You know you’re a proper car enthusiast when you can identify a brand by the colour of its paint. Because let’s face it, certain colours are as much a part of a car’s DNA as the badge on the bonnet. Take Ferrari, for example. The moment you see a car painted in Rosso Corsa – that striking shade of red – you instantly know it’s a Ferrari. You don’t even need to look for the prancing horse. It could be in a blurry photo taken from space, and you’d still say, “Ah, that’s a Ferrari.”
But this begs the question: Is colour really that integral to a car brand, or are we just being suckered in by a clever bit of marketing?
Photo by Alessandro Craeye
Ferrari and Rosso Corsa: The Red Badge of Speed
Let’s start with the obvious one. Ferrari and red go together like the Pope and his funny hat. Rosso Corsa isn’t just a colour; it’s an institution. It’s the colour of choice for those who want to scream to the world, “Look at me, I’ve arrived!” – quite literally, as they hurtle past you at 200 mph.
But is Rosso Corsa really Ferrari’s DNA? Well, imagine a Ferrari in beige. Exactly. It’s like trying to picture the Mona Lisa with a mohawk. Ferrari *is* red, and red is Ferrari. It’s the colour of passion, speed, and a slightly worrying disregard for traffic laws.
Photo by Fabian Raker Photography
Audi and Nardo Grey: The Cool Kid on the Block
Then there’s Audi and Nardo Grey. Now, Nardo Grey isn’t what you’d call an exciting colour. It’s a sort of dull, matte grey that looks like it was chosen by someone who wears exclusively black turtlenecks and listens to obscure electronic music. And yet, it’s become synonymous with Audi’s high-performance models.
Nardo Grey is the colour of choice for the driver who wants to be different – but not *too* different. It’s understated, serious, and just a little bit menacing. It says, “I could go fast, but I won’t – unless you really annoy me.” It’s a colour that has somehow become the visual shorthand for Audi’s combination of luxury and performance. And frankly, it works.
Porsche and Rubystar: A Colourful History
Porsche, on the other hand, isn’t quite so monochromatic. Sure, there’s Speed Yellow – a colour so bright it could probably be seen from space – but Porsche has a more colourful history. Take Rubystar, for instance. It’s pink. Bright, unapologetic pink. And yet, on a Porsche, it looks magnificent.
Rubystar is the colour for the driver who doesn’t give a toss about convention. It’s for those who see a bright yellow 911 and think, “Nah, that’s too subtle.” It’s a colour that dares you to laugh at it, only for you to realize that the joke’s on you. After all, when you’re driving one of the most finely engineered machines on the planet, why not have it in a colour that’s as bold as the car itself?
Photo by James Lipman
Subaru and Blue Mica: The Rally Legend
And then there’s Subaru. Specifically, Subaru in Blue Mica. You see, Subaru isn’t just a car; it’s a rally legend. And Blue Mica isn’t just paint; it’s the colour of dirt-flinging, gravel-spitting glory. It’s the colour that adorned the Subaru Impreza WRX as it tore through rally stages around the world, making other cars look like they were out for a Sunday drive.
Blue Mica is as much a part of Subaru’s identity as those boxy engines and the iconic six-star logo. It’s a colour that tells you this car isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about doing it sideways, in a cloud of dust, with a grin on your face and a bit of mud in your teeth.
So, what’s your perfect combination? Is it bold or understated, classic or unconventional? Whatever it is, just remember – it’s not just about the car or the colour. It’s about how that combination makes you feel every time you slip behind the wheel. After all, a car is more than just a mode of transport. It’s a reflection of your personality, your taste, and yes, your dreams.