Best Tire Size for a '72 S Targa

[RC70SCoupe]

I am going to bite the bullet. I am ready to FINALLY order through Paul K. at AutoKennel, the Michelin XWX for my '72 Targa. It has the original flat six Fuchs. I do want the original look of the XWX, but do I need the extra width?

Question: Do I go with 195/70 15, or 185/70 15?? Who has which tire size, and why did you pick it??

I am placing the order tomorrow. Thanks

[Chuck Miller]

Ray,

I believe the car came with 185 x 70's … therefore the speedo should read just right…
Also you wouldn't be gaining much in width with the 195 x 70's because of the same aspect ratio, only a little in height.

If you must go with a period correct tire, I'd go with the stock 185's

If they had a 215 x 60 XWX for the rear to go with the 185 front … You'd be gaining a bunch of width at the exact same height. ………….. You'd be pushing it a little putting a 215 x 60 on a 6… but it would work

If it were me…. I'd run 7's all round with the most aggressive 205 x 60's front and 215 x 60's rear I could find …. But that's just me…

Cheers and good luck bud,

[Stephen T]

Ray here is a shot of my 72S with flat six's and 185/70 XWX's. If you want another angle, let me know.

Steve

[tfmcmahon]

These are XWX`s on 185/70/15`s on 7`s all around on my 73E.I have been told by smarter people than me not to go any larger.

[Chuck Miller]

Now THAT looks GREAT ... the 185's on 7's seem perfect

Cheers,

[CurtEgerer]

The factory tire size is 185/70. Ray, if your car is lowered much at all, you'll probably have clearance problems with the 195/70 (25.8" height). I had 185/70's on 7 inch wheels (slightly lowered) and there was some slight rubbing at the front on the black seal between the fender and bumper.

Great deal on those Michelins from Paul!