Most have probably heard the story that Joe Nitti copied the colour for his '32 off a Union 76 Royal Triton Purple can. Paul Rienharts original Purple People Eater Corvette is also supposed to be Royal Triton Purple. In most photos, the restored PPE looks lighter, more magenta and more metallic than the original, and neither really look like the Nitti car... Royal Triton Purple oil can... And last, Pat Ganahls "Nitti-ish" '32, he has never specified what color it actually is in print, or claimed it to be Royal Triton Purple, just throwing it up for curiosity sake. I have read elsewhere that Stan Betz had the formula for this color. Does anyone know what it cross-references to? Any further info anyone cares to add? Other cars painted this color? Mixing formulas? Interesting anecdotes?
I have looked at a shitload more photos of both of the cars here, to my eye, I think Rienharts PPE is closer to the oil cans I have looked at than Nittis car, which may make sense in light of the following... From Peter Darnall: "The purple and orange livery relates to the Union Oil Company and specifically to their premium motor oil, Royal Triton. These were the colors Paul chose which related to his business. He owned a Union 76 station in Oakland at the time. As you noted, Paul had great success racing the Corvette back in the day. Rumors circulated that he had some sort of secret sponsorship from Union Oil. He assured me that he never had any monetary or mechanical assistance from Union Oil. In fact they threatened to sue him for stealing their company logo and colors!"
I have seen Pat ,Too Tall, Ganahl's car in person and yes he will tell you it is purple but it looks Mid Night blue to me.
I wanted to paint my 48 Fords Dash Royal Triton purple. Looked at a few old cans at a swap. Bought one. They were all different shades of purple.
In photos, it looks pretty close to the restored version of the Nitti car, apparently Stan Betz provided the formula for that car. I am probably off on a wild goose chase here, but the trip will probably be fun anyway... I have noticed this is one of those colors that varies a lot depending on lighting as well.
“Royal Triton Purple” and its reference to the Joe Nitti ’32 roadster is actually quite simple and straight forward. The deep purplish color was first inspired by Johnny Ryan’s ’32. Johnny was a good friend and mentor to Joe. Joe however wanted something a little deeper and organic. The Royal Triton Oil connection is simply the color and hue of the oil itself, as viewed in the bright sunlight through a glass jar. It’s the Triton oil, not the can it’s in! Joe Nitti related this to me personally even before I obtained his car, but had known of its whereabouts for some time. Although related elsewhere incorrectly, this is the true and correct version of the story of that color. I was able to have a small unweathered sample from a portion of the original roadster color matched by the ace Stanley Betz. After telling Stan that the color was derived from the actual lubricant itself, he knew the score. I did it in nitro lacquer. It was truly a magnificent deep purplish blue that had real depth and stature. I drove this roadster and put it through its paces. It was a privilege. After I sold it the car was repainted with modern paint. Makes no sense, doesn’t look the same. Other roadsters based on Joe’s weren’t able to hit on the Triton color. The trophies pictured here were gifted to me by the Nitti family. They are some of the originals that survived. Some are for fairly impressive dry lakes times, some for shows. Joe won “California’s Most Beautiful Roadster 1950” That’s the story.
Yes, thanks David for the story. When I saw the Joe Nitti roadster in Hot Rod (used copy bought at used magazine store in early '60s) I knew where the color came from because I ran the lube rack at Seth Miller's Union 76 gas stations (2 of them) in Pasadena CA after high school, poured a lot of Triton Royal Purple motor oil into all kinds of cars...yes, it was the oil color, not the can.
Yup. The oil was a deep dark purple. I remember a mechanic, draining our oil, and asking my dad once if he was using Royal Triton. "Nope," Dad replied. "It's just really dirty."
David Zivot: I have nothing to really comment on the color, but I must absolutely tip my hat to you sir for the car in general. So many iconic cars get over-restored and lose their soul and you managed to bring back this car and keep that ever so important 'soul'. This car is by far one of the best Hot Rods ever. Period. To say I envy you because you owned one of my all time favorite cars is an understatement...and I'm extremely jealous...but we can still be friends...I suppose. Cheers!
Ah! I missed that part, thanks for the info! Do you know who owns it now?? Can you imagine owning that car!!! Woah!!!
For what it's worth - Back in the 70's I had Stan Betz mix me up sum Royal Triton Purple ( Lacquer)for a Model A Tudor I built. It was deep, clean and an outstanding color
Blue one: As pictured the Nitti roadster ,nitro lacquer and all; was David Zivots baby. Whether he sold it ,or not ; it's one iconic ride.
I'm amazed by how many guys have these awesome cars and then sell them and move on to something else. This roadster is only one example. There are plenty more. I couldn't part with it
Thanks Dean (Kid Rocker) & guys, for your observations on the Joe Nitti roadster. Joe and the original fellas from 1946-51 that built it deserve the credit. I just resuscitated it, that's all. Some of whom, but not a complete list, would include; Joe Nitti himself, Johnny Ryan, Hank Negley, Jack Mickelson, the Daleo Brothers, Nelson Taylor, Gil & Al Ayala, Earl Evans, George Bentley, Lou Baney, etc. An "iconic" roadster perhaps, but having it is akin to owning and flying the original Ryan high-wing monoplane that Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic. It will never be truly yours, it was never your design, and the historical aspect of it can diminish your enjoyment of it, because of the risk of its destruction. I did drive it quite a bit and had a ball, no regrets.
David Zivot: I can certainly understand your reasons for parting with her. Kinda makes me glad I've never uncovered the history of my old buckboard 3W , in the 42 years I have been trying. Not that mine could ever be in the elite catagory of the Nitti car. You definitly did it justice ,in your care. What a beauty!
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