As previously
recognised, the use of “bright” new car colours as that of an
economic indicator has various era specific examples both truism and
falsity. This conclusion reached by the as comprehensive as possible
description of car colour applications over the 20th and
very early 21st centuries, on a decade by decade basis.
This overall historical
picture created via a mix of inherent general knowledge of automotive
and social history meshed with a dedicated research exercise, as
explained below.
For the sake of
clarity, it is worth explaining how the previous graphic of
chronologically presented popular colours – which itself sought to
visually concentrate the text – was evolved with the overall
description.
Approach -
The intent was to
ratify, dismiss and add-to inherent knowledge. Achieved via a
critical look at the offered and popularly preferred colours of those
mass-market car models which individually and en mass made up the
great majority of popular private purchases.
To verify each
product's life-span, its (as feasibly as possible) official
'ex-factory' colours, and to contextualise them via a time-line of
prevailing economic backgrounds using the S&P (later S&P
500).
The attached graphic
demonstrates.
Economic Layer:
The Standard and Poor's
index specifically used, as opposed to FTSE or any Euro index, given
the over-whelming economic impact of the USA upon European fortunes,
including Eastern Europe prior to the 'iron curtain' era.
Layered over the
Standard and Poor's chart are the three cyclical phases.
“Technical Recession”
of the index are shaded in grey, followed by estimated periods of
'Main Street's' own “Contracted Consumption”, followed by return
to “Fully Functioning”; each shown with appropriate initials:
'TR' / 'CC' / 'FF'
Purchase Layer:
Super-imposed upon this
110 year time-scale are the product life-spans of the best selling
vehicle models. In order to maintain an “apples to apples”
consistency, those multi-generational nameplates are omitted in
preference for only those specific models (eg mk1, mk2 etc) which had
a major impact on car buying habits and so colour preferences in
their time
This used to create the
previously shown simple colour schematic, which itself
chronologically demonstrated the per region expansion-effect of the
general 'colour swatch' (palette) available.
Popular Models:
Ford Model T (1908 –
1927) North America / UK
Black chassis, fenders,
boards, coal scuttle, natural or black (wooden) wheels + body: oxford
blue, ruby red, olive green; only from 1913 onward was black
introduced..
The notion that Henry
Ford said “any colour you want so long as its black”is considered
an urban myth, since initial colours omitted black. Though latterly a
completely black format for most cars, pick-ups and vans became
common, to speed production process and reduce manufacturing costs
was indeed the case, even from 1908 SOP specific customer paint
requests were provided for as cost option or for fleet orders.
Increased market competition (esp from Chevrolet) meant later
production years saw a broader variety of standard ex-factory
colours. However, the undoubted proliferation of black was deployed
to suit the basic T's popular agricultural use (via conversion kits
from light tractor to power generator).
Opel 5/12 PS (1911 –
1920) Germany / Europe
Black chassis, boards,
and natural wood or black wheels, later colour matched + fenders,
scuttle and body: black, mid grey, mid green, scarlet red, ruby red,
oxford blue.
Peugeot Bébé
[type BP1] (1913 – 1916) France / Europe
Black chassis, fenders,
boards, wheels + body: black, mid grey, dark red, dark green, mid
blue.
Many were repainted
“French Blue” later to reflect the original design input of
Ettore Bugatti and to mimic national race colours, aswell as other
non-original colours.
Chevrolet 490 (1915 –
1922) North America
Black chassis, fenders,
boards, scuttle and natural wood or black wheels, and early on
majority black body. Soon after black scuttle with variety colours,
thereafter phased-in colour matched parts, scuttle and body: black,
dark grey, mid grey, dark green, mid green, ruby red, oxford blue.
Designed to compete
against the Model T Ford but with increased equipment and paint
options
Citroen Type A (1919 –
1921) France / Europe
Black chassis, fenders,
boards and 'solid' black wheels, scuttle varied black to body colour,
body: black, light grey, light beige, caramel brown, mid red, mid
green, olive green, dark green, french blue. This car recognised as
the first European vehicle manufactured in the large scale
Ford-Taylorism manner, so necessarily painting bodies in large
batches of small variety single colours.
Citroen Type B2 (1921 –
1926) France / Europe
Colours as above, but
the handsome proportions of this model coupled with its 'solid'
wheels and its very proliferation across France and Europe enabled
the official application of light yellow, without appearing
overwhelming.
Peugeot 'Quadrilette'
(1921 -1924) France / Europe
Black chassis, fenders,
boards, 'solid' wheels and scuttle varied black to body colour, body:
black, grey, mid red, ruby red, mid green, dark green, oxford blue,
french blue, caramel brown and light yellow (to match Citroen's B2).
Austin Seven (1922 –
1939) UK
Black chassis, fenders,
running boards, wheels, body: black, grey, mid green, dark green, mid
red, ruby red, mid blue, oxford blue, light beige. As popularity
grew, the vehicle aged and price increased given 'inflation plus'
margins, so fenders blended to body colour, greater two-tone applied.
Chevrolet Superior
(1923 – 1926) North America
Black chassis, fenders,
running boards, wheels, body: black, light grey, dark grey, mid
green, olive green, dark green, mid red, mid blue,
Opel 4 PS 'Laubfrosche
/ Tree Frog' (1924 – 1931) Germany / Europe
Black chassis, fenders,
running boards, wheels, body: mid green (for initial production
ramp-up, hence nickname), with also black, light grey, dark grey,
beige, brown, dark green, mid red.
Peugeot 5CV [type 172]
(1925 – 1929) France / Europe
As a model line
successor to Quadrilette, it utilised a similar range of colours.
Chevrolet AA / AB
(1927-1928) North America
Chevrolet AC / AD (1928
– 1930)
Chevrolet AE / BA (1931
– 1932)
Black chassis, fenders,
running boards, wheels, body: black, light grey, dark grey, mid
green, olive green, dark green, mid red, ruby red, mid blue, dark
blue.
This quickly year on
year face-lifted series created technical and styling changes from
4-cylinder to 6-cylinder and body panel changes. But the paint
choices remained very similar, GM seeking savings in paint
procurement to off-set costs of more marketable alterations. Later
white-wall tyres offered as cost option on deluxe variant, to better
highlight same or contrasting wheel colours, a trickle-down trend
from luxury cars; though small percentage of total volume produced.
Ford Model A (1928 –
1931) North America / UK / Europe
Black chassis, fenders,
running boards, wheels, body (at SOP available in only four colours):
black, dark grey, dark green, ruby red...later colours added of
white, mid red, mid blue, oxford blue, dark blue., beige and brown,
typically befitting the specific body type fitted, from a very broad
variety of body styles.
Peugeot 201 (1929 –
1937) France / Europe
As successor to type
172, maintained similar colour palette, with greater application of
single vehicle colour covering fenders, running boards and wheels;
especially suited to its later aerodynamic alterations.
DKW F1 (1931 – 1932)
Germany
DKW F2 (1932 – 1935)
Wooden chassis obscured
(by low 'under-slung' stance) , black fenders, (no running boards
needed given entry lowness), black wheels, body: black, dark grey,
dark brown, white, light beige, mid green, mid red, ruby red, mid
blue, dark blue. This wooden chassis, FWD car often had two-tone
schemes applied given the separated fenders, yet also allowed for
single colour scheme given their visual integration with the body.
Plymouth DeLuxe [PD/PE]
(1933 – 1937) North America
Body colours: black,
dark grey, light grey, dark blue, mid blue, dark green, mid green,
dark red, mid brown, tan and yellow (for touring cabriolet).
Increasing application of body colour to fenders.
Citroen Traction Avant
(1934 – 1957) France / Europe
Black was the official
ex-factory colour until 1953 – for production efficacy – but
(like the Model T) a limited number of specials in other colours were
provide at extra cost. Thereafter, depending upon variant type, a
mixture of colours many provided. Although well integrated with the
body, black fenders retained for many post '53 cars, no running
boards on low-slung design. Body colours: black, dark grey, light
grey, dark blue, mid blue, dark green, mid green and also off-white,
red and yellow for cabriolet specials.
DKW F5 (1935 – 1936)
Germany
DKW F7 (1937 – 1938)
Colours as above, but
becoming more distinctively applied over front grille contrasting
with greater use of chrome brightwork and two-tone, and more fade
resistant applied to steel body skin panels versus previous fabric.
FIAT Cinquecento
'Topolino' A / B (1937 – 1949) Italy
Black the ex-factory
colour for much of early production. Although fenders well integrated
with the body, the convention for black fenders retained on this
early series with different body colour. Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, mid red, ruby red, light green, dark green, dark blue.
Volkswagen Type 1
'Kafer' / 'Beetle' (1938 – 1978) (EM until 2003) Germany / Other
Black the ex-factory
colour for much of early production. However, even with thin running
board, it was deemed that the rounded visually harmonious fenders
allowed for a breaking of convention for black fenders. Body: black,
dark grey, light grey, off-white , ruby red, dark green, dark blue.
Brighter shades of red, blue and green (and white, grey) used
initially for export models, later 1960s and 70s standard colours,
specifically seen with yellow, orange and red adopted for the fashion
orientated 'Jeans Beetle' in 1974
Citroen Deux Chevaux
'2CV' (1948 – 1990) France / Europe
Much early production
in dark grey, light grey. Followed by dark blue, very light blue in
the 1950s and oatmeal brown and white in the 1960s. With the 1970s
introducing red, green, yellow and orange. The 1980s saw increase in
two-tone specials as the car became ironically a hyper-style totem
such as the Spot (red and white, orange and white), Beachcomber
(white and blue), Chic (white and black), cocorico (red, white and
blue), Dolly (white and red, white and green), Hermes (brown) and
Charleston (burgandy and black, dark green and black, grey and black
and yellow and black). The last 'special' retro-esque scheme with
black fenders (which never originally existed, bar some 'fourgonette'
van models).
Morris Minor (1948 –
1971) UK / Commonwealth
Body: black, dark grey,
mid grey, light grey, off-white, mid brown, dark brown, dark red, mid
red, dark green, mid green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light
blue.
Ford '49 (1949 –
1951) North America / Other (Japan / S.America)
Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, off-white, dark red, dark green, dark blue, tan brown
Ford '52 (1952 –
1954)
Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, off-white, dark red, mid red, dark green, light green,
dark blue, mid blue, dark brown, tan brown
Ford '55 (1955 –
1957)
Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, off-white, dark red, mid red, dark green, light green,
dark blue, mid blue, dark brown, tan brown. Increasing use of
two-tone on higher trim variants.
Ford '57 (1957 - 1960)
Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, off-white, beige, dark red, mid red, dark green, light
green, dark blue, mid blue, dark brown, tan brown. Continued use of
two-tone on higher trim variants, and triple-tone on specials.
Buick Special Mk 2
(1949 – 1958) North America / Other (esp Japan / S.America)
This progressive model
series led and reflected rapidly shifting consumerism
“Standard A pillar”
(1949 – 1953)
Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, off-white, dark red, mid red, dark green, dark blue, mid
blue, mid brown; so traditional colours exempting introduction of a
two-tone coupe with use of chromed A-pillar strip as introductory
visual device for new 'wrap-a-round' screen to come.
“Wrap-a-round”
(1954 - 1958)
Body: continuation of
previous palette, plus new light shades in sky blue, mint green,
light yellow, cream etc; two tone schemes now applied optionally to
sedan body-sides.; black or white roof also available for single
colour car as more conservative contrast.
“Pillarless” (1955
- 1958)
Body: improved visual
balance achieved on two-tone cars, with lower body colour (usually
white or black) also applied to roof.
Ford Taunus 12M / 15M
(1952 – 1959) Germany / Europe
Using a post-war
modernised body with fully integrated fenders, body colours of:
black, dark grey, mid grey, olive, mid blue. Ford of Germany's
somewhat limited cost-centre resources and central self-management
style, remote from Dearborne HQ, meant that executives followed a
very practical 'no frills' Henry Ford approach, so limiting colour
options (and well amortised production costs).
Opel Olympia Record
(1953 – 1957) Germany / Europe
Likewise using a body
with fully integrated fenders, this car was slightly more vibrant
than the Taunus. Body colours: black, dark grey, mid grey, cream,
olive, mid blue, mint green, tan brown. Further to Adam Open AG
integration into General Motors, this model was much influenced by
“new model year” annual trim and panel changes, and as a new
middle-class status symbol, saw the application of two-tone paint
schemes, mirroring the American trend.
Ford Popular (1953 –
1959) UK / Commonwealth
Introduced by Ford of
Britain for the purpose of basic post WW2 mass mobility, it by
comparison to other brands had distinctly 1930s mechanics and
architecture; that basic ethos with limited 'pre-war' colour range:
black, dark grey, light grey, ruby red, olive green, dark green, dark
blue, followed later by light blue, mid green and cream.
Austin A30/35 (1951 –
1959) UK / Commonwealth
With integrated
fenders, body colours: black, dark grey, light grey, ruby red, mid
green, dark green, mid blue, dark blue, followed by light blue, mid
red, mint green, cream and white.
Chevrolet Mk2 150/210
(1953 – 1957) North America
Body: black, dark grey,
light grey, off-white, dark red, mid red, dark green, light green,
dark blue, mid blue, dark brown, tan brown. Increasing use of
two-tone on higher trim variants, especially so Bel Air.
Buick Mk2 Century (1954
-1958) North America
Body: black, dark grey,
off-white, dark red, mid red, dark green, light green, dark blue, mid
blue, dark brown, tan brown. Increasing use of two-tone on all body
styles.
FIAT Nuovo 500 (1957 –
1975)
Body: black, dark grey,
mid grey, light grey, butterscotch, cream, white, dark red, mid red,
light red, dark green, mid green, light green, dark blue, mid blue,
light blue, dark brown, tan brown, beige, light beige, light yellow,
mid yellow, orange. Early series often with contrasting coloured
wheels, typically cream or white.
Austin-Morris Mini
(1959 – 2000) UK / Commonwealth / Europe
Body colours: black,
dark grey, light grey, dark red, mid green, dark green, mid blue,
dark blue, followed by light blue, mid red, mint green, cream and
white. Two tone colour schemes (comprising usually white or black
roof) typically used on Cooper and Cooper S performance series cars,
and other more niche custom specials. Later limited edition specials
with contrasting themed decals (advantage) or metallic colours
(Mayfair, Park Lane, Knightsbridge, British Open Classic), and
run-out specials such as 'Paul Smith' in purple and stripes.
Ford Anglia 105E (1959
– 1967) UK / Commonwealth
More stylistically
daring than its 100E predecessor, the majority vehicles sold were of
the basic type with a small painted grill panel and little if any of
the obvious American-esque brightwork as popularly perceived by
deluxe and super models. Nevertheless, whilst basic models had body
colours of: black, white, dark blue, ruby red, light green, dark
green, the deluxe included typically perceived 1950s colours of light
blue and mint green. Two-tone colours were applied in 2 ways, divided
by the waisteline, or on super trim-line cars applied to bodyside
strip and roof.
Ford Falcon Mk 1 (1960
– 1963) North America / Australia
Body colours: black,
dark grey, light grey, dark red, mid green, dark green, mid blue,
dark blue, followed by light blue, mid red, mint green, cream and
white. Two tone colour schemes
Chevrolet Biscayne Mk2
(1960 – 1964) North America
Body colours: black,
dark grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green,
light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, off-white and white.
Renault 4 [inc R3]
(1961 – 1992) France / Europe / Other
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, light blue, mid blue, dark blue, dark red, mid
red, dark green, mid green, off-white, white, dark brown, mid brown
with tan brown, light red, , yellow, orange and bright green
introduced in the 1970s and niche colours such as drab green deployed
toward end of life-cycle.
Opel Kadett Series A
(1962 – 1965) Germany / Europe / Other
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, dark blue, mid
blue, light blue, cream, white.
Austin-Morris 1100/1300
(1962 – 1974) UK / Commonwealth / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey,dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, light beige, off-white, white with
mustard, olive green and tangerine introduced later in the 1970s.
Plymouth Valiant Mk2
(1963 – 1966) North America / Australia
Body colours: black,
light grey, mid red, mid green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue,
off-white and white. Increased use of lighter shades.
Chevrolet Chevelle Mk1
and Mk2 (1963 – 1972) North America
Body colours: black,
light grey, light silver,dark red, mid red, mid green, dark blue,
mid blue, light blue, off-white, white, butterscotch yellow.
Metallics introduced in later editions, primarily bronze and silver,
as was mid yellow.
Ford Mustang Mk1, Mk 1
1/2 (1964 – 1968) North America
Body colours: black,
light grey, light silver, mid red, mid green, dark blue, mid blue,
light blue, light beige, off-white, white, light yellow. Ford
introduced higher cost metallic shades of silver, blue and red by
off-setting costs against Mustang's use of well amortised Falcon
platform; so popularising and thus inducing economies of scale in
metallic paints.
Chevrolet Chevy II Mk2
(1965 – 1967) North America
Body colours: black,
light grey, light silver, mid red, mid green, light, dark blue, mid
blue, light blue, off-white and white. Increased use of lighter
shades.
Ford Fairlane Mk5 and
Mk6 (1966 – 1969) North America
Body colours: black,
light grey, light silver,dark red, mid red, mid green, dark blue,
mid blue, light blue, light beige, off-white, white, light yellow.
Ford utilises similar 'Mustang palette' for full=size Fairlane /
Galaxy. Likewise introduced higher cost metallic shades of silver,
blue and red by off-setting costs against full-size pricing
elasticity; so assisting economies of scale in metallic paints.
Renault 16 (1965 –
1980) North America
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, beige, brown, off-white. By the mid '70s
metallic colours introduced as upper-trim and new model year
differentiation such as gold, silver, bronze and purple, with
latterly white, light red, orange, yellow, bright green.
Ford Cortina [Taunus]
Mk2 / Mk3 (1966 – 1976) UK / Germany / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, dark blue, mid
blue, light blue, light beige, beige, off-white. Metallic colours
introduced as upper-trim and new model year differentiation such as
gold, silver, bronze and purple, later...white, light red, orange,
yellow, bright green.
FIAT 124 (1966 –
1974) Italy / Europe / (Eastern Bloc)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, beige, light beige, beige, off-white,
white and light yellow.
Opel Kadett Series B
and C (1966 – 1979) Germany / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, dark brown, mid
brown, light beige, beige, off-white, white. Gold, bronze and silver
metallics initially applied to coupe variant, followed later by green
metallic for sedan, with solid yellow, orange and bright green
introduced later in the 1970s.
Ford Escort Mk1 / Mk 2
(1968 – 1974) UK / Germany / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, light beige, beige, off-white, white with
purple, light red, orange and bright green introduced later in the
1970s.
Renault 12 (1969 –
1981) France / Europe / (Eastern Bloc until 1999)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, light beige, beige, off-white, white with
light red, yellow, orange and bright green introduced later in the
1970s.
FIAT 128 (1969 –
1985) Italy / Europe / (Eastern Bloc)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green,
olive green, mid green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue,
light beige, beige, mid brown, light brown, off-white, white, light
yellow, mustard, orange, bright green and various metallics in the
1980s.
Morris Marina (1971 –
1980) UK / Commonwealth / Europe / Other
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, tan brown,
ochre, light beige, beige, mid brown, light brown, gold, off-white,
white, with light yellow, mustard, purple, orange, bright green
introduced mid cycle and metallics applied late.
Peugeot 104 (1972 –
1988) France / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown,, light beige, beige,
off-white, white with light red, yellow, tangerine, orange and bright
green.
Renault 5 Mk1 (1972 –
1985) France / Europe / North America
Body colours: mid grey,
light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, olive green,
mid green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown,
tan brown, light beige, beige, off-white, white, yellow, tangerine,
orange and bright green. Black primarily used on specials such as
'Alpine A5', 'Le Car' and 'Turbo' for domestic and export markets.
Metallics applied later after the blue 'Gordini'.
Honda Civic Mk1 (1972 –
1979) Japan / North America / Europe / UK
Body colours: black,
white, off-white, mid red, dark red, light green, orange, light
yellow, mid blue, dark green, dark blue. Metallics, gold, bronze,
blue and brown utilised relatively early, dependent upon marketing
department's rationale
Datsun B210 / 120Y
(1973 – 1978) Japan / North America / Europe / UK
Body colours: white,
off-white, mid red, dark red, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid
green, dark green, light beige, beige, ochre, light yellow, mid
yellow, orange, Few metallics, light blue and light green, applied
late in life-cycle for USA only.
Opel Kadett City (1973
– 1979) Germany / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid green, light
green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown, light
beige, beige, off-white, white, light yellow, mid yellow, tangerine,
orange and bright green. Metallics applied toward end of lifecycle.
Austin Allegro (1973 –
1982) UK / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, tan brown,
ochre, light beige, beige, mid brown, light brown, off-white, white,
with light yellow, mustard, purple, orange, bright green introduced
early cycle and metallics applied late Mk2 and across Mk3.
Toyota Corolla Mk3 /
Mk4 (1974 – 1983) Japan / North America / Europe / UK
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan
brown, light beige, beige, off-white, white, light yellow, tangerine.
Metallics including silver, bronze, champagne and blue applied for
Mk4.
Volkswagen Golf Mk1 /
Rabbit Mk1 (1974 – 1983) Germany / Europe / N.A. / Other
Volkswagen Golf Mk2 /
Rabbit Mk2 (1983 – 1992) Germany / Europe / N.A. / Other
Volkswagen Golf Mk3 /
Rabbit Mk3 (1992 – 2001) Germany / Europe / N.A. / Other
Volkswagen Golf Mk4 /
Rabbit Mk4 (1997 – 2004) Germany / Europe / N.A. / Other
Volkswagen Golf Mk5 /
Rabbit Mk5 (2004 – 2008) Germany / Europe / N.A. / Other
Volkswagen Golf Mk6 /
Rabbit Mk6 (2008 – 2013) Germany / Europe / N.A. / Other
Body colours: at 1974
introduction: mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red,
dark green, olive green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light
blue, mid brown, tan brown, light beige, beige, off-white, white,
light yellow, mid yellow, orange, tangerine. Black, a specific red,
and various metallics 'reserved' for GTI variant. Metallics deployed
more so on Mk2 onward, exempting long-lived Mk1 cabriolet. Over
successive generations the obvious application of differing
multi-shades of a core colour palette has been applied.
Vauxhall Chevette (1975
- 1980)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid green, light green,
dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown, ochre, beige,
off-white, white, light yellow, tangerine and bright green. Metallics
applied toward end of lifecycle. Performance specials such as 'HS'
and 'HSR' given contrasting schemes.
Ford Fiesta Mk1 (1976 –
1983) UK / Germany / Europe / USA
Ford Fiesta Mk2 (1983 –
1989) UK / Germany / Europe
Ford Fiesta Mk3 (1989 –
1997)
Ford Fiesta Mk4 (1995 –
1999) UK / Germany / Europe / Other
Ford Fiesta Mk5 (1999 –
2004)
Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2001 –
2009)
Ford Fiesta Mk7 (2008 –
date)
Body colours: first
generation colours of: black, mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid
red, light red, dark green, mid green, light green, dark blue, mid
blue, light blue, dark brown, mid brown, tan brown, light beige,
beige, off-white, white, light yellow, tangerine, orange. Metallics
initially applied to top-trim 'Ghia' variants, predominantly gold and
silver. Sporty XR2 available in silver, black, white and red, as
continued in RS1800. Given mass popularity a relatively standard set
of broad solid colour palettes for successive generations, with
alterations such as metallic light blue etc for XR2i. The sixth
generation sporting variants (ST) introduced greater use of decals,
specifically 'speed stripes' as marketing differentiator relative to
the brands 1960s sporting heritage. This use of decals further
deployed on special editions in the “mass customisation” trend
started by New Mini. Such actions then allowing for greater
efficiencies in manufacturing (paint-shop through-flow). Since Mk1
metallics increasingly deployed across the full range as set by the
competitive actions of others, especially Japanese.
FIAT Panda Mk1 (1980 –
1991) Italy / Spain / Europe
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan
brown, light beige, beige, off-white, white, light yellow, ochre,
tangerine. Metallics were latterly applied the Mk2, with the numerous
special editions across its full 23 year life in differing decals and
schemes.
Ford Escort Mk3 (1980 –
1986) Germany / UK / Europe / N. America / Brazil
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, mid red, light red, dark green, mid green,
light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown,
light beige, off-white, white, red-orange, light yellow (NA).
Metallics initially applied to top-trim 'Ghia' variant but soon used
across other trim levels; black, white, silver and red predominantly
used for XR3.
Opel Ascona C /
Vauxhall Cavelier Mk2 / Chevy Cavalier Mk1 (1981 - 1988) Germany /
Europe / N.A. / Australia
Body colours: black,
dark grey, mid grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan
brown, beige, butterscotch, white, tangerine, light yellow. Metallics
initially applied to top-trim variants but soon used across other
trim levels; black, white, silver and red predominantly used for
performance variants and for derivative Manta GTE coupe.
Ford Sierra (1982 –
1993)
Body colours: black,
dark grey, mid grey, dark red, mid red, light red, mid green, light
green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, butterscotch,
white, . Given the 'aero' styling (derived from metallic gold Probe
3) metallics were promoted extensively from launch, especially so
silver and gold; also applied more broadly across the trim ranges
than seen to date. Likewise lighter shades applied from launch to
appear more contemporary. Black, white, silver and red predominantly
used for performance variant XR4i, XR4x4, Cosworth. Darker formal
shades often used on Sapphire variant.
Opel Corsa A / Vauxhall
Nova (1982 – 1993) Germany / Europe / Other
Opel Corsa B / Vauxhall
Corsa Mk 1(1992 - 2000) Germany / Europe / Other
Opel Corsa C / Vauxhall
Corsa Mk2 (2000 - 2006) Germany / Europe / Other ( - 2012)
Body colours: dark
grey, light grey, dark grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, mid
green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, mid brown, tan brown, light
beige, off-white, white. Metallics silver, champagne, bronze used on
high trim 'A' variants. Black, white, red and yellow predominantly
used for 'GT' variant of Mk1 with contrasting lower panels to match
'performance' bumpers. In addition to previous colour palette, Corsa
'B' deployed 'solid' purple, light blue, light green, light yellow
with wider range of metallic options. Corsa 'C' predominantly
utilises grey metallics with re-introduction of gold and bronze.
FIAT Uno Mk1 (1983 –
1989) Italy / Europe / Brazil / Other
Body colours: light
grey, dark grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid green,
dark blue, mid blue, mid brown, tan brown, light beige, white.
Metallic silver, champagne, blue etc used later.
Black and red
predominantly used for 'Turbo' variant.
Peugeot 205 (1983
-1998) France / Europe
Body colours: mid grey,
dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid green, dark blue, mid
blue, mid brown, light beige, white. Metallic silver, champagne,
blue, green used on higher trim levels.
White with decals used
for Rallye variant; black, red, white and silver deployed for 1.6 and
1.9 GTI variants
Opel Kadett E /
Vauxhall Astra Mk2 (1984 – 1991) Germany / Europe / UK
Body colours: mid grey,
dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid green, light green,
dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, beige, white. Metallic
silver, champagne, blue, green used on higher trim levels. Black,
red, white and metallics deployed for GTE variants.
Ford Tempo Mk1 / Mk2
(1984 – 1994) North America
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, beige, white.
Metallic silver, gold, champagne, blue, green used on higher trim
levels.
Honda Accord Mk1 (1976
– 1981) Japan / N.America / Europe
Honda Accord Mk2 (1982
– 1985) Japan / N.America / Europe
Honda Accord Mk3 (1986
– 1989) Japan / N.America / Europe / Other
Honda Accord Mk4 (1990
– 1993)
Honda Accord Mk5 (1994
– 1997)
Honda Accord Mk6 (1998
– 2002)
Honda Accord Mk7 (2003
– 2007)
Honda Accord Mk8 (2008
– 2012)
Honda Accord Mk9 (2013
– date)
Body colours: even from
early Mk1, predominantly metallic shades of silver (dark grey, mid
grey), champagne, bronze, dark blue, mid blue, light blue and light
green. Solids in black, dark red, mid red, light red, mid blue,
white. Metallics strategically used to provide product credibility
(alongside reliability) and so provide early foundations for segment
related premium pricing by the late 1980s. Silver deployed to
highlight the brand's perceived technical progressiveness, to gain
greater brand gravitas and better display the low-wide body styling
of the 1980s; with various reds deployed for sought associated
sportiness.
Chevrolet Cavelier Mk1
(1982 – 1987) North America / Australia [Holden]
Chevrolet Cavelier Mk2
(1988 - 1994)
Chevrolet Cavelier Mk3
(1995 - 2005)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown, light
beige, beige, cream, white. Metallic silver, champagne, bronze, blue
shades, green shades and red shades initially used on higher trim
level Mk1s. Black, red, white and metallics such as purple deployed
for coupe and cabrio variants. Invariably, Mk2 and Mk3s offered broad
selection of solids and ever higher proportion of metallics.
Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Mk1 (1983 – 1990) North America / Other
Chevrolet Blazer Mk2
(1995 - 2005)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, mid red, light red, dark green, mid green, dark
blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown, light beige, beige,
cream, white and yellow. Metallic silver, champagne, bronze, blue
shades, green shades and red shades initially used later, but
typically higher trim level Mk1s deployed a two-tone paint scheme
enabled by defining wrap-around panel swages. Metallics used more
intensively in Mk2.
Jeep Cherokee (1984 –
2001) North America / Europe / UK / Other
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown, light
beige, beige, cream, white. Metallic silver, champagne, bronze, blue
shades, green shades and red shades initially used later and for
export markets. As with Chevy Blazer and Ford Explorer a two-tone
paint schemes enabled by slab-sided shape of body and attachment of
lower door panels.
Ford Taurus Mk1 (1986 –
1991)
Ford Taurus Mk2 (1992 –
1995)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid brown, tan brown, light
beige, beige, cream, white. Metallic silvers, champagnes, bronze,
blue shades, green shades and red shades etc deployed extensively
from start to support 'aero' styling and so across the range as
either option or standard, dependent upon trim level and options mix.
Toyota Corolla Mk6
(1987 - 1991)
Toyota Corolla Mk7
(1991 - 1995)
Toyota Corolla Mk8
(1995 - 2000)
Toyota Corolla Mk9
(2000 - 2006)
Toyota Corolla Mk10
(2006 - 2013)
Toyota Corolla M11
(2012 – date)
As the historical
definition of mainstream reliability and conservativeness, ever since
the Mk1 the successive generations have been betrothed to the
traditional solids and metallics paint palette.#
Body colours: black,
dark grey, mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark
green, mid green, light green, dark blue, mid blue, light blue, mid
brown, tan brown, light beige, beige, cream, white. Given Corolla's
internationalist appeal from early on, Invariably colours orientated
toward specific regions and markets, hence white for North American
and European rental services aswell as preferred in the Middle-East
for both sun reflectivity and price reduction. Metallics appear more
so in the mid 1980s (following Honda's lead) in silvers, champagnes,
bronze, blue shades, green shades and red shades. Thereafter a
standard colour palette, with product differentiation initially
gained from features content and product renewal.
Ford Explorer Mk1 (1990
– 1994)
Ford Explorer Mk2 (1995
- 2001)
Ford Explorer Mk3 (2002
- 2005)
Ford Explorer Mk4 (2006
- 2010)
Body colours: black,
dark grey, mid grey, dark red, mid red, light red, dark green, mid
green, dark blue, mid blue, mid brown, tan brown, light beige, cream,
white. Metallic silvers, champagnes, bronze, blue shades, green
shades and red shades etc deployed extensively from start to support
premium pricing of an SUV, and so across the range as either option
or standard, dependent upon trim level and options mix. Since the
vehicle was derived from the mid-size Ranger pick-up truck its high
front-end 'bumper-line' was transposed across its flanks by way of
protective panels, which themselves were painted to body colour or
often in Mk1s in obvious contrast. Versions such as the 'Eddie Bauer'
special receiving an upscale colour treatment to suit interior
fitments and features package.
[NB Explorer was
derived from the Ranger pick-up chassis and powertrain. Whilst
pick-ups – most predominantly F-series – are of major personal
mobility significance in N.America, these have been
omitted from the survey
given the over-riding aspect that the majority are sold by dealers to
commercial entities (major fleets to sole proprietors), thereafter
sold-on to the public for private use. Although a fair proportion of
medium size pick-ups are sold privately].
Renault Clio Mk1 (1990
– 1998)
Renault Clio Mk2 (1998
– 2012)
Renault Clio Mk3 (2012
– date)
Metallics deployed
extensively from launch to maintain ongoing improvement in brand
identity, so silvers, champagnes, bronze, blues, greens, red shades
etc deployed, especially for brand equity improvement in important
export markets such as Germany and UK. Also, sought to break the
over-used norm of the 1980s hot-hatchback segment in the use of
black, white and red by also utilising metallics for 16V, Williams
and later vivid metallics such as yellow on RS.
Toyota Camry (Wide
Body) Mk1 (1991 – 1996) N. America / Australia / Other
Toyota Camry (Wide
Body) Mk2 (1996 - 2001)
Toyota Camry (Wide
Body) Mk3 (2001 - 2006)
Toyota Camry (Wide
Body) Mk4 (2006 - 2011)
Toyota Camry (Wide
Body) Mk5 (2011 - date)
Body colours: Long
before the 1990s metallics a basic expectation in the 'exec / large'
segment, so use of silvers, champagnes, light bronze, blues, greens,
reds. However, 'solids' in black, mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid
red, dark green, dark blue, mid blue, cream, white. Specific editions
of light colour cars made available with contrasting darker sill and
lower door colour (under moulding) to provide two-tone effect and
match similar coloured bumpers.
[NB it should be
recognised that the ex-factory colours made available on (wide) Camry
have changed little over successive generations, and is indicative of
a largely “set” metallic colour palette from most manufacturers
since the mid 1980s; hence the ever greater reliance on vehicle
features over the last 30 years, the Japanese domestic market –
where narrow body Camry operates – historically the live 'test-bed'
prior to export].
Renault Twingo Mk1
(1992 – 2007)
Body colours: initially
specifically “happy” to mimic persona of car, so red, yellow,
green and blue, with later mid grey, mid red, light red, light green
(acqua), light blue, mid blue, purple, white, yellow, orange,
tangerine and ochre. However, light to dark metallics used later so
as to provide product life-cycle extension by expanding and partially
repositioning Twingo's playful identity, now as comfortable city-car
vs foreign and French competition. market.
Chrysler Concorde (1993
– 1997)
Chrysler Concorde (1997
– 2004)
Body colours: black,
mid grey, light grey, dark red, mid red, dark green, dark blue, mid
blue, cream, white. Metallics used extensively from launch given
upmarket expectation and to flatter organic / aero 'cab forward'
style. Hence, gold, silvers, champagnes, bronze, blue, green, red
etc. Strategic use of standard 'solid' colours for lower priced Dodge
and (later discontinued) Eagle versions of the bodyshell.
Ford Focus Mk1 (1998 -
2004) Germany / UK / Europe / N. America / Other
Ford Focus Mk2 (2004 -
2011)
Ford Focus Mk3 (2011 -
date)
As successor to the
Escort, the paint palette of the Focus was unsurpringly inherited;
though design and marketing choices did alter the palette to gain a
greater metallic content (in both colour choice and paint structure)
so as to best display the then crisper 'new edge' styling approach.
Body colours
(metallic): silvers, champagnes, bronze, blue shades, green shades,
red shades etc. Standard 'solid' colours: black, dark grey, dark red,
mid red, dark green, dark blue, mid blue, cream, white. Given the
conventionality of the vehicle bright solid colours rarely used in
Mk1 form, exceptions being the SVT special in the USA in mid yellow,
given the bodystyle's orientation to metallic. However a subtle
reversal of the 'new edge' theme toward a softened 'kinetic design'
in Mk2 and Mk3 has allowed for the return of soft and bright solid
shades, with the Mk3 notably being presented with such possibilities
in yellow and green, aswell as a similar 'retro-return' to metallic
gold and bronze (a la Cortina), aswell as the philosophically merged
worlds of bright metallics such as yellow etc; though these often
represent advertised 'halo' models as opposed to the majority of
conventional colour choices by private buyers.
New Mini Mk1 (2001 -
2006) Germany / UK / Europe / N. America / Other
New Mini Mk2 (2007 -
2013)
New Mini Mk3 (2014
onward)
Body: the Mk1
predominantly in 'solids' of black, white, mid red, light yellow,
purple and metallics of silver, mid blue, light blue and mid green.
However, whilst decal customisation specials had been normal for low
series production special editions, BMW sought to resurrect the
ideology of 'mass customisation', last seen in 1950s Detroit but not
truly achieved given innate conservativeness of the public.
To do so with required
commercial efficiency BMW recognised the answer lay in an expanding
set overlaid decorative decals (easily printed and attached by
factory or dealership) placed upon over a relatively limited paint
palette, itself applied as two-tone as necessary. So as to gain from
paint procurement scale volumes and associated paint-shop handling
efficiencies; so as to create a seemingly endless combination of
'looks'. Thus “offering more through less” via creation of a
business model in which “less is more”. Thus the Mk1 appeared in
Base, Cooper and Cooper S form – so setting the distinct aesthetic
and performance packages – reliant upon “user-chooser” graphic
options to personalise the vehicle.
Simultaneously, the
growth of the vehicle decoration sector in commercial vans - for
sophisticated bodyside advertising – fed back into Mini's private
popularity, with various enterprises using commercial body-wraps, the
most famous being the then London-centric Foxtons estate agency. Such examples then
prompted young and 'young at heart' private buyers of the Mk1 New
Mini- who themselves were products of a very visual, graphics
orientaed environment - to become more daring in their own choices;
BMW expanding the decal choices made available to a demanding public.
The expansion of
body-styles for Mk2 and Mk3 New Minis has then helped retain the core
customer base as it goes through life changes (family etc) and given
conquest sales from other brands; the different variants providing
more or less 'mass customisation' as perceived by BMW.
[NB In extremis, the
full body wrap has been previously prohibitively expensive, and so
the preserve of wealthy clients as applied to sportscars. But are now
increasingly being offered by adopter-imitators, such as FIAT's
deployment for Abarth].
To End -
As seen, this final portion
of the weblog demonstrates the depth of research undertaken
to finally answer the seemingly age old question as to whether car
colours can be relied upon as actual economic indicators or not.
That posed question / hypothesis - previously answered in Part 2 - showing a balance of both truism and falsehood
over a full century of observation, from the evidence herein.
This then at least a useful conclusion.
This then at least a useful conclusion.
Yet what has become noticeable from the turn of the 21st century onward is the
automotive industry's shifting perspectives regards its necessary technical and commercial historical connection to conventional paint; given its inherent industrial complexities, real world short-comings and costs. Whilst paint as we know it is obviously still
endemic, the very nature of cosmetic vehicle cover is slowly being re-considered and re-calibrated.
Whilst the unpainted stainless steel De Lorean of the early 1980s was a step forward, the first real advances in this direction were initiated by Daimler-Swatch in the original Smart concept and prototypes; with easily detatchable and switchable "in-colour" panels intended to reflect the ever changing fashion wardrobe.
Such "easy" cosmetic transformation now enabled by the increasingly popular “car wrap”.
(Herein there is the ironic possibility that because the same method is used for manufacturers' disguise of testing prototypes, such “camouflage wraps” become street trendy, as has been the case with clothes).
What is now accepted is that this century continues to demonstrate and promise ever stronger personal and product ties, with user-psychology dialled into the new product development process, leading to ever greater product individualism via self-customisation.
Any future of economic divination which seeks to view cars as socio-economic indicator, within an age of even greater “manufactured individualism”, may well depend upon an ability by sector analysts, manufacturers and asset managers alike to interpret such new vehicle "tattoo readings". Most simply mass trends of graphic complexity vs simplicity, and at the level of the single individual the difference in self-applied apparent public extroversion on external bodywork vs perhaps a self-created internal introversion within the private cabin area.
Such "easy" cosmetic transformation now enabled by the increasingly popular “car wrap”.
(Herein there is the ironic possibility that because the same method is used for manufacturers' disguise of testing prototypes, such “camouflage wraps” become street trendy, as has been the case with clothes).
What is now accepted is that this century continues to demonstrate and promise ever stronger personal and product ties, with user-psychology dialled into the new product development process, leading to ever greater product individualism via self-customisation.
Any future of economic divination which seeks to view cars as socio-economic indicator, within an age of even greater “manufactured individualism”, may well depend upon an ability by sector analysts, manufacturers and asset managers alike to interpret such new vehicle "tattoo readings". Most simply mass trends of graphic complexity vs simplicity, and at the level of the single individual the difference in self-applied apparent public extroversion on external bodywork vs perhaps a self-created internal introversion within the private cabin area.
Reading the future then is
critical to many vested interests, so that all concerned may profitably interact.
As the asset management sector itself knows, whilst such observations do seem interesting examples of positive outlook verification, the apportioning of valuable investment funds relies far, far more on much deeper appreciation of PESTEL issues and the interaction of enterprise.
