Leather vs. Full-Leather
 

Can anyone explain the difference between full-leather and just plain leather? I see some ads that list full-leather as an option, and the same option on the KBB site. I'm thinking that full-leather includes leather dash, and maybe door panels in addition to the seats.

Thanks...Bruce

What year and model of car are you refering to? On new Porsches today, there are a thouroughly confusing array of leather options, nothing is a package any more. Back in the '80s, U.S. model 911s came w/ partial leather as standard equipment, (leather on seating surfaces of front seats and steering wheel only), with 2 further levels of amounts of leather available, do a search in archives. It has been explained in great detail here already. :cool:

If the car has FULL leather (80's 911), everything will be covered in leather (F/R seats, dash, steering wheel, door panels, map pockets, pocket lids, door handles, door top rails, knee bars, ash tray, center console, rear side panels/trim, and rear parcel shelf). The quickest way to tell is to look for the leather dash, and stitching on the door handles and map pockets.

That info would be incorrect if the car is '86 or newer. (Possibly '85). Porsche discontinued the use of leather dash tops and door tops at that time due to an almost 100% incidence of warrantee claims for warpage/shrinkage in CA. and other sunny places, (where the large majority of their cars are sold). "Full leather" became everything but those two things at that time. Exceptions would be "special wishes dept." cars, typically slant nose 930s, where you could order anything you desired.

Like I said, do a search and learn more than you ever wanted to know about this subject. :cool:

Hmmm, that's strange. I have owned a 1986 911 with full leather (option 981?), and it did have the leather dash. I have seen quite a few `86-`89 911's, and at least one 964 with a leather dash as well.
:confused:

Just to further add to the confusion... My '82 has full leather, but the door handles and pocket lids aren't covered, and the seatbacks are vinyl. Everything else as Eric mentioned is covered in leather.

Didn't full leather cars come with a higher grade carpet too? My 86 had full leather and the rugs were more plush than the 80SC I have now and it had the same material in the boot as in the cab.

It was 1985 Porsche temporarily discontinued the use of leather dash tops and door bits.

Partial-Leather refers to seats. (for the late 80's) . . .you could get "Full leather" interior (meaning dash & bits) with Partial-Leather seats.

At least thats the way I remember it.

I have an '85 with an option called "special leather", champagne color. All of the afoementioned parts are leather, incl/dash, and door rails. The carpeting is pretty plush, but don't know if it is special.