1997 Ferrari captured a broad slice of the marque’s character, from the front-engine grand touring 456 GT and 456 GTA to the V12 550 Maranello, the mid-engine F355 family, and the halo-level F50. That range means tire sizing is not shared across the full lineup: seven models use eight distinct radial sizes, split between 17-inch and 18-inch fitments depending on the model and axle. On a 1997 Ferrari, the real first step is identifying the exact model, because front and rear sizes are staggered and vary substantially from one Ferrari platform to another. Once the model is confirmed, choosing the correct front and rear pair becomes much more straightforward.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1997 Ferrari
Eight tire sizes are used across 1997 Ferrari vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. Every size here is a radial, so the main decision is confirming the correct model and the correct 17-inch or 18-inch wheel diameter before narrowing down front and rear fitment. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps match the right tire to the right Ferrari platform.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): 456 GT, 456 GTA|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
255/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac with Blackwall, Redline, and RWL sidewall styles, and the available products carry W and ZR speed markings. This front size is specific to the 456 GT and 456 GTA rather than universal across 1997 Ferrari models. It suits owners who want the correct 17-inch front fitment for Ferrari’s V12 grand touring cars while still having a choice of visual style.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): 456 GT, 456 GTA|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
285/40R17 is a metric radial size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. Nitto offers this size in a Blackwall configuration with a W speed rating, carrying a 168 mph ceiling. This rear size is specific to the 456 GT and 456 GTA and completes the staggered 17-inch setup used on those models. It is the size to confirm when matching the rear fitment on Ferrari’s 1997 456-series grand tourers.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): 550 Maranello|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
255/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size in Blackwall form, and the available products carry both W and Y speed ratings with ceilings of 168 mph and 186+ mph. This front size is specific to the 550 Maranello and not shared with the other 1997 Ferrari models covered here. It fits buyers who need the correct 18-inch front size for Ferrari’s front-engine V12 flagship and want to choose within that size by speed rating.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): 550 Maranello|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
295/35R18 is a metric radial size with a 295-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. Pro-Trac offers this size with Redline and RWL sidewall styles, and the available products use ZR sizing language. This rear size is specific to the 550 Maranello rather than being shared across the broader 1997 Ferrari range. It is the rear fitment to focus on when the goal is preserving the 550’s staggered 18-inch stance with a more distinctive sidewall appearance.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): F355, F355 GTS, F355 Spider|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
225/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall form, and the available products carry W and ZR speed markings. This front size is shared by the F355, F355 GTS, and F355 Spider, making it specific to the F355 family rather than to every 1997 Ferrari model. It is the correct starting point for owners of Ferrari’s 3.5-liter V8 berlinetta, targa, and open-top variants.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): F355, F355 GTS, F355 Spider|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
265/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size in a Blackwall configuration with a Y speed rating, carrying a 186+ mph ceiling. This rear size is shared across the F355 coupe, GTS, and Spider and is not used across the full 1997 Ferrari lineup. It is the matching rear size for the F355 family’s staggered 18-inch fitment.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): F50|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
245/35R18 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size in Blackwall form with a W speed rating, carrying a 168 mph ceiling. This front size is exclusive to the F50 within the 1997 Ferrari range. It is the size to verify first when servicing the front axle of Ferrari’s limited-production flagship.
335/30R18 is a metric radial size with a 335-millimeter section width, a 30-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This rear F50 size does not carry a product match here, but it remains the model-specific rear specification paired with the 245/35R18 front. The size is unique to the F50 and is not interchangeable with the 456, 550, or F355 families. Owners should confirm the exact rear requirement against the wheel and vehicle before moving ahead with fitment research.
Seven Ferrari models are covered for 1997, spanning grand touring V12 cars, the F355 sports car family, and the ultra-exclusive F50. Tire sizing varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; identifying whether you have a 456, 550 Maranello, F355 variant, or F50 is essential before choosing front and rear tires. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1997 Ferrari 456 GT
The 456 GT was Ferrari’s elegant front-engine V12 grand tourer, aimed at high-speed road use with a more understated character than the marque’s mid-engine cars. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels, with a staggered front-and-rear setup that differs from the 18-inch arrangements used on the 550, F355 family, and F50.
The 456 GTA shared the 456’s long-nose grand touring layout but paired it with an automatic transmission for a different driving character. Like the 456 GT, it uses 17-inch wheel fitments with the same staggered front and rear tire sizing.
The 550 Maranello marked Ferrari’s return to a front-engine V12 two-seat flagship, blending modern supercar performance with classic long-hood proportions. Its tires mount on 18-inch wheels, and its staggered setup is unique to the model within the 1997 Ferrari range.
The F355 coupe is one of Ferrari’s defining 1990s berlinettas, known for its compact mid-engine layout and highly regarded chassis balance. It uses 18-inch wheels with a staggered front and rear fitment shared with the F355 GTS and F355 Spider.
The F355 GTS brought open-air character to the F355 platform through its removable targa-style roof panel while keeping the same basic performance mission. It rides on 18-inch wheels and shares its front and rear tire sizes with the F355 coupe and Spider.
The F355 Spider delivered the same mid-engine V8 Ferrari experience in a fully open-top form, making it one of the most desirable road-going Ferraris of the era. It also uses 18-inch wheels and the same staggered tire sizing as the other F355 variants.
The F50 sat at the top of Ferrari’s 1997 road-car hierarchy, bringing race-bred engineering and an unmistakably extreme profile to a limited-production halo model. Its tires mount on 18-inch wheels, but its front and especially rear sizes are unique within the 1997 Ferrari lineup.
Seventeen products are available across eight tire sizes for 1997 Ferrari vehicles. 255/45R17 has 4 choices from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac in radial form with Blackwall, Redline, and RWL styles; 285/40R17 has 1 radial Blackwall from Nitto; 255/40R18 has 3 radial Blackwalls from BFGoodrich; 295/35R18 has 3 radials from Pro-Trac in Redline and RWL; 225/40R18 has 4 radial Blackwalls from BFGoodrich and Nitto; 265/40R18 and 245/35R18 each have 1 radial Blackwall from BFGoodrich.
The FAQs below sort out how 1997 Ferrari tire sizes change from the 456 to the 550, F355 family, and F50, along with sidewall-style choices, rim-width requirements, speed ratings, and long-term care for low-mileage exotic cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1997 Ferrari vehicles?
1997 Ferrari vehicles use eight model-specific radial sizes. The 456 GT and 456 GTA use 255/45R17 front and 285/40R17 rear. The 550 Maranello uses 255/40R18 front and 295/35R18 rear. The F355, F355 GTS, and F355 Spider use 225/40R18 front and 265/40R18 rear. The F50 uses 245/35R18 front and 335/30R18 rear. Rim-width guidance where available ranges from 7.5 to 9.0 inches for 225/40R18, 8.0 to 9.5 for 255/45R17, 8.5 to 10.0 for 255/40R18, 9.0 to 10.5 for 265/40R18, 9.5 to 11.0 for 285/40R17, and 8.0 to 9.5 for 245/35R18.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough on a 1997 Ferrari. You need the exact model first, then the correct front and rear pair for that chassis, because Ferrari used staggered fitments throughout the range and mixed both 17-inch and 18-inch wheel diameters. If the car has been modified, confirm the actual wheel diameter and width before choosing a tire.
What does 255/45R17 mean on a 1997 Ferrari tire?
On a 1997 Ferrari, 255/45R17 is a modern metric radial size. The 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. On Ferrari applications for 1997, this size belongs to the front axle of the 456 GT and 456 GTA, while the matching rear size is 285/40R17.
That code matters because it separates both dimension and wheel fitment. A 255/45R17 is not interchangeable with the 18-inch front sizes used on the 550 Maranello, F355 family, or F50, even if the width seems similar at a glance. Owners of a 456 should also pair it with the correct rear size rather than treating the front size as a stand-alone replacement choice.
Do all 1997 Ferrari models use the same tire size?
No. 1997 Ferrari models use different front and rear tire pairs depending on the platform. The 456 GT and 456 GTA share one 17-inch staggered setup, the 550 Maranello uses its own 18-inch staggered pair, the F355 coupe, GTS, and Spider share another 18-inch pair, and the F50 uses unique front and rear 18-inch sizes. None of those combinations carries across the entire model range.
That matters because the right tire choice starts with model identification, not just the Ferrari badge and model year. A buyer comparing 456, 550, F355, and F50 fitment is really comparing different wheel diameters, widths, and rear tire proportions. If you are unsure whether the car still has its original wheels, check the wheel markings and the current tire sidewalls before moving ahead.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1997 Ferrari tires?
Most 1997 Ferrari sizes here are available in Blackwall form, which covers every size that currently has a BFGoodrich or Nitto option. Redline and RWL sidewall styles appear in two sizes: 255/45R17 for the 456 GT and 456 GTA, and 295/35R18 for the 550 Maranello. The F355 family sizes and the F50 front size are Blackwall only within these available products.
For a 1997 Ferrari, Blackwall is usually the most natural visual fit because it aligns with the period’s factory performance look. Redline and RWL create a more custom or personalized appearance rather than a typical late-1990s Ferrari presentation. If appearance is a major part of the decision, choose the correct size first and then narrow your options by sidewall style within that size.
What brands make tires for 1997 Ferrari vehicles?
1997 Ferrari tire coverage here comes from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. BFGoodrich appears in the 255/45R17, 255/40R18, 225/40R18, 265/40R18, and 245/35R18 sizes. Nitto appears in 255/45R17, 285/40R17, and 225/40R18. Pro-Trac appears in 255/45R17 and 295/35R18, where it adds Redline and RWL sidewall treatments not seen in the other brands for those sizes.
That brand spread means some Ferrari sizes offer meaningful choice while others are much tighter. The 456 front size, 550 front size, and F355 front size have the broadest variety, while a rear size such as 285/40R17 or 265/40R18 is much more limited. Start by locking in the exact Ferrari model and axle position, then compare brand character, sidewall look, and speed rating within that single size.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello?
For the 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello front size of 255/40R18, both the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 and g-Force Phenom T/A are radial Blackwall tires built for 18-inch wheels and fit a rim-width range of 8.5 to 10.0 inches. The Sport Comp 2 carries a 95W marking and a 1,521-pound maximum load at 51 psi, while the Phenom T/A carries a 99Y marking and a 1,709-pound maximum load at 50 psi. Their weights are also very close at about 28 pounds.
The practical difference is that the Phenom T/A carries a higher speed symbol and a higher published load figure within the same size. That does not mean it automatically suits every owner better, but it does make the comparison more than just a brand-name choice. On a 550 Maranello, it is smart to evaluate the front tire together with the rear size you plan to run so the overall setup stays consistent.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1997 Ferrari tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1997 Ferrari applications. 225/40R18 fits 7.5 to 9.0 inches, 245/35R18 fits 8.0 to 9.5 inches, 255/45R17 fits 8.0 to 9.5 inches, 255/40R18 fits 8.5 to 10.0 inches, 265/40R18 fits 9.0 to 10.5 inches, and 285/40R17 fits 9.5 to 11.0 inches. Those ranges reflect the tire size itself, not a blanket rule for every Ferrari wheel from 1997.
That is why wheel measurement matters before choosing a replacement tire, especially on cars that may have aftermarket wheels or a previous owner’s changes. The front and rear wheels on these Ferraris are not the same width, so each axle has to be checked independently. If your wheel width falls near the edge of the approved range, verify the exact product you plan to use before final selection.
Do 1997 Ferrari tires require inner tubes?
The available 1997 Ferrari products here are radial tires with modern sizing language and no tube-type markings, so they are tubeless by configuration. That applies across the 17-inch and 18-inch sizes with product coverage on this page. No product here is marked TT, and none carries a tube-use designation in the size description.
Even so, tubeless tires still depend on the condition of the wheel, valve stem, and bead seat. A collector Ferrari with older wheels should have those areas checked carefully during mounting, especially if the car has sat for long periods. If a wheel has corrosion, damage, or a prior repair, resolve that issue before assuming any new tubeless tire will seal properly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1997 Ferrari when the tires are fitted?
A 1997 Ferrari stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so the same footprint is not loaded for months at a time. Indoor humidity control and a clean floor surface also help protect both the tires and the wheels.
Because these Ferraris are often low-mileage collector cars, storage conditions can matter more than annual miles driven. Long static periods can age a tire without obviously wearing the tread, and low-profile performance tires deserve extra attention because their sidewalls are working hard even at rest. If the car will sit for a season, many owners rotate the tire position on the floor contact patch or support the car appropriately to reduce stress.
How long do tires on a 1997 Ferrari typically last?
On a 1997 Ferrari, tire age is usually a more important guide than tread depth. A sound collector-car routine is to evaluate tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat roughly ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the miles are low. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
That matters because many Ferraris from this era spend long periods parked, and low use can create a false sense of security. A tire may look good from a few feet away while still aging internally or developing small sidewall cracks. If the car’s service history is unclear, checking the date codes can quickly tell you whether the current tires are realistically suitable for continued road use.
How often should tires on a 1997 Ferrari be inspected?
Tires on a 1997 Ferrari should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and pressure loss, and pay close attention to the inside shoulder area because low-profile performance tires can hide wear there. Valve stems should also be checked for age and cracking during routine service.
Regular inspection is especially important on a Ferrari that is driven infrequently or stored for long intervals. Catching a pressure change or early sidewall issue at home is far better than discovering it after the car has warmed up on the road. If a tire begins losing air repeatedly or shows wear that is not even across the tread, have the wheel and suspension alignment checked before putting more miles on the car.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1997 Ferrari tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1997 Ferrari tires in these sizes can be appropriate for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and used within their speed ratings. The available products here carry W and Y speed ratings, which correspond to 168 mph and 186+ mph ceilings, and several also use ZR sizing language associated with high-speed performance fitments. All of them are radial designs suited to modern road use.
In real-world driving, tire condition, inflation, and the car’s mechanical health matter more than chasing maximum speed capability. A 1997 Ferrari may have highway-ready tires, but brakes, suspension bushings, alignment, and age-related service items still shape how secure the car feels at speed. Before extended road use, make sure the full chassis is as ready as the tires are.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1997 Ferrari tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1997 Ferrari should follow the vehicle’s factory recommendation first, because Ferrari tuned pressure by model and axle position. The tires themselves also carry maximum load and pressure figures that vary by size and product, such as 1,653 pounds at 51 psi for one 255/45R17, 1,984 pounds at 50 psi for 285/40R17, 1,521 pounds at 51 psi or 1,709 pounds at 50 psi for 255/40R18, 1,235 to 1,389 pounds at 50 to 51 psi for 225/40R18, 1,819 pounds at 50 psi for 265/40R18, and 1,389 pounds at 50 psi for 245/35R18.
Those figures are load-capacity references, not a universal cold-pressure setting for every 1997 Ferrari. Front and rear pressures often differ on staggered performance cars, and one tire size should never borrow the pressure routine of another just because both are mounted on Ferraris. Use the owner’s manual or factory placard as the baseline, then confirm that the chosen tire’s rated limits are respected.
What should I check before taking a 1997 Ferrari on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1997 Ferrari, inspect each tire for cracking, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Check the valve stems, confirm that the tread is wearing evenly across the front and rear axles, and inspect the spare if the car is equipped with one. On a staggered Ferrari fitment, also make sure the correct front and rear sizes remain in their proper positions.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive review that matches the age and performance level of the car. Cooling system condition, belts, fluids, battery health, and brake feel are every bit as important on a 1997 Ferrari that may sit between outings. A careful walkaround and a short local test drive can reveal problems while they are still easy to address.
