Special Paint

[Rick99]

Does a car having a special paint (--) trim tag add any significant value to the car?

[olredalert]

----Others may disagree but I dont think so. It does allow you to paint then car any color you want to though!!!......Bill S

[marxjunk]

i doubt it too..

just depends on what the colors is and if its a special car like a brass hat or special zone car for display or a movie

people want special things..like the "only one" so that could be a factor

[Rick99]

Thanks Bill and Mark for your replies. What about a Z/28 or SS stripe delete car?

[marxjunk]

everyone wants stripes..and tachs and buckets etc..so stripe delete is cool, but flash sells

[njsteve]

I think for situations where a color (like black) wasn't available that year and only a handful can be documented as being special ordered in black (like my old 1972 Formula 455HO Firebird that they made two customer ordered cars in black), it certainly does. It was around a 30% bump in value when I sold it as compared to a standard color.

[Mr. Chevy]

My friend's 70 Chevelle has that. The car was originally citrus green..

Rich

[442w30]

---- It does allow you to paint then car any color you want to though!!!......Bill S

I disagree – I find that no different than repainting a Fathom Green car Hugger Orange.

That being said, while I'm not a wheeler/dealer, I do think a special-order color can add value....but only to the right person.

[Kurt S]

That being said, while I'm not a wheeler/dealer, I do think a special-order color can add value....but only to the right person.
Agreed. A unique color (especially with a good story) will attract some people.

[RST]

I think for situations where a color (like black) wasn't available that year and only a handful can be documented as being special ordered in black (like my old 1972 Formula 455HO Firebird that they made two customer ordered cars in black), it certainly does. It was around a 30% bump in value when I sold it as compared to a standard color.

100% Agree :)

[ds1]

Dana Mecum thinks so. He has been trying to sell his Carolina Blue 1969 Z28 for WAY more than market value

[Jeff H]

I think for situations where a color (like black) wasn't available that year and only a handful can be documented as being special ordered in black (like my old 1972 Formula 455HO Firebird that they made two customer ordered cars in black), it certainly does. It was around a 30% bump in value when I sold it as compared to a standard color.

Steve, does PHS have the data on the Pontiac special paint cars showing the numbers? That would probably add value if there is proof that x number of cars had a certain non standard color.

[TimG]

We had a 1973 Corvette from Hory Chevrolet painted black and documented on the build sheet that way. That added value.

[Big Block Bill]

----Others may disagree but I dont think so. It does allow you to paint then car any color you want to though!!!......Bill S

Wouldn't a - on a trim tag represent the vehicle left the factory it was produced at a non-production color, such as the Spring colors available on a 1970 442 like Nugget gold? I used to work on a Post Sedan W-30, 4-speed, bench seat cat that left the factory in Nugget Gold. That car had a - on the trim tag, but someone had re-painted it a dark brown metallic. We did some detective / exploring and found parts of the original color in hidden areas.

Bill

[442w30]

Wouldn't a - on a trim tag represent the vehicle left the factory it was produced at a non-production color, such as the Spring colors available on a 1970 442 like Nugget gold?

Nugget Gold and the three other extra-cost colors for Olds A-bodies are just that – extra-cost. They are not "non-production."

[Big Block Bill]

Nugget Gold and the three other extra-cost colors for Olds A-bodies are just that – extra-cost. They are not "non-production."

But those what I called "Spring Colors" did not have a code resulting in a - on the trim tag, I guess a non-standard would be a better wording.

Bill

[442w30]

But those what I called "Spring Colors" did not have a code resulting in a - on the trim tag, I guess a non-standard would be a better wording.


No worries....even Olds people call them "special-order" colors because that's what it says in the catalog back in the day. But all 4 colors were RPO, so I tend to lean towards the other side of the semantics.

Don't quote me on this, but I'm relatively sure there are instances when these 4 colors received the proper color code. Certainly it's an example how Oldsmobile was a unique company, just like all of GM's decentralized brands, and they each operated a little differently. But I don't have the answer to this, so it's just speculation.

[Tracker1]

A - - 1969 Camaro will certainly be more valuable if the car was Tuxedo Black.

[Big Block Bill]

Especially if it was documented as leaving the Factory Black.

Bill

[L78M22Rag]

I think you hit the nail on the head. Documentation or clear evidence of the original special paint color, and being a desirable color, would make the vehicle unique and more valuable.

I don't agree that the - - is simply a license to paint the car any color and represent it as a rare special paint car.

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/vg9w1l4a1/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Speaking of Special Paint cars, this 1968 Chevelle SS 396 in Pontiac's Verdoro Green is coming to auction this May (Mecum Indy)

[markinnaples]

WOW, was never much of a fan of those dark greens, but I love that '68 Chevelle.

[Lee Stewart]

WOW, was never much of a fan of those dark greens, but I love that '68 Chevelle.

Have you seen this 1968 Camaro SS396?

http://s26.postimg.org/6ku8jblrd/ch1015_224565_1.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

http://s26.postimg.org/dcknm6aqx/ch1015_224565_3.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[url=http://postimage.org/]

[PeteLeathersac]

'

WOW and love to see/hear more of that '68 Camaro also hoping it's an L78!
Is it Vedero Green or maybe Boxwood Green...or something else yet?
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[Lee Stewart]

'

WOW and love to see/hear more of that '68 Camaro also hoping it's an L78!
Is it Vedero Green or maybe Boxwood Green...or something else yet?
:beers:
~ Pete

.


It's a Special Paint Vedoro Green 1968 Camaro L78 SS396 with an M22 and . . . a front bench seat:

https://www.mecum.com/lots/CH1015-224565/1968-chevrolet-camaro-ss/

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/smkitd695/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

How about a Special Paint: Vedoro Green 1969 Camaro RS/SS350 Convertible:

[url]https://www.mecum.com/lots/CH0911-115928/1969-chevrolet-camaro-rsss-convertible/ (http://postimage.org/)

[Born30YrsLate]

The Evening Orchid 1969 Z28 Camaro seemed to command a premium due to the special order color.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/PA0715-224801/1969-chevrolet-camaro-z28/

[markinnaples]

Lee, you're the VG King. Out of all of those, that '68 Chevelle sticks out the most to me, but the others are sweet as well.
It just seems to me that you just don't see that many '68 Chevelles in great condition in comparison to the more popular 66/67 and 69/70 models.

[CamarosRus]

What G.M. line was Vedoro Green from ??? (Pontiac, Cadillac)

In the 70' Camaro (world) are you members aware of the Black/Stripe Delete COPO Z-28??

[mockingbird812]

Pontiac = V. Green

[Lee Stewart]

What G.M. line was Vedoro Green from ??? (Pontiac, Cadillac)

Vedoro Green was a Pontiac color. First introduced in 1967

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/sdrjh6iuh/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

[url]https://www.mecum.com/lots/DA1116-273050/1970-chevrolet-nova-ss/ (http://postimage.org/)

The Description says it's a Special Paint: A2 Orchid. I can't find that color code. Someone said it's a Caddy color while someone else said it's Plum Crazy - a Chrysler (Dodge) color.

??

[Lee Stewart]

http://s21.postimg.org/e5a2pe4o7/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

[url]https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0117-269796/1969-ford-mustang-mach-1-fastback/ (http://postimage.org/)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/wo67crnxl/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

[url]http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2015/03/1969-mustang-mach-1-in-purple.html (http://postimage.org/)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/nhnwphip5/1969_00008_01.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/dye7w0v6x/DSC00460.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

1970 Boss 302 Special Order Paint: Light Gray Metallic, which is a 69 Lincoln and Thunderbird color.

1 of 64 SOP 1970 Boss 302s

[url]http://www.boss302.com/paint.htm (http://postimage.org/app.php)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/tl5h9e8yx/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

1970 442 - Special Order Paint: Regency Rose (was an exclusive color for the 1970 Toronado).

[url]https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1970-OLDSMOBILE-442--194147 (http://postimage.org/)

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Look to the Canada Paint charts for the Purple color as it was available here on Chevy/GMC trucks for 69/70.
I had a Purple '69 1/2 Ton Fleet in the 70's...first thing I did when I got home was paint it primer Gray.
Canada Trucks also had a Pink color available around the same era, Ice Coral?
Still lovin' that VG '68 Camaro posted above...who's the lucky one w/ this car now?
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/euapbh4vd/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


This one always puzzled me . . . Rallye Green was an RPO color for the 1969 Camaro, Nova and Impala . . . but not for the Chevelle. Personally I think it looks fantastic.

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/kjqxvsb1l/download.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1970 GS 455 Convertible - Special Order Paint: Chateau Mauve Firemist (1 of 1)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/6epq7pre1/image_1.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1970 428 CJ Cougar XR7 Convertible - Special Order Paint: Presidential Blue

[markinnaples]

That GS is stunning.

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/6fzo14t7t/image_2.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1969 Road Runner - Special Order Paint: Bahama Yellow

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/yinn890bt/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1968 Road Runner - Special Order Paint: Omaha Orange

[Lee Stewart]

That GS is stunning.

It is isn't it. There must be a special story behind that car. Firemist colors were an exclusive to Caddys and were an additional $131. Supposedly they were not available as special order paint colors because you needed special equipment to paint them which was only on a Caddy assembly line. Maybe someone who knows the car will chime in.

[markinnaples]

Lee, you're the man with all of the special colors. Thanks for taking the time to post them up, they're brilliant.

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/8bmgcai21/spike17.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1970 Charger R/T SE - Special Order Paint: Silver

[Xplantdad]

It is isn't it. There must be a special story behind that car. Firemist colors were an exclusive to Caddys and were an additional $131. Supposedly they were not available as special order paint colors because you needed special equipment to paint them which was only on a Caddy assembly line. Maybe someone who knows the car will chime in.


The picture from Pavilions with Kenny Berger in the background sure looks familiar!:hmmm:

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/fg49lbpbd/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

http://s26.postimg.org/y9q2ibnjd/222.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


http://s26.postimg.org/58lq8x33d/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[url=http://postimage.org/]

The original buyer of the 1970 Chevelle SS396 convertible wanted something different. He ordered the car as a Special Order Paint car but not the color. This combo would normally have White stripes. He wanted Black stripes so under RPO ZP3: Color & Trim Override he created a unique 4 color 1970 Chevelle SS396

[Lee Stewart]

Lee, you're the man with all of the special colors. Thanks for taking the time to post them up, they're brilliant.

Thanks for the kudos - greatly appreciated! Glad you are enjoying them.:smile:

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/s19c2hfc9/download_1.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1970 Rebel "The Machine" Special Order Paint: Big Bad Green (1969 color)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/mfmwyfend/888.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


Thought I would post this for S & G as we were looking at Vedoro Green cars. Here is a 1968 GTO with the 1968 only option: Chrome Front Bumper

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/s535iqktl/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1966 GTO convertible - Special Order Paint: Marina Blue (Chevrolet color)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/8sc9cgv6x/download.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1968 Road Runner - Special Order Paint: Petty Blue

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/5coqgnnc9/28796_zps56a856c0.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1969 427/425hp Biscayne - Special Order Paint - Hugger Orange

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/rzze92dih/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)


1970 GTX - Special Order Paint - EA4 Silver Metallic (only available in 1970 in a Fury)

[markinnaples]

Love 'em all. Just a note, that GTO is a '66. Interesting in Marina Blue, but I think I like the regular medium/light blue for the 66/67's better though.

[danachevroletfor1967]

I love that Petty Blue Roadrunner.

[442w30]

1969 Road Runner - Special Order Paint: Bahama Yellow

Bahama Orange was an RPO color, as was Big Bad Green.

[Lee Stewart]

Bahama Orange was an RPO color, as was Big Bad Green.

Prior to the introduction of the A12 440 Six Pack, Bahama Yellow was a special order paint color. It became an RPO color for the A12.

Big Bad Green was a 1969/1970 color available for the Javelin/AMX. The Machine is a Rebel and BBG was not an RPO color for it.

[442w30]

Prior to the introduction of the A12 440 Six Pack, Bahama Yellow was a special order paint color. It became an RPO color for the A12.

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/PIBs/1969/pib_9_page1.jpg
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/PIBs/1969/pib_9_page2.jpg

Bahama Yellow was always a regular-production color – just an extra-cost one. The fact that it has a special-order paint code, like 99 or 96 or whatever, doesn't define it because it was offered at no extra cost, unlike a true special-order color like some of the silver Mopars as posted above.

I'll ask a Mopar expert friend on his thoughts.


Big Bad Green was a 1969/1970 color available for the Javelin/AMX. The Machine is a Rebel and BBG was not an RPO color for it.

Ditto with this – I'll ask a friend who owns a Big Bad Rebel Machine.

[Lee Stewart]

Bahama Yellow was always a regular-production color – just an extra-cost one. The fact that it has a special-order paint code, like 99 or 96 or whatever, doesn't define it because it was offered at no extra cost, unlike a true special-order color like some of the silver Mopars as posted above.

I'll ask a Mopar expert friend on his thoughts.



Ditto with this – I'll ask a friend who owns a Big Bad Rebel Machine.

Isn't the definition of "Special Paint" a color that costs extra?

[442w30]

Special-order paint costs extra, but not every extra-cost paint is a special-order.

Chrysler charged $15 or so for High Impact paint, but they were generally regular-production colors.

But order FM3 (aka Panther Pink/Moulin Rouge) on a 1971 Charger and it'd be a special-order color because the Charger was ordered in a non-production color (because it was a 1970 color). Prob cost around $100 back then.

The semantics can be confusing, as demonstrated by this 1970 Oldsmobile item:

http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/olds/ol70/bilder/38.jpg

Notice the four "special-order" colors at the bottom? Yet they were regular-production colors that simply cost a few bucks extra, rather than colors that were not normally available. I consider them "extra-cost" colors in this case, as their RPO status didn't require special accommodations at the factory.

So most of the pics you posted are special-order colors, but I'm raising the possibility that Bahama Yellow and BBG (for the Rebel) were not. I'm more certain of the Mopar over the AMC, but I'll report back with more when I figure it out shortly.

[resto4u]

special order paint to me, example a cadillac color on a pontiac. An rpo color available on certain car lines used on other cars. The paint had to be ordered and usually was painted by hand. New cars have extra cost paint, GM tint coat colors. But i would not call that special order paint.

[Lee Stewart]

special order paint to me, example a cadillac color on a pontiac. An rpo color available on certain car lines used on other cars. The paint had to be ordered and usually was painted by hand. New cars have extra cost paint, GM tint coat colors. But i would not call that special order paint.

That seems too buttonholed. You are saying If I wanted my 1967 Chevelle SS 396 painted in 1965's Evening Orchid or my 1969 Camaro SS350 painted in 1967's Royal Plum - that doesn't count?

[442w30]

No, he's saying those colors would be considered special-ordered.

[DW31S]

I had a '72 GS Conv. with 31 options and 9200 miles that was painted Dark Chestnut Poly (a Riviera only color). Still had original paint that was hideous, horrendous, horrible!

[Lee Stewart]

No, he's saying those colors would be considered special-ordered.

I beg to differ. He said:

special order paint to me, example a cadillac color on a pontiac.

[442w30]

The cause for your confusion is this part of his comment:

"New cars have extra cost paint...."

He's using a situation from the past and bringing a contemporary example for comparison.

But why not let him explain what he said? :-)

[resto4u]

442W30 you 100% correct, that is exactly what i mean by my post.

[Lee Stewart]

1969 Q Code 428 Mach 1 - Special Order Paint - Ford Fleet Red

http://s29.postimg.org/ov2u9t3qv/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
[/url]

http://s22.postimg.org/72zzbj7gx/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/app.php)


1972 Trans Am - Special Order Paint - Cardinal Red (1 of 1)

http://s28.postimg.org/el52bufql/image.jpg (http://postimage.org/app.php)
[url=http://postimage.org/]

[njsteve]

My old 1972 Formula 455HO. 1 of three known special ordered black cars. In 1972 for some crazy reason, GM decided you couldn't get black on a Firebird or Camaro. But if you paid the $79.01 (Canadian) you could special order any color you wanted.

http://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117705

[StealthBird]

An extra cost color was a color available on a particular model, but the manufacturer charged an extra amount to apply it. These colors were usually marked with a "*" in the dealer albums and listed as "Extra Cost". For instance, Carousel Red was an RPO color on the 1969 Firebird, but Pontiac charged you $12.64. Some of the confusion here is because on invoices Pontiac lists an extra cost color as "PAINT-SPECIAL" and people think that means special paint. But it's not, it's an extra cost color, not special paint. These cars would have a regular paint code on the invoice and trim tag.

A special paint car is a color not available on that particular model. For instance, Carousel Red on a 1969 Firebird was extra cost for $12.64, but Carousel Red on a 1969 Bonneville was a $115.85 charge because that color was not available on the Bonneville. The same $115.85 charge would apply if you wanted your 1969 Grand Prix painted Dodge Hemi Orange. It was for a color outside the normal operations for the manufacturer. A special paint car would not have an RPO paint code on the invoice and would have a "- -" on the trim tag (some exceptions, like with 1965 Tiger Gold, so it depends on year and model).

Steve, just an FYI (and it's not relevant to the discussion here), but the cost of a special paint was much higher than $79.01 in Canada in 1972. That's the cost to the dealer, not the MSRP charged to the customer.

A few special order black Firebirds made it through, including this special order 1970 Formula 400 in Starlight Black. Car was built with manual brakes, manual steering, no radio, M21 4-speed, and 3.73 gears. It has around 433 original miles on the odometer. Watch for a full feature on this soon in POCI's "Smoke Signals" magazine. http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/happy-smileys/happy-smiley45.gif (http://www.4smileys.com)

[njsteve]

Black was an available color on the 1970 and 1971 Firebirds so it was not extra cost in those years. It is just very rare to see one. Black carried a standard paint code on the firewall tag in 1970 and 1971 not the two dots as in 1972 and 1973.

That recent 1970 find is an amazing car and raised quite a ruckus when news of it appeared on PY. I can't wait to see the article.

Here's the firewall tag and Canadian invoice on my old '72. You can see the invoice prices under the "Solid Special" paint color.

[StealthBird]

Black was an available color on the 1970 and 1971 Firebirds so it was not extra cost in those years. It is just very rare to see one. Black carried a standard paint code on the firewall tag in 1970 and 1971 not the two dots as in 1972 and 1973.

That recent 1970 find is an amazing car and raised quite a ruckus when news of it appeared on PY. I can't wait to see the article.

Here's the firewall tag and Canadian invoice on my old '72. You can see the invoice prices under the "Solid Special" paint color.

Steve, Starlight Black was NOT an available color on 1970 Firebirds, it was Special Order only. Black was available in 1971 oin the Firebird, then they removed it again for 1972. The 1970 Formula referenced above has the same "- -" on the trim tag as your old '72.

Canadian prices were much higher than U.S. prices. The column you're seeing on your invoice is the price to dealers in Canada, not the retail price paid by the customer. The exchange rate was factored in when the cars were received in Oshawa and then new window stickers were created with Canadian prices.

[njsteve]

Good info to have. What was up with GM and their hate for black paint? I guess they didn't like how bad their body prep was looking in that color?

[442w30]

I don't think black was a popular color for performance cars. It was middle-of-the-road at best. Generally manufacturers had a clearly defined number of regular-production colors to offer, so in this case Pontiac could decide to offer black or another color that it deemed more popular. IMHO

[StealthBird]

Pontiac offered Starlight Black on the 1969 Firebird, removed the choice for the 1970 Firebird, then offered it for the 1971 Firebird, then removed it for 1972 and it was not available again on the Firebird until 1976. Black became a popular color on the Firebird after 1977, thanks to the popularity of the Special Edition model and the "Smokey And The Bandit" movie.

[BCreekDave]

Most everybody here probably already knows about this site, but for the few that dson't its a pretty good site for reference on paint colors.

http://paintref.com/paintref/index.shtml

It doesn't show "specials" like what this discussion is about, but does show you what was being sprayed across a manufacturer during a particular year.

[442w30]

It doesn't show "specials" like what this discussion is about, but does show you what was being sprayed across a manufacturer during a particular year.

There's stuff they get wrong at times (omissions or inclusions that are incorrect), but they update the site with corrections.

[BCreekDave]

I like the most popular colors page. Hugger Orange and Mulsanne Blue are up there.

[442w30]

Alright, here's my friend's Rebel Machine tag.

I don't know how AMC dealt with special-order colors, but this one has the color code on it.

Regarding Bahama Yellow, this is what my knowledgable friend says:

"It wasn't announced as a standard color until February 1969; prior to that it was an extra cost color but Chrysler waved it because they were ordering cars in California in fleet order quantities to avoid the extra cost of a special order paint."

Nonetheless, I think we can learn the real truth from Wes, whose Road Runner book just came out. I'll give him a heads-up to respond.

[Lee Stewart]

Alright, here's my friend's Rebel Machine tag.

I don't know how AMC dealt with special-order colors, but this one has the color code on it.

https://s9.postimg.org/enyy5iayn/rebel_machine.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jmmgk1erf/)

The 8A represents a Black Hood. 2A is Big Bad Blue. So you are correct - that Big Bad Green Rebel Machine I posted is not a Special Paint car. Nor is your friend's car.

The 053F means Blue Bucket Seats

[69hurstSC]

Bahama Yellow and Rallye Green were special order paint colors on 69 Road Runners prior to their mid-year debut (which has nothing to do with A12). A zone manager in California is credited with pillaging the colors from Porsche and Chevrolet in October of 68 and having them applied by the factory under special paint code 99 99. This was localized to LA built cars in late 68 with Chrysler joining the fray in early 69 as they intermittently rolled out their new color offerings (again, not A12 related).

My book goes into great detail about the special paint colors on 69 Road Runners.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2hzmvmg.png

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/6bbmd9asp/D69_23_20.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

[Lee Stewart]

http://s26.postimg.org/m4l67gn3d/69_23_18.jpg (http://postimage.org/)