Determining the exact color code for Ford’s creme brulee paint can be tricky. This popular beige metallic color was used on many Ford vehicles in the early 2000s, but the precise hue varied slightly between models and years. By researching Ford’s color codes from that era, we can get close to pinpointing the specific hex code that matches the creme brulee color.
A Brief History of Ford’s Creme Brulee Paint
Creme brulee first appeared in Ford’s lineup of exterior paint colors in 2002. It replaced another light beige called Champagne that had been offered previously. Creme brulee was marketed as a sophisticated, upscale color that evoked images of the rich French custard dessert it was named after.
The warm beige tone with faint metallic flecks was made available across several Ford brands including Ford, Mercury, Lincoln and Jaguar. It proved to be quite popular on a range of vehicles from sporty coupes to luxury sedans. Creme brulee continued as a color option through the mid-2000s before being phased out in favor of newer metallic beige hues.
Identifying the Correct Color Code
Ford utilized different color codes for the creme brulee paint across their various makes and models. This means there isn’t one universal code that matches every creme brulee vehicle. However, by narrowing down the make, model and production year, we can get very close to an accurate hue.
Here are some of the known Ford color codes for creme brulee during the early 2000s:
| Make/Model | Year(s) | Color Code |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus | 2002-2004 | YY |
| Ford Taurus | 2002-2005 | YY |
| Ford Explorer | 2002-2005 | YY |
| Ford Expedition | 2003-2006 | YY |
| Lincoln LS | 2002-2006 | LM |
| Mercury Sable | 2002-2005 | LM |
| Jaguar XJ | 2003-2009 | CC |
As you can see, Ford used YY, LM, and CC as internal codes for matching creme brulee colors across their brands. The most common code is YY, found on many Ford and Mercury vehicles in the early 2000s.
YY – The Most Common Ford Creme Brulee Code
The YY color code was used on the majority of Ford vehicles that offered creme brulee as an exterior color choice between 2002-2005. It is likely the closest match to what most people think of as creme brulee.
In hexadecimal code, the YY Ford color converts to:
Hex: #BAA286
This beige code contains subtle hints of gray, brown and gold that give it a warm, inviting look. When the light hits the metallic flakes in the paint, it takes on a soft glow with lots of visual depth and dimension.
LM – Lincoln and Mercury’s Creme Brulee
For their luxury Lincoln and Mercury brands, Ford used LM as the color code for creme brulee. When translated to hexadecimal format, LM corresponds to:
Hex: #B3A389
This hue is very similar to YY, with a slightly higher emphasis on the brown tones. It gives the beige a rich, sophisticated appearance befitting luxury vehicles. The soft metallic flake is more understated but still noticeable in bright lighting.
CC – Jaguar’s Unique Creme Brulee
British automaker Jaguar offered creme brulee as an exterior color for certain models imported to North America in the early 2000s after being acquired by Ford. Jaguar’s creme brulee used color code CC, which converts to:
Hex: #BBB8AF
The CC creme brulee has a cooler, grayer look compared to Ford and Mercury’s versions. The subtle metallic flake leans more silver than gold in tone. This gave Jaguar’s creme brulee an elegant, refined aesthetic.
Converting Color Codes to RGB Values
The hex codes above provide the specific hue for creme brulee paint. However, computer screens display colors using the RGB color model. To find the closest equivalent RGB values, we can use a hex to RGB converter:
| Color Code | RGB Values |
|---|---|
| YY | R: 186, G: 162, B: 134 |
| LM | R: 179, G: 163, B: 137 |
| CC | R: 187, G: 184, B: 175 |
These RGB values allow you to match the creme brulee colors on screen as closely as possible. While not an exact match, they provide a good approximation of the real-life paint colors.
Creme Brulee in Later Ford Vehicles
After phasing out creme brulee in the mid-2000s, Ford later brought back similar beige metallic colors under new names. These include:
- Desert Gold – Used between 2007-2010
- Golden Brown Metallic – Introduced in 2010
- Bronze Fire – Currently offered on newer Ford models
While not branded as creme brulee, these newer colors try to recapture the warm, inviting tone of the original. They use modern tri-coat paints with finer metallic flakes for a more dynamic finish.
Creme Brulee Touch Up Paint
For those looking to do small repairs on creme brulee vehicles, touch up paint is available from brands like Dupli-Color. While not a flawless match, it can help conceal chips and scratches. When ordering, make sure to reference the original Ford color code (YY, LM or CC) to get the closest match.
Touch up pens allow you to fill in small imperfections. For larger areas, a touch up paint kit with brush is better suited. With careful application and blending, the touch up can become nearly invisible.
Maintaining That Creme Brulee Gleam
While creme brulee is no longer available on new Fords, many older models are still on the road. To keep your creme brulee vehicle looking its best:
- Wash regularly with a mild soap to prevent dirt buildup
- Wax every 3-6 months to protect the paint
- Inspect often for any new chips or scratches
- Apply touch up paint as soon as you notice imperfections
- Keep the paint out of direct sun when possible
With proper care and maintenance, your Ford’s creme brulee paint can maintain its warm luster for years to come.
Conclusion
Ford’s creme brulee exterior color was offered across many models in the early 2000s. With color codes like YY, LM and CC, it came in subtly different beige metallic hues. The most common code, YY, corresponds closest to what most associate with creme brulee. While no longer available, this rich, warm beige remains a popular choice among Ford collectors and enthusiasts. With the right maintenance, creme brulee vehicles can continue turning heads decades after leaving the factory.