So I really love my red interior, but my seats need to be reupholstered. After searching through many leather samples with no luck I finally stumbled upon something interesting.

Today I went to a local specialist that works on german cars and found this Porsche leather...



I was surprised how closely it matched my kick panel color.

Disclaimer: I used my plastic kick panel to compare the leather samples as my leather seats have really changed (darkened) in color over the years. They appear much darker than the red interior panels. So I figured if I used the interior panels to source the leather, my re-upholstered seats would more closely match the rest of the interior.

I also found the Porsche leather to very refined and smooth. All the other samples I saw had a very rough/orange-peel surface, this one just seemed perfect.

So if you have red OEM seats like me and you would like to restore them to match the rest of your interior this might be a good option. Unfortunately I was not able to get more info on it, all I know is that its used by Porsche.

I'd just like to add that my FD has 120k miles, and that my red interior panels might have also changed in color over the years. So if you have a low mileage well kept red interior it might be a slightly different shade than mine FYI.

 

Good find!

 

More Info below:

https://www.hydesleather.com/leather...orsche-leather

 

Great!

Thanks for the link!

 

Are you getting yours redone, then? If, so...it will be interesting to see the results.

 

I will, but not before January. I'll post pics

 

That's probably the Porsche red leather interior known as "Carrera Red". Word of warning, I tend to think that Carrera Red interiors have a bit too much orange to them, and would recommend going more towards the reds that Honda used in the S2000. Completely personal preference though!

 

I remember the guy at the shop telling me the name of the above sample and it had the word Napa in it. Can't exactly remember the whole name.

But thanks for the info. I'll look into the s2000 colors. Would be nice to get a sample and compare them side by side

 

will be waiting on updtae for this one ! dont forget :P

 

I won't forget. Though it might be a while until I get them reupholstered.

 

My seats are tan, but if you check with leatherseats.com they may be able to match the original color. Their kits are great and fit like a glove.

 

Thanks for the link, I'll check them out

 

Nappa simply refers to the grain or print on the leather. It doesn't have anything to do with the actual color of the material.

As mentioned, leatherseats.com is an excellent resource. The only disadvantage with their kits is they only offer one type of print on their leather and it is a heavier grain, which you stated you did not like.

I have attached two pictures of possible matches to the sample you looked at. They are both Porsche leathers and the circular samples are leatherseats.com colors. You can see the difference in the grain between the Porsche leathers and the other samples.

I hope that might help anyone that is in the same situation as you. The OEM FD red leather is certainly an interesting one to match.

Also, larger samples of any leather can be ordered for you to match up to other areas of the interior. Just ask your local shop and they should be able to help you out. I can certainly place an order also if they cant help out.

-Austin

 

ESH upholstering, thank you very much for the info.

The Porsche leather grain looks better to me personally.

My FD is in Europe so its easier for me to get my seats done here, but your help is much appreciated. If I need anything, I will send you a PM.