Factory paint code chart by model year
SN95 codes are two letters, not Fox-body digits. A 1994 Crystal White ZR does not cross to a 1979 9D White — always pair code with model year and generation.
1994 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal White | ZR |
#fefefe
|
Launch color for the SN95 generation |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat | E8 |
#931018
|
SVT Cobra primary launch color |
| 4 | Vibrant Red | ES |
#cf0000
|
Exclusive Indy Pace Car Cobra color |
| 5 | Canary Yellow | BZ |
#fced35
|
— |
| 6 | Deep Forest Green Metallic | NA |
#255558
|
— |
| 7 | Laser Red Tinted Metallic | E9 |
#781d28
|
— |
| 8 | Opal Frost Metallic | WJ |
#a2abb1
|
— |
1995 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal White | ZR |
#fefefe
|
Only color available for the 1995 Cobra R |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat | E8 |
#910e16
|
— |
| 4 | Sapphire Blue Metallic | JA |
#131f6d
|
One-year-only SN95 color |
| 5 | Canary Yellow Clearcoat Tri-Coat | BZ |
#faea32
|
— |
| 6 | Deep Forest Green Metallic | NA |
#245457
|
— |
1996 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal White | ZR |
#fcfcfc
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Laser Red Tinted Metallic | E9 |
#771c27
|
— |
| 4 | Mystic Clearcoat Metallic | LF |
#07251d
|
Legendary color-shifting paint; exclusive to SVT Cobra |
| 5 | Tangerine Orange | BI |
#E66721
|
Rare single-year limit option |
| 6 | Moonlight Blue Metallic | KM |
#002e97
|
— |
1997 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal White | ZR |
#fbfbfb
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat | E8 |
#941219
|
— |
| 4 | Pacific Green Metallic | PS |
#094457
|
Highly popular on 1997 Cobra models |
| 5 | Autumn Orange | BG |
#b8540b
|
Rare mid-year addition |
| 6 | Aztec Gold | BY |
#C29B47
|
Extremely low production numbers |
1998 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal White | ZR |
#fefefe
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Laser Red Tinted Metallic | E9 |
#771c27
|
— |
| 4 | Chrome Yellow | BZ |
#faea32
|
Replaces Canary Yellow |
| 5 | Atlantic Blue Metallic | K7 |
#145da4
|
— |
| 6 | Bright Atlantic Blue Metallic | K7 |
#145da4
|
— |
1999 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford White | YZ |
#F4F6F7
|
First year of the 'New Edge' styling facelift |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat | E8 |
#8e0b13
|
35th Anniversary Limited Edition option |
| 4 | Electric Green Metallic | SU |
#064532
|
— |
| 5 | Ultra White | ZR |
#fbfbfb
|
— |
| 6 | Silver Clearcoat Metallic | YN |
#b7c1cd
|
— |
2000 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford White | YZ |
#F4F6F7
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Performance Red | EY |
#D11313
|
Exclusive to the 2000 Cobra R |
| 4 | Sunburst Gold Metallic | BP |
#9b845c
|
One-year color option |
| 5 | Zinc Yellow | B6 |
#E4D041
|
— |
2001 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford White | YZ |
#F4F6F7
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#030202
|
Bullitt edition standard option |
| 3 | Dark Highland Green | PY |
#003320
|
Exclusive signature color for the Bullitt GT |
| 4 | Laser Red Tinted Metallic | E9 |
#7a1f2a
|
— |
| 5 | Mineral Gray Metallic | TK |
#615147
|
— |
| 6 | True Blue Metallic | L2 |
#001c2d
|
Bullitt edition alternate option |
2002 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford White | YZ |
#F4F6F7
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#000000
|
— |
| 3 | Torch Red | D3 |
#a91a17
|
— |
| 4 | Sonic Blue Metallic | SN |
#022e9b
|
Late-year introduction color |
| 5 | Satin Silver Metallic | TL |
#afb1b4
|
— |
2003 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford White | YZ |
#F4F6F7
|
— |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#050404
|
SVT 'Terminator' Cobra option |
| 3 | Torch Red | D3 |
#a81916
|
10th Anniversary SVT Cobra option |
| 4 | Sonic Blue Metallic | SN |
#022e9b
|
Highly sought-after Terminator color |
| 5 | Azure Blue | L5 |
#264476
|
Exclusive signature color for the Mach 1 rebirth |
| 6 | Dark Shadow Gray Metallic | CX |
#5d5c57
|
— |
2004 Model Year
| # | Color name | Ford code | Color swatch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxford White | YZ |
#F4F6F7
|
40th Anniversary edition base option |
| 2 | Black Clearcoat | UA |
#040303
|
— |
| 3 | Crimson Red | FX |
#752831
|
Exclusive to 40th Anniversary Package editions |
| 4 | Mystichrome | G9 |
#324B5C
|
Color-shifting chroma paint; unique to 2004 SVT Cobra |
| 5 | Competition Orange | CY |
#b32f12
|
Rare final-year New Edge color option |
| 6 | Screaming Yellow | D6 |
#f5d43f
|
Replaces Zinc Yellow |
Where to find Generation 4 Mustang paint codes
Exterior color on a 1994–2004 SN95 (1994–1998) and New Edge (1999–2004) coupe and convertible is documented separately from interior trim codes. Check these locations before ordering paint:
- Driver door jamb certification label — two-letter paint code field (UA = black clearcoat, ZR = crystal white on 1994, etc.).
- Fuel door interior and rear bumper cover — overspray reference when jambs were repainted incorrectly.
- Under hood on fender aprons — SN95 unibody cars often retain factory color on apron lips when hood was resprayed.
- Spoiler underside and Cobra/Roush wing mounts — special edition cars may show original code here if decklid was replaced.
Official Ford guidance for modern vehicles also applies to decoding labels: see Ford's paint code help page for label reading tips.
How many colors were available?
Ford refreshed the Mustang exterior in 1999 (New Edge) while keeping many carryover codes. Palettes include bold launch colors (Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat on early Cobras), late special editions (2004 Mystichrome), and fleet-friendly silvers on GT daily drivers.
Factory paint specifications
Original SN95 / New Edge (1994–2004) finishes differ from modern base/clear systems. Use this outline when briefing a body shop or judging an original car.
| Factory system | Basecoat/clearcoat from SN95 launch — tinted clears on Rio Red and similar colors. |
|---|---|
| Primary refinish brands | Ford OEM refinish, PPG Envirobase, DuPont/Axalta — all publish SN95/New Edge code books. |
| Finish type | Metallics, pearls (Mystichrome, Mystic Gold), and standard solids; tri-coat pearls need orientation control in the booth. |
| Typical mixing (shop) | Base + activator + reducer; clear with separate hardener. Tinted clears use a colored clear coat — not the same as single-stage red. |
| Colorants / dyes | Mica pearls in Mystichrome shift with viewing angle; repair blends are specialist work, not touch-up pen jobs. |
| Factory film build | Typical 5–9 mils total with 1.5–2.5 mils clear on horizontal panels. |
| Modern equivalent | PPG and Axalta carry SN95 formulas; 2004 Mystichrome requires a documented tri-coat process, not a single hex match. |
Recommended total paint thickness
| SN95 / New Edge factory | About 5–9 mils BC/CC — measure hood centerline, not hood scoop edges |
|---|---|
| Rocker and quarter blend zone | Keep repairs under 10 mils total to avoid sand-through on sharp New Edge creases |
| Show restoration | Wet sand and polish only after 30-day full cure — New Edge clear is soft when fresh |
| Measurement method | Calibrated DFT gauge on flat door skin — composite scoops read differently |
Surface prep tips for Generation 4 resprays
Remove New Edge side scoops and Mach 1 shaker for full coverage
Tape lines around plastic scoops leave a tell on judged cars. Plan hardware bags and alignment shims before the booth.
Use sealer compatible with SN95 E-coat primer
1994+ bodies left the plant with electrocoat. Wrong sealer causes adhesion peel on hoods and roofs within months.
What did a factory paint job cost then vs today?
Dealer and factory pricing is inflation-adjusted below for planning — not a quote from any specific shop.
| 1994 GT optional paint | About $200–$350 above base coupe MSRP for non-standard metallics. |
|---|---|
| 2001 Bullitt package | Paint bundled with trim — Highland Green is the documented exterior, not an aftermarket name. |
| 2004 dealer collision refinish | About $1,200–$1,800 for full BC/CC respray (2004 labor rates). |
| Daily-driver SN95 respray (2025) | $6,000–$10,000 — includes bumper and side-scoop R&R common on New Edge. |
| Cobra / Mach 1 show build (2025) | $16,000–$28,000 — correct jamb, trunk, and engine-bay semi-gloss. |
| Mystichrome repair (2025) | $2,500–$6,000+ per panel — tri-coat pearl; often panel replace vs blend. |
Verified external resources
Frequently asked questions
Where is the paint code on a 1994–2004 Mustang?
Driver door jamb on the certification label. Look for the two-letter exterior paint code — separate from the interior trim two-digit code.
What code is 2001 Bullitt Highland Green?
Bullitt Highland Green appears in our 2001 model-year table — verify against your door tag; do not assume 1968 Bullitt code R from first-gen charts.
Is Mystichrome the same as Mystic on 1996 Cobra?
No. 1996 Mystic and 2004 Mystichrome are different tri-coat systems with different codes (see our year tables). Mixing them is a common respray mistake.
SN95 vs New Edge — same paint codes?
Many codes carry over 1999–2004, but New Edge introduced new colors and changed marketing names. Always use the model year table, not the body style nickname alone.
What clear should I use on Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat?
Match the tint system — a standard untinted clear over base red will look orange-peel wrong next to factory tinted panels.
Other Mustang generations
Each generation uses different code formats and paint chemistry. Jump to the correct chart to avoid mixing Fox-body codes with muscle-car letters or Mustang II two-digit labels.
Generation 1
1964–1973 · Classic muscle car (1964½–1973)
Generation 2
1974–1978 · Mustang II (1974–1978)
Generation 3
1979–1993 · Fox-body (1979–1993)
Generation 4
1994–2004 · SN95 / New Edge (1994–2004)
Generation 5
2005–2014 · S197 (2005–2014)
Generation 6
2015–2023 · S550 (2015–2023)
Generation 7
2024–2026 · S650 (2024–2026)