The automotive industry evolved rapidly in the years that followed World War II thanks to countless advances in technology. And as many consumers across the globe saw an increase in post-war prosperity, the automobile became more than just transportation. It was now an important visual indicator of one’s personal success as well as a signal of overall social sentiments. One of the best examples of this social signaling has long been factory paint colors.
Looking through the lenses of history, it’s not a stretch to generalize about past decades through popular paint trends. Whether it’s the pastels from the idyllic 1950s or the eye-shocking shades of the psychedelic ‘70s, color tells a story. Here is a look back at some of the color trends of each decade since the ‘50s and what they say about how we were feeling.
1950s – Pastels and Prosperity
Post-WWII optimism and the rise of consumer culture drove bright, cheerful colors in the Fifties. Soft pastels dominated the decade, including seafoam greens, coral pinks, sky blues, buttercream yellows, and mint greens. Two-tone color schemes were especially popular automotive paint trends, with bold contrasts like white roofs paired with pastel bodies. Chrome trim and fins complemented the colorful designs.
1960s – Rich and Bold
Settling into their established prosperity, buyers shifted toward deeper tones like burgundies, dark greens, deep yellows, and navy blues. Metallic finishes gained popularity in the Sixties, offering a sense of luxury to large cars. The Space Race and cultural experimentation also inspired bold, confident finishes seen on sporty vehicles like Corvettes and Mustangs.
1970s – Funky and Earthy
Reflecting a time of diverse cultural priorities, the Seventies saw two major color trends emerge. The muscle car era drove demand for flashy, eye-catching colors, while the environmental movement introduced subdued tones. A mix of earthy tones (olive green, burnt orange, brown) and wild, bright hues like Plum Crazy Purple, Hemi Orange, and Sassy Grass Green. Metallic and pearlescent paints became more advanced.
1980s – Monotone and Metallic
The rise of electronic technology and minimalism reflected in sleek, monochromatic automotive paint trends during the Eighties. Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz popularized subdued, sophisticated palettes that spoke to the conformity of corporate culture at the time. Neutral tones like silver, beige, black, and white became dominant, with metallic finishes now widely used.
1990s – Vibrant and Experimental
A vibrant youth culture combined with the popularity of imports and advancements in paint technology fueled creativity. Bright greens, purples, teals, yellows, and oranges became popular. Pearlescent and color-shifting paints like Mystic Cobra Green also emerged during the Nineties.
2000s – Sophisticated and Neutral
The tech boom and increasing interest in luxury led to cleaner, modern aesthetics, while environmental awareness prompted earthy tones. The first decade of the new millennium (the “Aughts”) were dominated by whites, silvers, blacks, and grays as buyers sought sophisticated, minimalist designs. Even though blues and reds persisted, they tended to be more subdued.
2010s – Dynamic and High-Tech
Advancements in paint technology allowed for richer colors and finishes, while EVs like the Tesla Model S popularized minimalistic palettes. Matte finishes, rich jewel tones (deep blues, reds, and greens), and whites gained prominence in automotive paint trends. Two-tone schemes made a comeback, especially for electric vehicles and crossovers.
2020s – Individual and Sustainable
Two factors have been key to recent color trend – environmental consciousness and personalization. Automakers are also experimenting with paints that use less harmful chemicals.
As we’ve previously covered, muted grey, green, tan, and blue tones reflect sustainability trends among general consumers. High-end EVs, on the other hand showcase buyers’ preferences for individuality with highly unique colors.
Our apologies. The wrong paint story got linked in the email. It should have linked to this story: https://www.eastwood.com/garage/the-differences-between-acrylic-enamel-and-urethane-auto-paints/
Our apologies. The wrong paint story got linked in the email. It should have linked to this story: https://www.eastwood.com/garage/the-differences-between-acrylic-enamel-and-urethane-auto-paints/
Our apologies. The wrong paint story got linked in the email. It should have linked to this story: https://www.eastwood.com/garage/the-differences-between-acrylic-enamel-and-urethane-auto-paints/
Our apologies. The wrong paint story got linked in the email. It should have linked to this story: https://www.eastwood.com/garage/the-differences-between-acrylic-enamel-and-urethane-auto-paints/
Our apologies. The wrong paint story got linked in the email. It should have linked to this story: https://www.eastwood.com/garage/the-differences-between-acrylic-enamel-and-urethane-auto-paints/
Where’s the paint comparison? RB
What about what brought me here? Paint types.
WRONG Title for the content you’ve shown. No mention of Acrylic vs.Urethane paint.
Where is the difference you mentioned?
There was nothing about paint type…..