Vesuvio Metallic

/colors/vesuvio-metallic · ID: C495 ·

German name: Vesuvio Perlcolor

Paint code

40X

HEX

#554351

Finish type

Metallic

Color family

Brown

Introduced year

—

Discontinued year

—

Rarity

PTS only

Alternate code

40W

Source

Factory Overview 993

Community photos

110

Model availability

Code history

Sighting count

—

Vesuvio Metallic (40X), Vesuvio Perlcolor in German under codes 40W and 40X, is one of Porsche's most dramatically light-dependent colours — a pearl-finish special whose appearance changes fundamentally depending on lighting conditions. In cloudy skies, diffuse indoor light, or shadow, it reads as a composed, neutral grey; in direct sunlight, a strong and unmistakable purple cast emerges, transforming the car into something closer to a deep metallic violet. Rennbow describes it as one of the more curious colours Porsche has offered, noting the dramatic visual shift as one of its defining characteristics, and names it after the famous volcano overlooking Naples. Vesuvio bridged the air-cooled and water-cooled 911 eras, appearing on both the 993 and the 996 as well as the 986 Boxster. The Perlcolor designation reflects a specific multi-layer pearl process. Available evidence suggests it is genuinely uncommon, with surviving examples in strong original condition attracting enthusiastic interest from collectors drawn to the final air-cooled era. The rarity data value of seven reflects a data anomaly above the standard scale.

Lighting & Paint Reference

Direct sun#645669

Overcast#554351

Shade#352b33

Golden hour#735763

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 #554351

Digital approximation only

Model availability (7)

Code history (2)

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 110 photos

FAQ (8)

What is Porsche paint code 40X?

40X is the Porsche paint code for Vesuvio Metallic, a metallic factory color.

What color is Porsche Vesuvio Metallic?

Vesuvio Metallic is a metallic Porsche paint color in the brown family (hex #554351). Its paint code is 40X.

Which Porsche models came in Vesuvio Metallic?

Vesuvio Metallic was offered on the Porsche 911, Boxster.

What does Porsche Vesuvio Metallic look like on a 911?

See real photos of Vesuvio Metallic (40X) on the Porsche 911 at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/vesuvio-metallic/911.

What does Porsche Vesuvio Metallic look like on a Boxster?

See real photos of Vesuvio Metallic (40X) on the Porsche Boxster at https://colors.stuttcars.com/colors/vesuvio-metallic/boxster.

Is Vesuvio Metallic a Paint to Sample (PTS) color?

No. Vesuvio Metallic was offered as a standard factory color, not as a Paint to Sample option.

What is the hex code for Porsche Vesuvio Metallic?

The hex code for Vesuvio Metallic is #554351. Keep in mind that automotive paint shifts with lighting and finish, so on-screen hex is only an approximation.

Is Porsche Vesuvio Metallic metallic or non-metallic?

Vesuvio Metallic is a metallic finish — it contains aluminum flake, so it shifts brightness with lighting angle.