Rover Mini Cooper Seats - Advice

[TokyoRich]

Hi,

I just imported a 1998 Rover Mini Cooper S (It was sold as an S and is labeled as an 'S' but I am not sure if this is just labels or has some real underlying difference but maybe a subject of another thread later!).

Anyway, the car (as expected for an import) is absolutely mint with no rust in sight, lovely paintwork and straight panels, the interior is also nice but it has a horrible (modern) Cobra drivers seat and I want to change the front seats. The question is, do I trawl the internet for years in the hope of finding matching front seats (the rear seats are black leather with white piping) or do I go with the classic Cobra front seats.

I am not that young (38 - so could be worse) and not that thin so was wondering if others had done this and whether the retro look buckets were really comfortable? I will sell the car at some point (as we import to enjoy then sell) so thoughts regarding residuals for both options would also be appreciated..

As you have probably guessed this is my first foray into the land of the Mini but damn is this car fun, the engine is glorious, the suspension fantastic (has adjustable spax suspension), absolutely sold on the car at the moment, just need to sort out these seats.. oh and get some new wheels that fill the arches properly.

Rich

[Miniholic]

Try Newton Commercial for seats, there isn't much they don't do for Minis. Second hand interiors do come up quite often.

If its a genuine S it'll have a chassis plate attach to the front cross member next to the drivers seat, but some people confuse the 13" wheeled sportspack cars as an S.

There wasn't a factory S by that time, the cars were either converted from new by John Cooper Garages, or as a retrofit conversion which was available supply only as well, or could be fitted by the local Rover dealer - the kits were Rover approved and didn't affect the warranty.

If it turns our not to be a S, the conversions are now available again through www.coopercarcompany.com, there is a dedicated group on Facebook for owners of these conversions which is useful for anyone thinking of taking the plunge, they also offer group discounts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/979110828768431/?f...

[TokyoRich]

Thanks a lot guys. I ended up buying some Classic cobra replicas, they have the white piping so go really well with the back seats. I am pretty happy for now.. but would prefer to return it to original if I find the right seats!