It’s a known fact that as classic car enthusiasts we have a natural affinity for lustrous finishes. Whether you like shaving handles and stripping trim, or love the look of satin and matte paint jobs–chrome has, at least, caught your eye and caused a second glance.

With the chroming process landing car owners with a heavy expense copper plating may offer a cheaper alternative with just as classy a finish. Another alternative is brass–In some cases we believe that it has put cars in a luxurious league of their own. Here are three examples of a few rides that are a testament to the quality of alternative trim used in lieu of chrome.

James Hetfield’s “Black Pearl,” A Coach-Built Custom

We ran a story back in April on the iconic front man’s scratch-built custom. It took home the honor of Goodguys 2014 Mother’s Custom of the Year. Be sure to check out that story here.

Needless to say, the brushed brass wheels and matching interior trim offer a subtle classiness that chrome just couldn’t achieve.

Timo Le Mans’ ’38 Chevy Master DeLuxe

A story was also run back in April spotlighting the “kustom lifestyle photographer.” Timo resides in Germany and is the proud owner of a stunning 1938 Chevy Master Deluxe built by Stefano Chico G.

The bare metal body is contrasted perfectly by the copper grille, louvres, door handles, and wheels. Can you think of any other trim option that could have brought out the beauty in this bare ’38 better? This car would be a dream to shoot. Check out more of his car and work here.

Ron Young’s ’41 Buick

This car is the epitome of classic luxury. It is a perfect example of the gorgeous combination of black paint against copper plating. If the exterior doesn’t convince you then the matching interior certainly should.

Copper conveys an antique quality and is much warmer when pitted against the starkness of chrome. It really changes the way you look at a car, especially with dark paint, could you imagine how slick copper would look on a dark green paint job?

At the end of the day these are all opinions and in our culture the topic of aesthetic can only be filled with such. Nonetheless, based on these three examples copper and brass give chrome a serious run for its money. What do you think? How about black nickel? That’s a finish you don’t see often in the classic car world, but in late-model cars it seems commonplace.