A Definitive Guide to the Cobra Classic RS Retro Seat Range
When it comes to retro-inspired sports bucket seats, the Cobra Classic RS range has earned its place as one of the most iconic options on the market. Designed to capture the look and feel of 70s sports car seating while adding a touch of modern comfort and safety, the RS seats are perfect for enthusiasts restoring a classic car or preparing a historic rally build.
What makes the RS stand out is the way it blends heritage styling with genuine usability. Many retro bucket seats look the part but lack the support needed for spirited driving, while modern racing seats can sometimes feel out of place in a vintage cockpit. The RS bridges that gap perfectly, giving you the upright seating position, harness slots, and added support of a modern seat while keeping a period-correct appearance.
These seats are particularly popular with owners of cars from the golden era of performance motoring. Whether you’re working on a Ford RS model, a classic Porsche, or even a unique restoration project, the RS instantly brings that unmistakable motorsport feel of the 70s. The tall backrest and distinctive headrest design capture the look of competition seats from the time, making them a natural fit for any retro build.
Put simply, the Cobra RS isn’t just a reproduction seat; it’s a statement piece that transforms the interior of your car. It tells a story of motorsport history while making sure you stay supported and comfortable every time you get behind the wheel.
About the Cobra Classic RS
The Cobra Classic RS is a traditional fixed-back bucket seat that’s been designed for classic and vintage car builds where maintaining an era-correct aesthetic is key. Based heavily on Cobra’s Classic RSR design, the RS offers a similar shape and profile but without the extended harness slots and tall head support of the RSR.
This seat is ideal for classic sports cars, vintage saloons, and retro-inspired road builds where space is tight and period styling matters. The seat has a deep bucket shape and subtle side supports that offer a more upright seating position compared to modern racing buckets, making it comfortable for longer journeys while still holding you in place.
The Classic RS is available in a wide selection of trim combinations. As standard, it comes in black vinyl, but other finishes like basketweave, corduroy, and houndstooth fabric are available for those who want a more bespoke touch.
We also offer signature versions of the Classic RS seat, which allow you to customise the outer trim, inner trim, piping colour, and stitching style. This gives you a huge amount of flexibility to tailor the seat to your build. Whether you’re matching original interior materials or going for a custom contrast, the options are extensive.
Our Cobra RS Seat Collection
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide range of Cobra Classic RS seats, from simple vinyl designs through to premium leather editions and fully customisable signature models. All versions share the same seat frame and supportive design, but the trim finishes and details are what set them apart. Here are some of the standout options in our collection:
Cobra Classic RS Vinyl Bucket Seat
The Vinyl edition is the most faithful to the original retro design. It comes with a soft-grain vinyl outer finish paired with centre panels in vinyl, houndstooth, or corduroy. This model is a great choice for those who want a period-correct look at an affordable price without compromising on comfort.
Cobra Classic RS Leather Bucket Seat
For a more luxurious feel, the Leather edition is finished with high-quality leather outers and patterned centre panels. The leather not only feels premium but also ages beautifully, making it a strong option for cars where the interior is just as important as the performance.
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Cobra Classic RS Tartan Edition
The Tartan Edition is a customer favourite for retro builds. With its bold patterned centre panels, this seat brings a nostalgic racing vibe straight into your cockpit. Perfect for cars where you want to capture a classic motorsport feel while still standing out from the crowd.
Cobra Classic RS Signature Edition
If you want to make your seat truly unique, the Signature Edition is the way to go. This edition allows you to mix and match seat panels with different materials, stitching, and colours, creating a fully bespoke seat that’s one of a kind. Whether you prefer tartan centres with leather bolsters or corduroy panels with coloured piping, the possibilities are endless.
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Cobra RS (GT3) Historic Seats
Sitting within the same family, the Cobra GT3 Historic is another reproduction-style seat designed with 70s motorsport in mind. With period-correct trim finishes and a tall back design, it complements the RS range perfectly for those chasing authenticity.
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Seat Dimensions and Fitment
The Cobra Classic RS has a taller backrest compared to other retro seats, making it a supportive choice for taller drivers. However, this increased height does mean it may not be the best fit for cars with very low rooflines. Always check your available space before ordering.
Key dimensions for the Cobra Classic RS include:
- Overall height: 725mm
- Shoulder width: 480mm
- Base width: 490mm (narrow fit for classic cars)
- Seat depth: 500mm (front to back)
- Total length including back angle: 760mm
- Weight: 8.5kg ± 750g
Because of the slimline design, the RS works especially well in narrow cockpits where space is tight. Installation typically requires a set of classic subframes or side mounts, and we’re always happy to guide customers in finding the right fitment solution.
Installation and Mounting Options
The Cobra Classic RS is base mountable only and uses a 291mm wide bolt pattern. This is important to keep in mind when planning your installation. For a direct fit, the RS will only bolt straight onto Cobra fitting brackets and sliding runners, making this the easiest route if your car has a dedicated Cobra frame available.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a Cobra frame option, don’t worry. You can still install the RS using adaptation bars, which allow you to mount the seat onto other branded subframes that typically use a wider 345mm bolt pattern. We recommend the Endurance Motorsport Adaptation Bars as a reliable solution to make everything compatible.
This flexibility means the RS can be fitted into a wide range of classic cars, from Fords and BMWs to unique restoration projects. As always, checking your available space and choosing the right subframe setup before ordering is the best way to ensure a smooth installation.
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Why Choose the Cobra Classic RS?
The Classic RS sits between the low-back Classic CS and the more motorsport-focused RSR. It offers a traditional bucket seat feel with a taller backrest and deeper shape than the Classic CS, but without the more aggressive race styling or integrated harness slots of the RSR.
This makes it the perfect choice for drivers who want a retro look, a supportive driving position, and a practical seat height that’s suitable for taller drivers or those looking for more back support.
- Authentic 70s motorsport-inspired design
- Multiple trim options, including vinyl, leather, corduroy, tartan, and more
- Harness slots and a headrest for added practicality
- Lightweight yet supportive construction
- Ideal for historic rallying, retro builds, and restoration projects
- Signature Edition for full customisation
Final Thoughts - Why the Cobra Classic RS Remains a Retro Favourite
The Cobra Classic RS brings together everything you’d want from a retro-style bucket seat: simplicity, support, and a truly classic silhouette. With its compact dimensions, base-mounted installation, and broad customisation options, it remains one of our top recommendations for vintage and retro builds that need a no-nonsense fixed-back seat with the right period look.
Whether you’re building a 1970s coupe, a retro-inspired roadster, or simply refreshing the interior of your classic car, the Classic RS is an option worth considering.
Let us know if you want help choosing trim options or confirming fitment, and remember, we keep several Cobra Classic seats on display in our showroom for you to view and try out in person.







