Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof Bucket Seat Built for Grip and the Elements
Drivers who use open top cars, off road vehicles, or track cars that regularly see wet conditions often run into the same problem when choosing seats. Standard fabric bucket seats offer excellent grip and support, but they do not cope well with rain, mud, or spray. Over time, the material becomes stained, holds moisture, and can start to degrade. On the other hand, fully vinyl seats solve the water issue but introduce a different compromise, a lack of grip.
This is where the Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof seat fits in. It has been designed specifically for drivers who want proper motorsport support while still needing a seat that can live in harsh environments. Instead of relying on smooth vinyl or leather, Sparco developed a waterproof fabric that behaves much more like traditional motorsport upholstery. It grips the driver’s clothing, helping keep the body stable during braking, cornering, and sudden impacts, without absorbing water or being damaged by the elements.
For customers running open cockpit track cars, soft top vehicles, or off road builds, this balance is important. You do not want to constantly worry about getting caught in the rain or ruining your seats, but you also do not want to slide around when driving hard. The Evo QRT X Waterproof seat removes that compromise by combining weather resistance with genuine driver support.
Built around Sparco’s lightweight QRT fibreglass shell, the seat still delivers the rigidity and feedback expected from a motorsport bucket seat. It is not a watered down solution or a comfort focused seat. It is designed to be driven hard, even when conditions are far from ideal, making it a strong option for anyone who wants performance without sacrificing durability.
Why choose the Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof over vinyl seats
Vinyl bucket seats are often recommended for wet or dirty environments because they do not absorb water and are easy to clean. However, vinyl comes with a major downside. It is slippery. Under hard braking, cornering, or off road impacts, drivers often find themselves sliding around in the seat, which reduces control and increases fatigue.
The Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof seat uses a fully waterproof fabric rather than smooth vinyl. This material behaves much more like standard fabric in terms of grip, holding the driver in place during demanding driving conditions. The result is better body control, improved comfort, and increased safety, especially when pushing harder.
The main trade-off compared to vinyl is cleaning. Because the material is more textured and grippy, it does not wipe clean as easily as vinyl. That said, it is far more durable than standard fabric seats and will not be ruined by rain or mud. For most drivers, the improvement in grip and support easily outweighs the extra effort required to clean the seat.
Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof seat overview
The Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof is a motorsport-focused bucket seat built around Sparco’s lightweight QRT fibreglass shell. The design prioritises rigidity, low weight, and driver feedback, making it suitable for track use, off-road driving, and performance applications where control matters.
The seat is fitted with a fully waterproof cover, with non-slip material used in key contact areas to reduce body movement. This helps keep the driver stable under braking and cornering, even in wet conditions. The shell shape offers strong lateral support while maintaining a sensible profile that works in a wide range of vehicles.
The Evo QRT X Waterproof is available in three sizes. The standard Evo, the Evo L, and the Evo XL. This allows drivers of different builds to find a seat that fits properly rather than settling for a one-size option.
Key features of the Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof include:
- Lightweight QRT fibreglass shell
- Fully waterproof fabric cover
- Non-slip material in strategic areas
- Single-piece low front leg cushion
- High rigidity shell design for improved feedback
- Available in three sizes to suit different drivers
- Designed for motorsport, track, and off-road use
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From £583.20 Incl. VATFrom £486.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Seat dimensions and driver fitment
Choosing the correct size is essential with the Sparco Evo range, as each size is designed to suit a specific driver build.
The standard Sparco Evo Waterproof seat is quite tight at the hips. We recommend this size for drivers with a 28 to 32 inch waist. It offers a snug fit that provides excellent support when driving hard.
The Evo L version does not change much at the shoulders but offers a wider base. This makes it better suited to drivers with a 32 to 36 inch waist, while still fitting into many of the same vehicles as the standard Evo.
The Sparco Evo XL is significantly wider at both the hips and shoulders. It is designed for larger drivers with a 36 to 40 inch waist. Because of its size, it requires more interior space and is better suited to larger cabins.
As always, checking both driver fitment and vehicle clearance before ordering is strongly recommended.
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Installation and mounting options
Like most fibreglass bucket seats, the Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof is side-mounted only. The side mount points are spaced 290mm front to back, which is a common standard across many aftermarket seats.
We recommend using Sparco steel side mounts, as they offer a wide range of mounting holes. This makes it easier to position the seat correctly and pair it with other fitting equipment, such as vehicle-specific subframes.
For road-based setups, the seat can be used with sliding runners. The Evo and Evo L work with 345mm wide sliding runners, while the Evo XL requires wider 405mm sliding runners to match the shell width. Sliding runners are useful for daily driving but are not recommended for motorsport use.
The Sparco Evo and Evo L are compatible with vehicle-specific subframes from brands such as Sparco, OMP, Planted Technology, and Corbeau. They also work with all-in-one fitting kits from M2 Motorsport and PCI Racing.
Frames with narrower bolt patterns, such as 291mm Cobra frames, will require adaptation plates to bridge the difference in width. The Evo XL is more limited due to its size and will only work with subframes that use a wider 405mm bolt pattern, such as OMP and Planted Technology. It is too wide for all-in-one fitting kits and Cobra frames.
Explore Our Sparco Evo Bucket Seat Range
At GSM Performance, we stock and display a wide selection of Sparco Evo bucket seats, giving our customers plenty of choice depending on their needs, whether for full motorsport use, track days, or simulator setups. In our showroom, we currently display the standard Sparco Evo in its velour fabric trim, as well as the simulator and non-FIA-approved versions designed for sim rigs and casual track use. These models allow customers to experience the size, comfort, and build quality of the Evo range first-hand before making their choice.
While our in-store display features the fabric and sim versions, our online range includes the full lineup of Evo models in various materials and configurations. This includes the Sparco Evo Sky with its vinyl trim, designed for easy cleaning and excellent resistance to dirt, moisture, and wear, perfect for open-cockpit vehicles, off-road builds, or outdoor storage conditions.
We also offer the Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof Fibreglass Seat, which combines the best features of both fabric and vinyl. This hybrid design is fully waterproof like the Sky but features strategically placed non-slip material in key contact areas to provide better grip and reduce body movement, similar to the velour fabric version. It’s a clever blend of durability, comfort, and functionality that suits drivers who want weather resistance without losing Sparco’s signature seat feel.
To put it simply, our Sparco Evo range covers every use case:
- FIA-approved versions for professional motorsport
- Non-FIA versions for simulator or casual track use
- Fabric trim for superior grip and comfort
- Vinyl trim for easy cleaning and durability
- Waterproof trim as a hybrid between the two
This diverse selection means you can choose the Evo seat that perfectly suits your driving environment and application, whether you’re racing professionally, building a road-legal project, or setting up a high-end simulator rig.
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From £583.20 Incl. VATFrom £486.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Final thoughts a waterproof seat without the compromises
The Sparco Evo QRT X Waterproof bucket seat is an excellent option for drivers who need protection from the elements but do not want to give up grip and support. It offers a genuine alternative to vinyl seats, delivering better control and confidence in demanding conditions.
For open top cars, off road builds, and track focused vehicles that see wet use, this seat strikes a strong balance between durability, safety, and performance. Choosing the correct size and fitting setup is key, but when done properly, the Evo QRT X Waterproof is one of the most well rounded waterproof bucket seats available.




