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@Rik_Van_Looy
White tape was probably just tradition/fashion. All the old Legnano's back to the war had red cloth tape, and in the 70's stripey/coloured Benotto tape was all the go. The Ambrosio/Bike ribbon on that bike was available in various colours, but white and black would work with every frame colour/shade.
Modolo Weinmann & Campag offered gum, white and black hoods, not sure whether this was an option, or whether it depended on which model you bought, Universal tend to be gum only.
It's all a bit before my time, but it may also be that tan compound feels better (softer natural rubber?) by comparison with the plastic coloured hoods.