Hundreds Of Products Ready Today. Dispatch/Collection GT40 replica seat fitment guide
Choosing low profile bucket seats that actually work
The GT40 cockpit is one of the most demanding environments for seat fitment in any road or
track car. Low roof height, limited footwell depth, narrow door sills, and a tight centre tunnel
mean that many seats which fit perfectly well in other performance cars simply do not work in a GT40 replica. Even small differences in base thickness or shell profile can be the difference between fitting comfortably and sitting too high to close the doors or helmet touching the roof.
This guide focuses on fixed back bucket seats that are genuinely suitable for GT40 replicas, with a strong emphasis on low seating position, thin bases, and proven real-world installations.
We deliberately avoid seats with thick bases or bulky padding that force the driver too high in the cockpit, even if they are popular elsewhere. The goal here is not brand loyalty, but fitment reality
Original GT40s used extremely minimal seats. Fixed shells, thin padding, and direct floor
mounting were essential to make the driving position work under the low roofline. Replicas from manufacturers such as Superformance, Tornado, KVA, Southern GT, RCR, and others all inherit this same challenge
Understanding the GT40 seating challenge
The main constraints are:
Very limited headroom, especially for taller drivers
• Narrow internal width between door sill and centre tunnel
• Minimal space under the seat for runners or thick cushions
• Reclined seating position that must align correctly with pedals
Any seat with a deep foam base, thick steel frame, or tall cushion stack will raise the driver too far off the floor. Even 20 to 30 mm can be enough to create helmet clearance issues or force an awkward driving position. For this reason, thin shell seats with minimal padding consistently perform best in GT40 builds.
Classic GT40-style seats for road use
For road-focused GT40 replicas where period appearance and reasonable comfort are priorities, replica GT40-style seats remain a popular solution. These are designed specifically around the dimensions of the GT40 cockpit and keep base thickness to an absolute minimum.
Many kit manufacturers supply their own seats built for their chassis. These are usually constructed on aluminium or steel frames with thin padding and fixed back angles that mirror the original cars. They mount directly to the floor, often without sliders, keeping the driver as low as possible. Ventilation eyelets, low bolsters, and flat bases all help preserve space.
These seats work very well for road use and casual driving. They maintain the correct look, fit the cockpit without compromise, and allow most drivers to sit comfortably even with helmets. The trade-off is limited lateral support and minimal adjustability. For fast road driving they are perfectly acceptable, but during aggressive track use they do not hold the driver as securely as a modern motorsport bucket.
Tillett composite seats
Tillett seats are among the best solutions for GT40 replicas when space is at a premium. Constructed from GRP or carbon composite shells, they are extremely thin, light, and designed for low profile installations.
Models such as the B4, B5, W5, and W6 are commonly used in very low sports cars, including GT40 replicas. Tillett specifically designs certain shells for reclined seating positions, which aligns perfectly with the GT40 driving posture.
These seats bolt almost directly to the floor, offer excellent pedal alignment, and free up valuable headroom. They do require additional foam padding to tailor comfort, and they offer no adjustability once mounted. For many GT40 owners, however, the fit and driving position advantages outweigh these compromises.
Sparco Rev and Sprint
The Sparco Rev is one of the most commonly proven FIA seats in GT40 replicas. Designed for smaller cockpits, it features a narrow shoulder profile and relatively thin base padding. Several GT40 builders have successfully installed Rev seats by careful mounting and, in some cases, trimming the upper shell height to suit the roofline.
The Sparco Sprint follows a similar philosophy. It uses a simple steel frame and minimal padding, keeping the overall profile compact. While not luxurious, it offers strong lateral support and proper harness compatibility. Both seats work best when floor mounted or installed with very low side brackets to preserve headroom.
These seats are firm and uncompromising, but for track-focused builds they deliver excellent control and safety without excessive bulk.
Road vs track seat decisions
For road-focused GT40 replicas, classic style seats or replica GT40 seats deliver the best balance of appearance and usability. They fit easily, maintain the original look, and keep the cabin usable for longer journeys.
For track-focused cars, modern motorsport buckets provide significantly better driver control, safety, and harness integration. The key is selecting a shell designed for small cockpits, not simply choosing a popular FIA seat.
In many builds, owners choose to prioritise driving position over comfort. A lower seat with firmer padding almost always results in better control, improved pedal feel, and a more authentic GT40 experience.
Fitment tips that matter
Always measure available width at both the base and shoulder height before choosing a seat. GT40 cockpits often taper, so a seat that fits at the base may foul at the shoulders.
Avoid standard seat sliders where possible. Sliders typically add 20 to 30 mm of height, which is often unacceptable in a GT40. Fixed mounting or ultra-low brackets are strongly recommended.
Consider seat back angle early. Many racing shells are designed for upright seating and may require angled mounts to achieve a comfortable reclined position.
Helmet clearance should be checked during mock-up, not after final installation. Even small changes in cushion thickness can make a big difference.
Our Recommended Motorsport Seats
-
From £407.92 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-
From £449.82 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-
From £1,050.68 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-
From £848.92 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Final Thoughts
Seat choice in a GT40 replica is not about brand popularity, but about geometry. Thin bases, narrow shells, and low mounting positions are what make these cars drivable and enjoyable. Classic GT40-style seats work very well for road cars and preserve the original character. For track builds, compact motorsport buckets from manufacturers such as Sparco, Racetech, and Tillett offer proven solutions that fit the cockpit without forcing compromises elsewhere.
Taking the time to choose the right seat transforms the GT40 driving experience. Done correctly, it allows you to sit lower, drive harder, and enjoy the car exactly as it was intended.