Can I Fit OMP Classic Seats Into My Classic Mini?
Your questions, Classic Mini
OMP's classic seats, the Silverstone, the Brands Hatch and the Classic 1970s Revival, look right at home in a Classic Mini, and we are often asked whether they will fit. They will, with the right parts. The OMP seats use a 345mm by 271mm base pattern, which matches neither the Mini's floor nor the Cobra Classic Mini subframe, so the seat cannot simply bolt in.
We have test fitted this in our showroom, using a Cobra direct fit Classic Mini subframe, a pair of adaption bars and 20mm spacers, and it gives a clean, solid installation with no drilling. Here are the parts, how they go together, and which OMP classic seat suits which Mini.
- OMP Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Classic 1970s Revival all base mount at 345mm by 271mm
- The Cobra Classic Mini subframe uses a 291mm by 330mm pattern and bolts to the Mini's original mounts
- Adaption bars bridge the two patterns; 20mm spacers give clearance above the frame
- All three OMP classics are road and track seats, not FIA homologated
- The Silverstone is low back with no headrest; the Brands Hatch and Revival have headrests
- Each weighs around 7 to 7.5kg on a tubular steel frame
What is on this page
The base: a Classic Mini subframe
The installation starts with the Cobra Direct Fit Classic Mini Subframe. It bolts onto the Mini’s original seat mounting points, so there is no drilling or fabrication on a standard floor, and the sliding runners are included. It is steel, finished in black, sold per frame for the driver’s or passenger side or as a pair.
Cobra make a standard version and one with a rear locking bar. Which one you need depends on the car, so tell us what your Mini has now. Cobra design the frame around their own seats, so an OMP seat on it is a cross brand fit, which is why the parts below are needed. Endurance Motorsport also make Classic Mini sub-frames that bolt to the original floor points, if you prefer them.
Why the Mini needs a special setup
The OMP classic seats base mount at 345mm by 271mm. The Cobra Mini frame’s base pattern is 291mm by 330mm. To join the two, we use:
- The Cobra Classic Mini subframe, the vehicle specific base.
- Adaption bars, which bolt on top of the frame and give mounting points at the seat’s spacing.
- 20mm spacers, between the seat and the bars, so the seat clears the frame and runners.
Put together properly, the seat sits flat and solid on the frame.
How the installation goes together
1. Fit the Cobra subframe to the Mini's original seat mounting points.
2. Add the adaption bars on top of the frame, set to the seat's 345mm spacing.
3. Add the 20mm spacers between the seat and the bars, so the underside of the seat clears the runners and the frame and the seat slides freely.
4. Bolt the seat down with the supplied fixings.
5. Check everything. Make sure the seat slides smoothly, nothing touches, and the seatbelt buckle still reaches and latches, since a new seat can put it somewhere new.
The OMP classic seats
All three are tubular steel framed, fixed back seats with deep bolsters, approved for road and track but not FIA homologated, and all take a four point harness.
- OMP Silverstone. A low back, open top seat in full vinyl, with a ribbed centre and no headrest, weighing 7kg. For a Mini with tight headroom, or where a headrest would foul a roll hoop, it is the practical choice.
- OMP Classic 1970s Revival. A high back seat with a headrest, velour in the centre and vinyl at the sides, styled on 1970s competition car interiors, also 7kg.
- OMP Brands Hatch. A vintage style seat with an adjustable headrest, corduroy effect velour in the centre and quilted synthetic leather bolsters, 7.5kg. Our listing gives its maximum width as 540mm and its height with the headrest as 760mm.
-
From £70.83 Incl. VATPayPal CreditSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Why they suit a Classic Mini
A Classic Mini’s cabin is small, so compact seats with low bolsters and short backs work best. The OMP classics are easy to get in and out of, sit comfortably in a narrow cabin, and have period styling that suits the car. They are made for the road and the odd track day, not scrutineered competition.
Headroom is the thing to watch. Every layer, the frame, the bars and the spacers, adds height, and in a Mini it adds up quickly. Garreth’s advice is to tell us your height and the year of the car before ordering; if headroom is tight, the low back Silverstone is the one to start with.
If you would sooner have a reclining seat, our guide to fitting Sparco and Corbeau recliners in a Classic Mini uses the same frame. For a race car, see our top FIA seats for a Mini Miglia.
Can I fit OMP classic seats in a Classic Mini?
Yes. A Cobra Classic Mini subframe with adaption bars and 20mm spacers gives a solid, bolt-in fit.
What bolt pattern do the OMP classic seats use?
The Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Classic 1970s Revival all base mount at 345mm by 271mm.
Are the OMP classic seats FIA approved?
No. They are road and track seats, not FIA homologated.
Which OMP classic seat is best for low headroom?
The Silverstone, a low back seat with no headrest.
Do I need to drill the Mini's floor?
No. The Cobra frame bolts to the Mini’s original seat mounting points on a standard floor.
💬
Where to startSilverstone for headroom
Low back with no headrest, it is the easiest to fit under a low roofline or a roll hoop.
Need a personal recommendation?
We're here to ensure you pick the right seat.
Contact us today.