Paint choice for a classic car restoration is more complicated than picking a color from the factory paint chart. The original paints were lacquer — a technology that's largely unavailable today because of VOC regulations in most markets.

The modern alternatives are urethane basecoat/clearcoat and single-stage urethane enamel. The basecoat/clearcoat system offers the best long-term gloss and the best color consistency. The single-stage enamel is more period-appropriate in appearance — lacquer-era cars have a depth and softness to the finish that clearcoat doesn't fully replicate.

For a daily driver or road trip car, go basecoat/clearcoat. The resistance to UV and the repairability are worth the trade-off. For a concours car where judging is based on period-correct appearance, a quality single-stage enamel in the correct formula is the better answer.