VV-1 (1965) - Cordovan Poly Chrysler Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is a deep, moody oxblood that defined the mid-sixties executive style. Whether it is on a Newport or a heavy-hitting Imperial, this shade carries a level of sophistication that modern reds just cannot replicate. It sits right on the edge of maroon and brown, giving your car a rich, leather-like appearance that looks particularly sharp in the late afternoon sun. Because your 1965 has likely spent decades on the road, the original finish might have shifted or faded. You should expect this fresh paint to look a bit deeper than your current color, especially if the car has spent a lot of time outside of the garage.

Technical Details

The "Poly" in the name stands for Polychromatic, which is the vintage way of saying this is a metallic finish. These tiny metallic flakes are what give the color its depth, but they also make the repair a bit of a challenge. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, those flakes will bunch together and create dark, muddy patches known as mottling. To avoid this, you want to build the color with several thin layers rather than one heavy coat. Keeping the flakes distributed evenly is the only way to ensure the repair doesn't look like a dark stain on the side of your car.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chrysler Cordovan Poly (check for code VV-1 (1965)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find your color code stamped on the metal fender tag, which is usually located on the firewall or the passenger-side inner fender well under the hood. To get the best results, test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic flakes lay down. Whether you are using a pen or a nozzle, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the paint from pooling. Give each layer plenty of drying time in the shade before adding the next, which ensures the metallic particles stay exactly where you put them.