Bitter Chocolate

Bitter Chocolate is exactly what the name announces — a deep, dark brown solid at #612B19 that sits in the richest, most saturated end of the chocolate spectrum. Also known as Cockney Brown (Cockneybraun), it is a surprisingly bold choice that gives a 1970s 911 a sophisticated, almost luxury character. In the oil-crisis era when brown was a dominant automotive color, Bitter Chocolate represented Porsche's most committed statement in that direction. Bitter Chocolate (code 408) was a standard production color on the 911 from 1974 through 1980, appearing also on the 912E and the 928 from 1978 through 1980 — a six-year run across multiple platforms. PCA records confirm it was listed as a standard color for 1974. Ten documented community examples reflect its genuine but not overwhelming popularity. Original-paint Bitter Chocolate G-series 911s are increasingly sought-after by collectors.

Lighting & Paint Reference

Direct sun#723721

Overcast#612B19

Shade#391c13

Golden hour#7f3f2b

Non-metallic solids appear consistent in color under different lighting, but perceived brightness changes significantly. The image above simulates how this color appears in different environments. HEX values are only digital approximations.

Manufacturer sample

Simulated mirror gradient

Hex #612B19

Digital approximation only

Model availability (10)

Code history (1)

Understanding Porsche paint codes

Format	Example	Era	Notes
4-digit number	6082	1950s–60s	1950s–60s original numbering system. No prefix required.
3-digit alphanumeric	80K	1970s to present	Most common format. The L prefix on the sticker is interchangeable — you can enter it with or without the L.
L + 3 digits	L700	1970s to present	The L prefix is interchangeable — L700 and 700 return the same result.
M + 2 digits	M50	2010s to present	Modern metallic, pearl, and special-effect paint format. Note: O is not zero.
2–3 digits + letter	39Z	1990s–2000s	Used in the 993 and 996 eras. The L prefix on the sticker is optional.
3-digit new code	2BS	2020s to present	Latest-generation code, used for the 992 era and Taycan colors.

6082 4-digit number 1950s–60s

1950s–60s original numbering system. No prefix required.

80K 3-digit alphanumeric 1970s to present

Most common format. The L prefix on the sticker is interchangeable — you can enter it with or without the L.

L700 L + 3 digits 1970s to present

The L prefix is interchangeable — L700 and 700 return the same result.

M50 M + 2 digits 2010s to present

Modern metallic, pearl, and special-effect paint format. Note: O is not zero.

39Z 2–3 digits + letter 1990s–2000s

Used in the 993 and 996 eras. The L prefix on the sticker is optional.

2BS 3-digit new code 2020s to present

Latest-generation code, used for the 992 era and Taycan colors.

Similar Colors

Community photos Total 71 photos

FAQ (9)

What is Porsche paint code 408?

408 is the Porsche paint code for Bitter Chocolate, a solid factory color.

What color is Porsche Bitter Chocolate?

Bitter Chocolate is a solid Porsche paint color in the brown family (hex #612B19). Its paint code is 408.

Which Porsche models came in Bitter Chocolate?

Bitter Chocolate was offered on the Porsche 911, 914, 928.

What does Porsche Bitter Chocolate look like on a 911?

See real photos of Bitter Chocolate (408) on the Porsche 911 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/bitter-chocolate/911.

What does Porsche Bitter Chocolate look like on a 914?

See real photos of Bitter Chocolate (408) on the Porsche 914 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/bitter-chocolate/914.

What does Porsche Bitter Chocolate look like on a 928?

See real photos of Bitter Chocolate (408) on the Porsche 928 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/bitter-chocolate/928.

Is Bitter Chocolate a Paint to Sample (PTS) color?

No. Bitter Chocolate was offered as a standard factory color, not as a Paint to Sample option.

What is the hex code for Porsche Bitter Chocolate?

The hex code for Bitter Chocolate is #612B19. Keep in mind that automotive paint shifts with lighting and finish, so on-screen hex is only an approximation.

Is Porsche Bitter Chocolate metallic or non-metallic?

Bitter Chocolate is a solid (non-metallic) finish — flat pigment with no aluminum flake.