The 1989 Bertone lineup in the U.S. was centered on the X-1/9, a mid-engine Italian sports car that carried its distinctive wedge-era character into the late 1980s under the Bertone name. Compact dimensions, sharp steering response, and light weight made tire choice especially important to how the car feels on the road. For 1989 Bertone, the fitment picture is straightforward: one model uses one tire size, so the decision is less about cross-model variation and more about choosing the right radial tire within that original size and wheel diameter. Before moving forward, confirm that your car is an X-1/9 and that it still runs the correct 13-inch wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1989 Bertone
There is one tire size used for 1989 Bertone vehicles, and it applies to the full model range for the year. Because every 1989 Bertone model uses the same radial size on the same rim diameter, the real choice is not between fitments but between the available product's character and whether it suits your driving goals. Understanding that distinction before choosing a tire saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1989|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, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Michelin in a Blackwall tubeless radial, carrying an H speed rating with a 130 mph ceiling. On a 1989 Bertone X-1/9, this is the correct size when you want to stay with the year's standard radial fitment and preserve the car's intended proportions on 13-inch wheels.
One model is covered for 1989 Bertone. Every 1989 Bertone vehicle uses the same tire size, so fitment does not change across the range; the bigger consideration is keeping the X-1/9's light, responsive character matched to the proper 13-inch wheel setup. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1989 Bertone X-1/9
The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 carried forward the familiar mid-engine targa formula that made the car a standout among small sports cars, with Italian styling and compact proportions that reward correct tire sizing. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the year's fitment stays focused on a single radial size rather than multiple model-specific options. That makes preserving the right stance and steering feel more straightforward than on a broader multi-model lineup.
One product is available across one tire size for 1989 Bertone vehicles. The 185/60R13 comes in a radial Michelin fitment with a Blackwall sidewall, so the main step before selecting is confirming that your X-1/9 still uses the correct 13-inch wheel setup.
These answers focus on the single-size fitment used by 1989 Bertone X-1/9 models, including what 185/60R13 means, how the available radial is configured, and what to inspect before driving or storing a low-use collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1989 Bertone vehicles?
1989 Bertone vehicles use one tire size: 185/60R13. That size applies to the 1989 Bertone X-1/9, and it mounts on a 13-inch rim. The available rim width range for the tire offered in this size is 5 to 6.5 inches, which gives you a useful checkpoint when verifying the wheel already on the car.
That single-size fitment makes the 1989 Bertone simpler to sort out than a year-and-make page with multiple models or mixed wheel diameters. Even so, it is still worth checking the actual wheel before ordering, especially on cars that may have seen aftermarket changes over the years. If your X-1/9 still has its proper 13-inch setup, 185/60R13 is the size you should be researching first.
What does 185/60R13 mean on a 1989 Bertone tire?
On a 1989 Bertone, 185/60R13 breaks down into three basic dimensions plus construction type. The 185 is the tire's nominal section width in millimeters, the 60 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 60 percent of the section width, and the 13 is the rim diameter in inches. The R identifies it as a radial tire.
That code matters because it preserves the X-1/9's intended overall proportions and keeps you in the correct wheel diameter. Changing any one part of the size can alter ride height, steering response, speedometer behavior, and wheel fit. When comparing products, start by matching the full 185/60R13 code exactly, then look at sidewall style, speed rating, and rim-width compatibility.
Do all 1989 Bertone models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1989 Bertone range covered here consists of the X-1/9, and it uses 185/60R13 throughout the model line. There is no year-and-make split between different body styles or wheel diameters, so you do not need to sort between multiple tire sizes at this level.
That consistency is helpful for owners who know they have a 1989 Bertone but have not yet drilled down into model-specific details. The real task is confirming that the car still wears the proper 13-inch wheels and has not been changed to a non-stock size. Once that is settled, you can focus on the specific tire product that best matches how you use the car.
Buying the Right Tire
What brands make tires for 1989 Bertone vehicles?
Michelin makes a tire for 1989 Bertone vehicles in the correct 185/60R13 size. The available product is the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, built as a radial with a Blackwall sidewall. Its H speed rating places it at a 130 mph ceiling, which suits the sporty character associated with the X-1/9's size and layout.
For a buyer, that means the choice is concentrated rather than broad. Instead of sorting through several constructions or sidewall treatments, you can focus on whether this Michelin matches your goals for appearance, road use, and wheel compatibility. It is a sensible approach for a late-era collector sports car where preserving responsive handling and the proper size often matters more than chasing period-style sidewall details.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Bertone tires?
1989 Bertone tires in the correct 185/60R13 size are available as Blackwall radials. That sidewall treatment fits the late-1980s character of the Bertone X-1/9, which had moved well beyond the wide-white and pie-crust styling associated with earlier collector cars. On a car from this era, a clean Blackwall look is entirely appropriate.
From a buyer's standpoint, sidewall style is mostly an appearance decision once the correct size is established. Because the 1989 Bertone uses a single fitment, there is less chance of confusing sidewall style with a different tire size or construction. If your goal is a factory-era visual impression, a Blackwall radial is the right direction to start with on an X-1/9.
What is the difference between the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 and other tire types a 1989 Bertone owner might consider?
For 1989 Bertone fitment, the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 is a 185/60R13 radial with a Blackwall sidewall, tubeless construction, and an H speed rating. That places it squarely in the modern radial category rather than an earlier bias-ply or cosmetic reproduction style. On an X-1/9, that aligns with the car's late-1980s engineering and its original-era move toward lower-profile radial sizing.
The practical difference is not about forcing the car into an earlier visual theme, but about keeping the tire in the right late-classic format. A radial in the correct 185/60R13 size is the sensible baseline for steering feel and proportions on this model. The key checkpoints are full size match, 13-inch wheel compatibility, and whether the tire's road-use character fits how often you drive the car.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1989 Bertone tires require?
The 185/60R13 tire used on 1989 Bertone vehicles fits a 13-inch rim and works with rim widths from 5 to 6.5 inches. That range is important because the same tire size can behave differently if mounted on a wheel that falls outside its intended width window. Staying inside that span helps preserve the shape and support the tire was built around.
When checking an X-1/9, verify both the rim diameter and the wheel width rather than assuming every 13-inch wheel is correct. Collector cars often pass through several owners, and wheel swaps are common even when the tire size remains similar. A quick width check before mounting saves time and helps maintain the balance, steering response, and visual stance the car is known for.
Do 1989 Bertone tires require inner tubes?
The 185/60R13 tire available for 1989 Bertone fitment is a tubeless radial. Its size marking includes TL, which is the standard shorthand for tubeless construction. That means the tire itself is designed to run without an inner tube when it is mounted on a wheel suitable for tubeless service and paired with the correct valve hardware.
Before mounting, inspect the wheel condition carefully, especially on an older X-1/9 that may have corrosion, bead-seat wear, or replacement wheels of uncertain age. Tubeless operation depends on the wheel sealing properly as much as the tire itself. If there is any doubt about wheel condition or originality, have the wheels evaluated before final fitment rather than assuming age alone makes a tube necessary.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1989 Bertone when the tires are fitted?
A 1989 Bertone should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires protected from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires properly inflated and move the car periodically so the same section of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Even radial tires benefit from regular repositioning during long static storage.
The X-1/9 is light, but long-term storage can still age tires prematurely if the environment is poor. If the car will sit for a season or longer, many owners use tire cradles or stands as part of a broader preservation routine. Clean storage conditions and stable inflation do more for long-term tire health than simply covering the car and leaving it untouched.
How long do tires on a 1989 Bertone typically last?
Tires on a 1989 Bertone should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A low-use collector car can still age out its tires even if the tread looks excellent, so a careful evaluation around the five-to-seven-year mark is wise, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as tires approach ten years from their DOT date code. Heat, sunlight, and storage conditions matter as much as road use.
That is especially relevant for an X-1/9 because many examples spend long periods parked between drives or shows. A sporty car can feel normal right up until an old tire starts hardening, cracking, or losing wet-weather confidence. Always read the date code on the sidewall and treat visible age signs as more important than how many miles the car has covered since the tires were mounted.
How often should tires on a 1989 Bertone be inspected?
Tires on a 1989 Bertone deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, punctures, and slow pressure loss. Because the 185/60R13 fitment is tubeless, valve stems and bead sealing condition also deserve attention, especially on older wheels.
That routine matters on an X-1/9 because a small, responsive sports car makes tire condition easy to feel once something starts changing. Catching a problem early can prevent vibration, wandering, or air loss from turning into a roadside issue. Include the spare in the same routine if the car still carries one, since age affects a spare tire just as much as the tires on the ground.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
The 1989 Bertone X-1/9 belongs to an era when radial tires were the standard fitment for sporty passenger cars, and the correct year-and-model size is 185/60R13. That makes radial construction the right starting point for an original-type setup on this car. A specific original-equipment brand can vary by market and delivery history, so the most important baseline is staying with the proper size and late-1980s radial format.
If you are restoring for marque accuracy, verify market-specific details with an X-1/9 specialist or club before chasing small appearance differences. Some owners focus first on stance and handling balance, while others prioritize sidewall presentation and exact era character. For most restorations, getting the correct 185/60R13 radial fitment in place is the step that matters most before finer authenticity questions come into play.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1989 Bertone?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 1989 Bertone, especially on a car like the X-1/9 where proportions and wheel-to-body relationship are visually obvious. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size, construction type, and sidewall presentation fit the car's era. On a late-1980s Italian sports car, an incorrect diameter, an overly tall profile, or an obviously non-era sidewall look can distract from an otherwise careful restoration.
That does not mean every event uses the same standards, so it is smart to check the rules of the club or concours where the car will appear. Some venues care mainly about overall correctness, while others reward closer adherence to factory-era presentation. For a 1989 Bertone, keeping the proper 185/60R13 radial format is the foundation before worrying about smaller appearance nuances.
How important is original wheel and tire proportion on a 1989 Bertone X-1/9?
Original wheel and tire proportion is very important on a 1989 Bertone X-1/9 because the car's design relies on compact dimensions, a low hood line, and crisp wedge-era balance. The correct 185/60R13 size supports that visual and dynamic relationship far better than a random substitute that changes sidewall height or overall diameter. On a car this small and styling-sensitive, even modest departures can look outsized.
For restoration work, that means tire fitment is not just a mechanical decision. It influences stance, fender fill, steering feel, and the way the whole car reads at a glance. If your goal is authenticity, begin by preserving the correct 13-inch wheel relationship and full size code, then refine the car further with model-specific guidance from Bertone or X-1/9 enthusiast sources.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1989 Bertone tires safe for highway driving?
A 1989 Bertone tire in the correct 185/60R13 size can be appropriate for highway driving when it is in sound condition, properly inflated, and mounted on a suitable wheel. The available tire in this size carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. In normal use, the condition of the tire and the overall health of the car are usually more important than the theoretical top-end rating.
On an older X-1/9, highway confidence also depends on alignment, suspension condition, brakes, wheel bearings, and steering components that may have decades of age behind them. A fresh radial on a tired chassis will not solve those issues by itself. Treat the tire as one part of the roadworthiness picture, and make sure the whole car is prepared for sustained speed before any longer interstate drive.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1989 Bertone tires?
Inflation pressure for 1989 Bertone tires should be set by combining the car's factory guidance with the tire maker's limits for the exact product. The 185/60R13 radial offered for the X-1/9 includes its own load and service marking, but pressure should never be copied from a different size or guessed from another collector car. The correct baseline begins with the original vehicle recommendation for this specific fitment.
Once you have confirmed the owner's manual or factory placard guidance, compare it with the tire's sidewall information and keep pressures consistent side to side. Recheck when seasonal temperatures change, since small tires on light sports cars can feel pressure differences quickly. If the car's use has changed significantly from stock, such as track-only use or a modified wheel setup, seek model-specific advice before deviating from standard road pressures.
What should I check before taking a 1989 Bertone on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1989 Bertone, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, irregular wear, and correct cold pressure. Confirm that the 185/60R13 tires are seated properly on the wheels, that valve stems are sound, and that the spare is usable if the car carries one. A quick tread and sidewall inspection is a small step that can prevent a much larger interruption later.
Because the Bertone X-1/9 is an older sports car, extend that check to the rest of the chassis as part of the same routine. Wheel bearings, brakes, cooling system condition, belts, hoses, and fluid levels matter just as much on a longer trip. Tires are the only part touching the road, but on a late-classic car, safe touring comes from preparing the entire vehicle rather than focusing on one component in isolation.
