Why are black cars currently so popular?
07-03-12, 08:32 PM
#63
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by 2BENVD
Why are black cars so popular you ask?
This is when pictures answer questions better than words do
This is when pictures answer questions better than words do
So, my honest opinion of why black is so popular?
A lot of guys (perhaps some women too, but mostly younger men) simply look on it as the new tough, rebel-color for aggressive-driving and associaton with speeding, drifting, street-racing, and a general tough-guy, testosterone-laden image. No, of course, that stereotype doesn't apply to all black cars, as many larger black sedans and hearses are part of the funeral/limo/rental/VIP-car buisnesses, and not all younger guys with black cars drive like morons. But, in general, a lot of younger people seem to consider black as the "tough" color for sport-oriented cars.......replacing what was once bright-red. (Insurance compenies, BTW, sometimes used to charge more for bright red cars, all else equal....especially bright red manual-transmission sports cars).Perhaps (but not definitely) the black-car/tough-guy image may have started decades ago with the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit-film and Burt Reynolds' black/gold-trim Trans-Am. A close friend of mine, BTW, has a nice 1979 T/A in exactly those same colors.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-03-12 at 08:43 PM.
They also contrast much nicer with the blue low tack painters tape when applied. 
07-04-12, 06:49 AM
#65
Put three well-maintained, same model and year cars side by side. One black, one red and one white. In my opinion, the black will look more expensive, luxurious, and refined than the other two. The red will look more fun to drive than the other two and the white will be unimpressive and utilitarian. When dirty, the black will look neglected and average, the red will still look fun and the white will look unchanged.
And agreed, the black does look good with the blue painters' tape, that's why I stopped using the green.
And agreed, the black does look good with the blue painters' tape, that's why I stopped using the green.
07-04-12, 02:58 PM
#67
Gloss Black is a PITA to clean and keep clean. Now I plan on having my LS flat black for a while. I'm doing body work to it and once I finish an area I can just rattle can it flat black again and it won't even be noticeable at all. Now once I finish all the bodywork, it is gona be sprayed a lighter color.
07-04-12, 04:34 PM
#68
Heres my quick take on it... and i don't think this answers it 100%, but it probably part of the equation.
Look at black from a clothing standpoint. it's slimming, goes with anything (safe) and a lot of people wear black all the time whether it's a casual occasion or formal... more so than any other color (i don't have facts on this; it's just my perception). Well, since we know people LOVE bland cars because they're 'safe' bets as far as looks go and they won't stand out, perhaps individuals are using this same attitude toward car colors... wanting a safe color that looks good ("slimming" sort of). And they are comfortable with black because of its recent 'positive' history and social perceptions of it.
Look at black from a clothing standpoint. it's slimming, goes with anything (safe) and a lot of people wear black all the time whether it's a casual occasion or formal... more so than any other color (i don't have facts on this; it's just my perception). Well, since we know people LOVE bland cars because they're 'safe' bets as far as looks go and they won't stand out, perhaps individuals are using this same attitude toward car colors... wanting a safe color that looks good ("slimming" sort of). And they are comfortable with black because of its recent 'positive' history and social perceptions of it.
07-04-12, 08:03 PM
#70
Driver School Candidate
At the end of the day to keep a black car looking good takes one word..."EFFORT.". If you are not the kind of car owner that wants that kind of responsibility, then owning a black car will never appeal to you. Overall, the feeling I get when driving my very clean, and waxed LS 460, is not like any other color I have had over the years. I will only own black/black cars simply because that is what I prefer. Like so many others have so eloquently said, and it bears repeating: there really is nothing like a clean black car" period.
07-04-12, 11:17 PM
#71
Dysfunctional Veteran
StormForge-You need some TINT man...car looks great though!
I LOVE looking at black cars, but as **** as I am with detailing, and knowing what I know about the profession, I really just dont want to take on the challenge at this point in my life.
I LOVE looking at black cars, but as **** as I am with detailing, and knowing what I know about the profession, I really just dont want to take on the challenge at this point in my life.
07-08-12, 07:25 AM
#74
As much as I hate cleaning my black cars, they look awesome when clean. The amount of compliments I get when I drive my black LS and SC around is crazy.
I've noticed that silver and white are really popular out here as well, especially with the luxury cars and exotics.
I've noticed that silver and white are really popular out here as well, especially with the luxury cars and exotics.
07-08-12, 11:39 AM
#75
Black tends to hide and blend the gap lines between panels and doors better. With all the crazy cutlines during the Bangle era BMW's, black was the only color that looks decent. Even with the Mercedes E and C class, the wide gap of the wrap around hood looks tolerable only on black. Black just makes a car look more seamless.
I'm boring and hate scratches that show, so I have 3 silver and 1 white cars.
I'm boring and hate scratches that show, so I have 3 silver and 1 white cars.
Last edited by bsl888; 07-08-12 at 11:42 AM.