Matching automotive paint colors can be difficult. Color identification is a mounting challenge in the auto industry. There are more than 60,000 vehicle colors around today, with an average of 1,000 colors added each year!

Expert paint refinish technician Tim Ketron was called upon to perform a custom paint refinish for this Corvette, which was painted in a custom color- Lamborghini’s three-stage pearl “Giallo Midas”. Tim was not only able to perfectly match the color, but perform the refinish without having to repaint the entire panel! This saved the customer a trip to the body shop as well as time and money! Sameday’s color matching system is so exact, that after repairs were completed you could not even tell where the damage had been!

In honor of the date being 11-11-11, we have chosen eleven cars that represent the beauty and grace of the automotive industry:

1. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sports: This luxury vehicle takes the number one spot for having the fastest engine, able to accelerate from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds.

2. Lamborghini Reventon: The most powerful and the most expensive Lamborghini ever built is second on our list. It takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and it has a top speed of 211 mph.

3. Ferrari Enzo: The Ferrari Enzo is third; considered by many enthusiasts as the ultimate modern Ferrari.

4. 2011 Bentley Continental GT: Given what Bentley has revealed thus far, the 2011 Continental GT has what it takes to continue its reign as the super-rich’s chariot of choice.

5. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster: The Aston Martin N420 edition is distinguished by a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser.

6. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing is the first Mercedes automobile designed in-house by AMG.

7. Pagani Zonda C12: Promising to deliver a top speed of 215 mph, the Pagani Zonda C12 can reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.

8. SC Ultimate Aero: SC Ultimate Aero is famous for its stability and sustainability of speeds over 250 mph.

9. Koenigsegg CCX: Swedish made, the Koenigsegg is fighting hard to become the fastest car in the world.

10. 2011 Jaguar XJ: 2011 Jaguar XJ has the flamboyant lines of an Italian torpedo and the driving manners of a German autobahn cruiser.

11. Audi A7: Lastly the A7 Sportback offers a choice of four V6 engines: two gasoline and two turbodiesel. All have direct fuel injection and a range of 204 to 300 hp.

Hood ornaments have been a watermark of the classic car for many years. From Rolls-Royce’s “Spirit of Ecstasy” to Packard’s “Goddess of Speed”, the emblems represent the true craftsmanship and luxury of the classic car era.

In the early 1900’s when vehicle manufactures first started producing exclusive luxury lines, cars required external temperature    gauges and radiator caps on the vehicle hood. As a way to make the meters more attractive, automakers sought out a solution that was a perfect combination of form and function- miniature sculptures that not only disguised the unsightly radiator caps but were in themselves dramatic works of art!

Hood ornaments, or mascots as they were some times called, became a popular way for car makers to distinguish or brand their     company. As time went on, the hood ornaments became more and more elaborate in design. Winged goddesses, graceful birds, and   intricate animal designs were common. The auto mascot was developing a life of its own. So much so that by 1930, when caps and temp gauges were moved under hoods or onto dashboards, the ornaments were so popular they remained a part of the car.

Perhaps the most recognizable examples of these glamorous hood ornaments include the archer on the Pierce-Arrows, the leaping Jaguar or the Mercedes-Benz three-point star.  But, possibly the most famous and most readily recognized emblem is the Rolls-Royce “Spirit of Ecstasy”; the beautiful silver lady with wings still signifies the Rolls-Royces brand today.

Over the years, the presence of hood ornaments has dwindled and nearly disappeared altogether, yet they will continue to be a wonderful example of the luxury and craftsmanship of the classic car era.