10 Classic Car Paint Colors and Codes That Collectors Chase

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Ferrari Rosso Corsa (Code: 322)

Ferrari’s signature red, Rosso Corsa, is synonymous with the brand’s racing heritage. This vibrant red paint first appeared in the early 1950s and became a staple in Ferrari’s racing fleet. Rosso Corsa, translating to “racing red,” is a bold and dynamic color that instantly grabs attention. The deep, rich hue exudes a sense of speed and power, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Over the years, the formula has been refined, but the essence of the color remains a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to performance. The paint not only stands out on the track but also looks stunning in various lighting conditions. Its glossy finish gives the car a refined and polished look that enhances the aggressive styling typical of Ferrari models. Today, an original Rosso Corsa Ferrari can fetch between $30,000 and $70,000 depending on the model and year.

Chevrolet Corvette Mille Miglia Red (Code: 923)

The Mille Miglia Red is an iconic color associated with the Chevrolet Corvette, a classic American sports car. This color was introduced during the mid-1950s and is often seen on the iconic 1957 Corvette. The shade itself is a rich, warm red with a touch of orange undertones, making it an excellent choice for showcasing the Corvette’s curves and athletic form. It is especially favored by collectors of mid-century Corvette models.

The historical connection to racing events like the Mille Miglia gives the color an added layer of prestige. Corvette Mille Miglia Red is often paired with white or black accents to enhance its visual appeal. It has become one of the most sought-after colors among Corvette collectors, with models painted in this color fetching anywhere between $40,000 and $90,000. Restoring a Corvette with this color can increase its value significantly.

Porsche Guards Red (Code: L84A)

Porsche’s Guards Red is a timeless classic, often considered the quintessential color for the brand. Introduced in the early 1970s, Guards Red quickly became a symbol of Porsche’s commitment to performance and style. The color is a vibrant, true red with no hints of orange, making it stand out in both bright sunlight and under more subdued lighting. It complements the sharp, angular lines of Porsche’s design, particularly on the 911 model.

Guards Red is one of the most recognized paint colors for Porsche, and it has become synonymous with the brand’s racing history. Collectors look for classic models, especially those from the 1980s and 1990s, painted in this color. The original formula of Guards Red continues to be a favorite among Porsche fans and collectors, with values ranging between $30,000 and $70,000, depending on the model and its condition.

Dodge Hemi Orange (Code: EV2)

Dodge’s Hemi Orange is a standout color from the muscle car era. First introduced in the late 1960s, it quickly became associated with the Dodge Charger and other high-performance muscle cars. The color is a vibrant, bold orange with a slight metallic finish that makes it pop, especially under the bright sun. Hemi Orange was specifically designed to highlight the power and aggression of Dodge’s high-performance engines.

The color was only offered on a select number of models, adding to its rarity and desirability among collectors. Today, cars with the Hemi Orange paint job are highly sought after, particularly the 1970 Dodge Challenger and Charger models. Original models in this color can command prices ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on their condition and originality.

Ford Wimbledon White (Code: M)

Wimbledon White is one of Ford’s most iconic and enduring colors, first used in the 1960s. This soft, creamy white color became a classic on many of Ford’s muscle cars, including the legendary Ford Mustang. The timeless simplicity of Wimbledon White is particularly striking when paired with chrome accents, making it a perfect match for the Mustang’s aggressive yet refined design.

Although it was initially a standard color option, its association with the Mustang makes it highly sought after by collectors. Cars painted in Wimbledon White are often seen as more authentic to the era and are often priced higher when sold. Classic Mustangs with Wimbledon White paint can command between $30,000 and $80,000, depending on their specific model and rarity.

Mercedes-Benz 040 Black (Code: 040)

Mercedes-Benz 040 Black is a sophisticated and timeless color that has been a staple of the luxury brand for decades. Introduced in the 1950s, this deep, rich black is often seen on the brand’s most prestigious models. It has an elegant finish, exuding a sense of class and refinement that perfectly complements the luxurious designs of Mercedes-Benz. While black cars are common in today’s market, the specific formula for 040 Black has become a coveted choice for collectors of vintage Mercedes models.

Many classic cars from the 1960s and 1970s, including the Mercedes-Benz 600 and 280SE, are found in this color, adding to its appeal. The rarity of this color, combined with the prestigious brand it represents, makes it highly sought after. Prices for classic Mercedes models in 040 Black can range between $40,000 and $100,000, depending on the specific model and its condition.

Lamborghini Verde Ithaca (Code: 0077)

Lamborghini’s Verde Ithaca, introduced in the early 2000s, is one of the boldest and most attention-grabbing colors in the brand’s lineup. This striking green color, with a pearlescent finish, shifts under different lighting conditions, giving it an almost otherworldly quality. Verde Ithaca has become one of the most recognizable colors associated with Lamborghini, particularly on models like the Gallardo and Murciélago.

It is often chosen by collectors who want their Lamborghini to stand out even more in a crowd. The color is both exotic and daring, perfectly reflecting the brand’s commitment to high-performance, luxury, and innovation. Verde Ithaca Lamborghini models are highly desirable on the secondary market, with prices for these cars ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the model and year.

BMW Alpine White (Code: 300)

Alpine White is a classic BMW color that has been around since the 1970s. It is a crisp, clean white with a slightly bluish undertone that gives it a cool and sleek appearance. The color has been offered on numerous BMW models over the years, from the 3 Series to the 7 Series. Its simple yet elegant look has made it a favorite among BMW enthusiasts, especially for those who appreciate the brand’s understated luxury.

Alpine White has a timeless quality that never goes out of style, and it’s often seen on both the classic and modern BMW cars. It remains one of the most popular colors for BMW models, with prices for cars painted in this color ranging from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on the model and year.

Shelby American Guardsman Blue (Code: F)

Guardsman Blue is a classic color from the 1960s, primarily associated with the high-performance Shelby Mustang. Introduced as a racing color, it was originally designed to help Shelby cars stand out on the racetrack. The deep, vibrant blue with hints of metallic flake catches the light in a way that highlights the aggressive and muscular lines of the Mustang.

Guardsman Blue quickly became a favorite among collectors due to its striking appearance and connection to Shelby’s racing legacy. Today, it’s one of the most sought-after colors for vintage Shelby Mustangs. Models painted in Guardsman Blue, particularly the 1965 and 1967 Shelby GT350, can command prices ranging from $80,000 to $150,000, depending on their condition and originality.

Cadillac Dakota Red (Code: 72)

Cadillac’s Dakota Red is a striking, deep red paint used on the company’s luxury vehicles in the 1950s. The rich red hue with its glossy finish perfectly complemented the lavish designs of Cadillac’s cars, making them even more appealing to high-end customers. Dakota Red has a timeless elegance, embodying the luxury and sophistication Cadillac is known for.

This color became particularly associated with the 1950s Cadillac Eldorado and the 1953 Cadillac Series 62. The color’s rarity, combined with the high-end models it was used on, has made Dakota Red a highly desirable color for collectors. A 1953 Cadillac painted in Dakota Red can be worth anywhere from $40,000 to $90,000, depending on the model and condition.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.