Hull paint

Hi Dough,
We own Absaroque, a Whitby 42 hull number 99. It is a black hull, with its original paint. From what we know, it was painted by the company before delivering to the first owner. The hull needs now a new paint and we are looking for détails on the painting process that have been used. What kind of paint? Could it have been automotive paint? Was ther some kind of clear varnish on top of the paint because it is still shiny even without waxing... for years!
Thanks for whichever info you can give us!