1984 Austin Touch Up Paint (1 OEM Colors)

The 1984 Austin Vibe

1984 was a hell of a year for Austin. While George Orwell was busy being wrong about the future, British Leyland was busy launching the Montego to join the Maestro and the Metro in a desperate, chrome-and-plastic bid to conquer the suburbs. The look of the time was all about "high-tech" simplicity-clean lines and a palette that felt modern, even if the electronics in the dashboard had other ideas. Since our database tracks the absolute essentials for this era, we've focused on the survivors, like the ubiquitous and iconic Silver Leaf. It was the shade that made even a base-model hatchback look like it belonged in a Ridley Scott film.

Paint Health Check

We are firmly in the Single Stage Era here, pal. Back then, the gloss was baked right into the color, and if you weren't careful, that shine didn't just fade-it committed suicide. If you're looking at an original '84 Austin today, you're likely staring at "Oxidation." That's that lovely chalky, white-ish haze that turns your metallic finish into something resembling a chalkboard. The paint on these wasn't exactly what I'd call "generous" from the factory, and after forty years of British rain and occasional sun, it's usually thin and thirsty.

Restoration Tip

Here is the hard truth from the booth: It needs wax or it dies. When you're repairing a spot with our Silver Leaf, remember that old single-stage paint is incredibly porous compared to the modern stuff. Once you've leveled your repair, you have to seal it. If you leave that fresh paint exposed to the elements without a high-quality carnauba or sealant, the oxygen will start eating the finish before you've even finished your first celebratory pint. Buff it, shine it, and keep it under a coat of wax like your life depends on it.