All The Original 1960s Classic Land Rover Series Paint Colors
At HIMALAYA, we believe restoring a classic Land Rover is about more than performance—it’s about preserving history. One of the most iconic elements of a vintage Land Rover Series IIA or Series I is its paint color. In the 1960s, Land Rover offered a refined but distinct palette of colors that still holds up decades later. Whether you're restoring a 1965 Series IIA or customizing a modern Defender in a heritage-inspired hue, knowing these original Land Rover colors is essential.
In this post, we break down the original 1960s Land Rover Series paint colors, their factory codes, and how we use them in our restorations here in Charleston, SC.
Why Paint Matters in a Restoration
Paint is more than just an aesthetic decision—it tells the story of the vehicle. Original Series Land Rovers were utility vehicles, built for function, but their subdued, earthy tones have come to define a timeless look that enthusiasts and collectors love.
At HIMALAYA, we offer a “Paint to Sample” process that allows you to match these original factory colors or customize them with a modern twist while still honoring the heritage of the build.
Original 1960s Land Rover Series Colors
Here are some of the most iconic Land Rover Series colors from the 1960s:
Pastel Green (LRC005)
Perhaps the most recognized classic Land Rover color. Pastel Green was widely used on Series I and IIA models and pairs beautifully with Limestone wheels and a safari top. It’s subtle, vintage, and perfectly suited for coastal and countryside aesthetics.
Source: North America Overland
Marine Blue (LRC014)
Marine Blue was another staple color, especially for Series IIA models. It’s a deeper blue than Pastel Green and was often used with contrasting Limestone roofs and wheels. This color is still a favorite for restorations due to its rugged yet refined appearance.
Source: North America Overland
Light Grey (LRC007)
A utilitarian color, often seen on hard-working farm trucks and military-spec Land Rovers. Light Grey speaks to the no-frills utility of early Series models while still feeling current when applied cleanly in a modern restoration.
Source: North America Overland
Sand (LRC009)
Sand was commonly found on export models and vehicles intended for warmer climates. It’s a muted beige/tan that reflects the rugged terrain Land Rovers were built to conquer.
Source: Opumo
Bronze Green (LRC001)
A formal and rich tone, Bronze Green was heavily used on Series I and early Series II vehicles. It was particularly popular for military builds and gives a refined, traditional British tone to any Land Rover.
Source: Williams Classics
Limestone (LRC007)
Often used on wheels and roofs as a contrast color to bodies painted in Marine Blue or Pastel Green. Limestone was a warm cream-white tone that added character and balance to the body colors of the time.
Source: North America Overland
Poppy Red
Less common but used for emergency or promotional vehicles, Poppy Red gave Series models a bold presence. It’s a color that stands out and can give a unique edge to custom restorations.
Source: North America Overland
Using Original Colors in Modern Restorations
At HIMALAYA, our builds are inspired by the past but engineered for today. We give our clients the option to restore Land Rover Series models to factory-correct specifications or use original colors in creative, reimagined ways.
Because these colors were created with rugged, natural backdrops in mind, they feel right at home on the beaches of Charleston, SC, in the mountains of Wyoming, or on the classic roads of Nantucket.
Custom “Paint to Sample” Restorations in Charleston, SC
We offer custom paint-matching services that honor these original color codes, and we even help clients design one-of-one colorways inspired by the 1960s palette. Our shop in Charleston, South Carolina is known for building some of the finest bespoke Land Rovers in the world—blending originality with modern craftsmanship.
Whether you’re chasing a concours-level restoration or crafting something entirely your own, starting with the original 1960s Land Rover colors is a great way to honor the legacy of these vehicles. These colors weren’t just stylish—they were part of Land Rover’s DNA. At HIMALAYA, we make it our mission to bring them back to life with precision and passion.
