Upgrading the Seats in a TVR T350c – What Are Your Best Options?
At GSM Performance, we are frequently asked about the best bucket seat upgrades for sports cars, and recently, a customer visited our showroom with a specific query:
“I want to upgrade the seats in my TVR T350c. What choices do I have?”
The TVR T350c is a lightweight, high-performance sports car known for its raw driving experience. However, one of the biggest challenges for owners looking to upgrade their seating is the extremely narrow dimensions of the factory seats. With measurements of 50cm at the base, 50cm at the kidney support, and just 47cm at the shoulders, aftermarket seat selection is very limited. Many standard bucket seats are too wide to fit within the compact cabin, making it essential to choose narrow-fit seats that provide the necessary support without compromising space.
After carefully reviewing the available options, we found that the best seat choices for the TVR T350c fall into two categories: narrow-shell carbon racing seats from Tillett and Reverie for a lightweight, high-performance upgrade, and a more affordable option with the Sparco Sprint, which provides a slightly wider but still viable fitment. Additionally, custom-engineered brackets allow these seats to mount onto the original TVR sliders, making installation more straightforward. Below, we explore the best seat options for TVR T350c owners based on budget, fitment, and intended use.
Sparco Sprint – Budget-Friendly Motorsport Seat Option
For TVR T350c owners looking for an affordable FIA-approved bucket seat, the Sparco Sprint is a strong contender. This seat is wider at the shoulders than the stock TVR seat (505mm vs. 470mm) but remains within an acceptable range for fitment. It’s one of the best entry-level motorsport seats, offering both road and competition suitability at a lower price point. The Sparco Sprint steel frame bucket seat is also available in two different trim options, a soft touch velour fabric and a easy to clean vinyl material.
Key Features of the Sparco Sprint:
- FIA 8855-1999 Approved, making it suitable for all motorsport events.
- Tubular steel frame construction, providing durability and support.
- Self-extinguishing quality velour fabric
- Compatible with 4, 5, and 6-point harnesses for enhanced driver security.
- Base and Side Mounting.
- Durable Steel Frame
- An additional hole in the base cushion for the 5th and 6th harness strap
- Compact Design
Seat Dimensions:
- 505mm at the shoulders (slightly wider than the original TVR seat).
- 480mm at the base, making it a suitable fit.
- 860mm tall, ensuring ample back support.
While this seat is not as narrow as the original TVR T350c seat, it remains a viable choice for those seeking an affordable racing seat upgrade.
Tillett Carbon Shell Seats – The Perfect Narrow-Fit Upgrade
For those who want a high-end, lightweight carbon seat, Tillett’s racing seat range is the ideal choice. Tillett bucket seats offer some of the slimmest seat dimensions available, making them an excellent fit for the narrow cabin of the TVR T350c.
Our Top Tillett Recommendations for the TVR T350c:
1. Tillett B6 – A compact and lightweight carbon seat with exceptional support.
- Base width: 470mm, shoulder width: 480mm – fits within TVR T350c’s dimensions.
2. Tillett B5 – One of the most space-efficient seats, perfect for confined interiors.
- Base width: 465mm, shoulder width: 490mm – a secure and precise fit.
3. Tillett B8 – A premium carbon seat with an aggressive, track-focused design.
- Base width: 475mm, shoulder width: 495mm – just under the 500mm limit.
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These Tillett seats can be installed using custom brackets to fit the TVR’s original sliding rails, maintaining seat adjustability while providing enhanced driver support and weight reduction.
Important Fitment Note: TVR T350c owners must check seat dimensions carefully. To ensure proper fitment, seat widths must not exceed:
- 500mm at the base
- 500mm at the kidney support
- 520mm at the shoulders
Reverie Carbon Bucket Seats – Lightweight Performance for Road and Track
For those looking for ultra-lightweight carbon seats with track-day suitability, Reverie bucket seats are an excellent option. These seats are not FIA-approved, meaning they are best suited for road and track day use only.
Our Top Reverie Recommendations for the TVR T350c:
1. Reverie Mulsanne C Twin Skin Bucket Seat
- Base width: 470mm, shoulder width: 490mm – a snug and lightweight fit.
2. Reverie Mulsanne B Single Skin Bucket Seat
- Base width: 460mm, shoulder width: 485mm – ideal for confined sports cars.
For those needing an FIA-approved alternative, the Reverie Super Sports FIA Carbon Seat is the only FIA-certified Reverie seat that fits the TVR T350c. However, only the Twin Skin variant is compatible, as it has a 490mm shoulder width and a 430mm base width, keeping it within the TVR’s fitting limitations.
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Final Thoughts – Finding the Best Seat for Your TVR T350c
Upgrading the seats in a TVR T350c is a challenging but rewarding process. Due to the car’s extremely narrow OEM seat dimensions, careful selection is crucial. Our top recommendations are:
- Best Budget Choice: Sparco Sprint – A slightly wider but FIA-approved option.
- Best Carbon Shell Choice: Tillett B6, B5, or B8 – Perfectly suited to the TVR’s compact interior.
- Best Road and Track Option: Reverie Mulsanne C or B – Ultra-lightweight but non-FIA approved.
- Best FIA-Approved Carbon Seat: Reverie Super Sports Twin Skin – The only FIA-certified Reverie seat that fits.
If you’re unsure about which seat is best for your build, contact us or visit our showroom to view our range of Sparco, Tillett, and Reverie seats in person. Our team can provide expert guidance on fitment, compatibility, and installation solutions.