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 few options in 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 exactly the case with a 2017 Volkswagen Golf R.

The particular Golf R in question gained quite a reputation when it first arrived at the dealership lot in November 2016. It was painted in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, a color that was never officially available for this model from the factory. The car caused quite a stir when it was listed for sale by Lindsey Volkswagen in Dulles, Virginia.

The current owner of the Golf R became curious about how their car ended up with this unique paint color. They reached out to Volkswagen to inquire about the car's history. It turns out that Carbon Steel Grey Metallic was originally only offered on the Mk 6 and Mk 7 Golf GTI, not the Golf R.

Volkswagen representatives were unable to provide a definitive answer as to how this happened. They suggested that it was likely due to an error in entering the paint code or a system error that resulted in the wrong paint being selected. According to Volkswagen, the car should have been painted in Limestone Grey.

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 issues with the finish, as inspectors typically do not look for cars painted in colors outside their designated options.

The unique Golf R generated a frenzy of interest, with over 100 callers competing to secure the car when it went up for sale. Facebook comments went wild 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.

Closset used the huge community reaction to her advantage and successfully advocated for the introduction of the Spektrum program to the U.S. market. As a result, the Golf R now offers a wide range of paint options, including rich teals, ocean blues, searing oranges, and intoxicating greens.

Thanks to this accidental production of the unique Golf R, Volkswagen of America now offers the Golf R in a rich selection of colors. The company confirmed that this car was the only Golf R ever produced in Carbon Steel Grey Metallic and issued a special letter of authenticity to the owner, highlighting its one-of-a-kind status and its role in bringing the Spektrum offering to the U.S.

The current owner of the Golf R has enjoyed the car, but they are now ready to move on. If you're interested in owning this piece of Volkswagen history, the car is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer. As of now, the bidding has reached just over $15,000, but with five days remaining in the auction, the price is expected to climb.

Documents have confirmed the car's special status as a one-off factory error, further adding to its uniqueness. Nowadays, if you're looking for a Golf R in a fun color, you can simply pay an additional $2,500 to choose from a wide and exciting selection. However, if you specifically want Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, you won't find it at Volkswagen anymore. Porsche still offers it as a Paint to Sample color.

FutureCar Staff