Flat-black hoods

While growing up, a family friend had an Opel Manta Rallye--you know, the one with the flat-black hood. Ever since then, I have wanted a car done up like that. I figure I have already done a car in red oxide primer, so this is next on the list. Thoughts?

\Opel Manta Rallye\ by \Kingsdude/Dave\, on Flickr" />

http://www.minuit10.net/ABARTH/Fiat-124-ABARTH.html

It looked good on an Abarth 124.

Ron

I have the same feelings as you. But I think how it looks depends greatly on the car itself. For example, I love it on a '69 Mach I, but I don't think it would look as good on my '65. I'm currently restoring an '89 Civic si, and while it's red, it's going to have the roof and partial hood done in black. Not sure yet if it will be flat or gloss. Here's a vehicle that really rocks the black hood treatment!

Depends on the car heavily but I think a black hood needs to be part of a larger theme. Just a hood by itself looks a little silly, IMHO of course, but add some black strips in the right spots like the Opel above and it looks great (again on the right car - a mid 80s Chrysler LeBaron isn't the right car for example).

Not just black; I love when elements are done with contrasting finish. Black seems to be the only practical way to get the effect.

Sometimes black...

Sometimes polished... (though I'm afraid I'd go blind from glare.)

Once in a while, even rusty. (I wouldn't do it, but it's a neat effect for a show car.)

There were some Alpina 2002s back in the day that had black hoods/trunks with a black stripe in between. Pretty cool.

I could see my FIAT with a matted out front hood and maybe back lid.

But until I actually have to do some body work there is no point.

According to Top Gear the Matte black paint option on the new M3 from BMW is a PITA to care for...

A.

Saw a new Charger in flat black with two glossy stripes up the hood. Cool.

My old '69 Red Road Runner 440-sixpack had a blackout hood and looked good. Of course, if the law hadn't already noticed it, the black hood guaranteed they did.

When you're 24 and drive a car that looks like that, you have trouble not getting a ticket while doing the speed limit. Rolling STOP, no way you get a warning.

I find I can travel faster, probably safer, and certainly with less points when I drive a car not so in your face. My '71 240Z was the last in your face street car I ever owned.