When restoring a classic Ford truck, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is which color to paint it. While every restoration ultimately comes down to personal preference, certain factory colors have developed stronger followings, garnered higher values at auction, and become more sought-after by collectors.
This is especially true for iconic models like the 1967-1977 Ford F-250 Highboy, whose distinctive stance and rugged capability have made them collector favorites. But what makes a particular color desirable?
Rarity, historical significance, visual appeal, and period correctness all play important roles.
Let’s explore the most prized original factory colors for classic Ford trucks, with special attention to the Highboy era and other significant vintage Ford truck models.
Quick Glance: Top Factory Colors by Era
| Era | Model | Top Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967-1977 | Highboy (F-250 4×4) | Boxwood Green, Candyapple Red, Raven Black | Most collectible Highboy colors |
| 1967-1972 | Bumpside | Calypso Coral, Chrome Yellow, Sea Sprite Green | High-impact vintage looks |
| 1973-1977.5 | Dentside | Sequoia Brown, Medium Ivy Green, Barcelona Blue | Rich, classic 70s vibes |
The Highboy’s Most Desirable Factory Colors (1967-1977)
The Ford F-250 4×4 Highboy—nicknamed for its towering factory stance—has become one of the most collectible vintage Ford trucks. These trucks came in a variety of factory colors, but certain ones stand out as particularly desirable today.
Boxwood Green over Wimbledon White
This two-tone combination is perhaps the most iconic Ford Highboy color scheme, featuring a deep forest green upper body paired with a clean white lower section.
The color was mentioned in your Highboy article as a particularly notable combination. Boxwood Green (paint code “O”) has a rich, classic look that epitomizes the rugged character of these trucks while still looking sophisticated.
Candyapple Red
One of Ford’s signature colors, Candyapple Red (paint code “T”) offered a deep, rich red with exceptional depth.
In 1970, this same color was given the counterculture name “Counter Revolutionary Red” for the Maverick line, though it remained Candyapple Red on truck order forms.
The rich, glossy finish makes these trucks stand out at any classic car show.
Raven Black
While not rare in itself, Raven Black (paint code “A”) Highboys have become increasingly valuable due to their timeless appeal and how well they showcase the truck’s imposing silhouette.
Black Highboys with good chrome accents command premium prices due to their classic, muscular appearance.
Medium Copper Metallic
This warm, earthy metallic color (paint code “Z” or “2” depending on the year) was popular on late-60s and early-70s Ford trucks.
Its subtle metallic flake catches light beautifully and has aged well stylistically, making it increasingly desirable for collectors seeking a period-correct look with a bit more flair than standard colors.
Top Questions Readers Might Have
Before diving deeper into special edition colors, let’s address some common questions about factory Ford truck colors:
What’s the rarest factory color for classic Ford trucks?
Explorer Special colors like Medium Vaquero Glow (with only 579 F-250s produced in this shade) are extremely rare. Counterculture colors from 1969-1971 like Anti-Establish Mint are also highly uncommon to find in original condition today.
Does repainting hurt the truck’s value?
If it’s a correct factory color and done professionally, repainting can actually enhance value—but custom colors typically lower collector appeal for investment-grade trucks.
For driver-quality restorations, personal preference can take priority.
Were two-tone paint jobs factory options?
Yes! Two-tone was a popular factory option, especially for Highboys and Dentsides. The Boxwood Green over Wimbledon White combination is particularly sought-after for Highboys.
Can I still get original paint formulas today?
Many original color codes can be matched by professional paint suppliers who specialize in vintage restorations. Companies like PPG, DuPont, and specialty restoration suppliers maintain extensive databases of historic Ford colors.
Restoration Tip: Always check hidden areas like inside the glove box, under the dash, or inside door jambs for untouched original paint samples that can be matched precisely.
Explorer Special Package Colors (Limited Edition Value)
The Explorer Special Package, available on F-100 and F-250 trucks during parts of each model year (typically spring), offered unique colors not available on standard production models.
These limited-edition colors now command premium prices due to their rarity.
Explorer Green
Aptly named for the package itself, Explorer Green was a vibrant, slightly turquoise-tinged green exclusive to the Explorer Special Package.
Its uniqueness and association with this special trim level make trucks in this color particularly desirable.
Mexicali Red (1975)
Described as “more orange than red,” this Explorer Special-exclusive color offered a striking, vibrant appearance that stood out from standard colors.
Its exotic name and appearance, combined with its limited availability, make it a standout choice for collectors.
Medium Vaquero Glow (1979)
According to Ford-Trucks.com, this rare color was only available for one year in 1979, with just 579 F-250s produced with this color and the Explorer package.
Named after the Spanish word for “cowboy,” this coppery brown color evokes the American West and commands attention from serious collectors.
Counterculture Colors (1969-1971)
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ford embraced the counterculture movement with some memorably named colors.
While these names were primarily used in Maverick marketing, the same colors appeared on truck order forms with their standard names.
Anti-Establish Mint (1969-1971)
This vibrant green shade epitomized the rebellious spirit of the late 1960s.
According to multiple sources, this was one of Ford’s “most far out colors” and one of the few counterculture color names to survive into 1971. On trucks, this distinctive green makes for a head-turning restoration.
Grabber Colors
Ford’s “Grabber” series of colors included Grabber Blue, Grabber Green, Grabber Orange, Grabber Yellow, and Grabber Lime. These high-impact colors were popular on Mustangs but also found their way onto trucks.
Grabber Blue in particular has become one of the most sought-after colors for classic Ford vehicle restorations, including trucks.
Rare and Valuable Bumpside (1967-1972) Colors
The “Bumpside” F-Series trucks (named for the distinctive curved protrusion along their sides) were available in several memorable colors.
Calypso Coral
This vibrant red-orange shade with a hint of pink undertone was also featured on 1970 Mustangs. Its bright, distinctive appearance makes it popular for restorations seeking a period-correct but eye-catching look.
Chrome Yellow
Not to be confused with later yellow shades, Chrome Yellow offered a brilliantly bright, almost neon appearance that perfectly captured the bold aesthetic of the era. Yellow trucks from this period are relatively uncommon, adding to their collector value.
Sea Sprite Green
This brilliant turquoise shade has a distinctly vintage appeal, evoking 1950s diners and the optimistic aesthetic of mid-century America. As tastes cycle back toward appreciation for these vibrant colors, Sea Sprite Green has seen increasing popularity.
Rare and Valuable Dentside (1973-1977.5) Colors
The “Dentside” F-Series trucks (featuring a concave “dent” running down their sides) offered their own distinctive palette.
Sequoia Brown
This rich, coppery brown shade represents a perfect balance between rugged simplicity and refined elegance.
Brown may not be everyone’s first choice for a passenger car, but on a 1970s Ford pickup, Sequoia Brown has a distinct and appealing character that’s gaining popularity among vintage truck collectors.
Medium Ivy Green
Despite its name suggesting a darker shade, Medium Ivy Green is actually a light pastel green that pairs beautifully with Wimbledon White in two-tone configurations.
This classically 1960s shade transitions perfectly into the early Dentside era.
Barcelona Blue
When Ford didn’t offer black as a color option for their F-series trucks, Barcelona Blue served as the deepest, darkest alternative. This navy blue appears almost black in certain lights but reveals its rich blue undertones in direct sunlight.
Color Trends for Restored Trucks in 2025
While understanding the historical significance of factory colors is crucial for authentic restorations, it’s also worth considering current market trends as you plan your project:
In today’s collector market, factory-correct restorations continue to dominate high-end auctions, but several interesting trends have emerged among both serious collectors and vintage truck owners:
- Bold, retro colors like Grabber Blue and Chrome Yellow are making a strong comeback, especially for restomod builds aimed at younger collectors who appreciate vintage styling with modern performance.
- Two-tone combinations have seen renewed interest, with period-correct pairings like Boxwood Green over Wimbledon White commanding premium prices at specialty auctions.
- Explorer Special colors have transitioned from “oddball” status to highly desirable, as collectors increasingly value the rarity and historical significance of these limited-production trucks.
- Earth tones from the mid-1970s like Sequoia Brown and Medium Copper, once considered dated, are now experiencing a renaissance as collectors embrace the distinctive 70s aesthetic.
Restoration Tip: For maximum show value, maintain factory-correct colors for visible components like the engine bay, undercarriage, and interior, matching paint codes precisely for judged events.
Bumpside vs. Dentside: Understanding the Differences
When discussing classic Ford trucks and their colors, it’s important to understand the terminology used by collectors:
- Bumpside (1967-1972): These trucks feature a literal “bump” or curved protrusion running down the side from the front fender to the bed.
- Dentside (1973-1977.5): These models have a concave “dent” running down the side – essentially the inverse of the bumpside body feature.
This distinction helps collectors and restorers identify the specific generation of F-Series truck they’re dealing with, which impacts available factory colors and appropriate period-correct restoration choices.
If you’re interested in exploring more about these iconic trucks, check out our comprehensive guide on vintage Ford F-Series trucks or our article on why many collectors believe old trucks are better than new ones.
Factors Affecting Color Value and Desirability
Several factors influence how desirable and valuable a particular factory color might be for your classic Ford truck restoration:
Rarity
Colors that were rarely ordered when new or only offered for limited production runs (like Explorer Special colors) naturally command higher values today. As an example, Medium Vaquero Glow’s limited production of just 579 units makes it exceptionally valuable.
Historical Significance
Colors associated with specific cultural moments or marketing campaigns (like the counterculture-themed colors of 1969-1971) carry additional historical interest and collector value.
Visual Impact
Striking, vibrant colors generally attract more attention at car shows and often command higher prices than more common, subdued shades. However, tasteful, period-correct colors also have strong followings among purists.
Originality
For investment-grade restorations, maintaining factory-correct colors is crucial. According to multiple sources, original, documented examples of Highboys in factory colors maintain the strongest appreciation in value.
Finding Your Ford Truck’s Original Color
If you’re restoring a classic Ford truck and want to return it to its original color, there are several ways to identify what shade it wore from the factory:
- Door jamb sticker – Original color codes can often be found on the door jamb sticker (though these may have been lost to time or previous restorations)
- VIN decoding – The truck’s VIN can sometimes provide information about its original color
- Engine block casting numbers – These can be cross-referenced with Ford technical documentation to verify period-correctness
- Paint samples from hidden areas – Check inside door panels, under the dash, or in other protected spaces for original paint samples
The Ford Highboy identification guide can be helpful for determining if you have an authentic Highboy, while our article on classic car colors provides additional insights into period-correct paint schemes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re restoring a Ford Highboy, an Explorer Special, or any classic Ford truck, choosing the right color is a crucial decision that affects both your enjoyment and potential future value.
While rare colors like Medium Vaquero Glow or Anti-Establish Mint might command premium prices among serious collectors, the “best” color ultimately depends on your personal preferences and restoration goals.
For investment-grade collector Highboys and other vintage Ford trucks, maintaining one of the original factory colors typically preserves maximum value.
However, for driver-quality trucks, choosing a color you love—whether it’s a faithful reproduction of a rare factory shade or a personal favorite—will ensure your restoration brings you satisfaction for years to come.
When selecting the perfect period-correct color for your classic Ford truck restoration, consider both historical accuracy and show-quality presentation. Many collectors find that factory original paint codes provide the perfect balance of authenticity and visual appeal, creating a collector-grade finished product that stands out at any vintage truck gathering.
Restoration Tip: If your truck’s original color doesn’t appeal to you, consider choosing another factory-correct color from the same model year rather than a completely custom shade. This maintains period authenticity while allowing for personal expression.
This guide is based on research from various Ford truck specialty sources, auction results, and restoration guides. Color preferences and values continue to evolve in the collector market, so always do additional research before making final decisions for your specific restoration project.
Interested in other aspects of classic Ford trucks? Check out our guides on Ford Highboy engines, classic cars with bench seats, or where to find vintage trucks for sale.
