Between 1973-1977 General Motors put a spin on traditional automotive seating when it outfitted several of its models — including the Monte Carlo, Chevelle, Cutlass and Laguna — with swivel bucket seats, which utilized a unique track system that allowed front buck seats to not only slide forwards and back, but also turn towards the outside of a vehicle to assist passengers with entering and exiting.
While the seats were a big hit, GM wasn’t the first automaker to introduce the concept. Nearly 15 years before GM dazzled customers with its swivel seats, Chrysler Corporation made the feature available on many of its own vehicles — including the Dodge Royal, DeSota Adventurer, Chrysler 300F and Plymouth Fury.
Both times, however, the feature was short-lived. Renault attempted to revive the trend in 2010, when it made swivel seats a $2,150 option on its compact Clio, but it never really took off.
Today, you’re more likely to find swivel seats in lowriders, where the feature has become somewhat of a staple; or RVs and minivans, where it’s marketed as helpful to people with disabilities.
Personally, I love the concept of swivel seats and hope that one day it makes a true comeback. Check out the following photos of a swivel seat in a 1960 Chrysler 300F and tell us what you think in the comments section below:
Love it. It is such a simple thing, and makes such a big difference.
i love it, talk about a way to take the interior to another level.
Hello my opinion is its a nest concept, but they pivot on a single point
The 70’s swivel was extremely unsafe if in a accident
3/8 rivet in 1/8 inch thick cold roll steel is all that keeps you anchored
These one piece seat covers !will test your skills as a upholsterer!
Swivel seats. I had a 1976 Monte Carlo, loved it, the seats were perfect for a lady either driving or just accompanying me for a ride. As far as safety, my wife and I were rear ended by a large Cadillac the rear suffered some damage, the other car had the front end destroyed, the seats moved to the end of the track (single bucket type), our bodies laid back onto the seats and there was no injury to either one.
Automakers, please bring them back. NOW IT IS NOT A CONVENIENCE, FOR MY WIFE AND I, IT IS A NEED.
I know a lot of Miata owners that could use this feature
i’am looking for a pair of swivel bucket for my 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
could u pls let me know if u have swivel base for my 1965 impala ss…if so is there any welding that needs to be done or is it a bolt on? my brother had a 1974 monte carlo that had swivels on it,he got it new and i loved it….
pls help me with this…thank you and my the one who sees everything bless you…
This is a ripe aftermarket niche that should be capitalized on by a specialty company.
I am looking for swivel buckets that will fit a 2007 Chrysler 300. My wife and I are both handicapped and this would facilitate easy entry and egress. I will travel 1000 miles to a junkyard and buy them if the price is right. Call me day or night 330-685-1145. I’ll pay the long distance charge. Ron
Brainability makes swivel seat that replaces a regular seat. Idk the costs.
I had a 1972 Olds Cutlass Supreme. Loved it. The swivel seats were a big plus. Would like them on all the vehicles I drive.
I’m a senior with a bad back. That option would be a great asset to me because of the different heights of vehicles today.
Thunderbird had a swivel seat and steering wheel slid over for ease of entry and exit.
disabled vet dificulty getting and out. can drive fine. looking for a swivel seat or a car that door hinge is aft.