Hi Andy!
Here in the States, the ESGE/SKS mudguards were at one time available in three distinct colors: Silver (which was essentially "clear" over the foil matrix), Black (which had/has a bronze tint in direct strong sunlight and Bronze (which was really a bronze color, sometimes ranging to almost a pale ale color). The bronze wasn't very popular here and was dropped from distribution. I understand they are still available in limited quantities in Europe, but I have yet to see them pictured/available in ads.
My black ones on the Nomad have a slight bronze tint, but it is only slight and then only in bright light at some angles. they definitely have a brownish cast compared to my truly black PlanetBike solid polycarbonate mudguards, which lack the SKS' sandwich/laminate construction.
For what it is worth, the P65s I have seen were a "browner" black than my P55s. Maybe that explains your color. Since the color is determined by the thickness of the top layer, perhaps it is just thinner in the wider 'guards and therefore less opaque.
Definetly one for the muppet pages but important to me.
<nods> I can surely relate to that. Appearance *is* important to many of us, and can make the difference between a coordinated look and something that appears "off".
Have you checked with the seller to get their take on things?
All the best,
Dan.