Citroen Calabrian Yellow (AC-301) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential sun-soaked hue of the French countryside. While it appeared across the entire lineup between 1963 and 1978, most people recognize it instantly on the rounded fenders of a 2CV or the corrugated panels of an Ami. It is a warm, creamy yellow that avoids the harshness of modern neon shades, giving your car a cheerful presence that feels right at home in a vineyard or a village square. Since your vehicle has likely spent decades under the sun, the original finish might have a slight chalkiness, but this pigment has a natural depth that cleans up remarkably well.

Technical Details

This is a solid, opaque finish with no metallic flakes or pearls to complicate the process. While that makes it simpler to apply than a modern silver, yellow pigments are notoriously thin. You will find that this color can be translucent, meaning whatever is underneath will show through if you do not use a light-colored primer. If you are covering a dark scratch or a patch of gray filler, the color may look muddy until you have built up enough layers. Before you spray or dab Citroen Calabrian Yellow (check for code AC-301), ensure your surface is a uniform white or light gray to help the yellow pop.

Best Practices

Locating your paint identity on these vintage machines can be a hunt. Open the hood and look for a small round or rectangular plate riveted to the firewall, often near the wiper motor or the radiator cowl. On some later models, you might find a stamped code on the driver's door pillar. Once you have your tool in hand, shake it for a full two minutes. Yellow pigments settle heavily at the bottom, and skipping this step will result in a finish that looks transparent and weak. Always test the color on the included card to confirm the shade before touching the metal. Whether using a nozzle or a brush, apply thin layers and allow plenty of drying time between them. If you are using a can, keep the container moving to avoid drips, as yellow shows every sag and run much more clearly than darker colors. Work in a garage or shade to keep the surface cool and prevent the paint from drying before it has a chance to level out.