A Definitive Guide to the Cobra Classic RSR Retro Seat Range
When it comes to retro-inspired sports bucket seats, the Cobra Classic RSR 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 RSR seats are perfect for enthusiasts restoring a classic car or preparing a historic rally build.
What makes the RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR
The Cobra Classic RSR is based on the original Cobra Classic seat frame but with an increased height of five inches. This taller, more upright design provides better support than the earlier Classic bucket seats and includes extra features such as kidney support, harness slots, and an integrated headrest.
Originally styled as a reproduction of the 70s sports bucket seats found in early Ford RS models, the RSR captures everything that made those seats iconic while offering a much more practical option for modern use. With its high back, slim profile, and period-correct detailing, it’s the perfect choice for historic rallying, retro restorations, and classic road cars.
One of the biggest draws of the RSR is the huge variety of trims available. Cobra offers the seat in a wide selection of materials, patterns, and colours, making it easy to match or contrast with your car’s interior. Whether you’re after a simple vinyl finish or something more bespoke like houndstooth or tartan, the RSR has you covered.
Our Cobra RSR Seat Collection
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide range of Cobra Classic RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR 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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From £690.83 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £365.83 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cobra Classic RSR 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 RSR Anniversary Edition
This version adds subtle anniversary detailing to celebrate Cobra’s heritage. With premium trim choices and a detachable headrest, it’s a modern twist on a retro seat and ideal for enthusiasts who want something a little different.
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From £595.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cobra Classic RSR 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.
Cobra GT4 Historic Seat
Sitting within the same family, the Cobra GT4 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 RSR range perfectly for those chasing authenticity.
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Cobra RSR for the Office
For those who want to enjoy the same retro styling outside the car, Cobra even offers the Classic RSR Office Seat. This clever variation takes the RSR seat frame and mounts it to a fully adjustable office chair base, bringing motorsport-inspired comfort straight into your workspace. It’s a great way to make your office or home desk setup stand out while staying comfortable for long hours.
Seat Dimensions and Fitment
The Cobra Classic RSR 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 RSR include:
- Overall height: 820mm
- Shoulder width: 480mm
- Base width: 360mm (narrow fit for classic cars)
- Seat depth: 500mm (front to back)
- Total length including back angle: 700–760mm
- Weight: 8.5kg ± 750g
Because of the slimline design, the RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR 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 RSR?
- Authentic 70s motorsport-inspired design
- Multiple trim options including vinyl, leather, corduroy, tartan, and more
- Harness slots and 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 RSR Remains a Retro Favourite
The Cobra Classic RSR range is the ultimate choice for anyone looking to bring genuine retro style and modern support to their classic car. With its period-correct design, wide choice of trims, and options for full customisation, it’s a seat that not only looks the part but also delivers on comfort and function. Whether you’re restoring a Ford RS, preparing a historic rally car, or simply want a period-style bucket seat with modern features, the RSR should be at the top of your list.
At GSM Performance, we stock the Historic version of the Cobra RSR at our showroom, ready for viewing and testing in-store and are here to help you pick the right version for your project. Explore our collection today and see how the Cobra RSR can transform your interior.