308 is on correct 14-inch tires if it is a GTBi or GTSi, or that the Mondial 8 is on proper 240/55R390 tires if it retains TRX wheels. Check valve stems, verify lug hardware is secure, and make sure the spare is usable and inflated.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on an older Ferrari, but they are the part that physically connects the car to the road. A longer drive is also the right time to review brake feel, steering response, fluid levels, belts, and cooling-system health. If the car has sat for a while, a short local test drive before committing to a full outing can reveal vibration, pulling, or pressure loss while you are still close to home.
