Ok, this is a general question. I have been lazily perusing 405’s for a while now and have seen a variety of interior colours. Some I like, some everyone will like, some with colours that most will hate.

When buying a used car would an unusual interior put you off?? Red, brown, 2 tone... etc

I personally quite like some of the more unusual colours, a full red interior is quite nice where as a 2 tone red and black looks like a chessex tractor. Tan is good grey is not imho, and black is now a no no for me it’s just too dull!

The one I’ve seen (and quite like although it’s still a bit pricey) is Firenze with pimento. Opinions..... please.  There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

Personally, I love an unusual interior (red/black is a no though) as long as it is factory and not a mod/upgrade I'm all for it (Im not into customised leather etc, it never looks right).

I just bought one with arabica brown leather striped in white..


 2010 FF 4.4 TDV8 Vogue - Gone
2007 FF VSE 3.6 TDV8 - Gone
2011 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6- Gone
2003 FF TD6 Vogue - Gone
2006 FF TD6 - Gone
2007 FF 3.6 VSE - For sale
2011 FF 4.4 TDV8 - Current

I'm boring, so it has to be black and black only!!

I bought a carbon black 5 series a few years back with a terracotta interior. It actually drew me to the car as it was different to the usual black.

It was 50/50 with people though, some loved it some hated it.

Whilst I can understand the practicalities of black, I purposely look for other options.
I also prefer a lighter headlining.

I really like the arabica but the wife doesn't.
I'm less sold on the bright tan.

Red and black look nice, but for me it was black and ivory.

If it was offered I would have full ivory with red or bugundy carpets. We tried to order the wife's evoque with this but they cancelled the order as it was discontinued. Too many toys, not enough time

2011 4.4 TDV8 AB Black

I like rich colours, my last RR was Arabica and Ivory - absolutely stunning. Current is Cirrus and Ebony, I dislike all black or grey interiors and would never ever buy one - to me they just look like bland vinyl. 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

At the back of my mind is always the question of how easy it would be to resell with an unusual colour combo.

Often when collecting my kids ( single dad of 4 ) i give lifts to my kids friends, on opening the door for the first time you often see that look of amazement when they see the ivory sumptuous interior, I'm not as convinced I would see that reaction if it was black. Maybe there is a fine line between over the top or tasteful but that's a personal choice in my opinion.

Nothing against black interiors as there is enough anti black exterior voiced on this site BUT the FFRR is an experiance not just a drive.

Just my humble opinion. 2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

I'm not sure that it's a fair question because some unusual interiors are OK and some are not. I still lean towards black though.

I always go for light interiors. Current fatty is parchment. Previous X5 was cream and my SL is light grey.

I once traveled to Exeter, with a view to buying a RR Classic which the dealer swore blind had grey leather. Once I got there it was actually saddle leather, my least favourite, so I told him to take me to the station and I would return home. He was left in no doubt how I was having traveled from Kent, based on a lie.

Black always makes an interior, claustrophobic. 2017 5.0 Autobiography Supercharged
2005 Merc SL350
2005 Disco HSE 2.7 oil burner

My current L322 has parchment leather and is a nightmare to keep clean so I'd avoid that like the plague. My D3 had black interior and my next car will have the same if poss. 2017 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography
2016 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - GONE
2013 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - GONE
2010 3.6 TDV8 - GONE
2008 3.6 TDV8 - GONE
2002 3.0 TD6 - GONE
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 S - GONE
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 - GONE
2003 Discovery 2 TD5 - GONE
1999 Discovery 300 TDI - GONE
1998 Range Rover DSE - GONE
1997 Discovery 300 TDI - GONE

For clarity all leather gets dirty exactly the same - it's just the light colours show it more. Its not a problem I just keep a pack of baby wipes and my interior is clean, crisp and fresh.

I have also had a RR with a black leather interior - there is nothing worse than grimy black leather it just looks dull - I find it far easier with a light interior as you can see the dirt and it is wiped off straight away with no horrendous difficult to see build up that is virtually impossible to shift if left. 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Personally I think the light interiors of parchment or ivory make the interior feel more spacious and grand.

Black works well in sports cars but does make things feel quite closed in.

As to the strange mixtures you see on some Autobiography customs I would avoid anything that did not click with my gut instinct. You have to live with the interior more than the exterior and it all part of how the car feels special. Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

I don’t particularly like black interiors, much prefer light colours. My current FFRR has a combination of ivory and arabica which to my eyes works well.

Last edited by kgeddes on 23rd Jan 2018 2:47pm. Edited 1 time in total

Our current L322 has black interior (ivory headlining though) - black leather & finishers is timeless, but feels a bit "closed"/cramped.
If we'd ordered* a new car, we would have chosen ivory interior w ivory headlining. Feels more open, luxurious & airy.

*: We had to pull out of our 2018 P400e pre-order, unfortunately.