Trying to decide which color to paint '82SC Targa

[squidmarks]

I've been rebuilding an '82SC Targa and I'm now ready for paint. I thought I had settled on Guards Red, but now that it gets close to the day to send it to the painters I'm having second thoughts.

Can you guys help me out with a few suggestions? I'm not keen on the greens or blues. I've seen a few Ruby Red Metallic 911's here that look gorgeous, but others that don't look so good (I haven't seen any "live" just pics - it seems that color really depends on the lighting). Does anyone know if the "modern" Ruby Red Metallic being used by Porsche is the same as that used in the 80's? Kiln Red looks interesting as well, but that was introduced in the late 80's, I think.

The other thing I need to consider is that I will likely sell this car after I get the bugs worked out (I am more into the process that the end product). I need to consider not only what I will like, but what will make it most valuable. Any input on that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks.

Geoff

Always need a few pictures...

[porschenut]

Nothing beats silver for resale. Black is probably next.

IMO, if your intention is to sell it when it's complete, you should ignore your preferences completely and focus only on what the market wants. As you stated, the car's not for you, it's for someone else.

[ROW911SC]

If you intend to sell the car, recent articles I've read about 911 market value/collectibility indicate that SC's with unusual colors will be more desirable than the more common red, black, and white.

[petrolblue83911]

Geoff,

I went through the same issue last year, and am local in MA, here's a link to my car, I went with Carmine Red, and love how it came out.

If you would like to see it in person drop me a line.

-Adam

81 targa, In Mass-Carmine Red, over black

[Superman]

I passed on a nice '82 SC recently because of its color....Ruby Red Metallic. Wound up with another SC that is in good shape but not as good as that one was. I REALLY don't like that color. FWIW.

I like this color:

[4flyboy]

+1 on silver. It looks particularly nice on a Targa with all of the black accents to contrast.

S.

[ikarcuaso]

Silver and other grayscales are cool on Targas



And then there's this beauty, IMO

[nesslar]

Of course, red is out....
Seriously, I also like white, silver bores me, black is always in need of the California Duster, Continental Orange is not period correct, same with other cool colors, Viper Green? I give up................

[the]

To maximize the value, you should use a color which was available in '82. Break out the color chart and take a look. I agree one of the more unusual colors will maximize ease of sale and value.

[dw1]

Silver.

(The "proper" color for German cars. Italian cars should be red, British cars dark green, etc.)

Seriously, I would stay away from black, as it is a great "showroom" color, but every bit of dust and every minor scratch shows. My '87 is black and look great for about 5 minutes after it is washed, waxed and detailed.

White - hides imperfections, but shows dirt. And I find white far more boring than silver.

Red - dark red is ok, but "standard" red is not to my taste on a Porsche. Maybe because it seemed for awhile every 944 was red.

Greens & Blues - you indicated you want to stay away from these, although a very pale metallic silver blue - diamond blue or something like it - can look great on a 911 - esp. a targa with the silver accent.

I also agree that it is probably best to stick with the colors available that year, if one is keeping the car mostly stock.

[ChkbookMechanic]

Originally Posted by Superman

I passed on a nice '82 SC recently because of its color....Ruby Red Metallic. Wound up with another SC that is in good shape but not as good as that one was. I REALLY don't like that color. FWIW.

I like this color:

It looks Quartz Grey Metallic. That is the color of my car, I like it because it hides dirt really well and it is an interesting color.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by ChkbookMechanic

It looks Quartz Grey Metallic. That is the color of my car, I like it because it hides dirt really well and it is an interesting color.

My 911 was this color also. Probably my favorite. Besides hiding dirt and being interesting, it is also invisible to police officers. It is a color that is both casual and formal. Somewhat of a chameleon. But then, if your car is this color then you know all that.

[ChkbookMechanic]

Originally Posted by Superman

My 911 was this color also. Probably my favorite. Besides hiding dirt and being interesting, it is also invisible to police officers. It is a color that is both casual and formal. Somewhat of a chameleon. But then, if your car is this color then you know all that.

Exactly.. I like stealth cars.

[Mike Thomas]

Chiffon white is classic and period correct.

[ROW911SC]

Grand Prix White is also period-correct, and, I have to say (with some bias), very striking!

[squidmarks]

I like the look of the Quartz Grey Metallic - I think I'll have a test panel done of that to have a better look. While I may end up keeping the car, if history repeats itself, I typically bore then get rid of my projects shortly after I finish them so I can move onto the next one. Before starting this project, I had never even sat in a 911 before. I was just looking for a good project. After a bit of research, I found the 911 and Pelican Parts - a great community and resource. I'm sure there's other cars that have similar followings, but this has been great. Even tho I knew nothing about rebuilding a 911 engine/intake/transmission/brakes/suspension/steering/body et cetera, its all done now thanks to you guys. Anyways, I suspect that even though I have all sorts of visions of driving around in my spanky new 911, a few months after it's all together, I'll be looking around for a 911 turbo to rebuild. So, I need to choose a color that I'll be comfortable with since I'll be putting her back together all winter/spring/summer, but in the end, she will probably go to another owner.

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far, keep them coming...

Geoff

[76911]

We have 3 in our family A black coupe, red targa, and this yellow one

[kilodawg]

Just to set the record straight Kiln Red was and '83 and '84 factory color option.

[ChkbookMechanic]

If I ever repaint my car a color besides Quartz Grey Metallic it would be the color from a Skittles candy.

[kick7ca]

My vote goes to that metallic light blue, forget the name, but it looks fantastic.