1968 Paint Colors

[Steven A.]

I am a newbie, so please bear with me. I purchased the Corvette of my dreams, a 68 convertible with at 327/350 engine (engine and trans numbers match). She is currently painted (badly) red, but she left the factory as British Green Metalic. My first thought was to repaint her red, but I spoke with a great guy at a car show with a 70 coupe (green) who had a top flight certificate on the dash. He convinced me that I should really consider painting her the original color. My question is, what does British Green Metalic really look like? Are there any BGM cars out there in the Atlanta area? Where can I get a true color chip or swatch? If I do repaint, what paint brand and number can I use to most closely approximate the BGM color? Thanks for your help.
Steve

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 Paint Colors

The British Green was the most popular color for 68 Corvettes (4,779 cars). Have not really looked at one close or just examined one, but like the 70 coupe you saw at a car show, Donnybrooke Green was that color. I believe the 68 British Green was a darker green than the Donnybrooke Green. If you find a 68 British Green car to view find out everything you can about the source and brand/type of paint since the original color may be hard to duplicate since lacquer is available like it used to be. Congratulations on getting your 68 Corvette. I have a 68 convertible with the 327/350, great engine with very good performance, wish I could only drive mine more than I do. Hope you have factory air, I don't.

[Jack H.]

Re: 1968 Paint Colors

Try looking at original paint chips from the era. You'll find the green used on Corvette is indeed very dark and different from what was used on Chevy passenger cars....

[Don L.]

Re: 1968 Paint Colors

Returning to original color is a good idea in my opinion, especially to this period color. I would suggest that you first confirm British Green as correct for your car by referencing the trim tag in the LH door jamb and/or tank sticker. I don't know the code for this color off hand, but it is available in the Corvette Black Book or NCRS pocket guide. Another good reference would be Vette Vues by M.F. Dobbins. In this book, you can find paint manufacturers and paint numbers, which you can use to match color. Below, I attempted to provide you with a link to a British Green Roadster for color consideration only. Good luck!
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