In 1982 Ferrari balanced its mid-engine sports-car identity with a broader grand-touring lineup, giving buyers the sharp 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi alongside the more practical Mondial 8. That makes 1982 Ferrari tire fitment more interesting than a single-size exotic stereotype might suggest. The two 308 models share one radial size, while the Mondial 8 uses a different metric TRX radial altogether, so the choice is less about preference and more about matching the correct wheel system to the correct model. Before choosing a tire for a 1982 Ferrari, confirm whether you have a 308 or a Mondial 8, then verify the wheel diameter and tire format already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1982 Ferrari
Two tire sizes are used across 1982 Ferrari models, and they are not shared across the full model range. The real decision starts with confirming your model and wheel diameter, because the 308 models use a 14-inch radial while the Mondial 8 uses a 390mm TRX radial. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1982|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 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. It is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in Narrow Whitewall, RWL, Dual-Redline, and Redline styles, and speed rating varies by product because BFGoodrich Radial T/A carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling while other versions do not show a speed letter. This size is specific to the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi rather than the full 1982 Ferrari range. It suits owners who want the correct 14-inch fitment for a fuel-injected 308 while still choosing the sidewall look that best matches the car's intended character.
Year(s): 1982|Fit(s): Mondial 8|Construction: Radial|Rim: 390mm
240/55R390 is a metric radial size with a 240-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 390mm rim diameter. Michelin offers this size in a Blackwall TRX fitment, and the tire is tubeless with a W speed rating that carries a 168 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Mondial 8 and is not interchangeable with the 14-inch fitment used on the 308 models. It is the right choice for owners keeping the Mondial 8 on its original TRX wheel system and preserving the car's period-correct metric-wheel setup.
Three 1982 Ferrari models are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; you need to identify whether you have a 308 GTBi, 308 GTSi, or Mondial 8 before narrowing the correct fitment. Select a model below to explore model-specific tire fitment history and products.
1982 Ferrari 308 GTBi
The 1982 Ferrari 308 GTBi carried the familiar wedge-shaped Pininfarina design in a closed-roof berlinetta body, blending Ferrari exotica with a more refined fuel-injected era. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, which separates it clearly from the Mondial 8's metric TRX setup. For many owners, the main choice is less about fitment and more about whether the finished look should be understated, sporty, or more period styled.
The 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi paired the same basic mid-engine formula with the open-air targa-style roof that made the GTS shape especially recognizable. Like the GTBi, it uses 14-inch wheel fitment rather than the Mondial's metric TRX arrangement. That keeps sizing straightforward once the model is confirmed, leaving appearance and intended use as the more personal part of the decision.
The 1982 Ferrari Mondial 8 was Ferrari's more usable 2+2 mid-engine offering, styled by Pininfarina with a broader cabin and a more grand-touring mission than the 308. Its tires mount on 390mm TRX wheels, so it requires a different wheel-and-tire system from the 308 models. That metric rim format is central to an accurate Mondial 8 fitment decision and should be confirmed before any tire is chosen.
Five products are available across two tire sizes for 1982 Ferrari vehicles. The 205/70R14 offers four radial choices from Maxxis and BFGoodrich in Narrow Whitewall, RWL, Dual-Redline, and Redline styles, while the 240/55R390 is a Michelin radial Blackwall TRX fitment. Confirm model, size, and wheel system before selecting.
These answers cover the split between 308 and Mondial 8 fitment, how 14-inch and TRX metric sizes differ, what sidewall and brand choices exist, and what to check when caring for a low-use 1982 Ferrari.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1982 Ferrari vehicles?
1982 Ferrari vehicles use two tire sizes across three models. The 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi use 205/70R14 radial tires on 14-inch rims, with rim width ranges of 5.00 to 7.00 inches or 5.50 to 7.50 inches depending on the specific tire. The Mondial 8 uses 240/55R390 radial tires on 390mm TRX rims, with fitments tied to 150mm, 165mm, or 195mm wheel widths.
That means fitment is model-specific, not universal across 1982 Ferrari production. A 308 owner should stay within the 14-inch system, while a Mondial 8 owner needs to confirm that the car still carries its metric TRX wheels before choosing a tire. Checking the sidewall of the tire already on the car and verifying the wheel diameter is the quickest way to avoid crossing between two completely different wheel standards.
What does 205/70R14 mean on a 1982 Ferrari tire?
On a 1982 Ferrari, 205/70R14 is a metric radial size. The 205 is the section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On 1982 Ferrari applications, that size belongs to the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi rather than the Mondial 8.
That decoding matters because it tells you the tire is built for a conventional 14-inch wheel, not for Ferrari's separate metric TRX system. It also helps explain why multiple sidewall looks can exist within the same basic size, from whitewall to redline to raised white letters. Once the size is confirmed, the remaining choice is usually about appearance and brand character rather than changing the underlying fitment.
Do all 1982 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
No, 1982 Ferrari models do not all use the same tire size. The 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi share 205/70R14 radial tires, while the Mondial 8 uses 240/55R390 radial TRX tires. Those are different in both size code and wheel standard, since one mounts on a 14-inch rim and the other mounts on a 390mm metric rim.
That split is important because a buyer cannot work from year and make alone. If you own a 308, you are working within a conventional inch-based wheel size. If you own a Mondial 8, you need to keep the TRX system in mind and confirm whether the car still has its original metric wheels or has been converted. The model name and the wheel diameter should be verified before anything else.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1982 Ferrari tires?
1982 Ferrari tire sidewall styles vary by size. The 205/70R14 used on the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi comes in Narrow Whitewall, RWL, Dual-Redline, and Redline versions. The 240/55R390 used on the Mondial 8 is available as a Blackwall Michelin TRX fitment. All of these are radial tires, but the visual character changes considerably from one style to another.
For a Ferrari from the early 1980s, Blackwall is usually the most natural visual match for a factory-correct European sports-car presentation, especially on the Mondial 8. Redline, dual redline, whitewall, and raised white letter treatments create a more stylized or custom look, which some owners may prefer on a 308 depending on how the car is restored or displayed. Sidewall style will not change the wheel diameter requirement, so confirm fitment first and appearance second.
What brands make tires for 1982 Ferrari vehicles?
Three brands cover 1982 Ferrari fitments here. The 205/70R14 size for the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi is available from Maxxis and BFGoodrich, while the 240/55R390 size for the Mondial 8 is available from Michelin in TRX form. Brand choice is tied closely to size, so not every brand spans both Ferrari applications.
That means a 308 owner can compare a broader mix of styling approaches within the same basic fitment, while a Mondial 8 owner using TRX wheels is looking at a more specialized path. Michelin is historically associated with the TRX system, which fits the Mondial's original metric-wheel theme. A useful next step is to decide whether your priority is preserving the car's original visual flavor or choosing among the sidewall treatments available in the 308 size.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Radial T/A and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for a 1982 Ferrari?
For a 1982 Ferrari 308 in 205/70R14, the BFGoodrich Radial T/A and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial differ mainly in sidewall presentation, rim width range, and speed marking. The Radial T/A uses raised white letters, fits 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims, and carries a 93S speed rating. The Silvertown Radial versions come in Redline or Dual-Redline form, fit 5.50 to 7.50-inch rims, and do not show a speed letter in the same way.
That makes the choice less about basic size compatibility and more about the look you want and the wheel width already on the car. The Radial T/A leans toward a more aggressive, period-performance appearance, while the Silvertown versions deliver a more stylized sidewall treatment. Before choosing between them, check the actual wheel width and decide whether raised white letters or a redline treatment better suits the way your 308 is restored and presented.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1982 Ferrari tires require?
1982 Ferrari rim width requirements depend on the model and tire size. For the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi in 205/70R14, some tires fit 5.00 to 7.00-inch rims while others fit 5.50 to 7.50-inch rims. For the Mondial 8 in 240/55R390, the TRX fitment corresponds to 150mm, 165mm, or 195mm wheel widths. Rim diameter also differs, with 14 inches for the 308 and 390mm for the Mondial 8.
The practical takeaway is that wheel width should be checked before settling on a specific tire series, even within the same nominal size. A 205/70R14 tire may fit your Ferrari generally but still have a preferred rim-width window that matches one product better than another. On the Mondial 8, confirming that the car still wears TRX wheels is equally important, because the metric rim standard is not interchangeable with a conventional 14-inch wheel.
Do 1982 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
1982 Ferrari tube use depends on the tire size and product. The 240/55R390 Michelin TRX-B for the Mondial 8 is a tubeless tire, marked TL. The 205/70R14 products for the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi do not carry a tube-type or tubeless marker in the same way, so tube status varies by product and wheel condition should be considered before final setup decisions are made.
For most owners, the safe approach is to match the tire type to the wheel design and condition rather than making a blanket assumption from size alone. A clean, sound tubeless wheel and a tire intended for tubeless use should be treated differently from an older wheel that may need additional sealing attention. If your Ferrari still has original wheels, confirm the wheel's suitability and the exact sidewall marking on the tire you intend to use before mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1982 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1982 Ferrari should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid long exposure to damp concrete if possible, and move the car periodically so the tread does not sit in one contact patch for months at a time. Radials generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but they still age from time, heat, and inactivity.
For a collector Ferrari that spends long stretches parked, tire care is part of preserving how the car feels as much as how it looks. Short periodic movement helps reduce flat spotting, while clean storage conditions help preserve sidewalls and valve stems. If the car will be down for an extended season, many owners use stands or cradles to reduce stress on the tires, then recheck inflation and sidewall condition before putting the car back into regular use.
How long do tires on a 1982 Ferrari typically last?
Tires on a 1982 Ferrari are usually judged more by age than by miles. A collector car may still have plenty of tread depth while the rubber has already hardened or begun to crack from time and environment. A good rule is to evaluate tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of mileage, using the DOT date code as part of that decision.
That matters especially on Ferraris that are driven sparingly, because low annual mileage can make an old tire look healthier than it really is. Performance and ride quality can decline long before the tread is worn out. If your 308 or Mondial 8 still wears older rubber, age should carry more weight than appearance alone when deciding whether the car is ready for regular road use or should move to a fresh set.
How often should tires on a 1982 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1982 Ferrari should be checked before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, objects in the tread, and loss of pressure since the last outing. Valve stems should be examined closely as well, and any tubeless setup on older wheels deserves attention for sealing condition around the bead area.
That quick inspection routine is especially valuable on low-use exotic cars because problems can develop while the car is parked rather than while it is being driven. A tire that held air all season may not do the same after months of inactivity or temperature swings. Adding a few minutes for visual inspection and pressure verification is one of the simplest ways to protect the wheels, the bodywork, and the driving experience before taking a 1982 Ferrari out.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1982 Ferrari 308 GTBi?
The 1982 Ferrari 308 GTBi belongs to an era when radial construction was already standard practice for European sports cars, and its fitment here is 205/70R14 radial on a 14-inch wheel. That places it firmly in the modern radial period rather than the earlier bias-ply era. Original-market details can vary by destination, delivery specification, and wheel package, so the most accurate confirmation for a specific car should come from Ferrari reference material and marque specialists.
For restoration purposes, the most important thing is usually getting the size, radial construction, and sidewall appearance aligned with the way the car is being judged or presented. A concours-focused owner may want a more restrained, era-appropriate sidewall treatment, while a driver-grade restoration may place more emphasis on the look the owner prefers. If your 308 has an unusual market history, factory literature and Ferrari club resources are the right places to verify finer points.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1982 Ferrari?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1982 Ferrari, especially when judges or knowledgeable enthusiasts are looking for period-appropriate presentation. Size, construction type, wheel standard, and sidewall styling all affect how authentic the car appears. On a 1982 Ferrari, one obvious issue would be crossing a conventional 14-inch 308 fitment with the Mondial 8's TRX metric system, or choosing a sidewall style that does not match the way the car is being represented.
Show standards can vary widely between local events, marque gatherings, and formal concours judging, so the right answer depends on the rules of the event and the story of the car. Some venues reward strict factory-correct appearance, while others are more forgiving of tasteful period-style alternatives. If originality matters, confirm the tire size and sidewall look against Ferrari club guidance and event judging standards before finalizing the car's presentation.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1982 Ferrari Mondial 8?
The 1982 Ferrari Mondial 8 uses 240/55R390 radial tires on the Michelin TRX system, which was Ferrari's period metric-wheel solution for certain applications in the early 1980s. That makes the Mondial 8 distinct from the 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi, which use conventional 14-inch radial fitment. The TRX format is part of the car's original engineering identity, not just a different tread choice.
For an owner pursuing authenticity, keeping the Mondial 8 on its proper TRX wheel-and-tire setup preserves an important part of the car's early-1980s character. For an owner evaluating a car before purchase or restoration, the presence or absence of TRX wheels can change the tire conversation immediately. If there is any question about whether a specific Mondial 8 has retained its original wheel system, verify the wheel markings before deciding how original you want the finished car to be.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1982 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
1982 Ferrari tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is matched to the correct wheel and the tire is in sound condition. The 205/70R14 BFGoodrich Radial T/A carries an S rating, which corresponds to 112 mph, while the 240/55VR390 Michelin TRX-B for the Mondial 8 carries a W rating with a 168 mph ceiling. Those figures are only part of the equation, because age, storage history, inflation, and overall condition matter just as much on a collector Ferrari.
In real use, a 1982 Ferrari is usually limited more by maintenance condition, suspension health, brakes, and driver prudence than by outright tire speed rating at normal interstate speeds. The key is not chasing the highest theoretical number but running the right tire on the right wheel and making sure it is fresh enough to trust. If a tire is old, cracked, or of uncertain history, highway use should wait until the condition issue is addressed.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1982 Ferrari tires?
Inflation pressure for 1982 Ferrari tires should start with the factory recommendation for the exact model and wheel setup, then be checked against the tire's own rated pressure information. In 205/70R14, available products show a maximum load of 1,433 pounds at 35 psi. The 240/55VR390 Michelin TRX-B does not present a matching load-and-pressure pair in the same way, so its operating pressure should be confirmed against Ferrari guidance and the tire manufacturer's specifications for that TRX application.
The important point is not to transfer one pressure figure from a 308 tire to a Mondial 8 tire, or from one size to another, just because both belong to 1982 Ferrari models. Pressure is tied to tire design, wheel system, and the car's intended loading. Use the owner's literature as the baseline, confirm the tire's sidewall information, and make pressure checks part of your regular pre-drive routine rather than a one-time setup task.
What should I check before taking a 1982 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1982 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Confirm that the tire size matches the car, especially if you own a Mondial 8 with TRX wheels or a 308 with conventional 14-inch wheels. Check valve stems, verify that the spare is usable, and make sure each wheel and tire combination is seated and holding pressure properly.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip checklist on an early-1980s Ferrari, but they are one of the easiest places to catch trouble before it damages the car or interrupts the drive. A sound tire inspection should happen alongside checks of fluids, belts, brakes, and cooling-system readiness. If the car has been sitting, give it a short test drive close to home first so you can feel for vibration, pull, or flat-spot behavior before heading farther away.