71 Original Leather seats?

[Brian M.]

I have a '71 LS5 with 57k miles that was owned by my uncle until just about 6 months ago when I bought it. It has the deluxe interior with cut pile, deluxe door panels, etc. The leather seats in it are a little discolored, but in surprisingly good shape, however, I have a question about them.

I've read now in 2 books that an early 71 (mine was built in August '70) had leather seats with vertical pleats. Mine has horizontal pleats. My uncle insists that he never changed out the seat covers and that they are original.

Is it possible that these are original? Would horizontal pleated covers have made their way onto an early '71 such as mine? I trust my uncle, but he purchased it used in the early '70's, so there was an original owner for a short time prior to him. Not sure why someone would re-cover seats in such a new car, but there is a chance...

Thanks!
Brian

[Edward C.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

My 71 #1324 has the origional leather seats with vertical pleats. I have come to believe anything is possible. My LT-1 has the origional paint with a two width hood stripe which was not supposed to be but it is. Probably an old stensil left over from the 1970's. Also has the silver background on the LT-1 decal. Ed

[Reba W.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

The horizontal design did not begin until 1972 model. Some late 1971s may have these, but it would be very doubtful on an August 1970 car. I am sure that people with original '71s will chime in with their build dates.

[Michael G.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

December 70 built 71, vertical. Mike

[Warren F.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

March (custom int) & April (std int) built '71's vertical on leather seats and vinyl.

I had a JULY 13th, '71 with custom interior, leather seats also vertical.

[Paul C.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

January built 1971--vertical pleats.
Paul

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

The horizontal design did not begin until 1972 model. Some late 1971s may have these, but it would be very doubtful on an August 1970 car. I am sure that people with original '71s will chime in with their build dates.

Reba,
My '71 built on the last day of production, July 15th (21715), 1971 has custom leather seats with vertical pleats. JMO

Ken

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

Hi Brian,
I found very clear DATE stamps on the inside of my 71's seat covers. Dec 17 1970. A mid-Jan, 1971 built car.
Someday you may get to a point where you'll be able to check yours. (The bottom cover comes off pretty easily). It sure would be interesting to know what's on your covers.
Regards,
Alan

[Brian M.]

Re: 71 Original Leather seats?

Great idea, I'll check this out. Thanks!! Brian