Original factory colour and paint code for 1973 164E Australian models
I'm working through a full concours restoration of my 1973 164E and I'm trying to establish the exact original colour and Volvo paint code. The car arrived in Australia as an imported model, and I have the original bill of sale but it doesn't specify the factory colour designation. I've found references to various colour names from that period, but I need to confirm what was actually available for the 164E in 1973 and whether Australian-delivered examples had different colour options than European or North American markets. Does anyone have documentation or experience with factory colour codes from this production year?
That is a proper project you have got there. I have not worked on anything from that era myself, but have you tried contacting Volvo Australia directly? They might still have import records from 1973 that show the original colour code. Your local Volvo dealer could be a good starting point, or there are some older enthusiasts in the 140 and 164 community who have restored these cars. The bill of sale might also have a reference number that could help track down the factory documentation.
Mate that's a bloody deep dig. Your best bet is ringing IPD or getting onto the Volvo history mob, they usually have the factory docs. 164E stuff is rare enough that the paint code might be buried in some Swedish archive somewhere.
yeah mate, the 164 colour codes are a nightmare to track down. your best bet is ringing around the old Volvo dealers, some of the blokes still got the original spec sheets filed away somewhere. otherwise the paint code should be stamped on a plate under the bonnet if its still there.
The 164E colour palette was fairly consistent across all markets in 1973, though some shades were phased in and out mid-year. Your bill of sale might have the original invoice code if it's detailed enough. Have you checked the paint code on the door jamb sticker? That's usually the most reliable source.