Ferrari 275 GT tyres

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.

 

I was quite surprised to see the HR rated tyres recommended and used for a 275 GTB as they are only rated for speeds up to 130 mph but perhaps that was the highest rating in 1964? The VR rating was 130 MPH +.

 

For info 275GTB/4 09355 was delivered with Dunlop tyres 205x14 HR according the "foglio montaggio autotelaio" dated 21/12/66.

rgds

 

Perhaps the HR rating was different in 1964 and not just up to 130 MPH but had a higher speed rating? Could it have been that the tyre industry changed/regraded the ratings when they brought the VR 130 mph + rating out?

 

or, may be,the VR rating doesn't exist in 1966!...

 

That is what I suspect. As I said above, perhaps the HR rating was the highest and the recommendation for very high performance cars until the introduction of the VR rating? Does anyone know when the VR rating was introduced?

 

Early brochures show both 195-14 and 205-14, though I do not know if the 195 was used in application; Dunlop SP Sport 205-14 or Pirelli 210-14 seem to be the norm on data sheets. 185-14 is simply too small for a 275, no references to this size used to my knowledge.

 

The Ferrari web site states tyre sizes for the 275 GTB of 195 x 14 or 205 x 14. No speed ratings given.

See here: http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/275_GTB.aspx

For 275 GTB/4 the Ferrari web site states 205 x 14. No speed rating given. See here: http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/275_GTB4.aspx

Ian Webb's book Ferrari 275GTB & 275 GTS states Pirelli or Dunlop 195 x 14; then 205 x 14 often Michelin.

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.

 

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.

 

There are pictures here 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Serial Number 09795 GT - main page of a 275 GTB with the taller 205R14 89W Michelins fitted.

 

The 89W lettering relates to the load rating not the aspect ratio. Michelin XWX 205R 14 89W will be full 80% (or 82%) aspect ratio and are not taller.

 

The V speed rating up until 1991, when the ratings changed, was recommended for speeds of 130 MPH +.

H up to 130 MPH.

S up to 112 MPH.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code#Speed_rating

 

Who drives his GTB above 150mph?
Specially with original Cromodoras in magnesium that can desintegrate in one second?

 

It's not just for high speed that the tyres on a 275 GTB and similar cars need to be V rated, but also to cope with the higher forces of acceleration, cornering and braking that the car generates.

 

I'm quite aware of what the 89W stands for, thanks. And yes, the 205R14 shown is those pictures is quite a bit taller then the 205/70R14 shown in the picture Dougal (Longstone tyres) posted.

 

Sorry, I misinterpreted your post. Nice alloy 4 cam in the link you posted.

 

I wonder when Sheehan had that 275 GTB/4 allloy for sale.
To think that today you put a 1 before that price and it probably
still would not be enough for this car. My guess is around 2002, 2003, or 2004.

 

well for me the tire debate is over - the Michelin 205 x 14 full profile (80) tire fits perfectly on my car, they fill the wheel arch and look fantastic!

Note - the 205 x 14 does not fit in the spare wheel space of the shortnose car, you need a small 190 or 195 x 14.

Supplied by Longstone - THANKS
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Would deflating the spare XWX 205 x 14 tyre, making it slightly narrower for the spare wheel space, and carrying a foot pump or a small compressor powered from the cigar lighter be a solution?

 

it may work, but happy with a smaller tire fully inflated. Imagine it as a vintage space saver!

 

Is the XWX available in 195 x 14 (80) size or are you using a different tyre?

 

dont know - Longstone?

I have not fitted the smaller tire yet, but not that bothered about matching, make etc - given it is only to get me home in the event of a puncture.