Definition of Marmon Automotive Color "Pale Orange" in 1911

[Guest zoomalot48]

I am working on a scale model of the First Indy winner Marmon Wasp, which sits in the IMS Museum

here in Speedway. My research on this object has led me into more opinionated blind alleys than true

facts. Since every witness to that history has passed actual documentation seems to have been after thought. And as a retired engineering type, I hold Ray's (Harroun) the original driver, discription

of the color 'pale orange' with reverent regard.

So now dear comrades of automotive I present this burden for wisdom. Thanks for your help.

Jeff M.

[Friartuck]

Jeff,

I'll start this reply with a quote from Jean Shepherd: The color of the car faded to Goat Vomit Green. How's that for a description.

I think the description would be enough to create your own formula, but if you want to try to stick to standard colors, may I suggest the Auto Color Library. The pale orange may have been a custom concocsion anyway. The Rogers book of varnishes of 1914 book may help narrow it down: AutoColorLibrary.com

Whatever you choose, the effort you are undertaking will be appreciated.

[Shop Rat]

Jeff,

I'll start this reply with a quote from Jean Shepherd: The color of the car faded to Goat Vomit Green. How's that for a description.

I think the description would be enough to create your own formula, but if you want to try to stick to standard colors, may I suggest the Auto Color Library. The pale orange may have been a custom concocsion anyway. The Rogers book of varnishes of 1914 book may help narrow it down: AutoColorLibrary.com

Whatever you choose, the effort you are undertaking will be appreciated.

Yeah, kind of like "Petty Blue" on Richard Petty's racecars. It was a mix of some blue and some white paint he had left over. Probably the most recognizable color in NASCAR. :cool:

[Guest zoomalot48]

"Tuck & Susan"......many thanks for you assistance, the Rodgers Paint & Varnishes chips of 1914 seems to be an avenue that shows the most promise for the time period. Thanks a bunch!!

[Shop Rat]

I wonder if Sam Barnett would have information that would help? His father probably knew more about Marmons than anyone else. I will send a copy of the question to him.

[sambarn]

Susan, I finally got your PM. I was on the road last week picking up, by remarkable coincidence, a 1911 Marmon. I'm not sure what the configuration for the paint was and all factory Marmon paint jobs were navy blue with a dove grey underbelly, frame and wheels in 1911.The Wasp was a custom color and I have seen it represented many times in art. There are hand colored postcards of the period and the several renditions of the Wasp. The most correct seems to be a pumpkin innards orange. Yellow with a splash of red or brown thrown in. This was not a color scheme or tone that I've found in early Marmons so I don't think researching the factory colors would help. When I had the chance to pilot the wasp, there was no original paint that we could find for a color reference. Perhaps a phone call to the IMS Mseum would be in order. They have always been very helpful when we have asked for information. Also I wonder if Chris Ritter at the Library might be able to help. It being one of the most famous race cars in history, we may have good documentation in the AACA Library. I hope this helps and I sure would love to see a pic of the model in process. My family has amassed a very large collection of Marmon Wasp memorabilia and would love to see your work. -Sam Barnett