Corvette C3 Seats

Corvette seats from 1968 to 1982 typically matched the interior color scheme. The exception to this was the two-tone interior options available in the 1976 and 1977 model years, where contrasting seat and interior colors were offered for added visual interest. Details on color and upholstery options, along with Chevrolet's suggested color combinations, are available on the Corvette Specs page.

Upholstery options were vinyl and leather from 1968 to 1976, and leather and cloth from 1977 to 1982. From 1970 to 1976, leather seats were included as part of the Custom Interior package. This package went beyond just the seats, offering a more luxurious interior experience with unique door panels, different types of floor mats (cut-pile carpet vs. loop carpet), and other premium interior features.

Corvette C3 cockpit — Corvette 1979 cockpit

1968 - 1969

In 1968, the Corvette offered a standard vinyl seating option, designed with a distinctive vertical stitching pattern. While vinyl was the default material, leather seats were available as an upgrade. The leather seats maintained the same vertical stitching pattern as the vinyl, giving them a cohesive look. Leather seats came in a range of colors, offering a touch of luxury to the Corvette interior.

For those seeking additional comfort and safety, a headrest was available as an extra-cost option in 1968. This feature provided added support and protection, enhancing the driving experience. Starting January 1, 1969, all Corvettes were equipped with headrests as standard equipment, in compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These standards were implemented to protect occupants from whiplash injuries in the event of a collision.

As in 1968, leather seating was an available option in 1969, and it retained the same pattern as the standard vinyl seats. However, the color choices for leather were more limited compared to previous years, reflecting a narrower range of customization options for buyers.

1970 - 1978

In 1970, the Corvette's seats underwent a significant redesign, offering a taller and better-shaped structure. This new design provided enhanced comfort and support, eliminating the need for separate head restraints. The improved seat structure not only contributed to the car's sleek interior aesthetic but also aligned with evolving safety standards.

The standard seats in 1970 featured vinyl upholstery with vertical insert panels, maintaining a stylish yet functional appearance. For those seeking a more luxurious option, leather seats were available at an additional cost, though the color choices were limited to black or saddle. The leather seats produced in 1970 and early 1971 continued the use of vertical stitching panels.

In 1970, the newly designed Corvette seat with red vinyl upholstery

Late in 1971, a subtle shift occurred in the design of the leather seats. The vertical panels were replaced with horizontal stitching patterns, marking a distinct change in the visual presentation. This horizontal stitching pattern carried over into the 1972 model year as well, becoming the standard for leather seats in subsequent years.

From 1973 to 1976, the Corvette seats saw only minor updates, including changes in the positioning of stitched seams, which reflected small adjustments rather than major redesigns. The core elements of the seat design introduced in 1970—such as the taller structure, integrated headrests, and the horizontal stitching pattern on leather seats—remained consistent throughout these years.

New Corvette C3 leather seat — New leather seat with a horizontal stitching pattern, featured in Corvettes from late 1971 to 1978

In 1977, leather seat covers became standard in the Corvette, marking a shift in the vehicle's interior luxury. For the first time, cloth upholstery was offered as a no-cost option, allowing buyers to choose between the premium feel of leather and the practicality of cloth. This option carried through to the 1977-1982 model years.

New Corvette C3 cloth seat — New cloth seat with vinyl sides, featured in Corvettes from 1978 and 1979

Pace Car replica seats were an exception in the 1978 model year, as they introduced new 'sport seats.' These sport seats featured a more contoured design, providing enhanced support and comfort for the driver and passenger.

1979 - 1982

The deep-bucket sport seats, first introduced in the 1978 Pace Car replica, became the standard seat design starting with the 1979 model year and continued through 1982. The standard upholstery for these seats remained leather, as established in 1977.

From 1978 to 1982, cloth seat upholstery was available as a no-cost option. During 1979 and 1980, these cloth seats featured cloth center sections with vinyl sides. In 1981 and 1982, the seats were entirely upholstered in cloth, offering a different look and feel compared to the leather standard.

New Corvette C3 sport seat design — New sport seat design used in Corvettes from 1979 to 1982, and in the 1978 Pace Car replica

Seatbelts

Corvette seatbelts were typically the same color as the car's carpet, ensuring a coordinated interior design. All coupe models were equipped with both lap and shoulder belts, which were separate two-piece belts until 1974. However, in Corvettes built in the 1968 calendar year, shoulder belts were optional.

In contrast, convertibles came standard with lap belts, while shoulder belts were available as an extra-cost option. The optional shoulder belt for convertibles was always a separate belt.

Corvette C3 seatbelts — Left: Separate lap belt. Right: Integrated lap and shoulder belt.

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Corvette C3 Seats and Seatbelts 1968 - 1982