Paint Works
Robb Report Singapore|May 2020
Colours on cars have come a long way.
Daryl Lee
Paint Works

One of the more famous quotes attributed to Henry Ford about the Model T is about buyers being able to have it in any colour they wanted as long as it was black. This is most likely an urban legend because, in the Model T’s long lifespan from 1908 to 1927, it was available in six other colours.

The point we’re trying to make is that colours on cars are hugely important and symbolic.

In the early years of Grand Prix racing (prior to the Second World War), the colours of the cars denoted the team’s country of origin. The French had blue, the Italians red, the British green and the Germans white (which later became silver). Even today, marques still reference those colours. Bugattis are often pictured in blue, Ferraris in red, Bentleys in green and Mercedes-Benz in silver. The colours have become intrinsically tied to brands and none more so than Ferrari and its famed Rosso Corsa (racing red). This colour has since expanded to include other shades of red, such as Rosso Scuderia and Rosso Portofino.

A Ferrari spokesperson did tell us that Maranello has, in recent years, made “a conscious decision regarding launch colours to differentiate between our Sports and GT cars. Certainly, clients have responded well to the increase in availability of different colours and shades”.

And it seems as though this gentle encouragement has worked. We’re a long way away from the early 1990s, when the same Ferrari spokesperson said that almost 90 per cent of cars sold were red. That being said, even in 2019, nearly half of Ferraris sold was in a shade of red. This all goes to show how inextricably linked that colour is to the house of the prancing horse.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROBB REPORT SINGAPOREView all
Beachfront Paradise
Robb Report Singapore

Beachfront Paradise

Known for its intricate architecture and contemporary structures, Iniala Beach House in Phuket stands as a grand retreat just a few steps away from the shores of Natai Beach.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Emerald Magnificence
Robb Report Singapore

Emerald Magnificence

Embrace the splendours of Hokkaido's natural beauty from a different yet equally majestic perspective at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
The Real Deal
Robb Report Singapore

The Real Deal

In Guadalajara, one discovers the rise of luxury tequila Volcan de mi Tierra and the passion in bringing forth the highest expression of the spirit.

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
This Month's Feed
Robb Report Singapore

This Month's Feed

Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
World Builders
Robb Report Singapore

World Builders

At Bellerby & Co., hundreds of hours are spent crafting globes that don't just depict the planet-they chart, in mesmerising detail, your individual journey or your family's history upon it.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
The Home Of Equine Elegance
Robb Report Singapore

The Home Of Equine Elegance

AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR design studio EightyTwo transforms the essence of comfort, luxury and aesthetic elegance with bespoke home solutions that are crafted to reflect one’s personal tastes and enhance your well-being.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Film-schooled
Robb Report Singapore

Film-schooled

Which Autumn 2024 collection best embodies your sartorial look?

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Lead With Passion
Robb Report Singapore

Lead With Passion

At a glamorous event in Singapore, Tumi launched the Asra collection for Spring/Summer 2024 with the help of South Korean superstar Mun Ka Young.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Bag The Look
Robb Report Singapore

Bag The Look

From utilitarian daily beaters to versatile style statements, here are the latest work bags to elevate your office cachet.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
The Vanity Table
Robb Report Singapore

The Vanity Table

The latest grooming products to know.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024