VW Golf R Factory Error Creates Unique Mystery

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, every now and then, a car manages to slip 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.

The car in question gained quite a reputation since it first arrived at the dealership in November 2016. Painted in a color that was never officially available on the Golf R, it caused quite a stir when it was listed for sale by Lindsey Volkswagen in Dulles, Virginia.

The current owner of the car decided to investigate its history and reached out to Volkswagen to find out how it ended up with the unique paint job. The color, Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, was originally only offered on the Golf GTI models, not the Golf R. Volkswagen representatives were unable to provide a definitive answer but suggested that it was likely a result of an incorrect paint code entry or a system error.

Since the paint was available in the factory, the car was painted in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic and passed through the production line without any issues. Quality inspection did not raise any concerns as the finish was perfect, and inspectors typically do not look for cars painted in colors outside their designated options.

The car's unique paint job created a frenzy, with over 100 callers expressing interest in purchasing the Golf R. The excitement caught the attention of Megan Closset, the product manager of the Golf GTI and Golf R in America at the time. She used the community's reaction to advocate for the introduction of the Spektrum program in the U.S., which expanded the Golf R's paint options.

Thanks to this accidental production, Volkswagen of America now offers the Golf R in a wide selection of colors. The company confirmed that the Carbon Steel Grey Metallic Golf R was the only one produced, and it issued a special letter of authenticity to the owner acknowledging its one-of-a-kind status and its contribution to the introduction of the Spektrum offering in the U.S.

The current owner of the car has enjoyed it 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. The auction still has five days remaining, and the bidding has already reached over $15,000.

While it is no longer available at Volkswagen, if you're longing for a Golf R in a fun color, you can choose from a wide range of options by paying an additional $2,500. However, if you specifically want Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, you can still find it at Porsche as a Paint to Sample color.

FutureCar Staff