History and Impact of Ford's Iconic Sonic Blue Paint Color

The History of Ford's Sonic Blue Paint

Ford's Sonic Blue is a bright, vibrant blue color that has been used on several Ford vehicles over the years. First introduced in the early 2000s, Sonic Blue emerged as a modern take on some of Ford's classic blue hues from the 1960s and 70s.

One particularly iconic Ford paint color from the 1960s was Brittany Blue. Featured on vehicles like the early Bronco, Brittany Blue was a light pastel blue that looked especially stunning on muscle cars and trucks of that era.

While vibrant blues remained popular over the ensuing decades, it wasn't until the early 2000s that Ford decided to reinvigorate the shade by developing Sonic Blue. It first appeared as an option on the Ford Focus hatchback and quickly drew attention for its bright, eye-catching color.

The Rise in Popularity of Sonic Blue

By the mid-2000s, Sonic Blue was extended across several Ford vehicle lines including the Mustang and F-150 truck. It sparked a new wave of interest in loud, vibrant blue colors from the auto manufacturer.

One of the most iconic uses of Sonic Blue was on the 40th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang. Released in 2004 to celebrate 40 years of the Mustang, Ford offered an optional Sonic Blue package that elicited imagery of past Mustang models in similarly bright Blue hues.

This helped cement Sonic Blue's reputation as a modern version of those vibrant blues from the 60s and 70s. It was now being associated with historic Ford vehicles like the early Bronco and Mustang Mach 1.

Sonic Blue on Modern Ford Vehicles

Since its debut in the early 2000s, Sonic Blue has continued to be an eye-catching option on several Ford vehicles. It has graced models ranging from the Fiesta hatchback to Ford's legendary F-series trucks.

A particularly striking vehicle in Sonic Blue is the newly re-released Ford Bronco. Harkening back to the original 60s Bronco in Brittany Blue, the new Bronco features available Sonic Blue paint that gives a modern spin while still paying homage to a classic color.

With its vibrant color, connection to historic Ford vehicles, and ability to turn heads, Sonic Blue continues to make a statement wherever it goes. As Ford rolls out its newest models, expect this beloved color to potentially show up across vehicles moving forward.

Specifications of Sonic Blue Paint

So what exactly goes into Ford's signature Sonic Blue paint? According to official paint specifications from Ford, the company uses a vibrant blue polyurethane basecoat along with several layers of a clearcoat finish.

Paint Composition

The basecoat for Sonic Blue consists of a rich metallic blue polyurethane with vibrant blue pigment and flakes. This provides a bright fluorescent blue color that pops in the sunlight.

On top of the Sonic Blue basecoat, Ford applies multiple layers of a high-gloss clearcoat. This clear protective finish deepens the look of the base blue while bringing out the metallic flakes in the paint.

Paint Process

During factory application, the vehicles are first run through a phosphate bath to prepare the metal bodies. Then the Sonic Blue basecoat is robotically sprayed on for even coverage across all surfaces.

The clearcoat layers are then applied wet-on-wet with the basecoat before going into an oven for hardening. The result is Ford's signature glossy, deep Sonic Blue finish.

Maintenance

Like all paint colors, Sonic Blue requires regular washing and waxing to maintain its factory shine. Thankfully, the durable clearcoat on these vehicles protects the base blue color and metallic flakes from fading over time.

With proper care, Sonic Blue maintains the same vibrant, head-turning shade for years. This is why many classic Ford vehicles in blues from the 60s and 70s still look stunning today.

Sonic Blue and Classic Ford Culture

Part of what makes Sonic Blue so popular among Ford fans is that it elicits classic Ford vehicle culture. The color serves as a contemporary representation of the company's high-performance history.

Connection to the Past

From 60s-era Mustangs to modern Shelby GTs, performance vehicles have always been an integral part of Ford's DNA. That's why using Sonic Blue on the 40th Anniversary Mustang resonated so strongly with enthusiasts.

By adopting Sonic Blue rather than typical gray or silver tones, Ford paid tribute to the bright blues offered decades ago while showing they still have an edge. It's a color that embraces the passion of the past.

The Open Road

Driving a high-performance vehicle painted in an eye-catching color like Sonic Blue is all about the love of driving. It represents the feeling of freedom you get from being behind the wheel out on an open highway.

The Sonic Blue Ford Bronco, in particular, encapsulates this adventurous freedom. As drivers take their Broncos off-road to exciting new horizons, the vibrant Sonic Blue paint job beckons them to the possibilities that await.

For many Ford fans, Sonic Blue has come to embody everything they love about the brand. And as this beloved color makes its way across new vehicles, a new generation of enthusiasts is discovering the magic of Ford's signature shade.