Ferrari 275 GTB Tyres
Ferrari 275 GTB 1964–1966
- In 1964 the very first short nose Ferrari 275GTB came with 195HR14 Dunlop, which are no longer made, or 205 or 210R14 Pirelli CN72 HS fitted to 6.5” either RW3874 Borrani wire wheels or Campagnola Starburst Alloys.
- The very first of the Longnose 275GTB also offered the Campagnola 10 hole alloy design as well as the Borrani and the Starburst, still 6.5” with 205HR14 Dunlop 210 Pirelli CN72 HS or 205 WR 14 Michelin XWX.
- The earlier Campagnola Starburst Alloys were made using magnesium. This allowed them to be much lighter for racing, however magnesium wheels become porous and degrade over time, and often need to be replaced or refurbished.
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB4 Tyres
- Later Long Nose Ferrari 275 GTB/4 moved to 7” wide Campagnola 10 alloys or 7” 72 spoke Borrani RW4039.
- Currently, because of the lack of demand for tyres of this size we strongly suggest fitting the 205 WR 14 Michelin XWX, this tyre perfect for these cars.
- Ferrari's open top version of the 275 also fitted 205 VR 14 Michelin XWX tyres.
- For these tyres the Michelin 14F innertube is the correct size.
- Borrani also make 15” racing wheels for the 275GTB 7” RW4010 and 7.5”X15 RW4011. For racing you will want Dunlop Racing or Avon CR6ZZ.
- For Ferrari 275 GTB and 275 GTB4 fitted with 15” wheels wanting road tyres we suggest the 215/70 VR15 Pirelli CN12 or 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX.
- 15" Avon CR6ZZ is best fitted with Michelin 15/17H innertubes.
- Innertubes are essential if you have wire wheels fitted!
- For the Ferrari 275GTB we suggest tyre pressures of 33psi in the front and 39psi in the rear.
- For the Ferrari 275GTS we suggest pressures to be a little higher - 35psi in the front.
Ferrari 275 GTB Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Ferrari 275 GTB Tyres
275 GTB Ferrari on Michelin XWX Tyres
Ferrari 275 GTB on 205 WR 14 Michelin XWX Tyres
The Ferrari 275 originally came with 195R14, 205R14 or 210R14 tyres. It is important to note that they do not fit 205/70VR14 tyres they are by far too small in diameter. Currently Michelin are the only manufacturers that make a full profile tyre in the size 205R14 and the good news is it is a high performance tyre like the 275GTB.
An alternative would be to fit 15" wheels with 215/70x15 Michelin XWX or 215/70VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN12. Many of the Ferrari 275 GTB cars were used in competition or owners wanted to fit more modern 70's style tyres and fitted 15" Borrani wheels. For competition, a 275 GTB would usually fit Dunlop Racing tyres or 215/70VR15 Avon CR6ZZ depending on the rules of your race series. Because the Avon CR6ZZ range of tyres are excellent road-legal racing tyres people often like to use these as a road tyre, but it is worth considering that the stiff carcass and racing compound that makes it an excellent racing tyre, will not offer the same level of vibration absorption or longevity that a road tyre like the XWX or Cinturato will. We often find ourselves replacing tyres on vintage Ferrari's like a 275 because the tyres are old rather than bald. We would advise you not to drive on racing compound tyres that have become old. The rubber compound is much stiffer than standard road rubber and as the tyre ages the rubber ability to grip deteriorates.
Michelin XWX Tyres Explained
Ferrari 275 Historical Tyre Use
The Ferrari web site states tyre sizes for the 275 GTB of 195 x 14 or 205 x 14. No speed ratings were given. The 195 x 14 size was probably just found on the Starburst alloy wheels which were of 14" x 6.5" size. The later slotted alloy wheels introduced on the Long Nose cars were of 14" x 7" size. According to the factory documents the 275 GTB have been fitted with either Dunlop 205 HR x 14 SP or Pirelli 210 x 14 HS.
275 GTB's and GTS's were mounted from the factory with Dunlop 195x14 tires up to about chassis 6900. From there to about chassis 7200, the factory mounted both Dunlop 194x14 and Pirelli 205x14 tires in no particular order on both GTB's and GTS's. After chassis 7400, Pirelli 205x14 and Pirelli 210x14 tires were mounted. The last high 8000 range cars were built with 205x14 Dunlops.
We have had a reply from Michelin on the matter:
"You are right when you say that early 275 GTB was fitted with 195 VR 14 on his early days ( 1964 ), then moved to 205 in 1966, if my informations are correct...". "They say that the 205 VR 14 Michelin XWX is made in the same mold as before "so diameter is the same. They are wider when unfitted, but after their mounting, they should be as wide as before."
"The laws that determine what we are allowed to use when manufacturing tyres change so there is a slight possibility that that might affect the dimensions. Next time we fit a set of 205 VR 14 Michelin XWX I will measure the width. However this will generally be on Ferrari 275 GTB Borrani Wheels RW 4039 which is also 7" rim so it should give correct measurements."
Updating this 2013 thread:
"Short Nose 275 GTB used 60 spoke Borrani RW 3874 wire wheels and Campagnolo Starburst alloys which were both 6.5" x 14" in size."
"The very early Long Nose 275 GTB also used the Campagnolo Starburst alloy wheels in 6.5" x 14 " size as well as the Campagnolo 10 hole alloy design in this size."
"Please see pic below from 6 Carb Alloy Long Nose 275 GTB #08011 showing the 6.5" wide Campagnolo 10 hole alloy design."
"Later Long Nose 275 GTBs used the Campagnolo 10 hole alloy design in 7.0" x 14" size as well as the 72 spoke Borrani RW 4039 in 7.0" x 14" size."
Borrani Wire Wheels
If you require new Borrani wire wheels for your Ferrari then please click here for information on Borrani wire wheels.
Borrani wheels are still available for your Ferrari 275 GTB. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Ferrari 275 GTB wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
Click the link for Ferrari 275 GTB Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge
