I just purchased an all original, numbers matching 65SS with 56K original miles on the original 327 engine. It is not a rare car since it is a 250hp 327 (before the cam was added). It is faded Regal Red and I will strip the car and repaint with a base/clear.

My concern is that Regal Red has lots of black and really doesn't "POP". I would like to go with "Arrest Me Red" which would show better... and it's still a numbers matching car. One qualifier, I will keep all the original parts and keep the car as stock looking as is reasonable, but I am NOT going for a totally original car (I hate the original air cleaner).

Will I lose substantial value if I do not paint it Regal Red?

Thanks
Chuck

You'll get different opinions on this, but even with the matching number cars (if base motors) and mild modifications you speak of, that alot of people these days are looking for "Pop" over originality at all cost.

Originality has it's place, but it's no longer the "do all be all" of the hobby.

The paint Color alone won't impact the price as much as the entire package will.

The Old addage was if the car was painted the wrong color, deduct from the value the cost to re-paint. I don't believe this always holds true anymore.

Build quality, Cosmetics, Curb Apeal..... These things are starting to matter more, to more and more people.

Obviously, a "Low production" "high Horse" "Historically significant" "original" car should remain that way.

A brighter shade of Red on a high production, Base model car, (even if numbers matching) simply won't hurt it in my opinion.

In fact, there's a good chance it will help it if the Build quality and cosmetics are there to go along with it.

I not only did my exterior in a brighter "Re-sale Red", I did my interior a "Brighter Red" as well.

It was the best descision I made during this build.

The subtle changes of Color and Shade on a car, can have a huge impact on it's overall presentation.

I'd agree. Since you probably wouldn't be redoing Regal Red in the original Acrylic Lacquer anyway finding a base/clear match still wouldn't be 'correct'. If something like Viper Red or Porsche Red turns you on, go for it. It's still red and doubtful anyone would know what color red it was anyway. :D

Ironically though, (and really no logic to this other than personal preferance).

If you had a lemans blue Car, and used the same principle painting it the brightest Blue you could find, an Electric, Viper Blue for example, wouldn't have the same effect as a brighter Red and I would wager would Hurt the car's appeal more than help it.

For some reason I don't think other colors would work with the same principles as the brighter Shades of Red.

Well, and this is likely not a surprise from me...

I'd yes, you will lose some value... you already have two things that make the car less appealing than others.. it's a 65, and it's not got the BETTER engine... you make up for that with the Numbers Matching aspect.. painting it a non original RED will hurt you in my opinion.. but of course you aren't buying it as an investment now are you.. no of course not.. nobody does that ;)

a FRESH Regal RED will POP... the non laquer will be accepted by the future potential buyer as it is an accepted part of most restorations these days...

Even if only 1/2 the responces agree, that's pretty good for posting the question in "Tag team" :D

Good reading guys and some very well thought out responses. Thanks so much.

Survey says:

We are going with Regal Red in a modern platform so it will be very close to the original to preserve the very orignal nature of the car.... but it will pop on the white base and under the many coats of clear. Thanks for the input. As Dale knows, having been around here even longer than me, most of us know the rules, but the extra input is what makes this site so cool!

Best to all
CB

I always liked "Pull me over and give me a ticket red" (lipstick redoff a '96 Monte)!

a FRESH Regal RED will POP... the non laquer will be accepted by the future potential buyer as it is an accepted part of most restorations these days...
X2..:yes:

I agree with Mike & John on this matter.:yes:
When I bought my Marina Blue 66, I had all I could do to not buy a Regal Red 66 that I was looking at as well.
Both cars were in Fla and I flew down to look at them and make a choice, I must have walked around that red car for close to two hrs mesmorized by the red ..... and it was a restored base/clear and it definitely had "POP":yes:
If that car had documentation with it, I'd be driving it now.;)
I hope my 66 can't read my mind :D