BLVC287 - Carnelian Red Jaguar Touch Up Paint

The Look

You are dealing with a rare piece of history. This color only lived for a single year in 1979, making it a "blink-and-you-missed-it" shade for the XJ6 and the XJS. It is a deep, sophisticated red that leans toward a rich maroon, capturing that transition from the earthy tones of the seventies to the more refined palettes of the eighties. Since your Jaguar has been on the road for decades, you will likely notice that the original paint has a certain depth that modern reds lack. It carries a heavy, dignified presence that suits the long lines of a classic British grand tourer.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the appearance of the color relies entirely on how the tiny flakes inside are suspended. Metallic reds from this era are notorious for settling at the bottom of the container, which can lead to a "muddy" or uneven look if you aren't careful. If those flakes clump together, you will see darker and lighter patches across the repair area. Before you spray or dab Jaguar Carnelian Red (check for code BLVC287), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the metallic particles are distributed evenly so the color matches the rest of your panel rather than looking like a different shade of brown.

Best Practices

On these vintage Jaguars, you can usually find your paint identification plate inside the driver's door jamb or under the hood on the radiator support. To get the best results, always test the color on the included card to see how the metallic behaves. When applying, avoid trying to hide the damage in one heavy layer. Use light, thin passes and keep the container moving to prevent the metallic flakes from pooling in one spot. Give each layer enough drying time so the surface isn't tacky before you apply the next. If you are working in your garage or a patch of shade, make sure you have plenty of light to see how the flakes are laying down as you work.