By Peter Tanshanomi
Our afternoon series “Encyclopedia Hoonatica” hasn’t reared its ugly head graced this site in a while, but the rumors of its demise have been greatly exaggerated.
In yesterday’s discussion of Sport Truck Graphic Packages, the discussion turned to both the Dodge Warlock and the Chevy Black Knight, whiched forced me to yet again divulge my secret affection for all things painted black and gold. It’s always amazing to me how long the list really is.
I thought for sure that I had already asked this in an E-H post, but looking back through the category, I found nothing. So here you go: How many cars can you name with the so-cheesy-its-cool, so-trendy-its-timeless, black/gold motif? Black paint with gold stripes gets you a base hit, but sizable amounts of extra gold trim/wheels/etc. and a dearth of air* chrome silver pieces knocks it out of the park.
Since we haven’t done this in a while, let’s go over the rules:
- Read the comments first and don’t post duplicates.
- Adding photos with standard HTML is good, but…
- Shrink large images with
width="500".
DIFFICULTY: Surprisingly plentiful, even beyond the obvious low-hanging fruit — I’ll bet you know of one or two fairly unique ones, even before you Google.
*inside joke for all you Hoonicast listeners
Robert Crespo 
Jeff Glucker 
Kamil Kaluski
Lotus Europa JPS
<img src="http://www.allsportauto.com/photoautre3/lotus/europa/jsp/1973_lotus_europa_john_player_special_10_m.jpg"width=500>
Esprit JPS
<img src="http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Lotus_Esprit_1979_JPS.JPG"width=500>
Capri JPS…
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ao3uUOVmQo8/SrnVSn2hSJI/AAAAAAAAVjU/sidRh2vCPXw/s400/jps+capri+1975.jpg"width=500>
And don’t forget the Australian JPS BMWs!
Australian 323i JPS
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_leoGYAeiH44/SPP_pR1OMKI/AAAAAAAADMY/KVNlAFPThB8/s320/323i+jps.jpg"width=500>
This one may be stretching it a bit…
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/2237851517_7a6f380acb.jpg"width=500>
Wasn't Smokey partial to black and gold? It must be okay then.
Shelby Mustang GT 350H.
<img src="http://www.cartype.com/pics/3772/full/2006_shelby_hertz_gt350h_rs1.jpg">
I see your valuable classic and raise you a pimped-up modified Pinto.
<img src="http://www.allfordmustangs.com/photopost/data/3235/medium/BackGoldCobra2.jpg" width=500>
I'll see your pimped-up Pinto and raise it to King pimped-up Pinto:
<img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1970-1979/1978-Ford-Mustang-King-Cobra.jpg" width=500>
Black-OOOOOrange!
Doesn't have the same ring to it.
But it does have a certain Halloween/Adam West vibe I like.
OK, most if not all of the striping is orange, but the center of that hood decal is all gold baby. 😀
And T-tops. Come on, who doesn't like T-tops?
I came for the Pint'obras. I was not disappointed. .
And the new version
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/06ShelbyGT-H_14_s.jpg" width="500" img="">
Ah, what might have been.
<img src="http://books.google.com/books?id=SeMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PP1&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U0OlXtMFIZC98F2rZuNKoMVQO-wSA&w=685" width="400">
With obligatory link:
<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=SeMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA104&lpg=PA104&dq=popular+mechanics+brass+pontiac&source=bl&ots=DbpUuxoFrq&sig=3A1mwRh3tJEg1JVvDSc8HEWmhB0&hl=en&ei=c5hVTaS7IIfWtQOivsTJBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false” target=”_blank”>http://books.google.com/books?id=SeMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA104&lpg=PA104&dq=popular+mechanics+brass+pontiac&source=bl&ots=DbpUuxoFrq&sig=3A1mwRh3tJEg1JVvDSc8HEWmhB0&hl=en&ei=c5hVTaS7IIfWtQOivsTJBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
I must build a new wing onto the carriage house for a new direction in vehicular collecting… NOTHING but BLACK GOLLLLLD!
I respectfully submit my 2005 Saab 9-2x in winter mode:
<img src="http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad184/krazykarguy/CIMG4474.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://www.productioncars.com/send_file.php/jeep_grand_cherokee_limited_black_1995.jpg">
Not that it was a deliberate attempt on Jeep's behalf, but the '93-'95 Grand Cherokee Limited, if you got it in black.
After they dropped the gold stripe, they introduced new gold-accented wheels for the Limited.
<img src="http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/38182164.jpg">
Good point! I forgot about that.
<img src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/06/brooklyn_lambo_fire.jpg" width=500>
I don't know about anyone else, but I've grown tired of flame surfacing.
Not a car, but I don't care because I used to have one just like this. '74 Norton Commando Roadster.
<img src="http://www.georgiacycledepot.com/images/1974%20NORTON%20COMMANDO%20850%20Black.JPG" width = 600>
Ducati 900SS too
<img src="http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/any/1638131.jpg"/>
The photo might help
<img src="http://cdn-0.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/mainlandcyclecenter/DSC_1467390.jpg">
The Commando 961 SE
<img src="http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Norton_Commando_961_SS.jpg">
Sorry, this is not factory, but its the most tasteless:
<img src="http://www.fashion-stylist.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/image/bugati-gold-2.jpg">
Sometimes, it's what's on the inside that counts.
<img src="http://www.interiorshot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/361-mansory-bugatti-veyron-linea-vincero-d-oro.jpg" width=500>
I saw that, and am so glad you posted it. Look at that shit! Look! That interior is probably worth more than everyone in the Hooniverse makes in a year, combined.
I must disagree: It may cost more, but it's not worth more.
The DB5 Borsalino
<img src="http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/bimota_db5_borsalino.jpg">
Hurst used black and gold several times for Oldsmobiles.
<img src="http://media.kansas.com/smedia/2009/06/19/14/985-062009HurstOldsmb6.slideshow_main.prod_affiliate.80.jpg" width=500>
<img src="http://www.hursthusslers.com/images/79ho-2.jpg" width=500>
Yup, one running around my town, in mint shape. I love seeing it go by.
Capri Black Magic
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5234047065_416e4eafec_z.jpg">
Aprilia made a half-assed black/gold attempt with the Shiver 750. IMHO, it would have been 10 tons cooler if they'd gone all the way with it.
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/gold-black-shiver.jpg">
Beautiful bikes.
Don't know why, don't care: black goooooold!
<img src="http://www.dragtimes.com/albums/Palm-Beach-Supercar-Weekend-2009/Lamborghini_Countach_Black_Gold.jpg" width="500">
That has to be the most gawdawful DOT/NHTSA-mandated bumper ever to infect a car.
Black/gold was a popular treatment for mopeds too.
<img src="http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq228/JamesISpalding/blackgoldtomos.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
198X Tomos in black&gold.
Garelli did a couple of models in black and gold, but I couldn't find any pics online. One of my customers at the scooter shop rides a really nice family heirloom Garelli step-though in black/gold.
The Puch "UPS Magnum" is close, with a little chocolate brown thrown in for good measure.
<img src="http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq228/JamesISpalding/upsmagnum.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
Every time I see a picture of one of these I think to myself "You are lucky to be alive".
A number of 90's Japanese cars had gold badges optional.
<img src="http://www.handa-accessories.com/prelude/pregk.jpg" width="400">
Too bad the first black-gold combo I hit was a Prelude…I thought for sure the search would have yielded one of those oh-so-ubiquitous Camrys first.
Is it a matte finish? Doesn't look half bad.
Doubt it. It seems like a brochure photo, so it's probably a controlled environment and hence there's no background objects reflecting off the paint.
I thought 3D Render when I first saw it. The shadow on the plate and the tips of the exhaust look a little too…
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_i_AovfzNXgQ/Szb6fuMlZ-I/AAAAAAABB3g/uM8jQyextZo/s400/b472f7e0.jpg" width=500>
I see what you did there.
[youtube P4SDhrTPOiI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4SDhrTPOiI youtube]
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zCnDCJkPVTc/SMhYlyon01I/AAAAAAAADAw/aniBZalaEOQ/s400/88+jeep+limited_edited.jpg"end">
As a younger olelongrooffan, the former missus and I drove an 88 Jeep Cherokee Classic Limited in black with gold badging and wheels. I even got the almost gold, yellow lettered Eagles for it! We even took it off road a couple times up in the Carolinas!
Lancia
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5437096934_55f3ea2f68_b.jpg" width="500">
Vega
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5436485781_0e087a0bda_b.jpg" width="500">
Bricklin
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5437116374_4db0f03d5a_b.jpg" width="500">
Cosworth Vega… drool…
Yeah pretty slick, if I remember correctly it was for sale. Probably the only one in Ohio.
I passed on a chance to pick one up at a car lot for 3 grand a while back. Always wanted one since a buddy had one in high School. I agree with your sensibilities…
I was drooling over Buick Grand Nationals in High School. Vega was a little before my time.
>Poof!<
The Cosworth Vega went one better with a gold engine turned dash and gold plaque with the cars number.
Y'know, if you use the "Share" button, instead of hotlinking to the image URL, Flickr won't kill your links. Just sayin'…
[/Flickr Pro user]
Not all were specified this way, but I think my BMW Alpina B10 3.5/1 pulls off the black gold look nicely! Apologies for the poor quality photo.
<img src="http://www.splendidauto.com/cars/1000317.jpg">
Needs gold wheels.
I thought about having my spare set powdercoated gold, but after another drink or two I realized I need them for my imaginary e34 touring project. Besides, the only way to roll on gold in a kraut-burner is with oldschool BBS!
<img src="http://www.bargainexotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Porsche-911-turbo-1987-black.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://www.sportscardigest.com/wp-content/uploads/P1090539-164-Mitchell-1910-Model-S-Touring.jpg" width=500>
1910 Mitchell Model S
Type 72 Exige S
<img src="http://www.workshopcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2010-Lotus-Exige-S-Type-72-Front-580×385.jpg"/>
Bow down before 360 cubic inches of malaise-o-riffic strangulated semi-performance. I present for your admiration and worship the 1979 Plymouth Volare Road Runner!
<img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200702/1968-plymouth-road-runner-16_460x0w.jpg" width=400>
As Puss In Boots would say,
"…I have shamed myself."
1979 AMX
<img src="http://wizbangblue.com/images/2009/04/1979%20amx.jpg" width="400/">
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2728/4088508043_afe263af88.jpg">
We're not worthy! We're not worthy!
Even more black gollllld goodness:
<img src="http://www.andrethomassen.com/yamaha-xv-1000-se.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://www.lambomiura.com/acqusition/miura01.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://67mustangblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/gold-black-australian-1968-eleanor-clone-cover.JPG" width="600">
<img src="http://www.i64x.com/i6pics/pic_305.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://zedomax.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/gold-ferrari-1.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3703515827_39e7274fd9_z.jpg" width="600">
I have to say that I like the somewhat more matte gold paints to the faux-plated, super-reflective gold finishes.
I have fond memories of defeating a Virago like that on my old Norton from a stoplight, but I doubt it would do the same against the rest of these.
It was mentioned yesterday, but the Dodge Midnite Express:
<img src="http://www.internetclassiccars.com/photos/classics/13635500/13635572-2.jpg"width=500>
DAMNIT!!!
The Model T, before it went chrome/nickel:
<img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1800-1919/1915-Ford-Model-T-b-nf.jpg"width=500>
Again, from yesterday, but the GMC Gentleman Jim:
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4036956994_709c685359.jpg"width=500>
GMC Gentleman Jim (from yesterday)
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4036956994_709c685359.jpg" width="500" />
This Kenny Childers-owned, Harry Gant-driven '81 Olds Winston Cup car.
<img src="http://images28.fotki.com/v1030/photos/4/465162/3424587/ryGant12OldsMartinsville1981vi-vi.jpg" />
Recently Chevy did some two tone Trailblazer LTZs in black with gold trim:
<img src="http://carimages1.everycarlisted.com/YPA-63328/10-154_1.jpg"width=500>
CJ5 Golden Eagle:
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/1978_AMC_Jeep_CJ5_304_V8_Golden_Eagle_For_Sale_Profile_1.jpg"width=500>
[youtube kWF-hH1nloo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWF-hH1nloo youtube]
Datsun 10th Anniversary 280ZX (i.e. Black Gold Edition)
How the hell did this take this long?!
This one is more gold black:
<img src="http://www.sybarites.org/wp-content/GoldD.jpg" width=500>
Toyota used to be cool, remember that? I don't, but the evidence is still driving around.
<img src="http://img217.imagevenue.com/loc634/th_69714_TownAceMkI78WagonblackgoldfrontL_122_634lo.JPG" border="0">
I don't know if this is original paint. It says it's Inca Gold, but that should actually be all gold.
<img src="http://img22.imagevenue.com/loc444/th_69713_PlymouthProwlerIncagoldblackright_122_444lo.jpg" border="0">
(apologies for imagevenue)
Indian
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5437574620_748ce30950_b.jpg" width="500">
Searching my collection and expecting only sepia tones turned up a couple of surprises:
<img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/ArielAtomC.jpg">
<img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/Porsche911GT3RS-2.jpg" width="500">
This is probably from Gran Turismo. I so don't care.
<img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/audi-r8.jpg" width="500">
The GT Forums revealed this:
<img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/FordGT.jpg" width="500">
And bring a trailer had a Mangusta(!).
<img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/DeTomasoMangusta.jpg" width="500">
Should I, in the future, break these into multiple posts or replies?
When I was like twelve and Lexus debuted, they had plenty of cars available with gold badging. I saw a black ES300 or GS300 or whatever with gold badging and I was like "woah, Dad, how much does them gold letters cost?"
And Dad was like, "psssh, those gold letters cost the same as the usual silver ones. They are just gaudy and announce to the world that you are a black guy."
And that's the day I learned I wanted to be a black guy.
My Dad had an early '90s Legend in black with the gold badges and trim. Today's the day I learned I was black.
Since it's in Dubai, it's not unreasonable to assume there is real gold involved.
<img src="http://brakebanzeen.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/sls-amg-desert-gold-rear.jpg" width="500">
From a blog called Brakebanzeen.
We've forgotten Smokey Yunick's cars?
It is a sad day.
Not factory but interesting..Near Lima,OH.
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5436881857_efdd8ebc8c_b.jpg" width="500">
is it too late? http://media.motortopia.com/files/9109/vehicle/47…
never too late!
<img src="http://media.motortopia.com/files/9109/vehicle/47561e1d6c231/triumph_daytona_675.jpg" width="400">
Opel Kadett!
<img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/1982_opel_kadett_corsa_5.jpg" width=500>
Via: Hooniverse!