Chevrolet Camaro Second Gen (1970–1973) Paint Colors & Factory Codes
Every original factory paint color offered on the classic Chevrolet Camaro (1970–1973), with official manufacturer paint codes, hex approximations, and rarity notes. Use the paint code to order a color-matched sample from a restoration supplier.
The early second-generation Camaro (1970–1973), instantly recognizable by its long-hood fastback profile and — on the most coveted cars — the split front bumper, carried the high-impact color philosophy of the late first-gen straight into the new decade. The 1970 and 1971 order sheets still offered loud, confident shades like Hugger Orange, Cranberry Red, Citrus Green and Daytona Yellow, colors that suited the car's aggressive new European-influenced styling.
As the muscle era cooled, so did the palette. By 1972 and especially 1973, emissions and insurance pressures pushed Chevrolet toward more restrained, sophisticated tones — deeper metallics, golds and muted greens replaced some of the brightest hues. This makes the earliest 1970–1971 high-impact colors the most desirable to collectors, particularly on a Z/28 or an RS-optioned split-bumper car.
As with any collector Camaro, originality drives value. A 1970–1973 car still wearing — or correctly restored to — its factory code commands a premium over a color-changed example, so the cowl tag remains the single most important detail when assessing one of these cars.
Sources:
Camaro Research Group (factory paint & trim reference)
paintref.com
★ Rare / Desirable Colors
Standard Colors
🔧 Restoration Tips: Finding & Matching Your Original Color
- • Find the cowl trim tag on the upper firewall, driver's side; its paint code confirms the original 1970–1973 factory color and any vinyl-roof or accent options.
- • Match the paint code to the correct model year — the palette narrowed noticeably between 1970 and 1973, so a code from the wrong year will give you the wrong shade.
- • For the brightest 1970–1971 colors (Hugger Orange, Citrus Green), use the original GM/PPG formula and a matching ground coat — these high-chroma hues are unforgiving over the wrong base.
- • Inspect door jambs, trunk channels and the underside of the cowl for surviving original paint before committing to a color during restoration.
- • On split-bumper RS cars, document the color-and-option combination carefully — correct, original-code examples are worth significantly more than repainted or re-optioned cars.
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