MG paint codes are among the most searched for references in the classic car world, and with good reason. Finding the right colour match for an MGB, Midget or MGA requires knowing the correct factory code, and the coding system changed several times over the years making it more complicated than it should be. This guide covers the main models with their factory colours, the codes you need, and how to find the original colour on your specific car.
Understanding MG paint codes
MG used the BMC and later British Leyland coding system throughout most of the classic period. The codes changed significantly when British Leyland took over in the late 1960s, which is why the same colour can appear under different codes depending on when the car was built.
BMC codes (pre-1968)
Early MG models used BMC codes consisting of two letters and a number, such as GN.25 for British Racing Green or BU.12 for Iris Blue. These codes appear in period paint supplier documentation but are not usually stamped on the car itself.
BLVC codes (1968 onwards)
From the formation of British Leyland, the BLVC system was adopted. These codes consist of BLVC followed by a number, such as BLVC 61 for Flame Red or BLVC 18 for Teal Blue. Some colours span both systems as they were offered across the changeover period.
Three letter codes (1980)
Only 1980 model year cars have a three letter code stamped directly on the VIN plate. Earlier cars do not carry the paint code on the car at all. For pre-1980 cars, the original colour can be confirmed through a British Motor Heritage certificate, which lists the original specification from factory records.
Finding your paint code
For 1980 models: the VIN plate on the car will carry the three letter code. For all earlier models: order a Heritage certificate from the British Motor Museum at Gaydon. This is the only definitive source for the original colour on a pre-1980 MG.
MGB and MGB GT paint colours
The MGB was produced from 1962 to 1980 and was offered in the widest colour range of any classic MG. Colours changed regularly year on year. The following covers the full production run grouped by colour family.
Black
Red and orange colours
Blue colours
Green colours
White and cream colours
Yellow and gold colours
Brown and beige colours
Metallic colours
MGB special note on paint codes
Unlike the Triumph range, MG did not stamp paint codes on the commission plate of production cars until the 1980 model year. This means there is no code on the car itself for the vast majority of MGBs. The Heritage certificate is the only reliable way to confirm the original factory colour. Some colours were also used across other BMC and BL models, which is why cross reference codes from ICI, PPG, and Dupont exist and are useful when ordering from paint suppliers.
MGA paint colours
The MGA was produced from 1955 to 1962 and used the early BMC coding system. The colour range was limited compared to the later MGB and colours are identified by name rather than any code stamped on the car.
MGA 1500 (1955 to 1959)
MGA 1600 and 1600 MkII (1959 to 1962)
MGA code location
MGA VIN plates carry a letter code for the body colour rather than a paint code. The letters correspond to colour families rather than specific shades. The definitive factory colour reference for MGA is the MGCC MGA Register which holds records from factory documentation.
MG Midget paint colours
The Midget was produced from 1961 to 1979 and shared much of its colour palette with the contemporary Austin-Healey Sprite as both cars were built alongside each other at Abingdon.
Midget Mk1 and Mk2 (1961 to 1966)
Midget Mk3 (1966 to 1974)
Midget 1500 (1974 to 1979)
MGC paint colours
The MGC was produced from 1967 to 1969 and shared its colour palette with the contemporary MGB. Being a short production run model, relatively few colour options were available in each year.
Finding and buying touch-up paint
Where to find your colour
Once you have identified the colour name and code, the main UK sources for MG touch-up paint are:
- Moss Motors Europe — extensive range of MG specific touch-up paints, aerosols and tins matched to factory codes
- MGOC Spares — stocks a good range for MGB and Midget specifically
- PaintNuts — can mix any MG colour from the factory code, useful for less common colours
- AutoColor Library — original formula mixing service, good for exact historical matches
A note on colour accuracy
MG colours were applied at the factory using cellulose paint for most of the classic period. Modern touch-up paints are typically acrylic or two-pack which behave differently and may not blend invisibly with original paintwork. For small chips and scratches a careful colour match is usually achievable. For larger repairs on visible panels, a full panel respray to blend is almost always preferable to patching.
The original cellulose finish on many classic MGs has also aged and faded over sixty-plus years. A brand new colour-matched touch-up paint will often look brighter and more saturated than the surrounding original paint. This is normal and expected on any car of this age.
Useful resources
- mg-cars.org.uk/MGB/mgbpaint.html — comprehensive MGB colour code table with cross references to multiple paint manufacturers
- teglerizer.com/mgcolors — photo based colour guide showing actual cars in each colour
- mgb-stuff.org.uk/paint.htm — detailed notes on the MGB coding system with practical advice
- MGCC MGA Register: mgcc.co.uk — definitive source for MGA factory colour records
MG colour identification is genuinely complicated by the number of coding systems involved and the fact that most cars do not carry the code on the bodyshell itself. The Heritage certificate is always worth ordering if you are undertaking a serious restoration or need to confirm originality. For everyday touch-up work, the colour tables above combined with a good paint supplier who can cross reference the codes will get you where you need to be.