Paint code 38A · M4Z · LY4A · Metallic
Porsche Amethyst Metallic
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Amethyst Metallic is a metallic Porsche exterior color, paint codes 38A, M4Z and LY4A. Porsche has offered it on the 911, Panamera, Cayenne, 718 Boxster & Cayman, Macan and classic Porsches from 1980 to today. To confirm a specific car left the factory in Amethyst Metallic, check the paint code on its build sheet.
Amethyst Metallic at a glance
| Paint code(s) | 38A, M4Z, LY4A |
|---|---|
| Finish | Metallic |
| Color family | Purple Porsche Colors |
| Model lines | 911, Panamera, Cayenne, 718 Boxster & Cayman, Macan and classic Porsches |
| Also written | Amethyst |
Porsche Amethyst Metallic years and models
| Model | Model years | Availability | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 924Listed as 'Amethyst' | 1980 | Standard color | [4] |
| 911 (964) and other modelsVendor lists it under 'All Models' | 1992–1993 | Standard color | [1] |
| Panamera (970/971) | 2010–2022 | Standard color | [2] |
| 911 (997) | 2011–2012 | Standard color | [2] |
| Cayenne (958) | 2011 | Standard color | [2] |
| Cayman (987) | 2012 | Standard color | [2] |
| Boxster/Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, PanameraVendor lists 'Amethyst (M4Z)' for these model years; most likely Paint to Sample | 2023– | Paint to Sample | [3] |
US model years where the source gives them. A trailing dash means still offered in the latest source.
Amethyst Metallic paint codes
- 38A— 964-era code (label 38A/F9)[1]
- M4Z— Panamera/997-era code (label M4Z/N6)[2][3]
- LY4A— 1980 924 'Amethyst' (solid/metallic not verified)[4]
The code is printed on the car's option sticker and on a VIN build sheet. Porsche has reused some names with new codes as paint formulas changed, so the code is the reliable identifier.
About Amethyst Metallic
- Porsche has used the Amethyst name in at least three eras: on the 924 around 1980, in the early-1990s palette under code 38A, and with the Panamera from 2010 under code M4Z. [4][1][2]
- Under code M4Z, Amethyst Metallic was offered on the Panamera across many model years and briefly on the 997 911, Cayenne and Cayman. [2]
Is that car really Amethyst Metallic?
The build sheet shows the factory exterior color and installed options recorded for a specific VIN, plus original MSRP when the build data includes it. Free availability check first; $9.99 only if detailed build data exists — no subscription.
Colors similar to Amethyst Metallic
Frequently asked questions
What is the paint code for Porsche Amethyst Metallic?
Amethyst Metallic has carried Porsche paint codes 38A (964-era code (label 38A/F9)); M4Z (Panamera/997-era code (label M4Z/N6)); LY4A (1980 924 'Amethyst' (solid/metallic not verified)). Porsche reuses names across eras with different codes, so match the code on the car's option sticker or build sheet rather than the name alone.
Which Porsche models and years came in Amethyst Metallic?
Our sources list Amethyst Metallic on the 924 (1980, standard color), 911 (964) and other models (1992–1993, standard color), Panamera (970/971) (2010–2022, standard color), 911 (997) (2011–2012, standard color), Cayenne (958) (2011, standard color) and Cayman (987) (2012, standard color), among others. If you see it on a model or year not listed, it may be a Paint to Sample order or a respray — the build sheet for the VIN shows which.
Is Amethyst Metallic a Paint to Sample color?
Yes, on some cars: our sources list Amethyst Metallic as Paint to Sample on the Boxster/Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera. Paint to Sample is Porsche's extra-cost program for pre-approved colors outside the standard palette.
Amethyst Metallic vs Viola Metallic: what's the difference?
Amethyst Metallic is a dusky grape purple. It appeared in the early 1990s (code 38A) and again on the Panamera and 997 from about 2010 (M4Z). Viola (3AE) is a separate, bluer violet from around 2000–2001. They are different formulas, so check the paint code on the car's option sticker.
How can I tell if a Porsche is factory Amethyst Metallic?
Read the paint code on the option sticker (in the maintenance booklet and, on most models, in the front luggage compartment) or on a build sheet for the VIN, and compare it with 38A, M4Z and LY4A. A matching color name alone does not rule out a respray or wrap.
Sources
- Amethyst Metallic (38A/F9) touch-up paint — compatible Porsche models & years — PaintScratch (touch-up paint vendor) (secondary)
- Amethyst Metallic (M4Z/N6) touch-up paint — compatible Porsche models & years — PaintScratch (touch-up paint vendor) (secondary)
- Amethyst (M4Z) touch-up paint — compatible Porsche models & years — PaintScratch (touch-up paint vendor) (secondary)
- Amethyst (LY4A) touch-up paint — compatible Porsche models & years — PaintScratch (touch-up paint vendor) (secondary)
More Porsche color research
- All Porsche colors
- Purple Porsche Colors
- Porsche paint codes
- Porsche Paint to Sample explained
- Porsche tools & data hub
Independent reference; not affiliated with Porsche AG.