Customer Car: Datsun 240z Fitted With Cobra GT3 Retro Bucket Seats
We love seeing our customers’ classic projects come together, and this Datsun 240Z build is a perfect example of how the right interior choices can transform a car. Already a stunning classic in its own right, this 240Z has been elevated further with the addition of a pair of Cobra GT3 Classic Bucket Seats.
The owner opted for a split-trim design, finished in smooth vinyl with basketweave centre panels and traditional eyelets. This trim style not only looks authentic to the 1970s era but also ties in beautifully with the rest of the Datsun’s retro interior. The result is a cockpit that feels period-correct, but with the added benefit of FIA-approved seating for modern performance and safety.
From the outside, this silver 240Z looks like a clean and understated example of one of Japan’s most iconic sports cars. But step inside, and the Cobra GT3 seats instantly catch your eye. Their compact profile, classic design, and timeless detailing look like they could have been fitted to the car from new, while also giving the driver and passenger the support needed for spirited road driving.
This build really highlights why the Cobra GT3 is so popular among owners of retro performance cars. The seats fit the narrow cabin of the 240Z perfectly, maintaining the car’s vintage personality while adding a layer of comfort and reassurance that makes the driving experience even more enjoyable.
About the Cobra GT3 Classic Bucket Seats
The Cobra GT3 is part of Cobra’s Classic range and has been carefully designed to replicate the look and feel of vintage racing seats from the golden era of motorsport. Built on a strong steel frame, the GT3 provides the reliability you’d expect from a modern seat while retaining the slim shape and detailing that suit period-correct builds.
The trim options play a huge part in the GT3’s appeal. As seen on this Datsun, the vinyl with basketweave centres and eyelet detailing mirrors the interiors of 60s and 70s sports cars, making it an excellent match for classic restorations. Beyond looks, the GT3 is also FIA-approved, meaning it’s suitable for competitive use while keeping the authenticity of a retro seat.
Key Features of the Cobra GT3 Classic Seat
- Period-correct design inspired by 60s and 70s motorsport
- Strong steel frame construction for safety and durability
- Available in classic trim designs such as vinyl with basketweave and eyelets
- FIA-approved for motorsport use
- Compact dimensions to suit small retro cockpits
- Base mountable with a narrow 291mm bolt pattern
Compact Dimensions for Retro Cars
The Cobra GT3 was designed with smaller classic cars in mind, making it an ideal choice for tight cockpits like the Datsun 240Z. Its compact dimensions help ensure it fits where larger, modern seats may not, while still offering proper support for both road and track driving.
Main seat dimensions:
- Overall height: 725mm
- Shoulder width: 490mm
- Base width: 340mm
- Internal width (hips): 280mm
- Seat depth: 490mm
- Weight: approx. 7.5kg
These measurements show just how well-suited the GT3 is to retro sports cars where space is at a premium. The narrow profile makes it easier to install in cars with slim interiors while maintaining comfort and authenticity.
Installation in the Datsun 240Z
For this build, our customer fabricated their own custom subframe to mount the GT3 seats into the 240Z. While this works for experienced fabricators, we usually recommend using a Planted Technology vehicle-specific subframe for the Datsun 240Z, which you can find here.
This frame is designed to bolt directly into the factory mounting points on the floor of the 240Z, making installation much simpler and quicker. It’s also highly versatile, featuring multiple bolt patterns that make it compatible with the Cobra GT3 and most other aftermarket seats on the market.
The Cobra GT3 is base mountable only, using a 291mm wide bolt pattern. The Planted Technology frame includes this narrow pattern, so the GT3 fits directly without the need for modifications. For those who want adjustability, we also offer Cobra’s premium sliding runners
which use the same 291mm bolt pattern. These can be installed between the seat and subframe, allowing for a fully adjustable driving position.
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From £70.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Why Choose a Cobra Classic Bucket Seat?
Cobra’s Classic bucket seats have become a go-to choice for enthusiasts restoring or upgrading older cars. They strike the perfect balance between authentic styling and modern safety standards. Unlike many reproduction seats, Cobra Classics are FIA-approved, giving peace of mind for both road and competition use.
They also offer a wide variety of trim options, from basketweave and corduroy to leather and vinyl, making it easy to match the seat to the character of your car. Whether you’re building a period-correct restoration or a retro-inspired track car, Cobra Classics are designed to complement the era without sacrificing comfort.
Our Cobra GT3 Seat Collection
We offer a range of Cobra GT3 Classic Bucket Seat options for different styles and builds. To make things easier, we also have paired listings available, allowing customers to quickly order a matching driver and passenger setup without needing to add each seat individually.
While the basketweave and eyelet trim is a popular choice, there are also versions of the GT3 that come with no eyelets for a cleaner, retro look, as well as models trimmed in tartan fabric for those wanting something more eye-catching. These variations mean you can pick a GT3 seat that best suits your car’s personality.
At our showroom, we stock and display the GT3 without eyelets variant. This means you can sit in the seat, test the fit, and get a real feel for its design before deciding if it’s the right choice for your project.
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From £724.17 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Why the Cobra GT3 Works So Well in the 240Z
The Cobra GT3 bucket seats are a perfect match for the Datsun 240Z. Their compact dimensions fit the car’s snug interior, and the basketweave and eyelet trim mirrors the styling of 70s sports cars beautifully. Combined with FIA approval, strong construction, and straightforward fitment options, they offer a mix of authenticity and performance that’s hard to beat.
For anyone considering a retro seat upgrade, the GT3 is a fantastic option that brings classic style and modern practicality together.