3500 GT Tires/Tyres

I have been using the Michelin Pilot X 600WR 16 on my 3500 for about 6 years and have been very happy with them. while this is labeled a 600 X 16 it is a radial tire and performs like one. The 600 X 16 is listed in the 3500 parts book and I I understand some early cars were made with them.

 

Me too, I'm an happy user of the Michelin Pilot X 600WR fitted on my 3500 GTI. The tire tread shape, looks very vintage, something like an old Englebert.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Hello,
Depends upon the rims.
On my 3500 GT as well as GTI I use the PIRELLI CINTURATO CA 67 185 VR 16 for many years.
My car wears the Borrani 16 inch not the old european 400mm (Michelin) diameter.
Maybe not the best vintage looking but top quality on dry and wet street.
I am a driver not a racer !
Alfred Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

6.00-16 and 185 VR 16 are the same as dimensions and both are made for 16" rims.

 

Hello Andrea,
Of course you are right, 6.00-16 and 185 VR 16 are the same dimensions, both 16 inch.

But Maserati delivered the 3500 with spoke wheels in two differnt options:
either
Borrani RW 3661 (spoke wheels) with a dimension 5 1/2 x 400 (this was a diameter in millimeter - NOT in inch)
or
Borrani RW 3707 (spoke wheels) with a dimension 5 1/2 x 16 inch
https://www.borrani.com/maserati-wheels/3500-gt.html

Maserati delivery from the factory was in both dimensions with Pirelli tyres.

When I bought my 3500GT spider (1960) she had still the original PIRELLI tires 185 x 400 on wheels RW 3661.

During restoration I changed the wheels because the only available tyre for the dimension 185 x 400 mm is the Michelin X (used on Citroen and Peugeot). And I do not like this this profile therefore now I use tyres 185 VR 16 PIRELLI CA 67 on spoke wheels RW 3707.

This was the reason why I said "depends on the rims.

You should not use tyres 185 x 16 inch on wheels 185 x 400 mm (15,85 inch).
Alfred

 

Perhaps Dougal can add something here @Longstone Tyres

 

Hi

I hope the detail is on here

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/maserati/3500gt.html

They originally fitted crossply 6.50-16 Pirelli Stella Bianca. this is a tyre i am hoping to get made again (but it probably won't be for a year or 2) It is also the rear for a 250F (phwarr!) However for now we do have a 600-16 Stella Bianca which i am trying to goad someone with a 3500GT to fit because i think they will look great, and they are the same diameter as the 185VR16 that later cars fitted. (however 650 is correct.)

Yes they were also offered with a 400mm wheel, and yes we can supply the 185SR400 Michelin X, but it is only an S rated tyre, so not really up to scratch for a 3500 GT. bit more of a Citroen Traction Avant tyre.

The 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato was the OE radial tyre, and is the best road tyre for a 3500 GT & GTi. Easy Peasy you might think, but currently we are having a big supply problem with this tyre, which has gone on too long (not helped by our world problems) However i hope i am about to get on top of the problems with this tyre, and i hope to get some in a few months. I am cautious about what i say about this sort of thing before i actually have the tyres in my shed, but i have recently had some good news from Pirelli and i hope it comes to pass. But it is simple question really the 185VR16 Cinturato is the best radial tyre for your cars.

The next best tyre is the Michelin 6.00WR16 Pilot X. It is a really great tyre, looks like a period Englebert, and handles and rides beautifully. If you need something now then that is the tyre.