COLOR CODEES/M6997 - Performance RedFord Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive "New Edge" era shade that defined the 2001 Mustang GT and SVT Cobra. It carries a heavy orange undertone that sets it apart from the deeper, blood-like reds that Ford used in later years. Since your car has likely been on the road for over two decades, you are dealing with a color that was born for the spotlight but is highly sensitive to the sun. This pigment is aggressive and bright, capturing the raw energy of the early 2000s performance scene without the distraction of sparkles or shifts.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning it contains no metallic flakes or pearls to hide behind. The benefit is a deep, uniform pool of color that is much easier to match than a complex metallic. However, solid reds are notorious for UV oxidation. Over time, the original finish on your Mustang may have shifted slightly toward a flatter, paler orange. Because there are no metallic particles to align, your main priority is achieving a level surface. Red pigments can be somewhat transparent, so do not expect total coverage on the first pass.

Best Practices

Open your driver's door and look at the VIN sticker on the jamb to find the "EXT PNT" label. Before you spray or dab Ford Performance Red (check for code ES/M6997), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the heavy red pigments are fully suspended for an accurate match. Always test the color on the included card to see how it looks next to your existing paint. When applying, use several thin layers rather than one heavy coat to prevent sagging. Keep the container moving in steady strokes to build the color depth gradually. Give the area plenty of drying time in a cool garage or the shade before you think about applying a clear coat.