Porsche Fan Gets New Color Named After Him

Special Honor

Most of us merely drive, enjoy, or are simply passionate about Porsche as a brand - typical for what one might call an "enthusiast." However, there are a select lucky few who get to experience Porsche in different ways, whether that be via an insider tour, special access, or the like. Few, if any, will ever receive the honor bestowed upon Michael Essmann, however - having a new color named after him.

Photos: Porsche

Company Line

As part of the new Paint to Sample Plus program, the new green hue - dubbed Essmanngreen, color code 24C - will also be available for customers looking to purchase a new 911, 718, or Taycan model. However, the color itself has technically been around since 1992, which is when Essmann had a 964 911 Carrera RS 3.6 finished in his company's official color.

Photos: Porsche

Long History

From there, the Porsche fanatic owned a 997 911 GT3 RS 4.0 and a 992 911 GT3 Touring, all while competing in the Porsche Sports Cup - in cars sporting Essmanngreen accents. "My very first Porsche was a 911 SC in 1978 with which I also graduated from the Sport Driving School," Essmann said. "It was painted Opal Metallic. It was only later that I had the idea of using the color of our family business for my private cars too. But every time I pick up a new Porsche in this very special color it’s a great feeling. And to know that I’m the originator of this color named after me."

Photos: Porsche

Complex Recipe

The process of creating or replicating colors at Porsche has changed quite a bit over the years, and currently makes use of a new color-mixing bench at the Zuffenhausen plant, where paint specialists blend several dozen ingredients down to the last milligram to achieve the desired shade. When the binding agents and additives are included, the recipe for Essmanngreen contains over 100 ingredients.

Photos: Porsche

Redevelopment

Each batch of paint is then separated into two pots, as aluminum, plastics, and carbon/fiberglass composites require slightly different paint compositions, depending on the component. Because of these new processes, older colors must be redeveloped, tested, and approved - which was necessary for Essmanngreen, too.

Photos: Porsche

Piece of History

"Unusual paint finishes are part of the history of our brand and are an important differentiating feature," said Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualization and Classic at Porsche. "The intelligent combination of the production process and its industrialization is unique. Our customers thus enjoy a very wide range of available colors and many custom paint finishes that meet the highest standards. Every color must be deemed suitable for many different surfaces and materials - perfect color matching is what is wanted."

Photos: Porsche

Less Exclusive

As for Essmann's 992 GT3 Touring, it also features a special heritage-inspired "Porsche" script on the sides, with custom seats, stitching, carbon fiber, and embroidery inside the cabin, giving it an even more unique look. However, Essmanngreen won't be exclusive to his vehicles anymore, though we imagine that he doesn't mind sharing this special hue with other fans of the brand.

Photos: Porsche

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