Greetings, We finally have our beloved xk8 in the custom paint shop to have the paint re done. It was still in great shape after 20 years, but had a lot of small imperfections.
However finding the original paint tone is not so simple, The door jamb paint color is CFS, but of course that has to be mixed, and with all the various brands and qualities,
its not as easy as it seems. I would really appreciate some help and suggestions, She loves the original, and doesn't want it any "red'r" but would like a little bit more "wow"
and "pop' to the color. Thanks so much

 

Looks great as is. And nice car, too. Seriously, I like the Carnival Red because I think red is the best color for these cars but it's an understated red, which I believe is classy.. I'm prejudiced so take that into consideration. If you get a color with more "Wow", you might get more attention from the local authorities. I've never been pulled over in my Jag. Just something to consider.

 

I don't see how getting a color match would be a problem. Both PPG and DuPont list it.

If you vary the color are you planning on a full respray (door jambs, trunk, etc.) ?

If not then I would stick with the original color to preserve the value of the car. The original color will still "pop" more with a fresh clear coat.

So far in my "wow" red XK8 I have only attracted the attention of one cop who said I made his day when he handed me my speeding ticket.

 

I have to agree with Rothwell. Personally id stick to the original colour or even color as your in the states. Changing the colour/color would only present problems and devalue the car later on as collectors usually count originality as a big plus mark. Deviating from that would certainly devalue the car. One solution is to buy yourself a nice BMW and spray it bright pink and metallic purple with green stripes. That would certainly 'pop'.

Any good paint shop should be able to match the colour you have no matter how faded. I often challenge friends to find my recent paintjobs as the colour blends in so well. So if there is a difference in colour blame the paint shop and not the paint.

So my advice is stick with what you have got. These cars really stand out in the crowd anyway. Id certainly notice if you drove past me.

 

Another vote for sticking with the original paint color. So much easier to care for in the long run, and best for eventual resale as well....

 

Thanks for he help guys, And I agree. Does anyone have experience with the paint code? Is Chroma-base the best version of the original?
Thanks

 

I just had my Carnival Red 2002 XKR repainted and when the original samples came in the paint mix was quite a bit different than the original. We finally mixed a batch that more closely resembled the paint on the inside rockers and went with that. After 175,000 miles, I still love the color and think it suits the X100 body very well. I still get more compliments on this car than any other I have ever owned, including my X150 coupe and my Pantera.

 

My first Jag was finished in Carnival Red - best colour of them all for Jags in my view. Check out the link below that contains Pant Codes for all Jags, this may throw a little more light on the topic. You could also try talking to a professional paint shop that offers a colour matching service, these outfits can 'scan' the original colour on the car and match the paint exactly.

Paint and Trim Codes | Xclusively Jaguar

Cheers,
Cubist

 

FWIW - the above list of paint codes and model years has it wrong for my code/year.

I have CHA (Salsa Red) on a US 2004 model built 10/2003. List says CHA only appeared on 2005.

If it has one mistake there are probably more..

 

BRG is my favourite. But Emerald fire is the best. Id stick with a solid colour in single stage. So much nicer to work with and the fun always starts with just looking at it.

 

These cars do not have any real value, just get what you want and enjoy.

 

I just had mine repainted in the Cardinal red. The color is nearly identical to my El Camino, which I painted in GM's Merlot Jewel Metallic(color code 79/WA517Q). It's so close that I can use the touch-up pen from the Elky to touch up the Jag. The reason I mention it is that the GM color has a little more Red and Gold Mica flakes in the paint, which makes it pop a little more in the sunlight, especially on the edges.

 

I see you are in Vegas, did you go to the Count's shop for painting? They create some pretty cool cars. I have never seen them do a Jag on TV.

 

I tried to contact them a few years back on my Elky, but they never got back to me. Their paint jobs start at $10K- too rich for my blood.