Title: TOP 10 BEST Original VW Beetle Colors offered for the Classic BuG Hey Volks! Been meaning to do this video for some time now, these are my TOP 10 Body Colors that were offered on the Classic VW Beetle BuGs. The Volkswagen Beetle was known for their common pastel colors during the 1960s and the 1970s, not many people know about the colors (metallic) from the 1950s or the one to two year only colors. This list is in no particular order, and I know not everyone will agree with it. But if you think I left out a color that should have been on the list, please leave it in the comments section below.
I have a 1965 Sunroof beetle. Mine has a two tone L380- with the cream... is not white but cream... Looks amazing gets lots of looks... this car was a gift from my dad to me many years ago. Dad is 83 now... but his bug still around.... Also have a red 70 convertible bug and 2 KG. 1960 convertible and 66 coupe. both needing love. I've had these cars for 20-30 years... thanks for the video.
Hello Chris! I have been following you for more than 10 years and I have to tell you that I have not seen another guy with your commitment and your knowledge towards the VW Beetle. Your work is simply phenomenal! My favourite color is Mignonette Green ❤ Keep up the great work 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦
My dad had a 1962 Beryl Green Bug that I inherited. Kind of partial to that color, but I loved the Bordeaux red deep hue. I hope all is well. I always enjoy the videos. Cheers.
Awsome video, mignonette green is actually a very old vw color you can tell just by seeing the code L14, is actually a split window era color, but then they called it Reseda green also of course L14.
There is currently a 1959 Mignonette green beetle shown at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. It doesn’t have a sunroof. It’ll turns out this particular car was a working car as appropriate for a museum. My brother was a conservator at MOMA and was asked to help in the showing of the car. The museum has about 10 cars and are rotated in display. They have a brief life of running like a regular car between being shown and stored.
Chrome trim against Strato Silver paint is absolutely stunning!😍 Definitely my top classic Beetle color. Blood Orange is probably my 2nd favorite VW code with Enzian Blue being a close third. I like Ravenna Green too I generally like seeing the older VW colors on the concourse, but the louder 70's colors on the cars I'd drive. But I'm not much of a purest. I'll make classic Beetle fans cringe with what I'll do when I get my hands on a pre-65.😏 I'll try to keep it in the VW family, but I can't promise there won't be a few Porsche parts in there, because I'm a hot rodder at heart. I'll keep it in the VW/Porsche family though.
Mignonette! Love saying that 😂 We bought (and then unfortunately sold) a 57 ragtop which was originally Polar Silver but repainted Diamond SIlver. Don't know which I like better but Polar SIlver is such a nice classy color with the burnt red interior like you did in the one beetle. Thanks for the video, Chris, very interesting!
Hi Chris.. Love some of the Colors. You didn't mention the Coral Red L351. Its also a Beautiful Color. Love your Videos. Very informative.. Thank you again..
I love all these colors. Diamond grey is probably my favorite. I know you like the wide whitewalls, but they don't seem period to me. I just don't remember seeing them back in the day. Maybe the thinner whitewalls.
Just a great video Chris! History, nostalgia and education, all wrapped up with an expert opinion. As much as mine was a Savannah Beige, based on your video and opinion here, I’d go with the “Smiling” Blue. Well done!
L451, INDIAN RED.OFERED FOR CONVERTIBLES ONLY IN THE 50’s . My 56 was that color originally, hope to paint it back again in that color. Is very much like your convertible wedding car
Thanks for sharing.....I purchased a new 1966 VW & it was Polar White in colour & I loved it ....cooler in the hot months.... great video... cheers from Australia 😊
Nice video! I agree with a lot of colors in this list, maybe not the tier, but its a good list! For me, the Splits Beetles and Ovals they had the most beautiful colors, the L37 Medium Blue, L73 Chesnut Brown, L271 Texas Brown, L412 Diamond Green and L315 Jungle Green they deserve to be on the list...classic and charm colors!
I like the '57-'58 L240 Agave. I'm about to paint my Zwitter, but am going to stick with the original L11 Pastel Green with beige herringbone interior. 🙂
1958-1959 had so many excellent colors. The only 1959-only color you didn't mention was L434 Fjord Blue. It's similar to Capri Blue, but a little lighter and maybe a little greyer. Like a deep sky blue. It looks fantastic in bright daylight and is very eye catching.
It's not any surprise people move away from exotics and go towards the beetle...I've done that many times!! LOL!! Thanks for another great educational video Chris!!
Wow. So many amazing colors. Love that Clemintine red. I have a 71 SB. I had an 85 GTI that was very close to that color. They called it Mars red at that time. I believe it was only offered in 85. I may have to go with that for my 71 bug. Thanks!
Chris, did you wake up yesterday and say, “hmm, let’s see if I can unleash a hornet’s nest on the internet? hmm, let’s talk about the best VW colors!” All joking aside, a great video and all great choices. I couldn’t agree more about L243 Diamond Grey. L334 Glacier Blue, while it doesn’t have the same chameleon like abilities that L243 has, is another 1958 metallic color that is amazing and changes with the light. And lest we forget, 1960 had a whole range of interesting and one off colors with great names. Thanks again!
Oh I kinda did my friend, I just love the conversation with it all! And I agree with you, glacier blue is killer too, I did one that color two years ago.
There was a lady in Washington DC who had that Mignonette green... but it was original. I'm not a patina guy, but that car looked great. I have a yellow sun bug super beetle, and I really loathe that color, but I bought it because it was sound and hadn't been TOO screwed over by some idiots. I thank you for the video, and now I know what the color is I will eventually put on my car.
the wheel of fortune has given me a Savanna Beige, Mexican Beige and Panama Beige. I really wish I had some other color. Something that would give a contrast to my desert surroundings.
Always great videos, thank you very much! I have been searching and can’t find a detailed video on adjusting the striker plates on beetle doors. I can’t seem to get my passenger door adjusted correctly. If you have a video or know someone who has posted one please let me know.
I still need to see what you'd do with a dark brown. I know back in the day they had Texas brown or chestnut brown but I'm sure those codes are lot to time. Maybe UPS brown could play the role if you did the wheels in almond, and used your beauty ring. I could see a tan ragtop and beige tweed 😎...but I have no idea on what to use for a 2 tone....or would you just leave it plain hidden stitch 🤔
The best old bug I ever saw was covered with cloth that was the color of a leopard's fur with black spots. My favorite color is the metalic silver/blue that the factory in Mexico painted the last few beetles ever made.
The Atlas Blue, at 5:52 looks very different than the one at 5:47. Is it all just the lighting? I really like the Sea Blue. I just picked up a 64 and am seriously considering doing Sea Blue after watching this.
Chris, thank you for the channel its great. Question. Were there any two tone VW beetles brought to the U.S. from Germany? I used to see a lot of them at car shows and I personally did a Yoda Green and off white on the side years ago on my 62. But I don't think they ever came like that from the factory. Any insight on the topic? Thanks again.
I love my savannah too that I had, I made a great interior for that one. I would have put that color in the video, but there are just so many variations of that color throughout the years.
I had a 69 Beetle, cobalt blue, with a cream colored interior, but that sea blue and that spicy orange metallic is fantastic, i still wish i had my 69 beetle !!
Chris, do you know what kind of procedure was for Strato Silver back in 50's, because when i saw original first paint cars, it was kind a matte, and now is more shiny metallic. I think it's impossible to get that kind of old matte finish nowadays. What do you think? Thanks🤘
Hi Chris , great videos !! My son and I are restoring a 67 beetle and we've chosen Sea Blue 64 to 66. In your video you didn't show the interior but the door panels look real nice !! May I ask where you got them and what would you suggest for the seat covers. We also switched all knobs , steering wheel etc to ivory. Thanks Chris 👍 Btw ....... met an acquaintance of yours up here in Canada by the name Chris recently in Millbrook Ontario. He spoke very highly of you !! Keep up the good work
My favorite has got to be the sea blue! Almost bought one in that color after high school when I got my first job but deal fell through because the car had many hidden issues and seller was a jerk!!
You know I’m a Clementine fanatic. Lol. What’s interesting is that the interior on a 1970 euro convertible it’s white. In the US, it’s black. I had to look close at my uncle’s Beetle to see it.
No sepia silver ? I like some of those too...I have a garnet red 59, well, the dash is stock but the outside does not match ! .. Bordeaux - IDK, I almost bought a car in Chicago in that color. Myfriend dave had a 59 atlas blue ? glacier blue ? Convertible. Now, it's a later "gun metal grey". I have an oval but don't like Horizon blue... Reed Green or Mignotte Green both look good.
Garnet Red (check); Metallic Blue (eh.. mezu mezu); Almond Green (check); Clementine Orange (Blech); Atlas Blue (check); Diamond Grey (ALL day); Sea Blue (check); Silver Granite (Sundays only; Strato Silver (not feeling it); Bordeaux Red (as close to purple as VW ever got)... no Anthracite Grey? (my fav for grey)
Steve I painted my 85 vanagon L90D which is what it came in. VW used that color for decades. My 71 bus has a L90D top half. - oh, I used single stage. I think for solid colors one is ok ? I don't know.
@@DanTheManIOM I had a 73 Bus that was L90D. Yes, that was a popular shade of white. I went with Single stage due to the pastel color and less coats. On a Bus with a ton of surface area to cover, I went with 2 coats of single stage vs. 2 coats of colors and 3 coats of clear. It turned out really nice and 10 times better than the factory paint.
Looking at the word and it’s spelling again, I think I’m incorrect. I believe it’s pronounced more like as in the cartoon character minion. “Minion-ette”. 😃
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Title: TOP 10 BEST Original VW Beetle Colors offered for the Classic BuG
Hey Volks! Been meaning to do this video for some time now, these are my TOP 10 Body Colors that were offered on the Classic VW Beetle BuGs. The Volkswagen Beetle was known for their common pastel colors during the 1960s and the 1970s, not many people know about the colors (metallic) from the 1950s or the one to two year only colors.
This list is in no particular order, and I know not everyone will agree with it. But if you think I left out a color that should have been on the list, please leave it in the comments section below.
They are all beautiful colors!! Hard to pick one!
I have a 1965 Sunroof beetle. Mine has a two tone L380- with the cream... is not white but cream... Looks amazing gets lots of looks... this car was a gift from my dad to me many years ago. Dad is 83 now... but his bug still around.... Also have a red 70 convertible bug and 2 KG. 1960 convertible and 66 coupe. both needing love. I've had these cars for 20-30 years... thanks for the video.
Hello Chris!
I have been following you for more than 10 years and I have to tell you that I have not seen another guy with your commitment and your knowledge towards the VW Beetle.
Your work is simply phenomenal!
My favourite color is Mignonette Green ❤
Keep up the great work 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦
Oh thank you so much, I appreciate that.
Couldn’t agree more! Also from Canada!
Awesome vlog! My fav was Orange with Lime Green second.
My dad had a 1962 Beryl Green Bug that I inherited. Kind of partial to that color, but I loved the Bordeaux red deep hue. I hope all is well. I always enjoy the videos. Cheers.
L469 anthracite is one of my favorites, very underrated color
had an original 63 notchback in that color
Fav’s; Clementine Orange w/metallic, Wow. Sea Blue and Bordeaux Red. Your choices for upholstery is fantastic.
Awsome video, mignonette green is actually a very old vw color you can tell just by seeing the code L14, is actually a split window era color, but then they called it Reseda green also of course L14.
My 67-Beetle has the combination of savannenbeige and gazellenbraun Vinyl-Interior. I love it 🤓👍 and you see no dirt on it
A lot of classy colors and fun colors! For me the mango green, coral red, and a dove blue. Are my favorite VW colors
Like your list! I’m partial to Gulf Blue, and so is everyone else I meet when I go out in my 1965 Beetle😊
I fell in love with sea blue! After seeing your previous videos about the '66 in sea blue! My dream bug is the 1966 beetle in sea blue 💙 🤌🏻
I new sea blue was going to be close to the top. Such a beautiful color
Hi Chris.. Love some of the Colors. Awsome video and video description.
Java Green is my favorite, has been since high school. Sea Blue and Diamond Green are up there though!
Nice list. Garnet Red is a favorite of mine for sure but I’m glad my car’s color made the list! Sea Blue!
There is currently a 1959
Mignonette green beetle shown at the Museum of
Modern Art in NYC. It doesn’t have a sunroof. It’ll turns out this particular car was a working car as appropriate for a museum.
My brother was a conservator at MOMA and was asked to help in the showing of the car. The museum has about 10 cars and are rotated in display. They have a brief life of running like a regular car between being shown and stored.
It is funny you mention that car, the MOMA came to me first to restore it, I have pics of it in my shop after they delivered it.
@@classicvwbugs - oh wow pretty cool. What an honor!
You’ve knocked it out of the park. Again.
I cheered when ‘Clementine’ made the list - that was the colour of my first Beetle (1971 VW1300).
Chrome trim against Strato Silver paint is absolutely stunning!😍 Definitely my top classic Beetle color. Blood Orange is probably my 2nd favorite VW code with Enzian Blue being a close third. I like Ravenna Green too
I generally like seeing the older VW colors on the concourse, but the louder 70's colors on the cars I'd drive. But I'm not much of a purest.
I'll make classic Beetle fans cringe with what I'll do when I get my hands on a pre-65.😏
I'll try to keep it in the VW family, but I can't promise there won't be a few Porsche parts in there, because I'm a hot rodder at heart. I'll keep it in the VW/Porsche family though.
Mignonette! Love saying that 😂 We bought (and then unfortunately sold) a 57 ragtop which was originally Polar Silver but repainted Diamond SIlver. Don't know which I like better but Polar SIlver is such a nice classy color with the burnt red interior like you did in the one beetle. Thanks for the video, Chris, very interesting!
Hi Chris.. Love some of the Colors. You didn't mention the Coral Red L351. Its also a Beautiful Color. Love your Videos. Very informative.. Thank you again..
I love all these colors. Diamond grey is probably my favorite. I know you like the wide whitewalls, but they don't seem period to me. I just don't remember seeing them back in the day. Maybe the thinner whitewalls.
Depends what year they were offered, I think around 64 they went to the thin WW.
Just a great video Chris! History, nostalgia and education, all wrapped up with an expert opinion. As much as mine was a Savannah Beige, based on your video and opinion here, I’d go with the “Smiling” Blue. Well done!
L451, INDIAN RED.OFERED FOR CONVERTIBLES ONLY IN THE 50’s . My 56 was that color originally, hope to paint it back again in that color. Is very much like your convertible wedding car
Java green is my favorite.. But like most all of the colors offered on beetles... Have a great weekend.
Thanks for sharing.....I purchased a new 1966 VW & it was Polar White in colour & I loved it ....cooler in the hot months.... great video... cheers from Australia 😊
I’m glad my color was mentioned! 1971 super beetle with that orange red color. Never knew what it was until today!
My 1963 is L456 ruby red, it fits the car well.
Nice video!
I agree with a lot of colors in this list, maybe not the tier, but its a good list!
For me, the Splits Beetles and Ovals they had the most beautiful colors, the L37 Medium Blue, L73 Chesnut Brown, L271 Texas Brown, L412 Diamond Green and L315 Jungle Green they deserve to be on the list...classic and charm colors!
Gulf Blue!
An enjoyable video.
I like the '57-'58 L240 Agave. I'm about to paint my Zwitter, but am going to stick with the original L11 Pastel Green with beige herringbone interior. 🙂
1958-1959 had so many excellent colors. The only 1959-only color you didn't mention was L434 Fjord Blue. It's similar to Capri Blue, but a little lighter and maybe a little greyer. Like a deep sky blue. It looks fantastic in bright daylight and is very eye catching.
Thats a good one
How do you pronounce the "Fjord blue" I bought a Fjord blue 59 last year and STILL don't know how to pronounce it 😂...lol
@@davidwhocares3293 it would be "fyord" same as fiord. Supposed to look like deep, icy coastal water
@@davidwhocares3293 I believe you would also roll the "R".
Love the almond green color
It's not any surprise people move away from exotics and go towards the beetle...I've done that many times!! LOL!! Thanks for another great educational video Chris!!
Wow. So many amazing colors. Love that Clemintine red. I have a 71 SB. I had an 85 GTI that was very close to that color. They called it Mars red at that time. I believe it was only offered in 85. I may have to go with that for my 71 bug. Thanks!
Chris, did you wake up yesterday and say, “hmm, let’s see if I can unleash a hornet’s nest on the internet? hmm, let’s talk about the best VW colors!” All joking aside, a great video and all great choices. I couldn’t agree more about L243 Diamond Grey. L334 Glacier Blue, while it doesn’t have the same chameleon like abilities that L243 has, is another 1958 metallic color that is amazing and changes with the light. And lest we forget, 1960 had a whole range of interesting and one off colors with great names. Thanks again!
Oh I kinda did my friend, I just love the conversation with it all! And I agree with you, glacier blue is killer too, I did one that color two years ago.
Blues and greens are great colors.
Sea blue is my pick.
I also like in addition to you favorites is Anthracite L469
I love the 1974 limited edition’Love Bug’ colors: no chrome but all black trim on light green aka lime green or all black trim on Phoenix red
considering one of these for my squareback
Hi Chris opposite to this video, can you do a video of the most used colours by VW, even in the sixties and seventies please?
Sure!
Awesome list
There was a lady in Washington DC who had that Mignonette green... but it was original. I'm not a patina guy, but that car looked great.
I have a yellow sun bug super beetle, and I really loathe that color, but I bought it because it was sound and hadn't been TOO screwed over by some idiots.
I thank you for the video, and now I know what the color is I will eventually put on my car.
the wheel of fortune has given me a Savanna Beige, Mexican Beige and Panama Beige. I really wish I had some other color. Something that would give a contrast to my desert surroundings.
My favourite Volkswagen colour in Australia for 1970-1972 is "Honey Brown".
I had the original cream color on my 67 bug. But I had it painted super Porsche white almost 30 years ago. I am an animator too.
Always great videos, thank you very much! I have been searching and can’t find a detailed video on adjusting the striker plates on beetle doors. I can’t seem to get my passenger door adjusted correctly. If you have a video or know someone who has posted one please let me know.
Love the video where is your workshop based?
Congers NY
Diamond gray has a classy look. Paired with the ragtop is really sharp. If you are after something sporty then Clementine Orange.
I still need to see what you'd do with a dark brown. I know back in the day they had Texas brown or chestnut brown but I'm sure those codes are lot to time. Maybe UPS brown could play the role if you did the wheels in almond, and used your beauty ring. I could see a tan ragtop and beige tweed 😎...but I have no idea on what to use for a 2 tone....or would you just leave it plain hidden stitch 🤔
Hi the Bordeaux red looks really good do you know the ppg code for it
Great channel
Thanks Gareth
Love Red 😎👍
Color really makes a huge difference on these cars
I like the late 60’s VW blue, diamond blue, zenith blue. Also the reds/oranges from the early 70’s.
The best old bug I ever saw was covered with cloth that was the color of a leopard's fur with black spots.
My favorite color is the metalic silver/blue that the factory in Mexico painted the last few beetles ever made.
The Atlas Blue, at 5:52 looks very different than the one at 5:47. Is it all just the lighting? I really like the Sea Blue. I just picked up a 64 and am seriously considering doing Sea Blue after watching this.
love it
Chris, thank you for the channel its great. Question. Were there any two tone VW beetles brought to the U.S. from Germany? I used to see a lot of them at car shows and I personally did a Yoda Green and off white on the side years ago on my 62. But I don't think they ever came like that from the factory. Any insight on the topic? Thanks again.
It was actually only on early 50s convertibles, never sedans, not even in the 60s or 70s.
STILL love my Savannah Beige... so much you can do with it inside..
I love my savannah too that I had, I made a great interior for that one. I would have put that color in the video, but there are just so many variations of that color throughout the years.
I had a 69 Beetle, cobalt blue, with a cream colored interior, but that sea blue and that spicy orange metallic is fantastic, i still wish i had my 69 beetle !!
Love the colours Chris, can you remember what the 67 red was called? It's slightly lighter that the one you showed, not the convertible one.
Bahama blue 3 years only 64,65,66.
Colour is so important, i am looking for a 63 Ruby red Beetle.
Beryl Green L478. It's the original color of my '63 although it's been an ugly metallic green since I have had it. Someday!
Yeah silver granite is awesome colour and don't mind the bordeaux red.
Chris, do you know what kind of procedure was for Strato Silver back in 50's, because when i saw original first paint cars, it was kind a matte, and now is more shiny metallic. I think it's impossible to get that kind of old matte finish nowadays. What do you think? Thanks🤘
They were all usually one stage back then, but they did have a gloss for sure, they were not flat matte finish.
Hi Chris , great videos !! My son and I are restoring a 67 beetle and we've chosen Sea Blue 64 to 66. In your video you didn't show the interior but the door panels look real nice !! May I ask where you got them and what would you suggest for the seat covers. We also switched all knobs , steering wheel etc to ivory.
Thanks Chris 👍
Btw ....... met an acquaintance of yours up here in Canada by the name Chris recently in Millbrook Ontario. He spoke very highly of you !!
Keep up the good work
My favorite has got to be the sea blue! Almost bought one in that color after high school when I got my first job but deal fell through because the car had many hidden issues and seller was a jerk!!
IMHO nothing screams more '60's than Bahama Blue L519. Especially the 1965 with the matching blue one year only "salt & pepper" interior.
You know I’m a Clementine fanatic. Lol. What’s interesting is that the interior on a 1970 euro convertible it’s white. In the US, it’s black. I had to look close at my uncle’s Beetle to see it.
no kidding really?
I like Pearl White L87 if you know that color. I assume you know Herbie The Love Bug is L87 Pearl White
I do, yes 👍
I'm a big fan of '75-later metallics.
No sepia silver ? I like some of those too...I have a garnet red 59, well, the dash is stock but the outside does not match ! .. Bordeaux - IDK, I almost bought a car in Chicago in that color. Myfriend dave had a 59 atlas blue ? glacier blue ? Convertible. Now, it's a later "gun metal grey". I have an oval but don't like Horizon blue... Reed Green or Mignotte Green both look good.
Texas brown L271 mi favorito
Ulmengrün L 60 D. My 1300 Model 1970 has it.
Mango green
Garnet Red (check); Metallic Blue (eh.. mezu mezu); Almond Green (check); Clementine Orange (Blech); Atlas Blue (check); Diamond Grey (ALL day); Sea Blue (check); Silver Granite (Sundays only; Strato Silver (not feeling it); Bordeaux Red (as close to purple as VW ever got)... no Anthracite Grey? (my fav for grey)
No love for Yukon yellow!? Wow
Has there ever been a pink one made? Probably by owner only lol.🌸
No but my wife wants one bad! hahah
how can i tell what engine is in my beetle thanks
What paint system do you use? Base/ clear or single stage. I just painted a Bus in L90D Axalta Rival Single Stage. (formerly Dupont)
Base clear always
@@classicvwbugs even in non-metallics ??
Steve I painted my 85 vanagon L90D which is what it came in. VW used that color for decades. My 71 bus has a L90D top half. - oh, I used single stage. I think for solid colors one is ok ? I don't know.
@@DanTheManIOM yes
@@DanTheManIOM I had a 73 Bus that was L90D. Yes, that was a popular shade of white. I went with Single stage due to the pastel color and less coats. On a Bus with a ton of surface area to cover, I went with 2 coats of single stage vs. 2 coats of colors and 3 coats of clear. It turned out really nice and 10 times better than the factory paint.
L380
I think it’s pronounced “min U ett”… as in “The ballerina did a Minuit”
Looking at the word and it’s spelling again, I think I’m incorrect. I believe it’s pronounced more like as in the cartoon character minion. “Minion-ette”. 😃
Hitler told Porsche to offer the VW in any color you wanted as long as it was black.
My volks wagen 1969 is Bach and orang I'm yous'g all most
8 years
Pronounced "minion-et"
Brooooo where's the yellows :-) lol
Is paprika red a one off red for a 1960 convert
Great color choices. I'm partial to 1970 Cobalt Blue L630 with an ivory interior.
My 58 was diamond gray from the factory unfortunately the only color that is left is the glove box and under the dash😂 thanks for sharing