1986 Ferrari sits squarely in the era when Maranello was refining its road cars into sharper, faster grand touring and sports machines with distinctly different tire needs from one model line to the next. The 328 GTB and 328 GTS carried familiar mid-engine V8 proportions, the Mondial 3.2 balanced Ferrari performance with greater practicality, and the Testarossa stood apart with a wider, more dramatic footprint. Across four models, five tire sizes appear, and they do not all interchange because some cars use 16-inch wheels while the Mondial 3.2 uses metric TRX fitments. Before choosing a tire for 1986 Ferrari, confirm the exact model first, then confirm whether it uses 16-inch or 390mm rims.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1986 Ferrari
Five tire sizes were used across 1986 Ferrari models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real first step is confirming whether your car uses 16-inch wheels or the Mondial 3.2's 390mm TRX fitment, because those rim diameters are not interchangeable. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct car.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): 328 GTB, 328 GTS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product: BFGoodrich examples carry W ratings to 168 mph, while Michelin carries a Y rating for 186+ mph and is marked TL. This size is specific to the front fitment on the 328 GTB and 328 GTS rather than universal across 1986 Ferrari models. It suits owners who want the correct 16-inch metric format used on those V8 cars and who want to choose among more modern radial options within that original size family.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): 328 GTB, 328 GTS, Testarossa|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
225/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product: BFGoodrich examples carry W ratings to 168 mph, while Michelin carries a Y rating for 186+ mph and is marked TL. This size is shared by the 328 GTB, 328 GTS, and Testarossa, though it does not serve the same position on every car. It is the right direction for owners of 16-inch Ferrari applications who have already confirmed that 225/50R16 is the correct fitment for their specific model and axle.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): Mondial 3.2|Construction: Radial|Rim: 390mm
220/55R390 is a metric radial size with a 220-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 390mm rim diameter rather than a conventional inch-based wheel size. Michelin offers this size in blackwall form as a tubeless TRX tire, carrying a W speed rating to 168 mph. This size is specific to the Mondial 3.2 and belongs to Ferrari's metric TRX wheel fitment rather than the 16-inch setup used on the 328 and Testarossa. It is the correct choice for owners preserving the original TRX wheel system and keeping the car in its intended metric fitment.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): Mondial 3.2|Construction: Radial|Rim: 390mm
240/55R390 is a metric radial size with a 240-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 390mm rim diameter. Michelin offers this size in blackwall form as a tubeless TRX tire, carrying a W speed rating to 168 mph. This size is specific to the Mondial 3.2 and is not interchangeable with the 16-inch fitments used elsewhere in the 1986 Ferrari range. It is aimed at owners maintaining the original TRX-style package on the Mondial rather than converting the car to inch-based wheels.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): Testarossa|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
255/50R16 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product: BFGoodrich carries a W rating to 168 mph, while Michelin carries a Y rating for 186+ mph and is marked TL. This size is specific to the Testarossa within the 1986 Ferrari range and reflects that model's wider rear tire requirement. It is the correct path for Testarossa owners who need the broader 16-inch rear fitment that matches the car's original stance and layout.
Four 1986 Ferrari models are covered here. Tire sizing varies by model, so identifying the exact model is essential before choosing a tire, especially because the Mondial 3.2 uses metric TRX sizes while the 328 and Testarossa use 16-inch fitments. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1986 Ferrari 328 GTB
The 1986 Ferrari 328 GTB was the closed-roof berlinetta version of Ferrari's mid-engine V8 sports car, blending everyday usability with the crisp lines and proportions enthusiasts associate with the late analog Ferrari era. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, with a staggered front and rear setup that separates it from the metric-TRX Mondial fitment.
Associated Tire Sizes:
205/55R16 — radial, front fitment for original 16-inch setup
225/50R16 — radial, rear fitment for original 16-inch setup
The 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS brought the same basic V8 platform as the GTB but with the open-roof targa-style configuration that made the GTS especially appealing to drivers who wanted Ferrari performance with a more relaxed grand-touring feel. Like the GTB, it uses 16-inch wheels and a staggered tire arrangement rather than the Mondial's 390mm metric TRX system.
Associated Tire Sizes:
205/55R16 — radial, front fitment for original 16-inch setup
225/50R16 — radial, rear fitment for original 16-inch setup
The 1986 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 stood apart as Ferrari's more practical 2+2 mid-engine model, offering a different ownership experience from the tighter, more compact 328 while still carrying unmistakable Ferrari character. Its tires mount on 390mm metric TRX wheels, so the correct fitment depends on retaining that original metric wheel system.
Associated Tire Sizes:
220/55R390 — radial TRX, original metric front fitment
240/55R390 — radial TRX, original metric rear fitment
The 1986 Ferrari Testarossa was Ferrari's dramatic flat-12 flagship, instantly recognizable for its wide body and side strakes, and it required a broader rear tire footprint than the company's smaller V8 cars. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, using a staggered setup with a shared front-size family and a distinctly wider rear fitment.
Associated Tire Sizes:
225/50R16 — radial, front fitment for original 16-inch setup
255/50R16 — radial, wide rear fitment for original 16-inch setup
Twelve products are available across five tire sizes for 1986 Ferrari vehicles. 205/55R16 has four radial blackwall choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin, 225/50R16 has three from BFGoodrich and Michelin, 220/55R390 and 240/55R390 each have one Michelin TRX-B radial blackwall option, and 255/50R16 has two radial blackwall choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin. Confirm your model first, since speed ratings and tubeless markings vary by size and product.
These FAQs sort out the key differences between 16-inch and metric TRX fitments on 1986 Ferrari models, along with sidewall and brand choices, setup details, and the care collector cars need when they are driven occasionally.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1986 Ferrari vehicles?
1986 Ferrari vehicles use five distinct tire sizes, and they are split by model. The 328 GTB and 328 GTS use 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, the Mondial 3.2 uses 220/55R390 and 240/55R390, and the Testarossa uses 225/50R16 and 255/50R16. The 328 and Testarossa sizes mount on 16-inch wheels, while the Mondial 3.2 sizes mount on 390mm TRX wheels, so those groups do not interchange.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for 1986 Ferrari. Start by confirming the exact model, then verify whether your car still has its original wheel system. If you own a Mondial 3.2, the metric TRX rim diameter is the first thing to check. If you own a 328 or Testarossa, the next step is confirming which front and rear 16-inch sizes belong on your specific car.
What does 220/55R390 mean on a 1986 Ferrari tire?
On a 1986 Ferrari, 220/55R390 is a metric radial size. The 220 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 390 is the rim diameter in millimeters rather than inches. That makes it a TRX-type fitment, and on 1986 Ferrari it belongs to the Mondial 3.2 rather than the 328 or Testarossa.
The practical point is that a 390mm TRX tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel, even though the dimensions may look close at a glance. Owners of a 1986 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 should confirm they still have the original metric wheels before selecting tires. If the car has been converted to inch-based wheels, the tire strategy changes completely and should be matched to the wheels actually on the car.
Do all 1986 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
No, 1986 Ferrari models do not all use the same tire size. The 328 GTB and 328 GTS share 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, the Testarossa shares only the 225/50R16 but uses a wider 255/50R16 at the other end, and the Mondial 3.2 uses a separate metric TRX pair of 220/55R390 and 240/55R390. Rim diameter differs as well, with 16-inch fitments on the 328 and Testarossa and 390mm TRX fitments on the Mondial 3.2.
That split matters because tire selection for a 1986 Ferrari begins with model identity, not just brand loyalty or tread preference. A buyer comparing across the whole 1986 Ferrari range should think in model families first: 328, Mondial 3.2, or Testarossa. Once that is established, the correct front and rear sizes become much easier to narrow down, and you can then compare brands, speed ratings, and wheel compatibility within the right fitment group.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Ferrari tires?
1986 Ferrari tire options in these sizes are blackwall radials throughout the range. That applies to the 16-inch sizes used on the 328 GTB, 328 GTS, and Testarossa, as well as the 390mm TRX sizes used on the Mondial 3.2. No whitewall or specialty sidewall treatment appears within these fitments, which suits the factory-era look of mid-1980s Ferrari road cars.
For most owners, that means the sidewall decision is simple and the real comparison moves to brand, series, and the correct size for the model. Blackwall presentation is also consistent with the period appearance expected on a 1986 Ferrari, especially for preservation-minded cars. If visual originality matters to your project, staying with the proper size and the clean black sidewall look will usually matter more than chasing cosmetic variation.
What brands make tires for 1986 Ferrari vehicles?
BFGoodrich and Michelin cover the tire sizes used on 1986 Ferrari vehicles, though not every size has the same brand spread. The 205/55R16, 225/50R16, and 255/50R16 sizes are available from both BFGoodrich and Michelin, while the 220/55R390 and 240/55R390 TRX sizes are Michelin-only. Every option here is radial, and every one uses a blackwall sidewall style.
That brand split naturally follows the wheel systems used across the range. Owners of a 328 or Testarossa can compare BFGoodrich and Michelin within their 16-inch fitments, while Mondial 3.2 owners staying with TRX wheels are centered on Michelin's TRX pattern. Once you know which model and wheel type you have, the remaining comparison is more about the exact series, speed rating, and intended use than about finding a broad range of sidewall styles.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Michelin choices for 1986 Ferrari 16-inch tires?
For 1986 Ferrari 16-inch applications, BFGoodrich and Michelin overlap in several sizes but differ in detail. In 205/55R16 and 225/50R16, BFGoodrich options carry W speed ratings to 168 mph, while Michelin options in those sizes carry Y ratings for 186+ mph and are marked TL. In 255/50R16, BFGoodrich again carries a W rating and Michelin a Y rating, with both brands fitting the same 7.0- to 9.0-inch rim width range for that size.
That means owners comparing 16-inch tires for a 1986 Ferrari should look beyond the nominal size and pay attention to the exact speed symbol and wheel-width compatibility. Michelin also carries long-running high-performance nameplates that align naturally with period European exotic applications, while BFGoodrich offers familiar modern performance radial choices in the same fitment family. The right choice depends on your model, axle position, wheel width, and how closely you want the tire's character to match the car's original era.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1986 Ferrari tires require?
Rim width depends on the specific 1986 Ferrari tire size. The 205/55R16 fits 5.5- to 7.5-inch rims, 225/50R16 fits 6.0- to 8.0-inch rims, and 255/50R16 fits 7.0- to 9.0-inch rims. The Mondial 3.2's TRX sizes use metric wheel widths instead: 220/55R390 works with 135mm, 150mm, and 180mm rims, while 240/55R390 works with 150mm, 165mm, and 195mm rims.
Those ranges are important because the same rim diameter does not guarantee the same ideal wheel width. A 16-inch Ferrari wheel still needs the correct width for the tire size in question, and the TRX sizes must stay with metric-compatible rims. Before choosing a tire for a 1986 Ferrari, verify the wheel diameter and width actually on the car, especially if the car has changed hands or may have been modified earlier in its life.
Do 1986 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
The 1986 Ferrari tires here are tubeless where that marking appears, but the status can vary by product because not every product carries the same sidewall notation in the size description. Michelin examples in 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 220/55R390, 240/55R390, and 255/50R16 are marked TL. BFGoodrich examples in the 16-inch sizes do not carry a tube marking in the size description shown here, so the exact tube requirement should be confirmed against the tire's actual sidewall and the wheel design.
That matters most on collector cars because the wheel itself influences the final setup just as much as the tire does. A tubeless tire still needs a wheel in suitable condition, and an older wheel may need close inspection around the bead seat and valve area before use. For a 1986 Ferrari, confirm both the tire marking and the wheel type together rather than assuming every radial in the correct size is handled the same way.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1986 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1986 Ferrari should be stored clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires at proper inflation, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. If the car will sit for an extended period, tire cradles or properly placed stands can help reduce flat-spotting and casing stress.
That approach matters on a low-use exotic because time often ages the tires faster than mileage. Owners of 328, Mondial 3.2, and Testarossa models all benefit from keeping the car indoors, shielded from UV exposure, and checked regularly during storage rather than simply parked and forgotten. Good storage practices preserve ride quality, reduce cosmetic sidewall aging, and make it easier to return the car to service without unpleasant surprises.
How long do tires on a 1986 Ferrari typically last?
Tires on a 1986 Ferrari should be judged more by age and condition than by miles alone. A sensible rule for collector vehicles is to begin evaluating 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 remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, and visible cracking, hardening, vibration, or pressure loss can move replacement higher on the priority list.
That is especially relevant for cars like a 1986 Ferrari, because many survive on low annual mileage and may wear very little tread before the rubber itself becomes the concern. A car that looks freshly restored can still be riding on aged tires. Checking age before every touring season is a better habit than waiting for the tread to look worn, particularly on a performance car capable of exposing an old tire's weaknesses quickly.
How often should tires on a 1986 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1986 Ferrari should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and any sign that the tire is not holding pressure properly. Pay attention to valve stems as well, and on a car using older wheels or specialty fitments such as the Mondial 3.2's TRX setup, give the bead and wheel condition a close visual check too.
Frequent inspection is a practical habit because a collector Ferrari may sit for stretches, then be asked to run at sustained road speeds with little notice. Catching age-related issues early is easier than diagnosing them after vibration or failure appears on the road. A quick walk-around before driving often reveals problems that would otherwise be missed, including a slowly leaking tire, a cracked stem, or a tread wear pattern pointing to an alignment or suspension issue.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1986 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
1986 Ferrari tires in these fitments are radial designs, and the products here carry W or Y speed symbols on the 16-inch sizes and W on the TRX sizes. A W rating corresponds to 168 mph, while a Y rating indicates 186+ mph. Those ratings are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, so for road use the more immediate concerns are tire age, inflation, wheel condition, and the overall mechanical health of the car rather than the speed symbol alone.
A properly maintained tire in the correct size can be entirely appropriate for highway driving on a 1986 Ferrari, but it still needs to be part of a sound car. Brakes, suspension condition, alignment, and steering response all matter on an older high-performance machine. Before any sustained interstate run, confirm the tires are recent enough, correctly inflated, and free from cracking or vibration so the car's road manners match the level of performance the badge suggests.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1986 Ferrari tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1986 Ferrari should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation first, then be checked against the tire's own sidewall limits. The tire options here show load-and-pressure figures on some sizes: 205/55R16 appears up to 1477 lbs at 50 psi, 225/50R16 up to 1389 lbs at 51 psi, and 255/50R16 up to 1709 lbs at 51 psi. Those numbers are tire capacity references, not a blanket instruction to run every Ferrari at that pressure.
In practice, use the owner's manual, door-jamb decal if present, or a marque specialist's guidance for the actual vehicle setting, then confirm the tire is being operated within its rated range. Pressure can vary front to rear on staggered setups, which is common on 1986 Ferrari applications. Treat the tire's maximum-pressure figure as part of its engineering envelope, not as your automatic target for everyday driving.
What should I check before taking a 1986 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1986 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracking, punctures, bulges, and uneven wear, then confirm cold inflation pressures and valve-stem condition. Make sure the spare, if the car carries one, is serviceable as well. If the car uses the Mondial 3.2's TRX setup, verify that the metric tires and wheels are in proper condition together, and if the car uses 16-inch fitments, confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or evidence of prior wheel damage.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip routine on a 1986 Ferrari, but they are the one part constantly in contact with the road. A longer drive is also the right time to check fluids, belts, brakes, lights, and cooling system behavior, since many collector Ferraris spend more time stored than exercised. Going through that routine before departure helps prevent a small tire or mechanical issue from turning into a major interruption once the car is hot and far from home.
