GM (and/or Corvette) Leather

[ironchef10]

I am the former owner of a 1994 Corvette, and I'm now looking for a 2003. When I had my old car, it seemed the leather used on this car wasn't of the highest quality. I mean, I know it was leather...but not very soft or supple. I owned an Acura CL and the leather was much nicer.

Does GM just use a low-grade leather? And what's the best way to keep it conditioned?

Thanks!

[Lt1Corvette]

I condition my leather all the time and that seems to keep it nice. It doesn't seem to be as soft as the European leathers, but that's typical American vs. euro leather. In my opinion, I prefer the tougher leather on the Corvette because you don't slide as much. That is of course dependent on you driving as intended.

[TOGWT]

Since the late ‘80s early ‘90s 80% of vehicle manufacturers have used covered leather for their interior upholstery. Its made from natural hides, but uniquely treated with a light pigmented urethane resin coating or a vinyl covering to make it more viable for automotive seating. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists ultra violet radiation (UVR) fading in direct sunlight, leathers worst enemy

Most European vehicles use real leather (MB, Jag, Aston M, etc)
JonM