1984 Ferrari sat at an interesting point between the hand-built, analog character enthusiasts prize and the sharper high-speed capability expected of an exotic car in the 1980s. The year’s lineup paired the wedge-era 308 GTB and 308 GTS with the more touring-oriented Mondial, so tire choice is not one-size-fits-all across the make. Three tire sizes appear across three models, with the 308 models sharing a matched 16-inch radial setup while the Mondial uses a model-specific metric TRX size. Before choosing a tire for 1984 Ferrari, the first step is confirming whether you have a 308 or a Mondial, then matching the correct wheel diameter and tire construction style to the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1984 Ferrari
Three tire sizes are used across 1984 Ferrari models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The key decision is confirming the correct model and wheel diameter first, since the 308 uses 16-inch radial sizes while the Mondial uses a metric TRX fitment. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1984|Fit(s): 308 GTB, 308 GTS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a radial metric size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. BFGoodrich and Michelin offer this size, all in Blackwall form, with tubeless examples present and speed ratings that vary by product between W and Y. This front-size fitment is specific to the 308 GTB and 308 GTS rather than universal across 1984 Ferrari models. It suits owners who want to retain the correct 16-inch 308 wheel fitment while choosing among modern radial options with a more contemporary driving character.
Year(s): 1984|Fit(s): 308 GTB, 308 GTS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
225/50R16 is a radial metric size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. BFGoodrich and Michelin offer this size in Blackwall form, with tubeless examples present and speed ratings that vary by product between W and Y. This rear-size fitment is specific to the 308 GTB and 308 GTS and is not shared by the Mondial. It is the matching companion size for owners keeping the 308’s staggered 16-inch setup and looking for a modern radial tire appropriate to 1980s Ferrari road use.
240/55R390 is a radial metric size with a 240-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and fitment for a 390-millimeter TRX wheel rather than a conventional 16-inch wheel. Michelin offers this size in Blackwall form as a tubeless tire, with a W speed rating. This fitment is specific to the 1984 Ferrari Mondial and reflects the car’s original TRX-era wheel and tire system. It is the right choice for owners retaining factory-style metric wheels and preserving the Mondial’s period-correct fitment character.
The two 308 sizes share the same 16-inch wheel diameter and can typically be used on the same original wheel set front to rear by position, subject to confirming each tire’s approved rim-width range.
1984 Ferrari Models
Three 1984 Ferrari models are covered here. Tire sizing varies by model, so identifying whether you have a 308 GTB, 308 GTS, or Mondial matters before you choose a size, especially because the Mondial uses a metric TRX fitment while the 308 pair uses 16-inch radials. Select a model below to narrow your fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Ferrari.
1984 Ferrari 308 GTB
The 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB is the closed-roof version of Ferrari’s landmark mid-engine V8 berlinetta, prized for its compact proportions and sharp Pininfarina wedge-era shape. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, with a staggered setup that uses one size at the front and a wider size at the rear. That layout is central to preserving the car’s intended stance and road manners.
The 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS carries the same mid-engine V8 identity as the GTB but with the open-air character of the removable roof panel that made the GTS especially recognizable in period. Its tires also mount on 16-inch wheels, again using a staggered front-and-rear size arrangement. Keeping those positions correct is an important part of maintaining the model’s proper look and balance.
The 1984 Ferrari Mondial blended Ferrari V8 performance with a more practical grand-touring layout, giving buyers extra cabin usability without leaving the marque’s mid-engine family. Its tire fitment mounts on 390-millimeter TRX wheels rather than the 16-inch wheels used on the 308 models. That distinction makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important before selecting tires for a Mondial.
Nine products are available across three tire sizes for 1984 Ferrari vehicles. The 205/55R16 has five radial choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin in Blackwall style, the 225/50R16 has three radial Blackwall choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin, and the 240/55R390 has one Michelin radial Blackwall TRX option. Confirm the correct model, size, and wheel system first, since speed ratings and tube status can vary by product.
These FAQs focus on the split between 308 and Mondial fitments, how Ferrari’s 16-inch and metric TRX tire sizes differ, and what to verify around sidewall style, rim width, speed rating, and long-term collector-car care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1984 Ferrari vehicles?
1984 Ferrari vehicles use three sizes across the model range: 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 for the 308 GTB and 308 GTS, and 240/55R390 for the Mondial. The two 308 sizes mount on 16-inch wheels, while the Mondial size mounts on a 390-millimeter metric TRX wheel. Approved rim-width ranges appear on the available 308 products at 5.5 to 7.5 inches for 205/55R16 and 6.0 to 8.0 inches for 225/50R16.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct tire choice on a 1984 Ferrari. A 308 owner needs the proper front and rear size pairing on 16-inch wheels, while a Mondial owner must first confirm that the car still wears its metric TRX wheels. Checking the wheel itself before ordering is especially important on cars that may have been converted from original fitment during prior ownership.
What does 205/55R16 mean on a 1984 Ferrari tire?
On a 1984 Ferrari, 205/55R16 means the tire is 205 millimeters wide, uses a 55-series aspect ratio, and is built as a radial for a 16-inch wheel. On the 308 GTB and 308 GTS, this size serves as part of the staggered 16-inch setup. Available examples carry W and Y speed ratings depending on the tire, and the approved rim-width range runs from 5.5 to 7.5 inches.
For a buyer, the most important point is that 205/55R16 is not a generic size shared across every 1984 Ferrari model. It belongs to the 308 family and should be matched with the companion rear size rather than substituted onto a Mondial with TRX wheels. Verifying the wheel diameter and the tire’s exact sidewall marking keeps the fitment true to the car’s intended layout.
Do all 1984 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
No. The 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB and 308 GTS share two 16-inch radial sizes, 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, while the 1984 Ferrari Mondial uses a different radial size, 240/55R390. The difference is more than width and profile alone, because the Mondial’s tire fits a metric TRX wheel rather than a conventional 16-inch wheel.
That split has real implications when replacing tires on a 1984 Ferrari. A 308 owner should think in terms of front and rear positions on 16-inch wheels, while a Mondial owner should first determine whether the car remains on original-style TRX wheels or has been changed over to another wheel package. Confirming the exact model and the wheel diameter prevents one of the most common ordering mistakes on 1980s Ferraris.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1984 Ferrari tires?
1984 Ferrari tire choices in these sizes come in Blackwall form. That applies to the 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 sizes used on the 308 GTB and 308 GTS, as well as the 240/55R390 TRX size used on the Mondial. Blackwall presentation suits the performance-oriented, low-profile look Ferrari was using in the mid-1980s and aligns with the period appearance buyers usually expect on these cars.
For most restorations and driver-level presentations, the decision here is straightforward because there is no whitewall or decorative sidewall choice complicating the fitment. What matters more is matching the correct size to the correct model and wheel system, then choosing a tire whose tread design and speed rating fit how the car will actually be used. That approach keeps the appearance appropriate without losing sight of the mechanical fitment details.
What brands make tires for 1984 Ferrari vehicles?
BFGoodrich and Michelin cover the 16-inch 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 sizes used on the 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB and 308 GTS, while Michelin covers the 240/55R390 size used on the 1984 Ferrari Mondial. Within the 308 sizes, BFGoodrich appears in multiple g-Force variations and Michelin appears with period-appropriate performance offerings. The Mondial’s TRX fitment is represented by Michelin’s TRX-B.
Brand choice on a 1984 Ferrari often follows the wheel system first and the intended character second. Owners keeping a Mondial on metric TRX wheels will naturally focus on Michelin, while 308 owners have a broader choice across two major brands in conventional 16-inch sizes. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare speed rating, rim-width range, and the overall look you want on the car rather than choosing by name alone.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich g-Force options and Michelin choices for 1984 Ferrari 308 tires?
For 1984 Ferrari 308 tires in 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, BFGoodrich appears in g-Force performance variants while Michelin appears in the SX MXX3 N2 and Pilot Sport lines. In 205/55R16, BFGoodrich examples weigh about 23 to 24 pounds and carry W ratings, while the Michelin example weighs about 30 pounds and carries a Y rating. In 225/50R16, BFGoodrich examples weigh about 25 to 26 pounds with W ratings, while the Michelin Pilot Sport weighs about 30 pounds with a Y rating.
Those differences give 308 owners a useful way to narrow the field once the correct size is chosen. A buyer comparing options may care about the tire’s period character, sidewall branding, speed rating, or overall feel more than one specification alone. The practical next step is to compare the exact front and rear product pair you plan to run so the car keeps a consistent appearance and compatible fitment at both ends.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1984 Ferrari tires require?
For 1984 Ferrari 308 fitments, 205/55R16 tires are approved for 5.5 to 7.5-inch rim widths, and 225/50R16 tires are approved for 6.0 to 8.0-inch rim widths. The 1984 Ferrari Mondial’s 240/55R390 TRX tire is associated with 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm wheel widths. Those dimensions should be treated by size, because the 16-inch 308 setup and the metric Mondial setup are not interchangeable.
Rim width matters because it affects how the tire sits on the wheel and how closely the mounted shape matches the tire maker’s intent. Before ordering tires for a 1984 Ferrari, confirm the wheel diameter first, then confirm the wheel width against the tire you plan to use. That is especially important on cars with aftermarket wheels or wheels swapped from another Ferrari model during restoration or prior ownership.
Do 1984 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
1984 Ferrari tire tube requirements depend on the exact product. The Michelin 205/55R16, Michelin 225/50R16, and Michelin 240/55R390 all appear as TL, meaning tubeless, while some BFGoodrich entries in the 16-inch sizes do not carry a tube-status marking in the sidewall description here. That makes tube status something that can vary by product description rather than a rule to assume across every tire in a given size.
For a buyer, the safest approach is to match the tire’s tube designation to the wheel and valve-stem arrangement already on the car. A 1984 Ferrari with original-type tubeless wheels should not be treated the same as an older specialty wheel that may have been modified or restored differently. Checking the tire’s exact sidewall marking and the wheel’s sealing condition before mounting helps avoid avoidable setup problems.
Can the original 1984 Ferrari wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1984 Ferrari wheels can be used with the tire sizes intended for that specific model, but not across the whole 1984 Ferrari range. The 308 GTB and 308 GTS use 16-inch wheels with 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 sizes, while the Mondial’s 240/55R390 fits a 390-millimeter TRX wheel. The diameter difference alone means a conventional 16-inch tire cannot substitute for the TRX fitment on the original metric wheel.
That is why wheel confirmation comes before tire shopping on a 1984 Ferrari, especially for a Mondial. A 308 owner mainly needs to preserve the correct front-and-rear size pairing, while a Mondial owner needs to know whether the car still carries factory-style metric wheels or has been converted. Measuring the wheel and reading the current tire sidewall are both worthwhile before committing to a replacement set.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1984 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1984 Ferrari should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Because every 1984 Ferrari size here is radial, long static storage is generally less flat-spot-prone than with older bias-ply construction, but age and environmental exposure still matter.
Collector-car storage is as much about preserving the tire casing as preserving appearance. If the car will sit for an extended season, many owners use tire cradles or place the vehicle on stands while supporting suspension appropriately, then return it to the ground before driving. The key is keeping weight, ozone, and heat from working against the tires while the car is parked.
How long do tires on a 1984 Ferrari typically last?
Tires on a 1984 Ferrari should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because many collector Ferraris accumulate relatively few miles each year. A sound rule is to inspect closely after five to seven years of service and to treat around ten years from the DOT date code as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if tread depth still looks healthy. Heat cycles, storage conditions, and underuse can age an exotic-car tire faster than odometer readings suggest.
That approach is especially important on a 1984 Ferrari because performance-oriented tires can appear usable while the rubber has already hardened or the casing has begun to age out. Checking the date code, sidewall condition, and pressure retention gives a much better picture than tread wear alone. Owners who drive only occasionally should still evaluate the tires on a calendar basis, not just after a certain number of miles.
How often should tires on a 1984 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1984 Ferrari deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between drives. Because some 1984 Ferrari products are explicitly marked tubeless while tube status can vary by product description in the 16-inch sizes, valve stems and wheel sealing condition also deserve attention.
Frequent inspections matter on low-use Ferraris because problems often develop while the car is parked rather than while it is being driven every day. A tire that looked fine at the end of last season may have aged noticeably over the winter. Building a pre-drive walkaround into your routine is one of the simplest ways to catch an issue before it turns into a roadside problem or wheel damage.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB?
The 1984 Ferrari 308 GTB belongs to an era when radial construction was already standard on high-performance European sports cars, and its fitment here uses 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 radial sizes. That aligns with the 308’s mid-1980s character as a road-going Ferrari designed around low-profile radial performance tires rather than earlier bias-ply practice. A specific original-equipment brand can vary by market and delivery specification, so construction type and size are usually the first authenticity points to verify.
For restoration work, keeping the proper 16-inch front-and-rear stagger matters at least as much as the brand name on the sidewall. Owners aiming for high-level originality should compare their car’s wheel markings, surviving handbook information, and period delivery details, then cross-check with Ferrari marque specialists or club registries. That process helps separate a broadly correct fitment from one that is correct for a particular market or presentation standard.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1984 Ferrari?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1984 Ferrari, especially on cars judged for authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car carries the right size family, the proper wheel diameter, the correct general construction type for the era, and a sidewall presentation that matches the car’s period appearance. On a 308, an incorrect front-to-rear size relationship stands out, while on a Mondial, changing from TRX to a non-metric wheel system changes the car’s original presentation more noticeably.
That does not mean every show car must use the exact same tire a car wore when new, but it does mean the replacement should look and fit plausibly for the model and period. Event standards vary, so a local preservation class may judge differently than a national Ferrari concours. If authenticity is a priority, confirm what your target event actually evaluates before making a final tire decision.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1984 Ferrari Mondial?
The 1984 Ferrari Mondial here uses a 240/55R390 radial, a size associated with Michelin’s TRX system and its metric wheel standard. That makes the Mondial distinct from the 308 GTB and 308 GTS, which use conventional 16-inch radial sizes instead. For a Mondial retaining its original-style wheel setup, the TRX fitment is a major part of the car’s period identity and one of the clearest authenticity markers in the tire and wheel package.
A buyer restoring a 1984 Ferrari Mondial should confirm whether the car still wears TRX wheels before making assumptions about replacement tires. Many surviving cars have been altered over the years, and a wheel conversion changes the fitment path completely. If originality is the goal, preserving the metric-wheel system will matter far more than simply matching overall tire width or profile by eye.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1984 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
1984 Ferrari tires in these sizes are suitable for highway use when they are the correct size for the model, properly mounted, correctly inflated, and in sound condition. The 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 choices include W-rated and Y-rated examples, while the 240/55R390 appears with a W rating. W corresponds to 168 mph and Y to 186 mph and above under the standard rating convention, which is well beyond normal U.S. highway speeds.
Real-world safety on a 1984 Ferrari depends on more than the tire’s top-speed symbol. Age, storage history, suspension condition, alignment, brakes, and how long the car has been sitting often matter more than the speed rating itself during ordinary road use. A fresh, properly matched tire on a well-sorted car is the goal, especially on an exotic that may spend long periods parked between drives.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1984 Ferrari tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1984 Ferrari should follow the factory guidance for the specific model and the tire maker’s limits for the exact tire you choose. Load-and-pressure figures appear on some 308-size products, including 1356 pounds at 51 psi and 1477 pounds at 50 psi for 205/55R16, plus 1389 pounds at 51 psi for one 225/50R16 example. Those figures are maximum load and pressure references for the tire, not a blanket instruction to run every 1984 Ferrari at those pressures.
The practical approach is to start with the car’s original handbook or door-jamb guidance if available, then confirm that the chosen tire’s construction and load range are compatible with those recommendations. Front and rear pressures on a mid-engine Ferrari are often not identical, so avoid transferring one value across the whole car. Pressure should be checked cold and rechecked after the car has been parked for a while.
What should I check before taking a 1984 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1984 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracking, bulges, punctures, cuts, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Check that the front and rear sizes are in the correct positions on a 308, and confirm that a Mondial on TRX wheels still has the proper metric tire fitment. The spare, if present, deserves the same attention, along with valve stems and the wheel’s general sealing condition.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a 1984 Ferrari, but they are one of the few areas you can evaluate quickly and visually before leaving. It is wise to pair that tire check with a look at fluids, belts, brakes, and suspension condition, especially if the car has been sitting. A careful inspection before departure is far easier than dealing with a roadside issue in a vintage exotic.