I've just acquired (this past Saturday) a 1971 240 that I plan to make a 5-10 long term project of. The car has been repainted a few times, but I suspect the original color may have been red (903?) but haven't yet removed any original bolts to identify undercolor.

The color ID plate on the radiator support is missing. Is there any other method (VIN?) to identify the original color?

Norther NJ Larry

VIN won't help you, as no records were kept and the VIN does not contain a paint (or any other) code. Best bet is to look for hidden areas, Inside the tool storage bins, spare tire well, underside of the car, etc. These areas may have escaped the painter.

From Internet Z Car Club technical topics - color codes for North American Cars:

1970/71 Exterior Color Interior Color:

Silver 901 Black

Dk. Blue 903 Black / Lt. Blue

White 904 Black / Blue

Red 905 Black

Dk. Green 907 Tan

Orange 918 Black

Yellow 919 Black

Gold 920 Black (#920 aka - Mustard)

1972 Exterior Color Interior Color:

Silver 901 Red

White 904 Red

Orange 918 Black / White

Red 110 White / Black

Yellow 112 Black

(#112 aka: Lime )

Green Metallic 113 Tan

Brown Metallic 114 Tan

(#114 aka: CoCo Brown)

Blue Metallic 115 White

1973 Exterior Color Interior Color:

Note 1 USA: Canada

Silver 901 Black Black

White 904 Red N/A in Canada

Orange 918 Black Black

Red 110 Black Beige

Yellow 112 Black Black

(#112 aka: Lime )

Green Metallic 113 Brown Brown

Brown Metallic 114 Brown Brown

(#114 aka:CoCo Brown)

Blue Metallic 115 Beige Beige