My wife works for a very high end furniture store and I went to a leather seminar today. I learned of the many grades of leather and thoses with defects or character from N america and S. America and some very high end hides from Sweeden and Switzerland. Anyway, discussion was that most auto leather has been protected up to six processes to withstand mainly the sun.
Obviously those that have been finished do not have the feel of premium top grain hides whick I really love.
I really have two questions for the experienced interior guys here'
1. Considering my rod will be garaged and with tinted windows and driven on weekends, etc.. will buying protected leather be a necessity or could I go with high grade upholstery hides?

2. I have the opportunity to get these direct from the manufacturer where they tan, split, dye, process, etc. at a great price. Considering 2 bucket seats, the rear bench, doors and side panels, console... how many hides should I get?