Colorful Cars Are Making a Comeback

Color Is Creeping Back InNeedless to say, most cars today tend to come in grayscale shades such as gray/silver, white, and black, a sharp contrast to eras like the 1950s, when American models like the Chevrolet Bel Air often wore far more vibrant paint jobs. Now, however, a report from Car and Driver suggests that colorful exterior finishes may be regaining popularity.Pantone Color Institute automotive expert Gloria Jover said the data show the color palette is “evolving rather than stagnating,” citing a two-percentage-point increase in recent years. She noted that buyers often choose colors like gray because they are seen as a “safe” choice for resale, with nearly 80% of American new-car buyers reportedly opting for such shades. That is a practical approach, though there appear to be other reasons these colors …