12 colors available in 1940

[skidmarks]

Listed are the 12 color options for 1940 fords....Colors included Acadia Green, Black, Claret Maroon, Cloud Mist Gray, Como Blue, Cotswold Gray, Folkstone Gray, Garnet Maroon, Lyon Blue, Mandarin Maroon, Sahara Sand and Yosemite Green.

Was white ever an option? My guess is no other then maybe a fleet repaint for a business

Could anything be ordered in a color other the the 12 listed from a dealer in 1940?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by skidmarks

Listed are the 12 color options for 1940 fords....Colors included Acadia Green, Black, Claret Maroon, Cloud Mist Gray, Como Blue, Cotswold Gray, Folkstone Gray, Garnet Maroon, Lyon Blue, Mandarin Maroon, Sahara Sand and Yosemite Green.

Was white ever an option? My guess is no other then maybe a fleet repaint for a business

Could anything be ordered in a color other the the 12 listed from a dealer in 1940?

I'm not certain where you obtained your list from. I'm guessing a color chip page?
Be aware that many of the colors you've listed were NOT 1940 Ford.
And no, white was not offered.

[skidmarks]

That's was just a google search. I never seen a white one and figured that it wasnt available.

Do you have a correct list of the available colors?

[19Fordy]

"Kube" hit a homerun. Plus, I am pretty sure some 2 tone colors were available on some cars late in the year. I have seen photos of coupes with Folkstone Grey body with what looks like maroon color fenders. Like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=were...ArBkYpGs4R1WM:

[skidmarks]

So you could get custom color options on commercial vehicles but not passanger cars

[philipswanson]

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Is there a good (accurate) color chart on line for the 40?

[19Fordy]

Apparently so, as suggested in The V-8 Album above. I bet "Kube" knows for sure.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by skidmarks

So you could get custom color options on commercial vehicles but not passanger cars

I have never seen one bit of documentation that might even suggest you could get custom colors on passenger vehicles.

[Kube]

1940 Fords were offered in a number of colors. The DeLuxe models were available in Black, Lyon Blue, Folkestone Gray, Mandarin Maroon, Cloud Mist Gray and Yosemite Green through the entire production. In April, 1940 a “Spring Color”, Garnet Maroon, became available for the DeLuxe models. Wheels were painted to match body color on all DeLuxe models.
The Ford V8 models were available in Black, Lyon Blue and Cloud Mist Gray through the entire production. Wheels were painted black on all Ford V8 models. However, as an extra cost option, the wheels could have been painted Lyon Blue or Cloud Mist Gray, to match the body color.
DeLuxe colors, with the exception of Garnet Maroon were available on the Ford V8 models as an extra cost option.
Domestic branches were advised by telegram on May 1, 1940 that special color combinations were being furnished. It appears these combinations were available on both the DeLuxe models as well as the Ford V8 models. Introduced at this time was an additional paint color, Acadia Green, offered only as part of a combination.
Combinations offered were:
Folkestone Gray body with Black fender and grille sides.
Folkestone Gray body with Mandarin Maroon fenders and grille sides.
Mandarin Maroon body with Folkestone Gray fenders and grille sides.
Cloud Mist Gray body with Acadia Green fenders and grille sides.
In order to procure one of these specially painted vehicles the following accessories were required to be ordered and installed:
License plate frames, fender shields, fuel tank locking cap, visor vanity mirror, oil bath air filter, oil filter, seat covers or leather upholstery, Ford script white sidewall tires, wheel covers and one or two outside mirrors.

[Joe31]

I have 2 color charts for ford lincoln mercury 1940. any interest pm me

[Anteek29]

Kube: Thank you for sharing that comprehensive color info!

[19Fordy]

Yes Kube, Thanks.

[DavidG]

Mike,


Like yourself, I like to keep things simple when it comes to documentation. But, life is not always simple. I've never looked at any Company letters to the assembly plants after the '39 model year, but in each of the eight preceding model years' letters there is normally a lengthy letter pertaining to paint for fleet customers. In those letters, depending on the size of the fleet, the sky was the limit when it came to paint colors available to fleets, including right down to complete chassis being painted other than black. (The fleet customer could even furnish their own paint subject to its approval for use by Ford engineering.) And those letters also cover cars as well as commercial vehicles and trucks. Further, a fleet was defined as a group of vehicles as low as six in number.



No doubt you've encountered some photos in the archives showing extreme examples of fleet vehicles' paint jobs with colors that in no way came from the list of standard commercial vehicles.


So perhaps we need to leave the door open just a tiny crack in case someone shows up on the concourse with documented proof that their '40 coupe or sedan was originally part of the XYZ Company fleet and painted in the documented company colors, none of which appear on the standard list.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Mike,


Like yourself, I like to keep things simple when it comes to documentation. But, life is not always simple. I've never looked at any Company letters to the assembly plants after the '39 model year, but in each of the eight preceding model years' letters there is normally a lengthy letter pertaining to paint for fleet customers. In those letters, depending on the size of the fleet, the sky was the limit when it came to paint colors available to fleets, including right down to complete chassis being painted other than black. (The fleet customer could even furnish their own paint subject to its approval for use by Ford engineering.) And those letters also cover cars as well as commercial vehicles and trucks. Further, a fleet was defined as a group of vehicles as low as six in number.



No doubt you've encountered some photos in the archives showing extreme examples of fleet vehicles' paint jobs with colors that in no way came from the list of standard commercial vehicles.


So perhaps we need to leave the door open just a tiny crack in case someone shows up on the concourse with documented proof that their '40 coupe or sedan was originally part of the XYZ Company fleet and painted in the documented company colors, none of which appear on the standard list.

Dave, I can't bring forward an intelligent argument with you.
I did find documentation that clearly advised fleet colors were available on '40 commercial vehicles. A "fleet" being a minimum of five in 1940.
And yes, I have documents that clearly advise chassis' being painted per the client's desire.
And yes once again, I have and will leave that proverbial door open that maybe, just maybe, a '40 was painted (i.e.) purple at the factory as part of a fleet purchase.
What I won't accept on the concourse (this happened) is a guy claiming that the bright red on his coupe was part of a fleet purchase authentically and as such no deduction should be in order.
While there's a chance that (factory bright red) may have happened, as you know, the proof of such is required at the time of judging - the burden upon the owner.

[Tinker]

Wimbledon didn't start till the 60's (which was a off white). Cream colors as far as I know and prefer.

So ford did custom colors to order in 1940? I know they list colors that are only highlights and pins. So could you order a car with a pinstripe paint color?


.

[Tinker]

This is every color from 1928-36. Including accent colors. 1937 on..no idea. curious.

[1931 flamingo]

I'd love to see a picture of the visor vanity mirror.............
Paul in CT

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

I'd love to see a picture of the visor vanity mirror.............
Paul in CT

This is the one in my 39 Zephyr but it's the same as Ford.

[1931 flamingo]

Thanks Ken.
Paul

[Brant]

As the OP mentions, Como Blue is often mentioned in various online sources as being an original color on a 1940 Ford.

According to other posters here, Como Blue was not a '40 Ford color.

Was Como Blue a Mercury only color? If so, was it only used in 1940?

Thank you.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Brant

As the OP mentions, Como Blue is often mentioned in various online sources as being an original color on a 1940 Ford.

According to other posters here, Como Blue was not a '40 Ford color.

Was Como Blue a Mercury only color? If so, was it only used in 1940?

Thank you.

Como Blue was NEVER a '40 Ford color.

One must be very diligent when it comes to choosing a color if authenticity is critical.
That chart in post #16 is a huge example of incorrect data being turned out to the public. I know of at least one law suit brought on due to a person choosing a '40 Ford color from that chart only to find it was not.
Kind of late in the game to discover you'd already painted your car the wrong color.

[19Fordy]

Yes, that's the mirror. My 40 came with one just like that.
It was an accessory and cost 70 cents.
Available 1938-41
The little" cluster design" screws and nuts are very rare. Cost 6 cents new.

[glennpm]

This may help someone in the future. Note that black is missing.


Glenn

[Kube]

Originally Posted by glennpm

This may help someone in the future. Note that black is missing.


Glenn

Glenn, This may also hinder folks. Sahara Tan was never an offering in '40.

[glennpm]

Oh well, thanks for the correction Kube.


Glenn

[deuce_roadster]

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I think too many of those lists have Ford, Lincoln and Mercury colors all together as colors available in 1940 by Ford Motor Company but not necessarily only Ford.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Kube

And yes once again, I have and will leave that proverbial door open that maybe, just maybe, Lumpy's '40 was painted purple at the factory as part of a fleet purchase.

I'd guess that Lumpy's '40 don't count? DD

[Tinker]

But lumpy was lumpy

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Kube

Glenn, This may also hinder folks. Sahara Tan was never an offering in '40.

Hinder what? You have no idea or set of paint colors to present. Just opinions. Think I at least put up charts. Granted the chart I posted is correct from 29-36. But we will not follow up and bust my balls. Just a chip chart for many yrs. Not 40. Correct me for that. It's almost funny this post is a few yrs old and it didn't go anywhere other then opinion. No paint colors mentioned or defined for 40. Don't fight a battle you have answers or you don't want to share..

[Tinker]

We share information here Kube. It will never place what you do.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Hinder what? You have no idea or set of paint colors to present. Just opinions. Think I at least put up charts. Granted the chart I posted is correct from 29-36. But we will not follow up and bust my balls. Just a chip chart for many yrs. Not 40. Correct me for that. It's almost funny this post is a few yrs old and it didn't go anywhere other then opinion. No paint colors mentioned or defined for 40. Don't fight a battle you have answers or you don't want to share..

Tinker, you are correct in everything you are so willing to share with us here on the Barn.
I want to thank you for your profound grasp upon, well, seemingly, everything.
Your knowledge of 1940 Fords makes mine pale by comparison.
Thank you, thank you, thank you

[tubman]

Did you ever notice that "Tinker" only posts late at night?

[DavidG]

Tinker,

With respect, the chart of colors that you show is not a Ford document, but rather from Ditzler, a period supplier of paint to Ford and other auto manufacturers. It is not complete and therefore only partially "correct" for 1928-1936. For example, it is missing (so it seems as the captions are out of focus) the '32-'33 commercial colors, Blue rock green and Golden orange, the two late '32 passenger car colors, Emperor brown-light and Emperor brown-dark, and all of the 1936 Spring colors.

[Gene F]

I always think that any pre-war car in Cloud Mist Gray always seem to look good. Just something about that color.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by tubman

Did you ever notice that "Tinker" only posts late at night?

Dennis, I heard that he is or maybe was an English Professor at the local college.

[kirkf]

Does anyone have an accurate colour chart to post for 1940?
I can find 20 different charts online and they are all different.

Also were the colours used available on standard/deluxe and pickup or not?

I see people putting up pictures of folkstone grey, and they look tan to me.
Under the hood of my 40 pickup there is original grey paint, and it is grey with a slight tinge of green. There is no tan in it.

Until i saw all the tan colour pictures of folkstone grey I just assumed the grey was as described. Grey with a tiny hint of green.


Any input is appreciated.

Kirk

[mercurycyclone]

I have a 1934 Ford Truck dealer Book and it has a photo showing five trucks and cars from a fleet purchase? See attached the photo is part of the book.

[Holeshot]

Then, just like now, if you had the money, just about anything could of been done. Just cause it isn't listed on some old papers or in a book doesn't necessarily mean it did not happen.

[gajeepguy]

There is a photo of a yellow 1940 sedan on the assembly line. I have the photo on my phone but don't know how to print it here. Anybody know the photo?

[mercurycyclone]

I have attached the Special Paint Request page out of the 1934 Ford Truck Dealer book and notice it does include passenger cars and less than 5 if you want to pay an up charge. I know this is not 1940 rules but I find it hard to believe that the rules would have changed much. See attached.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by gajeepguy

There is a photo of a yellow 1940 sedan on the assembly line. I have the photo on my phone but don't know how to print it here. Anybody know the photo?

I know that photo. It was originally black & white. Somewhere along the line, someone had color enhanced it.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by mercurycyclone

I have attached the Special Paint Request page out of the 1934 Ford Truck Dealer book and notice it does include passenger cars and less than 5 if you want to pay an up charge. I know this is not 1940 rules but I find it hard to believe that the rules would have changed much. See attached.

In 1940, a minimum purchase of five vehicles was required to obtain other than factory colors.

Keep in mind that in 1934, the country was reeling from the depression and many companies were doing many things to simply make a sale.

[hotrodA]

@Kirkf. Is this your truck? Gorgeous!
What’s the belt line color? Is the body Folkstone Grey?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by kirkf

Does anyone have an accurate colour chart to post for 1940?
I can find 20 different charts online and they are all different.

Also were the colours used available on standard/deluxe and pickup or not?

I see people putting up pictures of folkstone grey, and they look tan to me.
Under the hood of my 40 pickup there is original grey paint, and it is grey with a slight tinge of green. There is no tan in it.

Until i saw all the tan colour pictures of folkstone grey I just assumed the grey was as described. Grey with a tiny hint of green.


Any input is appreciated.

Kirk

Kirk, Color charts, regardless of how well they'd been stored, are only a decent indicator of the color as it left the factory.
Most of us that restore their cars to an extreme level of accuracy use the charts only as a guide.

Folkstone grey, as you'd mentioned, seems to be anywhere between gray and tan.
It is difficult to describe a color as it is also difficult to photograph a color and replicate it accurately.
And, if that doesn't muddy the proverbial waters enough, most men are at least partially color blind. Seriously...

[36coupe]

Originally Posted by Kube

1940 Fords were offered in a number of colors. The DeLuxe models were available in Black, Lyon Blue, Folkestone Gray, Mandarin Maroon, Cloud Mist Gray and Yosemite Green through the entire production. In April, 1940 a “Spring Color”, Garnet Maroon, became available for the DeLuxe models. Wheels were painted to match body color on all DeLuxe models.
The Ford V8 models were available in Black, Lyon Blue and Cloud Mist Gray through the entire production. Wheels were painted black on all Ford V8 models. However, as an extra cost option, the wheels could have been painted Lyon Blue or Cloud Mist Gray, to match the body color.
DeLuxe colors, with the exception of Garnet Maroon were available on the Ford V8 models as an extra cost option.
Domestic branches were advised by telegram on May 1, 1940 that special color combinations were being furnished. It appears these combinations were available on both the DeLuxe models as well as the Ford V8 models. Introduced at this time was an additional paint color, Acadia Green, offered only as part of a combination.
Combinations offered were:
Folkestone Gray body with Black fender and grille sides.
Folkestone Gray body with Mandarin Maroon fenders and grille sides.
Mandarin Maroon body with Folkestone Gray fenders and grille sides.
Cloud Mist Gray body with Acadia Green fenders and grille sides.
In order to procure one of these specially painted vehicles the following accessories were required to be ordered and installed:
License plate frames, fender shields, fuel tank locking cap, visor vanity mirror, oil bath air filter, oil filter, seat covers or leather upholstery, Ford script white sidewall tires, wheel covers and one or two outside mirrors.

I would to see pictures of two-tone fords.

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by 36coupe

I would to see pictures of two-tone fords.

I've seen a few in real life. Ugly as sin in my opinion.
Simply the wrong body lines for this color scheme. Unless, that is, you're going for the taxicab appearance.

['36 5W]

All good points this morning, gents.
As for two-tones, was not aware they were offered in '35-40 models. Can't say I've ever seen a stock one anyway...
To Kube's point re color perception; yes, many of us are partially
colorblind; red/green the most prevalent. As much as I like the
factory greens offered in that time period, just can't trust my
perception of them, especially c.m.g.! Nevertheless, going to go
w/ one of them, if I can ever decide which one! (Likely will have
to trust my better halfs opinion...)

[kirkf]

Originally Posted by hotrodA

@Kirkf. Is this your truck? Gorgeous!
What’s the belt line color? Is the body Folkstone Grey?

That ones not mine, just an example of folkstone grey from the internet. However my truck was originally folkstone based on colour under the hood.

To muddy the waters further, my truck did not have primer. It was paint over bare metal. Both under the hood and on a sample of a door, there was clearly no primer used.

I'm not sure if this was just a bad day at Ford Canada, or they just didn't care enough about a pickup to use primer.

Kirk

[Terry,OH]

I have never seen Ford color chips for their 1940 line-up. There is a document that says color chips were sent to dealers but they must be extremely rare. Ford did list and reference two paint suppliers. I am away from my documents at this time so I can not list the two suppliers from memory. I also believe large fleet orders could be any color supplied to Ford.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Terry,OH

I have never seen Ford color chips for their 1940 line-up. There is a document that says color chips were sent to dealers but they must be extremely rare. Ford did list and reference two paint suppliers. I am away from my documents at this time so I can not list the two suppliers from memory. I also believe large fleet orders could be any color supplied to Ford.

Terry,
You are correct as usual
I do have a set of the factory supplied chips. They are, as you'd stated, quite rare. They are (each) about 2" x 3" or so.

When I have restored my cars, I'd gone to great lengths to replicate the authentic shades, regardless of what color was to be applied.

[kirkf]

It would be great if someone color scanned the original chips and put the RGB numbers here on the Ford Barn. Then anyone could get a semi-accurate match to the originals.


Kirk

[Kube]

Originally Posted by kirkf

It would be great if someone color scanned the original chips and put the RGB numbers here on the Ford Barn. Then anyone could get a semi-accurate match to the originals.


Kirk

Not necessarily...Too many possible issues with this scenario.
1) Color chips may be faded and / or darkened or simply not very accurate to begin with.
2) The scanning process done by a home-based scanner is of dubious quality as far as an accurate recreation is concerned.
3) Now, with this scan being printed, one more issue is introduced... the quality of the print.
Bottom line? Photos and scans are perhaps arguably, the worst thing to work from in order to match a factory finish.

[DavidG]

And then there is the minor matter (from kirkf's perspecitive) that in any given model year the color offerings of Ford of Canada were not all the same as those of Ford U.S..

[ford38v8]

To add to what Mike said about color chips MAY be faded or darkened... original color chips will in almost all cases be so radically changed as to be virtually useless today. There is one source I know of today that is reliable, but that is only for the 1936 model year: Mike Foote published a 1936 color book using actual paint instead of ink. A really great resource for anyone needing accurate color chips for that year.

[neilp]

Originally Posted by Kube

Not necessarily...Too many possible issues with this scenario.
1) Color chips may be faded and / or darkened or simply not very accurate to begin with.
2) The scanning process done by a home-based scanner is of dubious quality as far as an accurate recreation is concerned.
3) Now, with this scan being printed, one more issue is introduced... the quality of the print.
Bottom line? Photos and scans are perhaps arguably, the worst thing to work from in order to match a factory finish.

Kube,
Perhaps you can enlighten us on how you produce a Concours paint match to the original Ford color. Please use CMG as the example.

thank you
PML

[Kube]

Originally Posted by neilp

Kube,
Perhaps you can enlighten us on how you produce a Concours paint match to the original Ford color. Please use CMG as the example.

thank you
PML

CMG?

Perhaps it's been a tad easier for me to replicate the colors than many folks as I have had a zillion '39 & '40 Fords.
I tend to look at places that are very well covered up for signs of paint. Inside doors, under instrument panels, etc. I especially like those areas where (example) a bracket was fastened that covered the paint even more than simply being shaded from sunlight, etc.
Even with these "advantages" I won't claim my shades are perfect replications of the assembly line. I am confident though; they are most likely as close as anyone has achieved.

Things I don't recall seeing sited as yet other issues with factory paint color shades...different factories, different application techniques? Different factory, different paint supplier? Different factory, different weather (humidity, temperature, etc.)?
Even today, with computers, one particular color on one particular car will have three, four, even six paint chips for that exact color number. One would, well, I would anyway, think today, with computer controls, robotic painting, quality control, colors / shades would be simple to duplicate. Not so. In fact, more often than not, it is much more difficult these days.

[kirkf]

This is a colour chart from the book "Refurbishing Manual for Early Ford V-8 Cars", it has an insert from Ditzler where they used actual paint samples applied to the paper.


Kirk

[Kube]

Originally Posted by kirkf

This is a colour chart from the book "Refurbishing Manual for Early Ford V-8 Cars", it has an insert from Ditzler where they used actual paint samples applied to the paper.


Kirk

I was going to ask if you knew there had been numerous lawsuits brought about due to the inaccuracy of this chart but by your post, it is apparent you did not realize that.

[kirkf]

No I'm not aware of the inaccuracy, but I appreciate the fact its unlikely to get an accurate colour from a mass printed book. I'm not even sure how they managed to print the sample in the book. It was actual paint, as you can see where someone with solvent on their finger accidentally stuck it in the folkstone grey sample.

For me, and I assume for most people my age, the only information available is what can be found on the internet.

As the older generation that knew these vehicles in real life moves on, whatever is on the internet will simply become the truth.

As I said earlier, it would be very helpful if when we found an accurate colour and have it scanned, that the RGB colour code be posted in threads like this. Its the only way for people to reproduce colours they don't have access to and have never seen.


Kirk

[mcgarrett]

Kube,
Do you have any documentation to verify that "Sahara Tan" was correct for '40 MERCURY cars? Just curious...

[Kube]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Kube,
Do you have any documentation to verify that "Sahara Tan" was correct for '40 MERCURY cars? Just curious...

Sorry, but my (research) concentration was strictly upon 1940 Fords.