15 ’80s Car Paint Colors That Are No Longer Offered
Many popular car paint colors from the 1980s have disappeared due to changing tastes, safety standards, and modern manufacturing trends.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1980s introduced a range of bold and unusual car paint colors that reflected the era’s unique style. Over time, many of these shades were phased out as consumer preferences shifted toward neutral tones and metallic finishes. Safety, cost, and durability also played a role in discontinuing many of these colors.
1. Mint Green
Mr.choppers on Wikimedia Commons
Mint green was seen on compact cars and economy models in the 1980s. It was chosen for its light, fresh look and low heat absorption. Over time, it became less popular and was viewed as outdated. Automakers stopped offering it as buyers leaned toward darker or metallic colors.
2. Powder Blue
CZmarlin on Wikimedia Commons
This soft, pastel blue was once a common sight, especially on sedans. It offered a clean look but lacked depth compared to modern metallic blues. The flat tone didn’t age well and often faded faster. Today’s buyers prefer richer or more neutral shades.
3. Champagne Beige
MercurySable99 on Wikimedia Commons
Champagne beige was a luxury-style color used on upscale models. It offered a warm tone between gold and tan. The shade didn’t provide much contrast with road dirt, making cars look unclean. It was eventually replaced by deeper golds and metallic browns.
4. Burnt Orange
Sicnag on Wikimedia Commons
This bold, earthy orange was popular on sporty and compact cars. It stood out but faded quickly under sunlight. Maintenance and repainting costs rose due to the color’s weakness against UV rays. Manufacturers removed it from the palette in favor of more stable finishes.
5. Maroon Pearl
Elise240SX on Wikimedia Commons
Maroon with a pearl effect gave cars a deep, elegant tone. However, its complexity made it expensive to produce and hard to repair. Paint matching became difficult for body shops. Car makers stopped offering it to reduce production costs.
6. Bright Yellow
MercurySable99 on Wikimedia Commons
A true, high-saturation yellow was used on both muscle and compact cars. It was meant to be eye-catching, but some buyers found it too bold. The color also aged poorly, especially in sunny areas. Today, only a few niche models still use similar tones.
7. Two-Tone Silver and Blue
ITakePhotosOfCars on Wikimedia Commons
This color combo was seen on station wagons and full-size sedans. It gave a high-contrast look using blocky lines. The style became outdated as smoother car shapes emerged in the 1990s. Two-tone designs became rare and were largely dropped.
8. Root Beer Brown
Alexander Baranov on Wikimedia Commons
This rich, dark brown was popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s. It gave a warm, unique look but lost appeal by the end of the decade. Brown tones were associated with older vehicles, and resale value dropped. Most brands stopped offering it by the mid-1990s.
9. Olive Green
SG2012 on Wikimedia Commons
Olive green was seen on military-inspired or utility models. It had a rugged, muted appearance but wasn’t widely liked for everyday cars. As tastes shifted to more polished and glossy finishes, this color vanished. It is now rarely seen outside vintage restorations.
10. Medium Gray Poly
Anna.Massini on Wikimedia Commons
This flat gray with a hint of blue was common on many family sedans. It lacked shine and didn’t stand out, even when clean. New paint technologies favored metallic and glossy grays instead. Medium gray poly was eventually discontinued.
11. Coral Pink
MercurySable99 on Wikimedia Commons
Coral pink was rare but existed on a few compact and imported cars. It aimed for uniqueness but was too specific in taste. Buyers moved away from pastel tones by the early 1990s. Manufacturers no longer found it viable in the mass market.
12. Sky Blue Metallic
MoCars on Wikimedia Commons
Sky blue with a metallic finish was used to make cars look modern and light. However, it didn’t work well with all body types and faded unevenly. Repairs often required full panel repainting to match. Automakers chose deeper or more neutral blues instead.
13. Gold Mist
Phil_Parker on Wikimedia Commons
This light gold was offered on mid-range sedans and coupes. It was meant to look upscale without the cost of metallic paint. However, it dulled quickly and didn’t hide scratches well. It was dropped in favor of stronger, more reflective golds.
14. Turquoise
jason goulding on Wikimedia Commons
Turquoise was vibrant and noticeable, often used on sportier models. It didn’t blend well with darker trim or common interiors. Buyers found it hard to match with accessories or custom parts. Interest faded, and the color was retired.
15. Light Violet
Evan Delshaw on Wikimedia Commons
A light violet or lavender shade was offered on some compact cars aimed at younger drivers. It stood out but had limited appeal across age groups. The color didn’t perform well in resale markets. Car companies removed it due to a lack of demand.