BRIGHTER CARS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 November 1927, Page 15

BRIGHTER CARS

DECLINE OF BLACK. Cars are getting brighter. Some are definitely gaudy. Both British and American manufacturers are indulging in striking colour - schemes, and it is remarkable that- drab shades have survived so long. The extensive use ot cellulose paints has probably caused many body painters to aim at making coachwork more attractive. Ten years ago, three-quarters of the cars on the New Zealand market were black without option. To-day not more than three or four makers of cars can be obtained with black finish. The Ford was the most consistent adherent to black paintwork, and it is now appearing in brighter guise. When asked by a client if he could have a choice of colour, Henry Ford is reported to have replied: ‘ ‘Certainly, anything you like, provided it is a shade of black!” When black paints began to vanish a few years ago, there was a demand for dark blues and drab greens. As indicating the tendency towards still more brilliant shades, a sky blue paint was introduced two years ago The introduction of two-colour schemes has made even these bright pigments seem pale.

A few years ago the fair motorist was frocked to harmonise with her blue or green car. One ivonders if she will succeed in dressing to become er 1927 model with a strawberry body, canary topsides and black mudguards.