Boxer Starter Cable Sheathing

So many beautiful Boxer engines serviced and restored. One part that I've been curious is the heavy cable to the starter. I've seen them mostly in a yellowish color and on occasion, in white. Is this what that cover is supposed to look like when the car was built? Is it simply a heavy wall PVC tube? If so, shouldn't that be clear when brand new? Or if it's white, then perhaps a heat-resistant silicone?

 

I replaced the sheathing over the Boxer taillight harness with silicone. The orig. stuff contacted the exhaust in a spot and started to melt, so I'm guessing - not silicone.

The sheathing over the starter cable feels like PVC. it would take the heat for a while. This stuff is still flexible. Anybody ever buy a factory Ferrari part? What was that like? Was it water clear polymer?

Also, looking at my Boxer coffee table books, I do not recall seeing a good picture of that. There are two wires in there iirc. The heavy starter cable, and the starter solenoid wire.