Interior of my Special Edition 205 GTI

[David Simson 7]

Hi. We're going back a while now regarding my Special Edition (not Limited edition as I said in the past) GTI in Sorrento green. There were lots of theories over why the door cards and seats were black and the carpet was green. Cut a long story short, I've gone back to the original grey spec interior with some subtle changes which I think complement. 

[Leslie green 159]

is the interior new and where did you get it ? I like the red stitching on the steering wheel 

[David Simson 7]

Leslie, Thanks for your comments. Apart from the driver's squab the interior isn't new - I've simply had the original seats reupholstered. I tried as best I could to get as close a colour match to the original grey. The seats were done at a place called MB Trim in Redditch, Worcestershire. The steering wheel and gear knob were trimmed at Edge Automotive in Rugby. If you contact either or both of them feel free to mention my name. How are you doing? Been to any shows this year?

[David Simson 7]

I think the wrinkled leather on the top edges of the seats will probably lessen over time but to be honest I quite like it. It sort of fits with the car being 37 years old. Apart from the driver's squab the foams are original and I think it adds to its character. I'm sure some would disagree but I'm happy.  

[Leslie green 159]

The leather looks in great shape , the stitching usually is rotten and the pieces separate as they age . I've been to 2 local shows this year but with a big dent in my drivers door currently ( my fault trying to reverse in a narrow path into a shed ) its taken a lot of the good out of it and I've lost interest a bit at the thought of how much cash its going to need along with a new door  to paint it well !

I could have probably got a new leather interior for what it will now cost to fix.

If you regularly clean and treat the leather it will probably help to get it nice and flexible and less wrinkled over time.

[David Simson 7]

I'm sorry to hear about your door. Keep motivated as it never ceases to amaze me the love and attention these cars get so you know it will be worth it. What do they say about the price of experience? I may have misled you with my explanation of the interior. All of the leather and stitching is brand new. When I picked the seats up they said the leather would probably lose the wrinkles if I kept the leather in good condition. TBH, I've been fastidious with the leather care already. Autoglym do the best kit (I think) with a cleaner and leather nourisher. I also do the steering wheel and gear knob with the same stuff. I can recommend.  

[Leslie green 159]

Yes I thought it looked just a bit too good to be near 40 years old  I use the autoglym stuff too and it seems good. The leather just needs a bit of use and flexing over time  to soften it up 

[David Simson 7]

I've found that when I've looked at leather care products for cars they all talk about cleaning but very few mention conditioning / nourishing. I trust Autoglym as I've always found them good quality and the fact the kit has two distinctly different products for completely different purposes I found reassuring. I think we're both doing the right thing. Shame we're so far away as it would be good to meet you.