1970 Dodge Charger R/T
Thanks for joining us for this review of vintage racing seats. Here are Racing Seats USA we pride ourselves on offering the very latest in racing seat technology. But just because offer the $11,000 OMP HTE ONE Racing Seat doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten our racing roots. In fact, fully half the cars in our racing stable now qualify for Historic Race Car qualification based on production year and we’re proud to be carrying on that tradition.
You see, who we are as racers today was defined by racers who have gone on before us. And because we have lost many of those racers we respect the efforts of those who keep their memory alive by restoring, maintaining, and yes, racing vintage race cars. We’re proud of all of the seats we sell and are especially honored when we are able to meet the needs of vintage race cars with the perfect vintage racing seat from OMP and Corbeau.
There isn’t a specific definition or profile for a vintage racing seat but they certainly did not have many of the features of modern racing seats. Things like halos and broad shoulder bolsters were right out. Heck, back in the day, many of these cars had no support even for the head, which is made a bit less surprising when you realize that the use of seat belts is a concept that only came into vogue about 50 years ago. So without any more adieu, let’s consider the seats that are available today to those who would restore a vintage race car.
Open Cockpit Cars
Who can’t appreciate the look of a classic open cockpit car, nimbly pressing its way through a challenging set of turns on some English countryside? These seats can work in other cars just as well, but are particularly suited to cars like the Triumph TR6, the Porsche 356, the MGA or the Austin-Healey “Bug-Eyed” Sprite, to name just a few. If you have one of these cars and are in the market for seats, we suggest the following:
OMP Silverstone Vintage Racing Seat
The OMP Silverstone Vintage Racing Seat is an excellent place to start our journey. The Silverstone takes its design cues from the classic Porsche 356 GT seat, but is able to do so in more refined, genteel way. It resembles the early Recaro sport seat but without the Recaro’s head rest. This seat has absolutely no head support and, as such should never be used on the street and only in very controlled situations where the risks are limited and understood. However, for those vintage race cars that use a similar styling it is the ideal seat to recreate that look in a seat that is thoroughly modern in construction and is comfortable to both the wallet and the backside. Note: There is limited U.S. stock of this Italian-made vintage OMP seat. Lead times may vary.
1960’s Vintage Cars
One of the biggest changes moving into the 1960’s was the introduction of Japanese-made sports cars. Japan had moved through it’s initial post-war period and in the late 50’s auto manufacturers were at a point where they could introduce true sports cars to what had been a fairly utilitarian offering. Styling cues came from the classic European sports cars but Japanese designers added their own twist. Headrests were becoming more common as drivers realized the apparent need for head support. Builders looking for a period-correct seat for their 60’s Nissan Skyline, AC Cobra, Alfa Romeo Spider, Ford Mustang, or Dodge Challenger might consider these seats.
Corbeau Classic II Vintage Racing Seat
The Corbeau Classic II Vintage Racing Seat is resembles most of the racing seats of this era. Shorter than today’s seats but with an added adjustable headrest that will provide head support for all but very tall drivers. The design, too, is reflective of that era, with a bottom that very nearly mirrors the back. Although this is a fixed-back seat (as were so many of this era) this is a very inviting, comfortable seat. It features the Corbeau bottom-mount bracket fixing so any of the Corbeau brackets will work great for this seat.
OMP Brands Hatch Vintage Racing Seat
Younger (or less international) racing fans may think that “Brands Hatch” is a strange name for a racing seat. But fans of Grand Prix racing of the 60’s and 70’s will immediately recognize this name. Brands Hatch Motor Racing Circuit outside of Kent, England is one of the world’s great classic race tracks. The British Grand Prix was held there for 12 consecutive years starting in 1964, and continues to be a fan favorite for it’s spectacular vistas. Similarly, the Brands Hatch vintage racing seat is a beautiful head-turner, with much to like. Quilted-look faux leather outer with a grippy black velvet inner is an immediate attention grabber. Deep bucketing and adjustable headrest are valued driver ammenities as well. This vintage racing seat looks fantastic in a broad range of cars and will be the ideal complement to an otherwise perfect 60’s muscle or sports car. Note: There is limited U.S. stock of this Italian-made vintage OMP seat. Lead times may vary.
1970’s Vintage Cars
Continuing a trend that started in the 1960’s, vehicles built in the 1970’s were heavier, more powerful, and faster than their earlier counterparts. Because of this, the seats had to do a better job of protecting the driver. Even deeper “bucketing” became the norm.
Corbeau Classic Bucket Seat
Just look at the Corbeau Classic Bucket Seat. All by itself, even without a car in sight, this seat has you thinking of that amazing 70’s muscle car that you or one of your friends had. You can almost hear the break in the song in your head as the 8-track player searches for the next track (or consumes your best Three Dog Night tape, whichever came first.) Fortunately, you can relive the 70’s without the old-technology blues because this seat by US seat maker Corbeau features absolutely state-of-the-art construction. 70’s in appearance, this seat has a strong steel tube-frame design. With sides the wrap you into the seat and an adjustable headrest, it’s not difficult to get comfortable in this seat. Like the Classic, II, the Corbeau Classic Bucket has the Corbeau bottom fixing points, which means that adapters are available to fit this into literally hundreds of different year/make/model combinations.
OMP Classic Vintage Racing Seat
We will conclude this review of vintage racing seats the way we started: one final seat from Italian seat maker OMP. The OMP Classic Vintage Racing Seat draws it’s inspiration from the early Recaro Sports Seat. In the day, these were the seats that only the elite or wealthy drivers could afford but now they are available at a price that is within just about anyone’s reach. With it’s long, lean design, this is a much taller seat than any of the others on this page therefore better suited to taller drivers. Like the other OMP vintage racing seats, this seat features a faux leather vinyl outer with a sturdy black velvet inner. It has bottom mounting points that work well with Planted Technology brackets. Note: There is limited U.S. stock of this Italian-made vintage OMP seat. Lead times may vary.
Read below or check out this handy video post on vehicle fitment
This is generally only a big deal if you have a small car, but if you get a seat that won’t fit you will not be happy. So, unless you’re putting your racing Seats into a very large car or truck, you should do a few quick measurements. Corbeau seats have 5 measurements, as shown in the image at left. Other brands provide similar measurements. Take a tape measure, jump in your car and get an idea of the available space. The most important measurements are the bottom width and the shoulder width.
Aftermarket seats come with either bottom mounting points, side mounting points, or both. Seat brackets are available to allow bottom-mounted seats to bolt directly into most year/make/model combinations. This is definitely the way to go. Unbolt your old seats, bolt the bottom-moun racing seat to the bracket and the entire assembly directly into your car. Too easy!
