MGF Cup seat restoration

This MGF Cup seat restoration project was all about staying true to the factory look.

Restoring MGF Cup Cobra Bucket Seats

This MGF Cup seat restoration project was all about staying true to the factory look. These original Cobra bucket seats from a genuine MGF Cup car were showing their age, but rather than going for a modern retrim, the goal here was clear: restore, not reinvent. Using the correct brushed nylon fabric and carefully recreated MG logos, we brought them back to as close to factory spec as possible.

Why Originality Matters in MGF Cup Seat Restoration

For collectors and enthusiasts, MGF Cup seat restoration isn’t just cosmetic — it’s part of preserving the car’s identity. These limited-production cars have a unique place in MG’s motorsport history, and keeping details like the original fabric and correct logo placement adds value and authenticity.

Anyone can throw Alcantara or leather onto a seat, but keeping true to the original spec is a different level of work — and it’s what makes a real restoration stand out.

Recreating the MG Logo Embroidery

One of the defining features of these MGF Cup seats was the MG logo stitched into the headrests. We didn’t want to just “get close” accuracy was essential. We took detailed photographs and measurements of the original embroidery, digitised it, and ran multiple test pieces to ensure stitch count, shape, and thread colour matched the originals perfectly.

Brushed Nylon – Staying True to the Original Fabric

A big part of this MGF Cup seat restoration was tracking down the right material. The seats were originally trimmed in a specific brushed nylon not something you’ll find off the shelf. Matching this wasn’t just about the colour or texture, but about how it wears, reflects light, and sits on the foam. After testing several samples, we sourced a nearly identical fabric that replicates the original finish and feel, helping preserve that late ’90s factory-cup-car vibe.

An Upholsterer’s Perspective on Alcantara vs Dinamica

As an upholsterer with over 14 years of experience at EDGE Automotive, I’ve had the opportunity to work extensively with both Dinamica and Alcantara. In recent years, I’ve increasingly turned to Dinamica as a high-quality alternative to Alcantara, largely due to the more competitive pricing.

From an aesthetic perspective, Dinamica closely mimics Alcantara, with a slightly more pronounced texture that adds a subtle depth to the material. In terms of performance, both materials offer similar levels of durability and luxury, but one of the standout qualities of Dinamica is how well it lays on panels, making the installation process smoother and the final result even more refined.

Unless a customer has a very specific reason for choosing Alcantara, I often recommend Dinamica for the cost savings without sacrificing quality or appearance.