Paint code mystery - COA and paint tag don't match Options

[morsmanlaw]

Well, that was quick. Here's the response from PCNA:

Hello Mr. Morsman,

I have reviewed your comments and the kardex for your vehicle.

I have confirmed the exterior color of your vehicle is recorded as Scarlett (Mars) Red/H3. The L20C & L31M are paint codes and not listed on COA's. We only list the Porsche exterior color code. The paint code is not recorded on the kardex (just the exterior color code).

I cannot advise why this may not match the tag in your vehicle. I can confirm that the kardex and how Germany recorded the vehicle was Scarlett (Mars) Red. The kardex cannot be provided.

Kindest Regards,

Sara Edie
Porsche Specialist, Porsche Contact Center
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
One Porsche Drive
Atlanta, GA 30354-9817


Now exactly how the "exterior color code" differs from the "paint code," I have no idea, but apparently they do. I will follow up on that. We also learn that the Kardex is secret, probably containing Dr. Porsche's secret recipe for schnitzel.

I don't intend to ask for a replacement Karmann tag for several reasons. One, since I have this information from PCNA, the discrepancy between the tag and the COA, while not explained, is confirmed. Next, I don't want to lose the "Made in Western Germany" tag, and I suspect they don't have a lot of those lying around. Lastly, even if they would provide one, I don't want the hassle of drilling the rivets out of the old one and riveting in the new. I will see it as adding to the mystique of the car.

Thanks for all your comments and ideas.

[morsmanlaw]

Update: Here is the explanation from PCNA of the meaning of "exterior color code":

"Exterior color code is similar to an option code that Porsche has given to signify each particular color through the years. We use this number."

I'm just a lowly attorney, but the distinction between this and "paint code" continues to evade my understanding.

[2L914Eh]

Hi.

A former 914 owners assoc. member I am new to this forum but not to the car. About the Karmann paint code and colour match My 914 has been sleeping for some years as the forces of inertia and other priorities have been in control . BUT having seized the day and just for the fun of it, I and am playing with resto work again this summer . I searched for this thread while catching up with my documentation and past notes and see that my car appears to have a similar code problem. Please see pic of the plate pop riveted on by coach builder Karmann back in the day's of a divided Germany. The car had been banged about some and had a cheap non matching respray before I bought it in the mid 1980s and I peeled that back recently to reveal L041 on the left side plate, which I understand is a code # for Black? The car is a strong Sunflower type of yellow every where you can look .Perhaps truly code L13K? Anyway, is it just a Monday on the line paint/plate mix up? .Could we ask a retired East German judge for a fair ruling on this? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

[davep]

Not sure what to say Ken. Can you read the Karmann # in the rear trunk? Try to match the stamped Karmann body # with the paint badge #. That way we know if the paint badge belongs to the car. I could get the data for a Report to see what the factory record has to say.
Dave