Considering color change on my 3.5 coupe

[Tony H]

When I get to the bodywork phase of my project my coupe will need paint due to some rust repair and removing the ill installed side marker and US turn signal lights. It is currently Metallic Moss Green which I liked when I bought it but now it seems dark and dated. I want a light, non metallic color. White is too pedestrian but I really like Light Ivory DB-670. It is very elegant and classy and has good visibility. I have only seen one car in that color and it was a long time ago. Dose anyone have a car in DB-670 and what are your thoughts.

[pj67coll]

Originally Posted by Tony H

When I get to the bodywork phase of my project my coupe will need paint due to some rust repair and removing the ill installed side marker and US turn signal lights. It is currently Metallic Moss Green which I liked when I bought it but now it seems dark and dated. I want a light, non metallic color. White is too pedestrian but I really like Light Ivory DB-670. It is very elegant and classy and has good visibility. I have only seen one car in that color and it was a long time ago. Dose anyone have a car in DB-670 and what are your thoughts.

My thoughts. Your car do with it as you wish. I prefer non metallic, single stage, non clear coat paints. So if the paint you are considering is one of those that would seem positive to me.

However. In general I disagree with changing cars colors from factory, especially if they are as rare and desirable as a 3.5 coupe. If you are going to do so I hope it will be a proper full body repaint, inside the car as well as out. Not some awfull outside color change only leaving the thing looking half assed when you open the hood or pull the door cards for example.

- Peter.

[pj67coll]

Just looked at the pic you have of your car. Seeing that I would definately not change the color. It's gorgeous as is and in my opinion any color change would lessen its desirability. But as I said. That's my opinion. Ultimately you car to do with as you wish.

By the way. I see you are in Oregon. Hope you are not affected by the conflagrations over there. Stay safe.

- Peter.

[Tony H]

It will be a windows, engine and interior out total color change. There will be no evidence it was ever a different color. I have considered the value element and I don't have an issue with it. I don't want to comment on what is desirable or not as not to offend anyone but if going to a less desirable color I could see it affect value. The Light Ivory is single stage with no clear coat. I don't think clear coat looks good on these cars but would be required with metallic.

[Jorn]

I agree, Metallic Moss Green is a great color for these coupes, classy. I do like DB-670 on a 240D, but feels a little mondaine for a 280SE 3.5 to me.

Love the color of Jay Leno's 3.5 Coupe, really brings out the beautiful shapes and lines of the W111 of these cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9obeU_R1uwU

[pj67coll]

I like light ivory on just about any Mercedes. And I agree with the superiority of single stage non metallic. But I also thing that darker colors tend to look better on this vintage Mercedes and if it were mine I would be keeping it original. But as I've said. It's the owners prerogative and at least he appears to be intending to do it right if he is going to do it.

- Peter.

[P.C.]

I think that it would look just fine, but do you plan to go back to steel rims and color-keyed hubcaps?

[Tony H]

Well I did ask for opinions. Over the years my tastes have changed and I like light colors more. All our other vehicles are white. The first 111 coupe I ever saw was Light Ivory and it made an impression on me I never forgot. I don't plan on ever selling(until I can't drive and then it won't matter) so not concerned about value. I have seen a few color change 111 coupes go on BAT and it did not seem to affect value. Even 1 with non-MB colors.

[Sugar Bear]

The original color is really nice; but, what does that matter sans any plans to sell?
I'd try to stick to an OE period correct MBZ color if there is one you like. Pick the color that makes you happy and start sprayin' just do it really well as you stated.

Please post pictures if you move forward with the project, good luck!!!

[t walgamuth]

I like the ivory but it is probably by far the most prolific color for benzes back when.

[Tony H]

Thanks for the comments. I may change my mind again before the fact. I have a friend with a 108 280SE in Light Ivory that could be used as an example for originality it's so clean and the color looks really good. Also where we live it's overcast and grey a lot so a light, non metallic color has better visibility. Silver is the worst-one cannot even see a silver car in fog. Agreed Leno's is really nice and I love the color. I think that would be a close 2nd. The present green looks too much like a color that went out of style in the 70's and I would like something more timeless. Maybe it will come back in style.

[Sugar Bear]

Used to drive a light tan metallic non-MBZ many miles. After a while I realized other drivers would change lanes in front of me as if my car wasn't there, a few times it was a close call. Later realized that this was happening on concrete roads not asphalt surfaces. Figured out the light tan metallic color was blending in with the color of the concrete.

Color does affect whether or not other drivers either see your car or not.

Ivory would be great!

[Jorn]

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

Used to drive a light tan metallic non-MBZ many miles. After a while I realized other drivers would change lanes in front of me as if my car wasn't there, a few times it was a close call. Later realized that this was happening on concrete roads not asphalt surfaces. Figured out the light tan metallic color was blending in with the color of the concrete.

Color does affect whether or not other drivers either see your car or not.

Ivory would be great!

True, the only two times I ever got a speeding ticket was when driving a red car...

Spent the early morning at the Heritage Gruppe Drivers Meeting in Burbank today and there was this beauty, really like this color.

[P.C.]

I remember seeing a w113 280SL in my town painted in that color. Nice car.

[Jorn]

Originally Posted by P.C.

I remember seeing a w113 280SL in my town painted in that color. Nice car.

With a black hard top, beautiful combo.