Ten Hot Colors That Only Chrysler Could Conceive.
While not catalogued as a High Impact Paint for 1969, Harold Sullivan's '69-11/42 6BBL Road Runner in code 97 or 99 Rallye Green is considered among the first hip colors of Plymouth's offerings. However, PPG/Ditzler distinguishes their paint code differently for the Dodge code F6, Bright Green Metallic, which was also coded as F6.
The year 1968 was a big year for the artwork of Peter Max and the psychedelic, celluloid adventure known as Yellow Submarine. No doubt about it, the late '60s were a happening era for wild hues. Like the other car companies, Chrysler was trying to keep in step with the times, so it offered the first of its legendary High Impact Paint colors during the '69 model year. The sobriquets were memorable, the colors retina-searing, and their legacy long lasting as some HIP colors significantly add to the desirability/price of muscle Mopars.
ControversyThe Fact: Code F6, Bright Green Metallic for Dodge A- and B-Bodies was first mentioned in TSB D69-23-9, dated November 27, 1968. Some sources claimed that Code 97 Rallye Green is also F6 Bright Green Metallic, but the PPG/Ditzler paint numbers are different: 2103 (F6-Bright Green Metallic) and 44032 (97-Rallye Green). The numbers from Ditzler prove that Rallye Green and Bright Green Metallic were different. Additionally, a Chrysler-issued bulletin dated January 22, 1969, listed Ditzler #43898-Rallye Green for '69 Plymouth B-Bodies (Code 99). This is the same number as the catalogued '68 Chevrolet color of Rallye Green Metallic!
As it turns out, through 1968 Ditzler used a five-digit number to identify paint colors. Typically, Ditzler used the numeral "4" as a prefix for green hues. Beginning in 1969, Ditzler went to a four-digit numbering system; however, some five-digit catalog numbers were carried over. The catalog number "2103"-for F6 Bright Green Metallic-was issued during the '69 model year-and no sooner-for '69 Dodge A- and B-Bodies. The code "44032"-Code 97 Rallye Green-was the highest five digit number Ditzler issued for passenger car applications. It was assigned to give Chrysler a specific factory application number in the Ditzler paint books. Ditzler code "43898" is currently catalogued for '68-'69 Chevrolets only.
The actual formula used to create Rallye Green for Plymouth in 1969 was the same formula used for the 1968 Chevrolet-Rallye Green Metallic.
This was not the only time a Chrysler product wore General Motors paint-the '70 Chrysler 300-Hurst's Sauterne Gold Iridescent accents were taken from the '70 Cadillac palette.
What's NextHemi Orange (V2) and Bahama Yellow (96) followed in Dodge TSB D69-23-20. Bahama Yellow was originally meant for the "Super Bee Six Pack only." For Plymouth B-Bodies, Vitamin C Orange (K2) replaced Omaha Orange (999) on approximately February 1, 1969, as stated in TSB 69-23-18 of April 7, 1969. Depending on the circumstances, these '69 colors would be identified on the data plates as special order code 99. For example, Bahama Yellow was first catalogued for Plymouth B-Bodies in a bulletin dated January 22, 1969.
The Next DecadeHigh Impact Paint colors were catalogued for factory availability at the start of the model year for the first time in 1970. Dodge Technical Service Bulletin D70-23-6, dated April 1, 1970, stated that "Green Go and Panther Pink" had "been released." Using the Dodge nomenclature, there was Plum Crazy Metallic (FC7), Sublime (FJ5), Go Mango (EK2), Hemi Orange (EV2), Top Banana, and Panther Pink (FM3). Availability included A-, B-, and E-Bodies. The cost was $14.05 (Dodge and Plymouth), and could be included in a two-tone combination. Interestingly, HIP colors were offered on all body styles, including station wagons and 4-door sedans. Do you know of any out there? Two-tones excluded wagons and convertibles.
One Year GoneThe last big year for HIP colors was 1971. For the first time, C-Bodies had catalogued availability: Plymouth (Tor-Red), Dodge (Citronyella), and Chrysler (Lemon Twist). In 1971, Lemon Twist was supposed to be meant only for Chryslers, so it would be interesting to hear from readers with any other Plymouth or Dodge '71 Mopars painted Lemon Twist.