Chrysler Matador Red (PPP) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential color of the 1958 Chrysler "Forward Look." It was a year defined by towering tailfins and an explosion of chrome, and this specific red was the boldest option on the menu. Whether it was on a 300D or a Windsor, this pigment was meant to broadcast power. Since your car has been on the road for over sixty years, the original finish has likely developed some character. Red is a high-energy color that absorbs more UV light than almost any other shade, which often leads to a chalky or pinkish oxidation. Your new paint will likely look darker and deeper than the aged sections of your car until you give the surrounding area a good polish.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish. Unlike modern paints that rely on flakes for depth, this relies entirely on the richness of its red pigment. The benefit of a solid color is that you do not have to worry about metallic dapples or uneven orientation in the shade of your garage. The challenge is that red is notoriously transparent. Before you spray or dab Chrysler Matador Red (check for code PPP), you need to shake it for a full minute. The heavy pigments settle at the bottom of the container, and if they are not fully mixed, your first few coats will look watery and thin.

Best Practices

Locate your data plate on the driver's side door pillar or the firewall under the hood to confirm your code. Once you are ready, test the color on the included card to see how it matches the current state of your paint. When applying, keep the container moving to ensure the flow stays even across the repair area. Red needs to be built up in thin, light layers rather than one heavy coat. Give each layer plenty of drying time so the paint can set properly. If you are using a pen or brush for a small chip, use a light dabbing motion to fill the void rather than dragging the tool across the metal.