Paint & Plate

Original tank showing panel sizes and positions. This 3 1/4 gallon tank was fitted to all TH framed bikes, the tank illustrated from a 1939 deluxe model

Original paint 1937 250/350 tank. This tank was fitted to TL frames.

Four gallon tank (all TF frames) showing panel edges. Even when the original paint is long gone the old panels still show sometimes when repaints are stripped as here and can be highlighted as a reference.

Mudguard finish pre-war

The lining on the mudguard rib varies : On the 'deluxe' models (5H, 6S etc.) the rib has a centre stripe 3/10'' (8mm) wide with parallel stripes 3/32'' (2.5mm) wide either side, with a gap of 3/16'' (5mm) between the centre stripe and the outer stripes, whereas the Speed Twin has only the outer stripes. Where the machine colour was black, the lining was ivory white (not bright white). With the machine colour in Amaranth red the lining was always gold.

The Tiger models with silver/black mudguards are more difficult to specify. I have seen evidence of two different blues used for the lining. Some seem to have had a dark blue stripe on the tank with no blue lining to the mudguard rib, others a brighter, mid-blue stripe which also appeared on the mudguard, edging the black centre rib.

Not all the paint on the Speed Twin was in the Amaranth red. Quite a few parts were finished in black, including: both number plates, fork spring, pillion footrests, horn, voltage control box, speedo, seat frame, rear stand spring and the Lucas DC40. I have found front brake arm, rear engine plates and gearbox mounting plates in both black and red on old Speed Twins, so again, probably both happened.

There was a degree of variation to some aspects of the colour finishes over the years 1937-40. For example, it was possible to order a black Speed Twin in 1938 and 1939, and in 1940 it was actually listed as a factory option. I believe the pinstriping/lining also varied on the Tiger models (as mentioned above), possibly even black lining on early Tiger 100s. In addition, there is some evidence of black Speed Twins with gold lining.

The silver colour for the Tigers was applied as one solid colour rather than the lacquer over a base-coat so popular now. This gives a slightly dull metallic grey/silver look that is much more authentic. Similarly, the plain colours had a very distinctive look achieved by applying thinly to preserve the detail, with a deep shine rather than a high mirror gloss. The lining/pinstriping had a semi-matt/eggshell quality rather than being glossy. It is very difficult to communicate the colours themselves: The Amaranth red applied to the Speed twins has an identical comparison in an Isuzu colour called 'Red Mahogany'. The Tiger silver is more difficult as the colour deteriorates with age and comparisons with original components aren't much help. I'm sure the colour itself varied over the many years it was used, so ultimately one just has to choose something that feels right.

In 1937/38 the 'deluxe' models were finished in 'plum', a dark purplish red which has been very difficult to match. This colour was, in turn, inherited from the earlier Val Page model range. There have been many horrible attempts to reproduce it.

There is a very close match I have seen on a 2006 Mercedes Vito Van (below).