The motor car - a concise history. "a reminder for some,an introduction for others"
Model T Ford
9.3.13 Colour
Between the start of US production in October 1908 and June 1909 Model T cars were produced in three colours: Red, Green and Grey: Touring (Red), Runabout (Grey), Town Car, Landaulet & Coupe (Green). www.modelt.org/tcars.html
Between July 1909 and during 1910 all US cars were Brewster Green (very dark, almost black).
In 1911 and up to the start of the moving production line in 1913 all US cars were Blue (again very dark, almost black).
One report states that the colours Red and Grey were phased out from 1911 and replaced with Blue, Brewster Green and Black.
Between the start of the moving production line in 1913 and 1926 the US Model T was only available in Black.
The black paint used in 1913 was called “Japan Black”.
Ford report at the time indicated that the colour black was chosen because it was cheap and durable and not because of it’s faster drying time.
In 1926, when closed models became available, the US Model T was available in Windsor Maroon and Channel Green.
Later in the same year open cars were available in Phoenix Brown and Gunmetal Blue.In 1927 Black was available in the USA by special order only.
From 1924, in addition to Black, the Model T was available in Empire Grey in Great Britain (open cars only) and Grey in Denmark.
British built cars were Dark Blue (1912 Touring Models), Mid Green (1913) and Black (from 1914).
Between 1925and1927British built cars were also available in Dark Red, Cobalt Blue and Coach Green.
In Great Britain, when only black was available, it was fairly common to get the dealer to repaint the car before delivery.
From 1926 Danish models were also supplied in brown/red.