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Factory Secrets Revealed: How to Get a 1-of-1 Custom Painted Car

Factory Secrets Revealed: How to Get a 1-of-1 Custom Painted Car

21st May 2025

Some car buyers are all about personalization. They want their vehicle to look like a unique representation of themselves, exclusive and hard to find. And when you’re driving around, the first thing everyone sees is the paint color. So, did you know that you could order a brand new car with a one-of-a-kind custom paint job directly from the factory? That’s right! Whether you want neon pink or satin blue, these vehicle manufacturers have custom personalization programs that can make your creative dream come true.

MANUFAKTUR by Mercedes-Benz

Formerly called Designo, MANUFAKTUR is the new moniker for custom-ordered Mercedes-Benz AMGs and Maybachs directly from the factory. Mercedes already offers a few MANUFAKTUR-level options that are available on their vehicle configurator. But if you’d like to go above and beyond what’s standard, then you could put in a request for a special paint and interior combination. MANUFAKTUR is truly the open-source version of spec'ing your vehicle. They’ll even paint your car with a color from a different vehicle manufacturer if you’d like. Here’s what models are included in the MANUFAKTUR program: AMG GT, G-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, and EQS Sedan. The possibilities are limitless.

Porsche Paint to Sample

Porsche collectors love the original colors that the Carrera 911 was offered in. So now Porsche offers their buyers the Paint to Sample program, where any of their current models can be painted in a classic color. If you’d like a color from a different vehicle manufacturer, they’ll still paint your Porsche that color upon request. All Porsche models are included in the Paint to Sample program.

Ferrari Tailor Made

The Tailor Made program starts with the Ferrari Atelier, a design studio for clients to choose their paint colors, leathers, and trim finishes. The program is broken down into three collections: Scuderia, Classica, and Inedita. Scuderia focuses on racing-inspired designs and lightweight aerodynamic materials. Classica takes a more contemporary luxury approach to personalizing base model Ferraris. Inedita actually translates to “original,” and this is where experimental futuristic designs and elements are integrated into your customization. There’s one more thing to mention: the Ferrari Special Projects program. They’ll design and build you a completely new one-of-a-kind concept car, based on a current chassis model. This program starts at $1 million, with certain projects jumping into the $5 million range.

Lamborghini Ad Personam

Out of all the major exotic car brands, Lamborghini offers the most customization from their base configurator. You can pretty much do everything already. But there’s always more to do, right? For the discerning buyer who needs their Lamborghini exactly how they want it, that’s where the Ad Personam program comes in. Usually, buyers will select a special paint color that’s not readily available from the factory. In certain cases, they’ll also customize the interior with racing seats and personalized trim colors. And for the most extreme, Lamborghini Ad Personam also offers one-of-a-kind bespoke builds. These are not available to most buyers, and only a pre-established relationship will allow you to commission a concept build.

McLaren MSO

If saying you own a McLaren wasn’t enough, how about saying you own a 100% carbon fiber custom factory-built McLaren? That’s right, McLaren can build your car with carbon fiber body panels depending on which parts you’d like to upgrade. They’ll paint it any color and finish your interior with almost any leather or Alcantara combination that you request. Pretty much anything is possible. By the time you’re done with the MSO program, you could basically be on standby if McLaren Racing ever needs a replacement F1 car.

Summary

If you’re going to go all out when it comes to buying a new car, then make sure you get the exact color that you want. Just like the saying goes, “Do it once. Do it right.” These specialty personalization programs offer discerning buyers a complete suite of customization options. Make sure to take your time and build a custom-ordered vehicle to your exact specifications, so that you can cherish it for years to come and possibly even pass it down to your next generation.