The MGB seat specification changed substantially across the production run, and correct identification of the seat type, cover material, and foam profile is essential when ordering. Several distinct designs were used, each with its own cover pattern and foam shape.
Seat Specification Changes
The original 1962 to 1968 seats were fixed-back items trimmed in leather, with contrast-colour piping in the seat colour, the three original trim colours were black, red, and blue. The GT from 1965 used the same seat design with the addition of a leathercloth-covered rear seat. For the 1969 model year, reclining seats were introduced for the first time, a significant comfort improvement, with leather facings and a revised cover pattern. Headrests appeared for the first time, initially only on North American cars.
From the 1970 model year, leather was replaced by Ambla, an expanded knit-backed vinyl, offered initially in black only, with Autumn Leaf (light brown) added a year later. For 1972, black trim was replaced by Navy (dark blue), and GT models received brushed nylon centre panels on the front and rear seats while the side bolsters remained vinyl. The Roadster continued with all-vinyl seat facings.
From 1973, GTs had full nylon seat facings, and both Roadster and GT received new cover patterns with narrower side bolsters and transverse fluting. Seat base foam profiles changed in 1973, seats fitted from 1970 to 1973 have a raised hump at the front of the seat base, while from 1973 onwards the hump was flattened and raised sides were added. The correct foam must be paired with the correct cover. Headrests changed from the D-shaped eared design to September 1976 to the pear or barrel shape thereafter.
Headrests always matched the seat colour and were always vinyl-covered, even on GTs with nylon seat facings. The final major revision came in June 1976 for the 1977 model year. All RHD cars received brushed nylon seat facings in a striped deckchair design in two colour combinations, orange and brown, or silver and grey, with longitudinal stripes and the darker colour used for the centre stripe. North American LHD roadsters retained vinyl or Ambla facings with the basketweave pattern extended to the side bolsters.
Seat Covers & Replacement Seats
Seat covers are available in the correct materials and colours for each of these production periods. Seat foam is available separately for both the pre-1973 and post-1973 profiles. Die-cut seat back boards in the correct shape for non-recliner (1962 to 1968), recliner (1969 only), and later recliner (1970 onwards) seats are available for owners rebuilding otherwise sound seat frames. Complete replacement seats and sports recliner seats with leather facings are available, fitting directly to existing seat runners with an optional heated seat kit.
Refurbished original-specification seats are available on an exchange basis, rebuilt with new foams, backboards, and webbing to the correct specification.