1957–1958 Harley-Davidson Paint Colors & Tank Emblems
1957–1958 Harley-Davidson paint colors and tank emblems changed year to year, and matching them correctly is essential for authentic restorations and accurate identification. For collectors, restorers, and anyone trying to build a factory-correct motorcycle, finish details are a key part of getting the year right.
The first step is determining the correct production year of your motorcycle. Harley-Davidson VIN numbers provide that information and serve as the foundation for verifying paint, emblems, and other year-specific details. This guide covers factory tank emblems and paint color combinations used from 1957 through 1958, spanning late Panhead production and the first Sportster years.
If you have not yet decoded your VIN to determine the correct year, start with the Harley VIN Decoder, then use the year links below to move directly into the correct paint reference section.
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Resources:
Harley VIN Decoder |
Model Reference 1903–1969
Use the VIN first, then verify the finish. The stamped Harley-Davidson VIN identifies the production year and model family, but it does not encode the exact paint combination, tank emblem, or striping details. Use the VIN Decoder to confirm the year, then use the sections below to verify the correct factory finish.
1957–1958 Harley-Davidson Tank Emblems
1957 Harley-Davidson Paint Colors (OHV)
Quick Links: 1957 Panhead Model Reference | 1957 Sportster Model Reference
Pepper Red with Black Tank Panels and Red Fenders
Skyline Blue with Birch White Tank Panels and Blue Fenders
Birch White with Black Tank Panels and White Fenders
Black with Pepper Red Tank Panels and Black Fenders
Police Silver (Police use only)
Birch White
Metallic Midnight Blue with Birch White Tank Panels and Blue Fenders
1958 Harley-Davidson Paint Colors (OHV)
Quick Links: 1958 Panhead Model Reference | 1958 Sportster Model Reference
Skyline Blue
Tank: top Blue with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Blue sides
Calypso Red
Tank: top Red with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Red sides
Sabre Grey Metallic
Tank: top Grey with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Grey sides
Black
Tank: top Black with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Black sides
Police Silver (Police use only)
Birch White (Police use only)
Frequently Asked Questions
What 1957–1958 Harley-Davidson paint colors were available?
This page documents the factory paint combinations shown in Riding Vintage’s reference material for 1957 and 1958 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Did 1957 and 1958 Harley-Davidson tank emblems use different backgrounds?
Yes. According to the source notes, all 1957 emblems used a red background, while all 1958 emblems used a gold background.
How do I verify the correct 1957–1958 Harley-Davidson paint year?
Start with the Harley VIN Decoder to confirm the production year, then compare that year to the paint combinations shown on this page.
Can a Harley-Davidson VIN tell me the exact 1957–1958 paint color?
No. The stamped VIN identifies the production year and model family, but factory paint colors, striping, and tank emblems must be confirmed through year-based paint reference pages like this one.
Next Step: Continue using the Harley VIN Decoder and Model Reference pages for full year-by-year restoration details.