Factory Colour Schemes 1957-1974
The Image above from my collection was at first a mystery to me until I read the test described in Cycle of September 1960, this hints at an off road version of the TR7A.
The 1960 USA Catalogue clarifies things a little as the models are described as the TR7A ‘Bonneville’ Road Sports and TR7B Scrambler. In the Cycle article the colours are described as Blue and Grey making this bike an early 1960 production machine.
Triumph colour schemes are at the best inconsistent and provide both a cause for argument and equally despair! From my experience even I am at a loss to actually pin down exact shades and schemes as there is a degree in variation of both, and ultimately it is for the eye of the beholder to judge. Having worked in auto paint research and manufacture I am well aware of the limitations of the technology, especially of the original cellulose and then acrylic paint systems. Paints from the 1960’s and 70’s fade, dull and discolour especially in sunlight and even naturally over time, only in exceptional circumstances will the original shade and sheen be preserved.
Modern basecoat/clear, water-based and 2pack paint systems cannot recreate these original finishes faithfully, what modern paints do provide is choice, stability and consistency of colour, excellent gloss and superb durability. The choice of colour, finish and to some extent the paint system is yours; just remember that you can’t please everyone!
“We would be called to Edward Turners office where he would then say “Come in gentleman, these are the colour schemes we have agreed upon”.
The colour schemes detailed below are taken from official Factory Sources, please note that they apply to standard models, Home and Export. It does not cover the various Military, Police and any machines made to special order or those with known options such as the 3TA and Mercury Models.
Common mistakes regularly made on the ‘C’ range bikes are, black cylinder fins, black front hubs on post 62 machines and incorrect colours and schemes for the model year.
Take your time to research noting that after 1966 even the Factory did not follow the plan, and if you don’t believe me look at the road test pictures and see for yourself or contact one of the experts detailed below…
The Factory images, brochures and adverts do not always represent production models and even test machines; especially those made early in the production year are often in interim schemes that are not applied across the bulk of production. From 1967 there are different schemes applied to Home market and USA models and you will note the differences in the pictures and test articles of the period. After 1972 the schemes stabilise.
Note that all the pinstriping and decals were applied by hand and therefore there are variations in widths and positions, I recommend studying original finishes carefully, taking photographs measurements and notes, I am collecting photographs of original finishes to assist restorers in the future.
For detailed paint advice for all Triumph models I strongly recommend you approach John Chritchlow at www.msmotorcyclesuk.com He is the recognised Triumph Paint expert and can supply the correct shades, scheme diagrams and instructions.
In the USA you need to contact Don Hutchinson at www.hutchinsoncycle.com, he is the recognised expert in the USA on Triumph Paint and based near Boston MA
“The factory had solid paint mask templates a bit like a chef’s serving lid tray with a handle on top. This fitted perfectly over the tanks so every paint job should be identical. I saw these for myself when I went around the factory in about 1975 (co-op then)”.Barry Candy
1957
T21 Model Crystal Grey Frame and Cycle Parts up to H101
T21 Model from H102 Shell Blue Sheen Frame and Cycle Parts
T21 Model from H288 Shell Blue Sheen Cycle Parts, Black Frame
1958
3TA Model Shell Blue Sheen Cycle Parts, Black Frame
5TA Model Amaranth Red Frame and Cycle Parts
1959
3TA Model Shell Blue Sheen Cycle Parts, Black Frame
5TA Model Amaranth Red Frame and Cycle Parts
1960
3TA Model Shell Blue Sheen Cycle Parts, Black Frame
5TA Model Ruby Red Frame and Cycle Parts, Black Cylinder Fins
T100A Model Gloss Black over Ivory White, Black Frame
1961
3TA Model Shell Blue Sheen Cycle Parts, Black Frame
5TA Model Ruby Red Frame and Cycle Parts, Black Cylinder Fins
T100A Model Gloss Black over Silver Sheen, Black Frame
1962
3TA Model Shell Blue Sheen Cycle Parts, Black Frame
5TA Model Ruby Red Frame and Cycle Parts, Black Cylinder Fins
T100SS Model Kingfisher Blue over Silver Sheen, Black Frame and Forks
1963
3TA Model Shell Blue Sheen, Black Frame or Silver Beige, Black Frame
T90 Model Alaskan White Overall, Black Frame and Forks.
5TA Model Ruby Red Cycle Parts, Black Frame
T100 Models Regal Purple over Silver Sheen, Black Frame
1964
3TA Model Silver Beige, Black Frame
T90 Model Gold over Alaskan White, Blue Lining, Black Frame and Forks
5TA Model Black over Silver Sheen, Black Frame, Black Cylinder Fins
T100 Models Hi Fi Scarlet over Silver Sheen, Gold Lining, Black Frame and Forks
1965
3TA Model Silver Beige, Black Frame
5TA Model Black over Silver Sheen, Black Frame, Black Cylinder Fins
T90 Model Pacific Blue over Silver Sheen, Gold Lining, Black Frame and Forks
T100 Models Gold over Alaskan White, Blue Lining, Black Frame and Forks
1966
3TA Model Pacific Blue over Alaskan White, Black Frame, Pacific Blue Forks and Nacelle, Gold Lining. No mudguard stripes Black Cycle Parts.
5TA Model Black over Silver Sheen, Gold Lining, Black Frame and Forks and Cycle Parts, Black Cylinder Fins, No Mudguard stripes
T90 Model Grenadier Red over Alaskan White, Black Frame and Forks
T100 Models Sherborne Green over Alaskan White, Gold Lining, Black Frame and Forks
1967
T90 Model Hi fi Scarlet over Alaskan White, Black Frame and Forks
T100 Models Pacific Blue over Alaskan White, Gold Lining. Black frame and Forks
T90 Police Models. UK Models, Either Overall Black or Overall White depending on the customer.
1968
T90 Model Riviera Blue over Silver Sheen, Gold Lining, Black Frame and Forks
T100 Models Aquamarine over Silver Sheen, White Lining, Black Frame and Forks
1969
T100 Models Lincoln Green over Silver, Black Frame and Forks
1970
T100 Models Jacaranda purple over Silver sheen, Black Frame and Forks
1971
T100 Models Olympic Flame over Black, Black Frame and Forks
1972
T100 Model Cherry over Cold White, Black Frame and Forks