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Guards Red

Guards Red

/colors/guards-red-lm3a · ID: C584 ·
German name: Indischrot
Paint code
LM3A
HEX
#FF0000
Finish type
Solid
Color family
Red
Introduced year
1982
Discontinued year
1991
Rarity
PTS only
No
Alternate code
—
Source
Factory Overview 944
Community photos
455
Model availability
53
Code history
5
Sighting count
—
The most iconic Porsche color ever created, Guards Red dominated showrooms through the '80s when it seemed like half of all 911s wore this brilliant shade. From Hollywood movies to racing circuits, this is the red that defined Porsche for generations. Still available today, it remains the benchmark against which all other Porsche reds are measured.

Lighting & Paint Reference

Direct sun#ff0000
Overcast#FF0000
Shade#910808
Golden hour#ff1412

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 #FF0000
Digital approximation only

Model availability (53)

Model Generation Years Tier
718 Generation982 Standard
911 Generation964, 993, 996, 997, 991, 992, 930 Years1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, Standard
914 Generation914 Standard
924 Generation924 Standard
928 Generation928 Years1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, Standard
944 Generation944/951 Years1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Standard
968 Generation968 Years1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 Standard
Boxster Generation987, 986, 981 Standard
Cayman Generation987C, 981C Standard

Code history (5)

Code Era Years Primary
LM3A 80s Porsche format 1982–1991 Primary code
84A Modern 1974–present
027 G-Series ?–1974
80K Historical ?–1987
Y39 PTS —
1974–present
84A
Modern
1982–1991
LM3A Primary code
80s Porsche format
?–1974
027
G-Series
?–1987
80K
Historical
Y39
PTS

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

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Mars Red
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Orange Red Pearl
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Metallic Red
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Coral Red Metallic
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Absolute Red
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Pure Red
LP3G ΔE 11.69 Same family
Red Metallic
L97D ΔE 9.76 Same family
Ruby Red
015 ΔE 13.13 Same family
Kiln Red Metallic
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Caramel
524 ΔE 5.74 Cross family
Wine Red Metallic
895 ΔE 11.81 Same family

Community photos Total 455 photos

By model

FAQ (11)

What is Porsche paint code LM3A?

LM3A is the Porsche paint code for Guards Red, a solid factory color offered from 1982 to 1991.

What color is Porsche Guards Red?

Guards Red is a solid Porsche paint color in the red family (hex #FF0000). Its paint code is LM3A.

What years was Porsche Guards Red available?

Guards Red was offered from 1982 to 1991.

Is Porsche Guards Red still available?

No. Guards Red was discontinued in 1991.

Which Porsche models came in Guards Red?

Guards Red was offered on the Porsche Boxster, 911, 928, 968, 944, 718, 914, 924, Cayman.

What does Porsche Guards Red look like on a Boxster?

See real photos of Guards Red (LM3A) on the Porsche Boxster at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/guards-red-lm3a/boxster.

What does Porsche Guards Red look like on a 911?

See real photos of Guards Red (LM3A) on the Porsche 911 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/guards-red-lm3a/911.

What does Porsche Guards Red look like on a 928?

See real photos of Guards Red (LM3A) on the Porsche 928 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/guards-red-lm3a/928.

Is Guards Red a Paint to Sample (PTS) color?

No. Guards Red was offered as a standard factory color, not as a Paint to Sample option.

What is the hex code for Porsche Guards Red?

The hex code for Guards Red is #FF0000. Keep in mind that automotive paint shifts with lighting and finish, so on-screen hex is only an approximation.

Is Porsche Guards Red metallic or non-metallic?

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