History of Chevrolet's Hugger Orange

Back in the muscle car era, subtlety was a weakness. From big engines to bold colors, everything was built to stand out and make a statement on the street or at the strip. Every brand had its signature shade, from Mopar’s Sublime Green to Ford’s Grabber Blue, and for Chevrolet, that would be Hugger Orange. Introduced on the 1969 Camaro (shown above), this vivid, high-energy hue became synonymous with Chevrolet’s performance identity in the golden age of American muscle.

In addition to the Camaro, Chevy also used Hugger Orange on the Chevelle, El Camino, Nova, and Corvette starting in 1969. This iconic color was later used on the Chevy C/K trucks as well as the K5 Blazer, and to celebrate the Camaro’s 30th anniversary, a limited number of 1999 Camaros were painted in this color.

History of Hugger Orange

Beloved by muscle car enthusiasts and collectors alike, few paint colors in automotive history carry the same weight and recognition as Chevy’s Hugger Orange. Its unmistakable reddish-orange glow made it instantly recognizable and quickly became a favorite on the street and the strip.

A little-known fact about this color is that the name “Hugger” wasn’t just a creative flair, it was tied directly to Camaro marketing of the era. The first-generation Camaro was promoted as “The Hugger,” referencing its road-hugging handling and performance characteristics. Hugger Orange, therefore, was part of the Camaro’s branding that echoed the car’s athleticism and street presence.

Though its original run was relatively brief—available primarily from 1969 through the early 1970s—Hugger Orange never truly disappeared. Chevrolet occasionally brought it back for anniversary editions and nostalgia-themed releases. The 1999 30th Anniversary Camaro SS featured Hugger Orange as a callback to its roots, and the fifth-generation Camaros (2010 and later) also offered the color to celebrate the legacy of the classic models.

Today, Hugger Orange enjoys cult status among restorers and collectors. It’s a must-have for anyone performing a faithful restoration of a ’69 Camaro Z/28 or a Chevelle SS. Beyond factory-correct builds, customizers continue to use Hugger Orange in modern muscle car projects, drawn to its timeless attitude and nostalgic flair. Now, Velocity Restorations is applying this hue to its C10, K10, and K5 Blazer builds!

Velocity Re-Engineered Classic Chevy K5 Blazer

When Velocity expanded its lineup to include the Re-Engineered Classic Chevy K5 Blazer, it was no surprise that Hugger Orange was among the colors used on these earlier builds. Now we’ve done it again! Meet the Velocity Heritage Series 1969 K5 Blazer.

Currently for sale and ready for immediate delivery, this fully restored and modernized classic Chevy K5 Blazer pairs Hugger Orange with Frost White, and this two-tone paint job is complemented by retro wood body trim and custom-machined billet accessories. This Blazer’s big, bold styling is punctuated by 35” BFG KM3 tires and aggressive 18” Scottsdale wheels from US Mags.

Inside, modern luxury meets vintage style. The cabin is outfitted with dark brown leather seating featuring upgraded woven inserts that deliver both comfort and character. At the center, a Velocity Exclusive console blends seamlessly with advanced tech like a Focal Premium sound system and Apple CarPlay, turning every drive into a refined experience.

Beneath the surface, this Blazer rides on a custom-built Velocity Exclusive frame built by Roadster Shop, engineered for durability and performance. Under the hood, a 6.2L GM LT1 V8 supplies modern muscle, while Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes and coilover shocks provide confident control on or off the road.

Velocity Re-Engineered Classic Chevy C10

Clean lines, a killer stance, and Hugger Orange in all its glory—the Velocity Street Series 1971 Chevy C10 delivers vintage charm with cutting-edge performance. The two-tone paint scheme and custom wood bed inserts dial up the nostalgia, while Forgeline wheels and a Billet Appearance Package turn it into a modern showpiece.

Step inside this classic Chevy C10, and you’ll find Velocity Leather seating, custom door panels, and a Sparc Billet steering wheel that ties it all together. A modern media system, Apple CarPlay, backup camera, and premium audio make every drive effortless and immersive.

Beneath the surface, GM’s 6.2L LT1 V8 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission ensure serious muscle. The truck rides on a Roadster Shop Spec chassis with coilovers, Baer brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires—offering precision handling that rivals today’s top sports cars.

Velocity Re-Engineered Classic Chevy K10

As one of the newest additions to the Velocity Re-Engineered Classic lineup, the classic Chevy K10 looks equally nostalgic and authentic in Hugger Orange. This color adds a burst of vintage flair, while billet accents, wood trim, and painted steel wheels set the stage for an unmistakable build.

Inside, Velocity’s high level of craftsmanship shines with custom woven leather upholstery and billet accents throughout. This luxury is backed by modern convenience thanks to a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, Vintage Air climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment screen with premium Focal speakers.

Performance is serious business. A 6.2L LT1 V8 delivers hard-hitting power, managed by a 10-speed transmission and supported by a Velocity Exclusive frame built by Roadster Shop. Coilovers and Wilwood brakes give the K10 confident handling and reliable stopping power on any terrain.

This Hugger Orange 1970 Chevy K10 may be spoken for, but Velocity has two open build slots ready to roll—a Signature Series starting at $299,900 and a Heritage Series starting at $369,900. Both are blank canvases with delivery available this fall, allowing you to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re set on Hugger Orange or have another color in mind, Velocity can tailor the trucks to match your style. From paint to performance, this is your chance to commission a fully modernized classic K10 built just for you. Don’t wait—these slots won’t last long.