By 1987, Bertone carried the X-1/9 forward as a distinctly Italian mid-engine sports car with crisp wedge-era styling and a strong following among enthusiasts who value nimble handling and open-top character. The Bertone name on the decklid marked the later phase of the X-1/9 story, when buyers were often balancing originality with real-world drivability. For 1987 Bertone, the tire picture is refreshingly simple: one model uses one radial size, 185/60R13, on a 13-inch wheel. That means the key first step is confirming that your car is indeed a 1987 Bertone X-1/9 and that its wheels remain true to the original diameter before choosing a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1987 Bertone
1987 Bertone uses one tire size, and it is shared by the full model range for the year because the X-1/9 is the only model covered. The decision is less about comparing multiple fitments and more about confirming that your car still runs the correct 13-inch wheel and the 185/60R13 radial size. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car correctly.
Year(s): 1987|Fit(s): X-1/9|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185/60R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a stated 60-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. Michelin offers this size in a Blackwall configuration, and the available tire is tubeless with an H speed rating, which carries a 130 mph ceiling. Because this is the year-wide size for the 1987 Bertone X-1/9, it is the right path for owners who want to stay with the factory-era sizing approach while using a modern radial tire.
One model is covered for 1987 Bertone. Because the full year and make centers on the X-1/9, tire choice does not vary by model in the way it would on a broader passenger-car lineup. Select the model below for X-1/9-specific fitment history and products.
1987 Bertone X-1/9
The 1987 Bertone X-1/9 is a compact mid-engine Italian sports car known for sharp steering, balanced proportions, and its removable targa roof. It uses tires that mount on 13-inch wheels, which suits the car's light, agile character and keeps the fitment in line with its late-production factory sizing.
One product is available across one tire size for 1987 Bertone vehicles. The 185/60R13 size has one Michelin radial option with a Blackwall sidewall, so the main step before selecting is confirming that your X-1/9 still uses the correct 13-inch wheel and 185/60R13 sizing.
These FAQs focus on the single 185/60R13 fitment used across 1987 Bertone X-1/9 models, including what the size code means, wheel-width compatibility, tubeless setup, highway use, and how to care for a lightly driven collector sports car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1987 Bertone vehicles?
1987 Bertone vehicles use one tire size: 185/60R13. That size applies to the 1987 Bertone X-1/9, and it mounts on a 13-inch wheel. The available rim-width range for the tire in this size runs from 5 to 6.5 inches, which gives owners a useful check when confirming original or replacement wheels.
That simplicity is helpful because the first fitment question is really about the wheel already on the car. If your 1987 Bertone X-1/9 still carries 13-inch wheels within that width range, 185/60R13 is the correct starting point. If the car has been modified over the years, verify wheel diameter and width before moving ahead so the tire choice stays aligned with the chassis and suspension geometry.
What does 185/60R13 mean on a 1987 Bertone tire?
On a 1987 Bertone, 185/60R13 breaks down into four basic measurements. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. The available tire in this size also carries an 80H service description, with H indicating a 130 mph speed category.
For an X-1/9 owner, that code matters because each part affects how the tire sits on the wheel and behaves on the road. A change in width, profile, or wheel diameter can alter steering response, clearance, and the overall visual balance of a small mid-engine sports car. Matching the full 185/60R13 size code is the surest way to stay close to the intended fitment.
Do all 1987 Bertone models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1987 Bertone range covered here consists of the X-1/9, and it uses 185/60R13 throughout. There is no split between multiple models or alternate year-make tire sizes within this page, so the fitment picture is much more straightforward than on a larger manufacturer lineup.
That does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself, because many surviving X-1/9s have seen wheel changes over time. A 1987 Bertone with aftermarket wheels may no longer be on the original diameter or width. Confirming the actual wheel on the car remains the smart next step, especially if you are returning a modified car to a more factory-like setup.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Bertone tires?
1987 Bertone tires in 185/60R13 are available here with a Blackwall sidewall. That appearance fits the late-1980s character of the X-1/9 well, since black sidewalls were a natural visual match for many sports cars of the period and keep attention on the car's angular body lines rather than on decorative sidewall treatment.
For most owners, the sidewall choice is therefore simple: a Blackwall keeps the look clean and era-appropriate for a later Bertone-badged X-1/9. If your goal is a factory-style presentation, that understated appearance suits the car nicely. If your priority is regular road use rather than show-field authenticity, the same sidewall style still gives the car a tidy, proper sports-car look.
What brands make tires for 1987 Bertone vehicles?
Michelin offers a 185/60R13 tire for 1987 Bertone vehicles. That puts a long-established European tire maker behind the X-1/9's fitment, which feels especially appropriate for an Italian sports car that benefits from a tire designed around responsive road manners and compact-wheel applications.
Brand choice is not a broad comparison on this year and make because the fitment currently centers on one Michelin option in the original-style size. That makes the evaluation more about whether the size, wheel width, and intended use of the car align with your goals. Owners seeking a factory-era overall sizing approach will usually begin there.
What is the difference between Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 and other tire choices for a 1987 Bertone?
For 1987 Bertone, the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 is a modern radial in the correct 185/60R13 size, with a tubeless construction, an H speed rating, and fitment on 13-inch wheels that are 5 to 6.5 inches wide. Its specifications place the emphasis on matching the X-1/9's compact sports-car sizing with a contemporary radial design rather than on offering multiple sidewall or construction variations.
That means your comparison point is not really one series against several look-alike alternatives within this same fitment. The more meaningful question is whether you want to preserve the car's original-size footprint while benefiting from modern radial behavior. If that is the goal, the PE2 aligns well with a driven X-1/9 that still wears the proper wheel diameter.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1987 Bertone tires require?
The 185/60R13 tire used on 1987 Bertone vehicles fits a 13-inch wheel with an approved rim-width range of 5 to 6.5 inches. That width span is important because tire behavior changes when a wheel falls outside the intended range, affecting sidewall shape, tread contact, and steering feel on a light sports car like the X-1/9.
Checking wheel width is especially worthwhile on an older Bertone because replacement alloys and aftermarket wheels are common. Even if the diameter is correct, a wheel that is too narrow or too wide can compromise the way the 185/60R13 sits and performs. Measure the wheel or confirm its specification before fitting tires if there is any doubt about originality.
Do 1987 Bertone tires require inner tubes?
The 185/60R13 tire available for 1987 Bertone is a tubeless tire. That means it is designed to seal directly to the wheel without an inner tube when used on an appropriate tubeless-compatible rim in sound condition. The size marking includes TL, which is the standard indicator for tubeless construction.
For an X-1/9 owner, the practical step is checking the wheel condition just as carefully as the tire size. Clean bead seats, straight rims, and healthy valve stems all matter to a dependable tubeless setup. If the car has older wheels with corrosion, damage, or uncertain history, have them inspected before mounting fresh tires.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1987 Bertone when the tires are fitted?
A 1987 Bertone should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires at proper pressure, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread and sidewall is not carrying the load for months at a time.
That matters on an X-1/9 because collector cars often spend long stretches parked between drives. Even a modern radial benefits from occasional repositioning and a clean storage environment. If the car will sit for an extended season, many owners also use tire cradles or stands as part of a broader preservation plan to reduce stress on the carcass.
How long do tires on a 1987 Bertone typically last?
Tires on a 1987 Bertone should be judged by age and condition as much as by tread depth. A practical collector-car rule is to begin evaluating them closely around five to seven years of age and to treat roughly ten years as a serious replacement point, even if the car has seen limited mileage. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the key reference for that timeline.
That approach fits the reality of many X-1/9s, which may spend far more time in storage than on the road. A tire can look presentable and still be aging internally. If the car is new to you, checking the date code is one of the first smart steps, especially before any sustained highway use or a long-distance event.
How often should tires on a 1987 Bertone be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Bertone deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, punctures, tread wear, bulges, and any sign that the bead or valve stem area is deteriorating. A lightly used collector car can develop tire issues while sitting still, not just while accumulating miles.
That routine is especially important on a small sports car where steering feel and stability are closely tied to tire condition. Include the spare in the inspection habit, since a decades-old spare may be unusable even if it appears untouched. Catching a problem in the garage is far easier than discovering it after the car is loaded for a weekend drive.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1987 Bertone X-1/9?
The 1987 Bertone X-1/9 belongs to an era when radial tires were the standard fitment for mainstream and sporting passenger cars, so radial construction is the historically appropriate direction for this model year. The size used here is 185/60R13, which matches the late X-1/9's compact 13-inch wheel fitment and suits the car's factory-era stance and proportions.
Owners restoring a car to original presentation should treat 185/60R13 radial fitment as the starting point, then confirm market-specific details through factory literature, marque clubs, or an X-1/9 specialist if the car has an unusual history. That extra check is worthwhile because wheel changes are common on surviving cars, and originality standards can differ by event or region.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1987 Bertone?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 1987 Bertone because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice whether the tire size, construction type, and sidewall appearance suit the period and the model. On a late Bertone X-1/9, the right 185/60R13 radial size and an era-appropriate Blackwall appearance support the car's overall authenticity in a way that oversized or visibly modernized alternatives may not.
The practical takeaway is that tire fitment is part of the car's presentation, not just a mechanical necessity. Even if an alternate setup physically fits, it can change the stance and visual character enough to look out of place. For formal judging, consult the rule set and the relevant Bertone or Fiat-X1/9 community so your tire choice matches the standard being applied.
What is the difference between Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 and a generic replacement tire for the 1987 Bertone X-1/9?
For a 1987 Bertone X-1/9, the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 stays within the correct 185/60R13 sizing while pairing that fitment with radial construction, tubeless operation, an 80H service description, and a 5 to 6.5 inch approved rim-width range. Those specifics matter more than a vague generic replacement claim, because a tire that only seems close in size can alter the X-1/9's proportions and wheel compatibility.
In restoration terms, the more faithful choice is the tire that preserves the proper size and visual balance rather than simply filling the wheel opening. That is especially true on an X-1/9, where small changes stand out on a compact wedge-shaped body. If you are trying to keep the car visually and mechanically coherent, stay with the correct 185/60R13 fitment.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1987 Bertone tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1987 Bertone tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct 185/60R13 size, in sound condition, and properly mounted and inflated. The available tire carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. In normal U.S. highway use, the limiting factor on an older X-1/9 is often the overall condition of the car, including suspension, brakes, alignment, and wheel condition, rather than the tire's speed category alone.
That means safety depends on the full package, not just the sidewall code. A fresh, correctly sized tire on a neglected car is still not a road-trip recipe. Before sustained highway driving, make sure the Bertone tracks straight, holds pressure, and has no vibration, brake pull, or steering looseness that could undermine the benefit of proper tires.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1987 Bertone tires?
For 1987 Bertone tires, the first pressure reference should be the vehicle's factory recommendation for the X-1/9, because that reflects the car's weight distribution and intended handling balance. The available 185/60R13 tire also carries its own service rating, 80H, and should never be inflated beyond the tire manufacturer's stated maximum. Pressure should not be borrowed casually from a different tire size just because the wheel diameter matches.
The best practice is to begin with the carmaker's guidance, then verify that the tire and wheel condition support stable pressure retention. Since the X-1/9 is a light mid-engine car, even modest pressure changes can influence steering feel and ride quality. Check pressures cold and recheck them regularly, especially after seasonal temperature swings or longer storage periods.
What should I check before taking a 1987 Bertone on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1987 Bertone, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the 185/60R13 tires are seated correctly on the wheels, the valve stems are sound, and the spare is serviceable. Aged collector cars also deserve a broader once-over that includes brakes, coolant hoses, belts, lights, and fluid levels.
That kind of pre-drive routine is especially sensible for an X-1/9 because a small, engaging sports car tends to invite spirited use once it is on the road. Catching tire or wheel issues early protects both the driving experience and the car itself. If the Bertone has been sitting, take a short local shakedown run before committing to a longer trip.
