I was quite surprised when my salesman suggested Sumatra.
Surprised - and intrigued - but certainly not encouraged by the colour swatch on either the sample he showed me, or what I could see on the brochure. The 'spray-on' colour on the VW website was even less appealing.
However, after considerable research (assembling into a Powerpoint file just about every photo of a Sumatra I could find on this Forum and beyond), I went with the dealer's recommendation.
I am well pleased with that choice to say the least (as the number of photos I have taken since, only some of which I have shared on the Forum, testify). Sorry for boring those who aren't into Sumatra; I hope the following pictures help those who are awaiting delivery of one / actively trying to decide on whether to rule it in or out as an option.
Can I now accurately describe the colour?
Short answer, ... No! It's one of the most light-sensitive colours I have seen.
Yesterday I gave the Roc it's first proper wash and wax, then took it for an extended run. My camera accompanied the journey. I was quite astounded to find the variety of 'shades / colours' that turned up at various times of day in different degrees of light.
For the record - 'A Day In The Life Of A Sumatra':
Drying off after the two bucket wash (probably 2.00pm
![Big Grin :D](./images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0919.jpg)
At the same stage, but showing the effects of the sun on the bonnet:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0916.jpg)
Sitting in the driveway in some shade after the wax session (4.30pm):
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0939.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0947.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0937.jpg)
In strong sunlight:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0948.jpg)
The first part of my journey (after 6.00pm) - to visit the car park of a local factory:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0951.jpg)
15 minutes later, rear in shade, front in bright sunlight:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0958.jpg)
5 minutes on, on a small country road in some shade:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0964.jpg)
At the site of a small lighthouse, a few miles from home. I took a variety of pictures at this location as the sun was starting to set (8.45pm):
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0983-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0987-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0989-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1002.jpg)
And now for some really crazy ones (at the same location, within minutes of the others!) - copper?!:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_0993.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1003.jpg)
Before I left the lighthouse site:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1004.jpg)
A few miles further down the road:
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1005.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1006.jpg)
Has it turned into a black Roc? No, but the light suggests it has!
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1011.jpg)
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1010.jpg)
And the last photo in the session - phew!
![Image](http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll221/SubbuteoMan2008/IMG_1015.jpg)
Apparently, under showroom lights, a 'plum' tinge appears!