Messerschmitt Original Colours 1956-58

Original colour charts for early cars are extremely rare and most that have survived have become faded from light exposure. Pre-1957 charts are even more rare and we were lucky to borrow an original in mint condition that has enabled the preparation of these notes. This colour chart covers those models up to 1958 built by RSM Messerschmitt Werke including the two tone finishes used on the KR200 export models. This model will have the Messerschmitt Bird emblem (including KR175). It also covers many KR175 models produced from 1953 to 1955. These were rarely two-tone finishes and used the main body colour indicated below. Paint codes and colours given have been matched to those on the original RSM colour chart. This means we can achieve an excellent match on some colours but not on others. Where colours do not match exactly, the specific variation from standard is described. It should be remembered that these differences are relatively small and are difficult to detect.

When restoring a Messerschmitt, many members will want to reproduce the original colour. This can usually be found by removing the windscreen or dome frame. If you suspect the lifting section may not be the original, further clues can be found by removing the wings and scraping away the paint normally not exposed to light  particularly the body tube under the aluminium kick plate by the door latch. All KR200s from this time have the cut-out for the radio and the blanking plate normally has some good paint unaffected by exposure to light and corrosion. Few Messerschmitts have been through the kind of extensive restorations tackled in the last ten years and so many of these clues will remain. If you really do not want to restore the car to the original colour, or it has been assembled form parts of others, you should choose an original colour from those listed on the charts. Owners of pre-1957 cars will need to do extensive research as these are not included in the FMR chart available from Partsmart. The excellent colour photographs in Jens Kron’s ‘Schneewitchensarg’ book, (now out of print), provide a valuable source of reference. Remember, the colour photographs provide only a clue to the colour because colour photographs from that era are not too reliable. It is also a fact that paint suppliers in that time did not have the sophisticated colour matching techniques that exist today. Therefore, shades can vary within the production run.

If you choose one of these colours, make sure you give the body shop or paint supplier, all the relevant information given in the table. This is important as some car manufacturers such as Ford, re-use paint codes for different model years. The final code consisting of one letter and a four-digit number, is a Dupont colour mixing code and can be cross-referenced by other paint manufacturers.

If you choose one of the colours but would like to achieve a closer match, you should take the information from this article to your bodyshop or paint supplier. They can then mix the given colour adding an appropriate tint to match the colour to your requirements. However, it should be noted that the differences are very small and only you can decide if it is worth the extra cost, time, and trouble.

Finally, some comments on the selection of paints: Avoid using the cheapest paints if the finish is to last. The Messerschmitt does not usually require more than two litres of top-coat paint and therefore you can afford to buy the best. Glasurit, Dupont, and Churchills paints have all produced good results but all were two pack and unsuitable for home spraying. Two pack paints contain known carcinogens such as Toluene and Xylene. There are also toxic substances, which build up in the bloodstream with prolonged use causing a slow and painful death! Special breathing apparatus and facemask must be used during spraying. Do not risk your health by using them, leave it to the professionals. The durable finish of two pack paints is worth the extra cost. It remains slightly soft and is more resistant to scratches, cracking, and atmospheric pollution.