The Colorama was the budget Hofner solid guitar in Selmer's catalogue. It was made specifically for the UK market, (although it was also distributed all over the world to Commonwealth countries by Selmer). The various models ran in parallel with and were almost identical to, similar non-Selmer distributed instruments in Hofner's main catalogue, i.e. the 160, 161, 162, and 164. In common with all other Selmer distributed Hofners, the Colorama always has a serial number, which in this case is stamped on the back of the headstock.

The Colorama was very popular in the UK between about 1961 and 1964, and was responsible for launching many budding guitarists into the world of rock bands and electric guitars.