Porsche Paint to Sample (PTS) Explained

Paint to Sample (PTS) is Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur's list of pre-approved extra colors — more than 160 in 2021, when Porsche priced it from $11,430 on most US 911 and 718 models. PTS Plus mixes a new color from your own sample. On a used car, confirm PTS from the factory paint code on the build record.

By CarWhere Research · Updated

PTS vs PTS Plus

Porsche Paint to Sample vs Paint to Sample Plus
FeaturePaint to Sample (PTS)Paint to Sample Plus
What you chooseA color from Porsche’s pre-approved PTS catalogA new color matched to your own sample
ApprovalAlready technically approved by Porsche’s paint specialistsFeasibility testing required — up to 11 months in certain cases
If not feasible—Porsche covers the cost of the feasibility study
AvailabilityModel lines across the range (per-model catalogs differ)All model lines except Cayenne (2021)
How to orderThrough a Porsche dealerThrough a Porsche dealer

A PTS Plus color can later join the regular catalog. Porsche's 2023 example: Essmanngreen began as one customer's PTS Plus color on a 911 GT3 Touring and was then added to Paint to Sample after technical approval. In 2021 Porsche said the 911 and 718 each had more than 100 PTS colors beyond the standard range, the Panamera, Macan and Cayenne more than 50, and the Taycan 65 — and that a new mixing bank at Zuffenhausen raised 911 PTS capacity from about 5 to about 20 cars a day.

What Paint to Sample costs

Porsche Paint to Sample US prices as published by Porsche Cars North America, November 2021
OptionModelsUS price (2021)
Paint to SampleMost 911 and 718 models$11,430
Paint to Sample718 GT models, 911 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3$12,830
Paint to Sample PlusMost models$22,860
Paint to Sample Plus911 Turbo and GT models, 718 GT models$25,660
Metallic paint (for comparison)Varies by model$650–$840
Special colors (for comparison)Varies by model$2,580–$3,270

Historic list prices for context; current pricing varies by model, model year and dealer.

Paint to Sample colors in CarWhere's Porsche paint codes

These 13 colors are marked as Paint to Sample in CarWhere's Porsche paint code reference. It is a sample of well-known PTS shades, not the full catalog.

Selected Porsche Paint to Sample colors and their paint codes
ColorPaint codeFinish
Carbon Grey MetallicM9Zmetallic paint
China Grey456solid paint
Geyser Grey MetallicY7Fmetallic paint
Grigio Telesto MetallicZ69metallic paint
Nardo GreyY7Csolid paint
Palladium MetallicC1Ymetallic paint
Atoll Blue MetallicZ5Zmetallic paint
Shore BlueR5Gsolid paint
Voodoo BlueZ12solid paint
Acid Green6A7solid paint
British Racing Green611solid paint
Racing RedY81solid paint
Superior Red MetallicW10metallic paint

Swatches are approximate screen colors, not paint matches.

How to verify Paint to Sample on a used Porsche

  1. Get the factory paint name and code for the VIN from a build record: the Porsche build sheet by VIN, Porsche's Production Specification (see the Certificate of Authenticity guide), or the option sticker in the maintenance booklet.
  2. Look the code up in the Porsche paint codes list and the Porsche option codes reference.
  3. Check the car itself for repaint evidence — paint-depth readings, overspray, panel color differences — as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
  4. Treat a seller's “PTS” claim as unconfirmed until the factory record matches the color on the car.

For what PTS and other options do to resale value, see Porsche options that add resale value.

Is that Porsche really Paint to Sample?

A PTS premium only makes sense if the color is factory. Check the exact factory paint and options of the car you are looking at before you buy: the availability check is free, and you pay $9.99 only if build data exists.

Porsche build sheet by VIN

Free availability check first · $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists for the VIN · no subscription

FAQ

What is Porsche Paint to Sample?

Paint to Sample (PTS) is Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur's catalog of extra paint colors that Porsche's paint specialists have already technically approved, beyond the standard and special colors in the configurator. Porsche said in 2021 that the program offered more than 160 colors in total.

What is the difference between PTS and PTS Plus?

PTS is a choice from pre-approved colors. Paint to Sample Plus creates a new color from a sample the customer supplies, which needs feasibility testing that Porsche says can take up to 11 months in certain cases. Porsche covers the cost of the study if the color proves not feasible. PTS Plus is offered on all model lines except the Cayenne.

How much does Paint to Sample cost?

In November 2021, Porsche Cars North America listed PTS at $11,430 for most 911 and 718 models and $12,830 for 718 GT, 911 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 models; PTS Plus was $22,860, or $25,660 on Turbo and GT models. Prices vary by model and have changed since; ask a Porsche dealer for a current quote.

How can I tell if a used Porsche is Paint to Sample?

Check the factory paint name and code on the build record for the VIN — a build sheet, Porsche's Production Specification, or the option sticker in the maintenance booklet. A repaint or wrap in a PTS-like shade is not the same thing, so confirm the factory color before paying a PTS premium.

Does Paint to Sample add value?

It can on collectible cars when the color is one buyers want. Sports Car Market notes bright PTS colors can add extraordinary value to modern collectible 911s, but a PTS color does not guarantee a premium on every model.

Sources

PTS prices are the US figures Porsche published in November 2021 and are shown for context only; current prices vary by model and dealer.

Related Porsche research

Porsche model history

Porsche buyer guides

Porsche build sheet guides