The first sets appeared in the light MU green, lined and with speed whiskers, although most were delivered in lined Loco (Brunswick) Green. All had a grey roof with a white cab dome, and red bufferbeam, and the inner ends, bogies and underframes were black. Sets delivered with the four character train indicator had no space for whiskers. Yellow warning panels later replaced the whiskers, and the MU green sets would likely become Loco Green at the same time. When corporate blue appeared some WR sets appeared in the matt looking blue livery with small yellow panels, and umber brown underframe, but most went straight into blue/grey. The ScR sets received the overall Rail Blue livery, not becoming blue/grey till they were refurbished in the late '70s.

Before delivery three vehicles were used to try experimental liveries. In October '57 Swindon painted 50703 a light beige above the waistline, blue grey below. 50705 was light grey above the waistline, medium grey below. The other (likely to have been 50704) was in a pale milky green all over with a wide yellow line below the window. Vehicles 50706 - 8 were also noted at the same time, in the standard livery.

53708 was noted as being the last of the class to carry the yellow stripe for first class, at Sep/Oct '85.