Velvet Red Metallic

Velvet Red Metallic (81L), with cross-references LN3U and LM3U, is a deep, rich metallic red with a strong warmth and a plush depth that earns its descriptive name fully. The hex of #CA1642 confirms a dark, fully saturated crimson-red — closer to a deep carmine or berry-tinted red than to the bright, orange-leaning Guards Red, with the metallic finish adding a reflective luminosity. Rennbow's commentary notes the name is literally descriptive — it suggests imagining a yard of red velvet fabric — and that despite its relatively brief time in the catalogue it is quite attractive, particularly on the late G-body 911 and the 928. It appeared on the 911 Carrera in 1989–1990 and on the 928 and 944 in the same two model years. The VW Group cross-references reflect the broader group metallic palette of the era. With a rarity of four out of five, surviving 911s, 928s, and 944s in original Velvet Red Metallic are genuinely uncommon and carry a premium in the collector market — Rennbow notes it is a pity the colour did not persist longer in the catalogue.