Interior

[wachuko]

A quick question on the interiors of the V8s – is the leather the same as the earlier cars? I am trying to determine how the interior will age, my combination of choice is blue exterior with tan interior, the photos of the earlier cars show an interior that really shows its age… did they use the same type of Connolly leather for the newer cars?? I know black leather will stand the test of time better... but that blue/tan combination is just awesome!

Thank you in advanced for your replies!

[wachuko]

Bump!

So far I was told that the earlier cars use Connolly leather and the new ones are using Muirhead leather.

Can anyone that has had both cars (earlier cars with Connolly leather and current cars with Muirhead leather) comment on how the new type of leather is holding out?? How it compares?

[lotusguy]

wachuko said:

Bump! So far I was told that the earlier cars use Connolly leather and the new ones are using Muirhead leather. Can anyone that has had both cars (earlier cars with Connolly leather and current cars with Muirhead leather) comment on how the new type of leather is holding out?? How it compares?

Hi,

That is waay too subjective an issue to give a definite answer to. If you take care of the leather, moisturise it regularly using Leatherique, minimize the time it spends in the sun etc., you will extend the life of the leather whichever it is. Afterall, leather is leather.

It's much more important how it is constructed, the type of thread and stitching used, whether seams are double wrapped etc. Both types are constructed well.

Also, even the type of clothing worn will also have a great effect. Expect less wear to occur if you wear 'softer' clothes such as cotton pants etc. than if you constantly wear say denim, especially the riveted kind, for example.

It all boils down to the care you place on the interior, much more so than the actual materials/construction. Both will give satisfactory life if maintained. Neither will do so if abused. The 19 y.o. Connolly leather (magnolia/tan) interior of my '85 Esprit looks much better (almost new) than some I've seen which are <10 y.o., it's all up to you. Happy Motoring!... Jim'85TE

[95lotus]

Does anyone know which kind of leather was used in the S4s (US edition, if that makes a difference)? I'm getting a quote to get the seats, gearshift and parking brake gators replaced. The guy is also giving me a quote to have the Lotus logo embroidered just below the headrests...I'll post pictures if the I go through with it.

thanks!
Bill
'95 S4S

[thayden]

Unfortunately, Connelly leather went out of business several years ago-I am unsure exactly what year Lotus switched to Muirhead. I have an '02 and am pretty sure it is Muirhead. I have the Magnolia(cream) color and the bolster is scuffed on the driver side seat after just 2K miles, but the rest of the interior is as new. I have had 2 Ferrari's with tan Connelly leather and it did not wear as well as the Muirhead is but there is NO substitute for the smell of Connelly leather-one of the reasons Rolls/Bentley/Jag/Ferrari used it for so long. My '86 Testarossa still had a wonderful smell even after all these years. The muirhead definitely has a pleasant leather smell also-just different. Anyway, in answer to your question I think the Muirhead will wear as well and probably better than Connelly, but a lot depends on how you care for it and I am also a fan of Leatherique.

Tim Hayden
02 Red/Mag #079

[95lotus]

thayden said:

Unfortunately, Connelly leather went out of business several years ago-I am unsure exactly what year Lotus switched to Muirhead. I have an '02 and am pretty sure it is Muirhead. I have the Magnolia(cream) color and the bolster is scuffed on the driver side seat after just 2K miles, but the rest of the interior is as new. I have had 2 Ferrari's with tan Connelly leather and it did not wear as well as the Muirhead is but there is NO substitute for the smell of Connelly leather-one of the reasons Rolls/Bentley/Jag/Ferrari used it for so long. My '86 Testarossa still had a wonderful smell even after all these years. The muirhead definitely has a pleasant leather smell also-just different. Anyway, in answer to your question I think the Muirhead will wear as well and probably better than Connelly, but a lot depends on how you care for it and I am also a fan of Leatherique. Tim Hayden 02 Red/Mag #079

Thanks for the info. Tim. I'll run it past the guy and see what he says.

regards,
Bill
'95 S4S

[bojangles]

Just to be blunt...

The leather is not the problem -- the issue is fat asses in sport seats. Fat asses are common in the wealthy and so are sport seats.. Same for all sport cars.
Each and everytime you sit hard on the bolster and drag yourself across it into the seating position you damage the leather, No seat can take this..
If you were to sit into it like an arm chair at home it would last for 50 years..
you need to be totally conscious of how you put your weight on the seat. The esprit is hard to get into but do your best to not drag your weight across the bolsters..

go to the gym, get in shape, and be able to lower your body slowly into position.

get a foot in position and lift your ass over.. but then dont rotate your foot on the carpet, it will wear too...
I dont think it is fair to blame the leather itself..

Just use logic and common sense.. consider your body like sandpaper to the cockpit..
if you shuffle around when you drive, it will show in the seat within a year, if you play with the shift knob it will wear out.. if you slide your hand across the steering whel it will be marked..

If you like to have a perfect car you have to treat it like a piece of fine furniture,, dont expect the materials to defy the laws of physics.. you will be disapointed and it will cost you in resale..

Merry Christmas.
Bruce

[95lotus]

bojangles said:

Just to be blunt... The leather is not the problem -- the issue is fat asses in sport seats. Fat asses are common in the wealthy and so are sport seats.. Same for all sport cars. Each and everytime you sit hard on the bolster and drag yourself across it into the seating position you damage the leather, No seat can take this.. If you were to sit into it like an arm chair at home it would last for 50 years.. you need to be totally conscious of how you put your weight on the seat. The esprit is hard to get into but do your best to not drag your weight across the bolsters.. go to the gym, get in shape, and be able to lower your body slowly into position. get a foot in position and lift your ass over.. but then dont rotate your foot on the carpet, it will wear too... I dont think it is fair to blame the leather itself.. Just use logic and common sense.. consider your body like sandpaper to the cockpit.. if you shuffle around when you drive, it will show in the seat within a year, if you play with the shift knob it will wear out.. if you slide your hand across the steering whel it will be marked.. If you like to have a perfect car you have to treat it like a piece of fine furniture,, dont expect the materials to defy the laws of physics.. you will be disapointed and it will cost you in resale.. Merry Christmas. Bruce

Where did that come from?

Bill
'95 S4S

[arium]

Guess it's time to wax my 'ass' before I slide in.

Best Holiday Wishes Everyone.

[95lotus]

arium said:

Guess it's time to wax my 'ass' before I slide in. Best Holiday Wishes Everyone.

You gotta love this forum!

Bill
'95 S4S

[bojangles]

umm--- if you go back to the original post it says " i am trying to determine how the interior will age"

I think that i wrote a fairly decent reply to help determine that..

not sure who got off topic..