While not the most important characteristic of a car, the olfactory impact is clearly a factor to me. I remember the unpleasant "used car" aroma of vehicles years ago as well as the Detroit "new car" smell of plastic and glue. One of my best memories is of a 1972 Mercedes 280 SEL 4.5. The thickly pleated leather seats had an intoxicating odor. Does a full leather car have a stronger aroma than a partial leather car? What about natural "dyed" leather versus so-called "painted" leather?

 

yes, yes.

 

I have had so many positive comments from chicks on my Natural Gray leather. It was worth the four extra grand on my 6GT3.

 

You can keep that scent going, even in a non-full-leather interior by using one of my favorites, Zaino leather cleather and leather conditioner. I use it on my seats, wheel, shiftboot, etc. and the car smells like a coach leather factory whenever I open the door.
CATTMAN

 

It's probably just me, but I tried Zaino in my last car (MB SL550) and, while strong, it seemed too artificial. My current car, BMW 650i, has a pleasing, subtle aroma which passengers tend to notice. It seems like different leather tanning processes produce varying results. For example, some of the American car leathers are really awful. That's why I'm curious about natural leather.

 

I agree. Zaino leather conditioner fragrance is artificial.

I like Sonus. It does a very good job as a conditioner and restores the original leather scent.

 

every time i get in either of my machines, the smell is the first thing i notice.

aka Apocolypse Now - it doesn't smell like victory, but sure smells nice!

 

Is Sonus effective as a neutral agent or does it have a scent of its own?

 

Good question. I think it has some scent - but if anything it's mild and does not change the natural leather interior scent. It also adds no shine. It just works.

 

sonus is great stuff.

 

Thanks for the reference.

 

Sonus was supposedly developed by a Porsche enthusiast for Porsche leather.
It has a mild scent, does NOT get shiny or slippery and to me maintains the same frangrance and texture the car had as new. PS..I do not have full leather.

I use their cleaner (even though my car is not a DD so it never gets too dirty) and the conditioner.
I do not use the cleaner every time I condition the leather.