To color-change, or not to color-change. That is the question. What is the answer?

M491Cabriolet · 03-08-2009, 06:30 AM

Hypothetically (or not), if you had a solid--but cosmetically challenged-long nose 911 that you really love and have restored mechanically, but whose original color doesn't really turn you on, would you consider a color change?

I have no current intention--and absolutely no money to do anything for now--but here's my question after a rambling prelude: I have taken my 1972 911 from "paperweight status" (since it sat for so many years), to a daily driver. The car is nearly rust free, has an excellent 2% and 3% leak-down on all six cylinders, refurbished running gear, fresh interior with leather original sport seats, and largely original. It was basically a time machine. Everything is as I want it to be....except the color doesn't get my heart racing. It's metallic gold. Don't get me wrong. It's a cool color, and it seems to be quite rare, and is pleasing, but it is not, in my personal opinion, "quintessential Porsche" or a classic "go faster", or racing color. Since I have no intention of selling this car, would it be wrong or heavily detrimental to change the color if and when I ever have it repainted?

If not, or even if it would, which color would you choose? Thanks for the thoughts!

porschenut · 03-08-2009, 06:40 AM

Keeping the original color will retain the most value, but who's to say what's wrong? It's your car...do what makes you happy.

BTW, rare colors like metallic gold are very desirable in the resale market.

sc_rufctr · 03-08-2009, 06:43 AM

This is my 911... It's called Fern green and when i bought the car I didn't like the colour. It was not a "fashionable" colour at the time. (Fuchs were also being discarded at the same time)

I've owned the car for about 9 years and in that time the colour has now become fashionable. (so have Fuchs... see 17 inch versions)

I like the colour now because it has grown on me but as I said when I bought the car I didn't.

That may sound strange but I was looking for a 911 with a sound engine and gearbox with no rust. The "colour" was the only draw back and I couldn't pass her up because she was so healthy. I do understand your desire to have the colour of your choice but you could learn from my experience.

So... In my opinion.. Stay with Gold. Give it some time. It will return to fashion just like Fern Green did... (not to mention Viper and Lime Green)

mark 74 carrera · mark 74 carrera's Garage

Except for the color, my story is exactly the same as sc_refctr. I wanted black or red and found a car that was light yellow. I really didn't like it, but it has grown on me over the years. I like the early seventies colors so much I bought an orange one too! I think you have vintage/rare color and it would be a shame to change it. Having said that, I agree that it is your car and you should do what makes you happy.

RarlyL8 · RarlyL8's Garage

I went through the exact dilemma.
Bought a car for a widebody project (so some painting would be required) but hated the color, which was an avocado green with orangish interior. Frightful.
So I changed the car to guards red / black.
One of the mechanics I used changed paint colors about every 5 years for customers with long term ownership. His view was that you need to renew your enthusiasm for the same car periodically and the cost was not that huge in the scheme of things. Well I don't know if I would go that far but I definitely am no longer afraid of a color change. The car is completely torn down so you have the opportunity to inspect every square inch of it. I like that part.
All that said, now 10 years later I have toyed with the idea of taking the car back to the stock exterior color as it is unique and I would like a change which would be like having a new car all over again. In this economy that is probably smarter than trying to sell and find another. You know what you have now.

dmcummins · 03-08-2009, 07:14 AM

My 72s was originally gold and I changed to black. My 71 roller is gold and I'll probably change that also. My 73 was originally silver, then the PO painted it black, now its back to silver.

If your planning on keeping it, I would paint it what I wanted. It cost money, but it can always's be changed back.

the · 03-08-2009, 07:57 AM

I think a big decision is the first decision to repaint a car for the first time.

Once the car doesn't have the original paint anymore, I don't think much matters. A color is just color. Do what you want, it can always be returned back to the stock color in the future.

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by the

I think a big decision is the first decision to repaint a car for the first time.

Once the car doesn't have the original paint anymore, I don't think much matters. A color is just color. Do what you want, it can always be returned back to the stock color in the future.

I agree with THE here. My 70 S was originally Albert Blue, and had been badly resprayed in that color before my ownership. So, it needed a total strip & repaint regardless of color choice. I chose Silver Metallic, which I love on an early 911, and was a match for my 69 Targa. There is NO evidence of the Albert Blue whatsoever, ex for the paint code. I have no regrets.

SandyI · 09:20 AM

Early 911 gold certainly is gold. What a great color! I definitely wouldn't change it.

But since there is one less Albert Blue car (LOVE that color), paint it Albert Blue.

Or anything but Chartreuse or Guards Red.

Larrybrook · 03-08-2009, 09:40 AM

When I bought my 74 yellow targa, I was going to paint it silver...I'm glad i kept it the original colour...it really grows on you after a while...

Roc Doc · 03-08-2009, 10:10 AM

My 76 Targa was a metalic green, and when I added the Carrera flares, I just couldn't bring myself to paint it the same green.

I've always loved Minerva Blue, so that's what I did, and every time I see it from across the parking lot, I'm glad I went through the extra effort.

rvanderpyl · rvanderpyl's Garage

If it is the original paint and in good shape, leave it. You say you will never sell but things happen and original paint, especially on an early car makes it worth far more. If it isn't original then paint it whatever colour you want, it can always be repainted to original at a later date.

bonkers · 03-08-2009, 10:38 AM

Do we get to see a photo of this golden Porsche?

mshriner · 03-08-2009, 12:16 PM

When I bought mine I debated the same thing. But the Sepia Brown has really grown on me. Especially since it seems like most of the other browns were already painted over. At some point I may reconsider this as years of track duty has left it's nose a bit pock marked.

Part of the point of a new color is to make your car stand out from the pack. For me the sepia brown is almost always the only one in the paddock. In my opinion, the black carrera stripes really helped sharpen the look may do the same for Gold.

oregonmon · oregonmon's Garage

I have 1979 copper brown and same here. Didn't love it but now I can't think of any other color that I'd want. Well maybe Sepia Brown, love it.

F4 PLT · 03-08-2009, 01:21 PM

I debated the same question as my '83 SC is Grand Prix white which is nice just not blue or a striking color. I'm about to re-paint thus the debate. I have settled on keeping the original color and adding some stripes. The dis-assembly starts tomorrow so we will see in about three weeks. I have no reservations with my decision to keep the same basic color, it just seems the right way to treat a great car. Yes I plan to keep the car for as long as I can drive and then pass it to my son. I've told him not to make a space yet.

Dantilla · 03-08-2009, 03:39 PM

My long-hood has been repainted in its original silver, and the paint is close to perfect.

I'm tiring of silver. Way too common. To do over again, I would have changed the color.

Macroni · Macroni's Garage

I believe stock cars should be kept stock. Greatest return on investment. Over the top replicas or highly modded cars tend to look better with appropriate paint schemes.

m110 · 03-08-2009, 04:01 PM

I would agree that gold will grow on you. You didn't mention if you gave it time to do that. If you have no intention of selling then make it any color that turns you on. BUT, changing color the right way is a big deal that shouldn't be taken lightly. You'll need a body shop used to A) 911s, B) changing colors, C) nearly inevitable rust/body work to be done, D) a decent chunk of change and E) knowing what color will make you happy after all that. I can't stand white 911s so to avoid all the above it seemed easier (and cheaper) to sell it and get what I wanted. If I had the money I would have repainted it.

dw1 · 03-08-2009, 05:11 PM

Keep the original color. Add black lower "PORSCHE" stripes if it looks too plain to your eye.

Gold is a great color, and (IMHO) the car will hold its value better with the original color.

If, however, the color was an extremely unpopular or very "dated" one, I would consider changing the color.

My 911 is black. Not my favorite, but the paint is in extremely good condition. If it wasn't, silver the car would soon be. Well, maybe I'd also consider Diamond Blue.

(Oh yeah, I'm one of those people who think German performance cars should be silver, Italian sports cars red, British sports cars dark green, etc.)

On a relate note, has anyone seen a photo of (3) 911's - one each on black, red, and gold, with a German flag in the background?

It looked great, but I haven't seen that photo in some time.

and red?