Cars go better when they're black - at least when it comes to selling them.

New figures show black cars are worth up to £500 extra on the second-hand market.

And they have overtaken silver vehicles as the most popular.

The study, by experts at Eurotax Glass's Guide, focused on prestige cars up to one-year-old, or with 12,000 miles on the clock.

Richard Crosthwaite, prestige car editor of the guide, said: "Prices for prestige models in black are typically several hundred pounds higher, and exceptional retail demand means customers are much less able to negotiate a discount.

"We are seeing a significant difference in sale prices for black prestige cars compared to those finished in other popular colours."

Lower-value prestige-brand vehicles, such as compact executive saloons like BMW3 series models and Mercedes C-Class, will typically have premiums of £250 if painted black.

On larger models, such as the BMW X5 or Audi A8 buyers opting for black paint can expect to pay £500 extra.

Mr Crosthwaite added: "While the prestige market generally favours muted colours, there are exceptions.

"For example, vibrant colours - notably flat red - are less likely to have a negative impact on residual values in the sports car segment, as buyers accept it as being in keeping with the character of the car."

White continues to prove highly unpopular, hitting prices by up to £2500.