Unique Mystery: Factory Mistakenly Paints VW Golf R Incorrect Color

author: FutureCar Staff    

Most new cars these days come with a limited range of colors from the factory. Typically, you'll find a small selection of blacks, whites, and greys, with the occasional red or blue. However, sometimes a car slips through the cracks and ends up with a color that was not originally offered. This was the case with a 2017 Volkswagen Golf R in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic.

This particular Golf R gained legendary status when it first arrived at the dealership in November 2016. The color it was painted in, Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, was never officially available for this model. When the car was listed for sale, it caused quite a stir.

The current owner of the car became curious about its history and reached out to Volkswagen to inquire about how it ended up with the unique color. The company could not provide a definitive answer but suggested that it was likely due to an error in the paint code or a system error. The car should have been painted in Limestone Grey according to Volkswagen.

Since the paint was available at the factory, the car was simply painted in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic and passed through the production line. The finish had no issues, and quality inspection did not detect any problems. Inspectors typically do not look for cars painted in colors outside their designated options.

Over 100 people expressed interest in buying the Golf R when it went on sale, and social media was abuzz with comments about 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.

The Spektrum program expanded the color options for the Golf R, adding 40 additional paint choices, including vibrant teals, ocean blues, striking oranges, and captivating greens. This program was directly influenced by the community's reaction to the unique Golf R in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic.

Volkswagen of America now offers the Golf R in a wide selection of colors, thanks to this accidental production of a one-of-a-kind car. The company confirmed that this Golf R is the only one ever produced in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic and issued a special letter of authenticity to the owner. This car played a significant role in bringing the Spektrum offering to the US market.

The current owner of the car has enjoyed it but is now ready to sell. The Golf R is currently listed for sale on Bring a Trailer, with the auction still ongoing. The car's unique status as a factory error has been confirmed by official documents.

If you're interested in owning this piece of Volkswagen history, you have the opportunity to bid on it. However, if you're looking for a Golf R in a fun color, you can now choose from a wide range of options for an additional cost. Unfortunately, Carbon Steel Grey Metallic is no longer available at Volkswagen, but it can still be found as a Paint to Sample color at Porsche.

FutureCar Staff