The Type Classic Fabric (SS52Z) is a fixed-back sports seat with an integrated headrest. At £189.95 it is the most affordable base-mount seat in the Auto Style range. The backrest does not adjust, which gives better lateral hold in corners than a reclining seat manages at this price. Fabric trim, steel frame, 345mm x 280mm bolt pattern, black only, sliders in the box.
The fixed backrest is the main trade against the reclining seats: driving position is set by the fitting frame rather than the seat, which suits most builds where the driver position is already correct for the car. You gain some lateral stiffness in the shell by not having the reclining mechanism. The integrated headrest is built into the shell, not an add-on.
The Classic Vinyl with Headrest (SS52L) is the same seat in vinyl at £200, available in black or beige. If the beige option matters or you prefer vinyl for easier cleaning, the Classic Vinyl is £10.05 more. If the car runs warm and black is the colour, the Classic Fabric is the starting point. 4-point harness compatible. Fitting frame purchased separately. No FIA competition approval. Part number SS52Z.
Have you written anything about this exact product?
Yes, we have covered this exact product: Discover the Auto Style Type AK Reclining Sports Seat, and Auto Style Type Classic Bucket Seats Now Available to View In-Store. That is first-hand coverage from our own builds and showroom, not brochure copy.
Will I fit in this seat?
The maker lists no driver size restriction on this seat, so it suits the full range of heights and waists. Those are the paper numbers; how a seat actually feels to sit in and climb out of is a different question, and our showroom team sit in these seats every day, so call us with your height and waist and we will give you the honest answer.
What kind of car suits this seat?
Classic and retro vehicles, which is exactly what this shell is designed around. The low-back retro style belongs in a period build, not a modern car, however tempting the weight figure looks. If you are kitting out a modern road or track car, we will point you at the right modern shell instead.
Is this seat FIA approved?
No, this is a road and track day seat rather than a homologated competition seat. For events that require an FIA seat, look at the FIA-approved shells in the range, and ask us if you are unsure what your series needs.
What do I need to fit it to my car?
This is a base-mount seat: it bolts down through its base, the simpler stack for road cars. You will need the car-specific frame, and a sliding runner if you want fore-and-aft adjustment. Our guide on base mount versus side mount walks through the whole stack, and tell us your car and we will quote the full kit.
Does it work with harnesses and a HANS device?
The shell takes 4 point compatible. If you are planning the full seat, harness, and HANS setup, tell us the car and we will spec it end to end.
How do I know it will feel right, not just fit on paper?
Fair question, because makers publish widths and weights, never feel, and two seats with identical numbers can feel nothing alike in the car. We keep the ranges on display in the Nottingham showroom, you are welcome to come and sit in them, and if you cannot get to us, call and describe your build, as the team sit in these seats every day. Our head support measurements guide shows the kind of real-world data we collect.
