Original tires for a 1976 308 GTB (US spec)

It's a Euro spec, RAMMER.

This is from the 1976 Parts Manual:
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Cast-alloy wheels 6.5 J X 14 with tubeless radial ply tires 205/70 VR14 (Michelin XWX) were standard on the North American version 1976 308 GTB but I think all were delivered with the optional 7.5 J X 14 wide star wheels. The parts catalog indicates 5 wheels and tires necessary, one set as the spare.

The Euro versions came with "special sparewheel with reduced section (3.25 B x18 with 105 R 18xT tire)."

Below is a copy of my car's stock card.
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RAMMER,

Please visit the 308 GTB Register Site (The Register for Ferrari 308 GTB carburetted models) at:

http://www.r-design.net/308/index_e.html

You'll find a wealth of information there. While you're at it, register your car and let Robert Retzlaff know your car's whereabouts. He'll graciously answer your email and provide you with additional information about your car if he has it on file.

Barry

 

Mounting a 70-series tire is about as easy as it comes. The rim width has nothing to do with the difficutly in mounting tires. The trouble comes in trying to mount 40-series tires on 18" wheels. The low sidewall height makes it difficult to get the tire on the rim.

 

Sean,

I was referring to the need for a bit more specialized tire changer to protect the wheels, much like what Phil had mentioned. I had mine mounted at Classic Coach with no harm to the wheels. They didn't have "the bomb," however, and they had to improvise a bit to create a seal in order to inflate the tire. They used a partially inflated inner tube to create a seal which they pulled at a strategic time during inflation.

Barry

 

I have a well known area tire dealer near me, who sold Michelins for decades. He is no longer a Michelin dealer, as they have been refusing to stand behind thier tires. I have heard this also from many other sources. Coupled with the fiasco at Indy, I really don't want any on my car, or anything else I would drive. So my question would be, what other tires are available in either the standard size, or possibly in another size, possibly a 225 60 14? Something with both good wear, and decent traction, coupled with good availability. Anyone know how a 225 would fit?

I have a hand operated CH-22 tire changer made by TSI with the bead breaker stand, and its been excellent to use. It uses dogs to grab the outer rim edge, so chances of distortion are about zero. I can change anything from a 4 inch tractor tire, all the way up to the 16.5 skid loader tires on my old GEHL. I even did the tires on my 1 ton Ford. I wont hesitate to use it on my 308.

 

I think several folks are running 225/60HR14... problem is that Michelin just discontinued their XGT (h-rated) tire in this size as well as discontinuing their 205/70HR14 "Energy" tire that a lot of folks (including me) used. Not any ohter H-rated tires in a 225 or 235/60-14 that I know of (in the US anyway)

Those cheap H-rated Summies (which I run on some other cars) are looking better all the time...

Bill

 

I built a monster truck model and a Ferrari Testarossa. Want to mke it happen on a real Ferrari to combat Big SUVs and street flooding. I may also have a problem with where to put the spare.

El Guapo

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