One-of-a-Kind Mystery: Factory Mistake Paints VW Golf R the Wrong Color

author: FutureCar Staff    

Most new cars these days come with a limited set of colors from the factory. Typically, you'll find a small selection of blacks, whites, and greys, with the occasional red or blue. However, every now and then, a car manages to slip through the cracks and sport a color that was not originally offered. That's exactly what happened at Volkswagen in 2016 with a unique shade of grey.

The car in question is a 2017 Volkswagen Golf R, which has gained legendary status since it first arrived at the dealership lot in November 2016. This Golf R was painted in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, a color that was never officially available for this model. When Lindsey Volkswagen in Dulles, Virginia listed the car for sale, it caused quite a stir.

The current owner of the car decided to investigate its history and reached out to Volkswagen to inquire about how their Golf R ended up with the Carbon Steel Grey Metallic paint (paint code LA9W). The color was originally only offered on the Mk 6 and Mk 7 Golf GTI, not the Golf R.

Volkswagen was unable to provide a definitive answer as to what happened. Company representatives suggested that the four-digit paint code may have been entered incorrectly or the wrong paint may have been selected due to a system error. According to Volkswagen, the car should have been painted in Limestone Grey (paint code LA7N).

Since the Carbon Steel Grey Metallic paint was available at the Wolfsburg factory, the car was simply painted in that color and passed through the production line. The quality inspection did not raise any concerns as the finish was flawless, and inspectors typically do not look for cars painted in colors outside their designated options.

The frenzy surrounding this car attracted over 100 interested callers when it went up for sale, and Facebook comments went crazy over this one-of-a-kind factory misprint. Megan Closset, the product manager of the Golf GTI and Golf R in America at the time, noticed the excitement and used it to advocate for the introduction of the Spektrum program in the U.S. market.

Thanks to the community's overwhelming response, the Golf R now offers a wide selection of colors through the Spektrum program, including rich teals, ocean blues, searing oranges, and intoxicating greens.

Volkswagen of America confirmed that this Golf R is the only one produced in the Carbon Steel Grey Metallic color. They issued a special letter of authenticity to the owner, acknowledging its one-of-a-kind status and recognizing its role in bringing the Spektrum offering to the U.S.

The current owner has enjoyed the car immensely but is now ready to move on. If you're interested in owning this unique piece of Volkswagen history, it is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer. At the time of writing, the bidding has reached just over $15,000, with five days remaining in the auction.

Documents have been provided to confirm the car's special status as a one-off factory error.

If you're looking for a Golf R in a fun color these days, Volkswagen offers a selection of exciting options for an additional $2,500. However, Carbon Steel Grey Metallic is no longer available at Volkswagen. If you still desire this color, you can find it at Porsche, where it is offered as a Paint to Sample option.

FutureCar Staff