Midnight purple 3 is a deep, rich shade of purple that was first used as a factory color option on Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in the 1990s. The midnight purple 3 color code allows people to accurately identify or match this specific shade of purple. Color codes are an important part of categorizing, matching, and reproducing colors across different paint manufacturers. Having the correct color code makes it easy to find the same exact version of midnight purple 3 regardless of the paint brand or supplier.
Background on Color Codes
In the automotive industry, color codes are used to precisely specify colors for new vehicles during the manufacturing process. Each vehicle make and model is offered in a variety of different exterior paint colors, and each of those colors has its own unique color code. The code itself is usually a combination of letters and numbers, such as WA538X for a popular Nissan blue, that identifies that specific color formula.
Color codes serve several key functions in automotive manufacturing:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Color codes ensure the exact same color formula is used every time that particular color is applied to a new vehicle. |
| Communication | Color codes provide a common language to convey color information between designers, manufacturers, suppliers, dealerships, and customers. |
| Matching | If a vehicle needs a repair or touch-up, the color code makes it easy to precisely match the existing color. |
| Tracking | Color codes help keep track of which colors are offered for each model and how often each code is used. |
Having an agreed-upon color identification system is important for consistency across the complex automotive supply chain.
History of Midnight Purple 3
Midnight purple 3 first emerged in the 1990s as one of many factory paint colors available on certain Nissan and Infiniti luxury performance models like the 300ZX, Skyline, and Q45. It was one option within Nissan’s rich midnight purple color palette.
The late 1980s and 1990s were times of exploration and innovation for Japanese automakers like Nissan. Sports car and luxury vehicle segments were growing, and brands were differentiating themselves through distinctive, emotive colors. Nissan designers came up with a series of deep, multilayered purples that evoked a sense of mystery and sophistication.
Among this midnight purple lineup, midnight purple 3 stood out for its deeply saturated hue. It had a bright blue undertone that gave it an eye-catching depth and energy when viewed from different angles and in changing light. While other midnight purple shades were available, midnight purple 3 gained a particularly strong following among sports car enthusiasts. Its rich but complex tone aligned with the 300ZX and Skyline’s positioning as bold, adventurous vehicles.
Today, midnight purple 3 has achieved cult classic status in the Japanese import tuning community. Its originality and confident attitude fits the identity of these specialty vehicles. Having the specific color code makes it possible for owners to recreate the factory-original midnight purple 3 even after it was discontinued from standard production.
Midnight Purple 3 Color Code
The actual color code used by Nissan to identify midnight purple 3 is R53. This code was used across Nissan and Infiniti vehicles like:
- 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX
- 1989-1994 Nissan Skyline
- 1991-1996 Infiniti Q45
- 1990-1992 Infiniti G20
The R53 color code points to a very specific version of purple developed by Nissan. It is not the same as other shades of midnight purple, such as R52 deep purple or R54 midnight purple. Having this precise code makes it possible to accurately recreate the midnight purple 3 color whether repairing a scratched fender or repainting an entire car.
The letters and numbers that make up color codes seem random but actually contain important information for manufacturers:
| Code Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| R | Stands for red base coat |
| 53 | Identifies the pigment formula and amount of tinting agents |
Color codes are carefully developed by color stylists to communicate highly specific color information to factory teams. R53 provides the recipe for mixing midnight purple 3 exactly as designers intended.
Identifying Midnight Purple 3
For Nissan or Infiniti owners and enthusiasts trying to confirm whether a vehicle is painted midnight purple 3, verifying the color code is the best approach. Here are some tips:
- Check the vehicle door jamb – Color codes are often stamped here.
- Consult the owner’s manual or service records – These sometimes list the color code.
- Call the dealership with the VIN – They can look up the original color code.
- Compare to color code charts – Online charts have images of R53.
- Use a paint color ID tool – Some auto parts stores can help identify the code.
Visually examining the paint isn’t enough to conclusively identify midnight purple 3. Two similar dark purples may appear nearly identical to the naked eye but actually have different color codes. Relying on R53 provides certainty and reduces the margin of error.
For custom paint jobs, using the factory color code helps guarantee the most accurate representation of the original midnight purple 3 color. Whether restoring a classic sports car or customizing a new project vehicle, the closest match requires the R53 code.
Where to Buy Midnight Purple 3 Paint
The easiest way to purchase authentic midnight purple 3 paint is to get a pre-mixed formula from a supplier using the R53 Nissan color code. Some good options include:
| Company | Product Name |
|---|---|
| TouchUpDirect | 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX Midnight Purple Pearl (R53) |
| AutomotiveTouchup | 1990 Nissan 300ZX Touch Up Paint – Midnight Purple Pearl III Metallic (R53) |
| PaintScratch | 1990 Nissan 300ZX Midnight Purple Pearl III (R53) |
| CARiD | Nissan 300ZX OEM Midnight Purple 3 Pearl Paint |
These companies offer paint pens, spray cans, touch up bottles, and professional cans so hobbyists and professional painters can all find midnight purple 3 paint matched to the factory R53 code. This makes repairs, restorations, and custom paint jobs much more straightforward.
For specialty projects, midnight purple 3 can also be custom mixed using the formula corresponding to R53. Some high-end paint shops may be able to analyze a paint sample and recreate the color from scratch. Providing them with the color code gives them a reliable reference point for getting the purple hue precisely right.
Similar Colors
Because of its unique color properties, midnight purple 3 is difficult to duplicate exactly without the authentic Nissan color code. However there are a few similar alternative purples that capture a comparable look in certain lighting and applications:
- Nissan R54 – Factory midnight purple with subtle metallic flake. Slightly lighter and brighter than R53.
- Nissan R52 – Deeper true purple but lacks blue undertone of midnight purple 3.
- Toyota 8R7 – Used on some Supra and Cressida models. Has hints of blue tones but more black pigment.
- BMW 380 – Dark purple pearl used on various models. More red and pink hues come through.
While these may work as midnight purple 3 stand-ins for some projects, the only real way to perfectly match the original 1990s Nissan color is to use the exact R53 color code. For collectors passionate about details, only the original will do.
Having the specific midnight purple 3 color code gives you confidence that the color will impress even the most devoted sports car fans. Whether undertaking a professional restoration or casual hobby paint job, the R53 code eliminates doubt and ensures color accuracy.
Conclusion
Midnight purple 3 is a legendary Nissan factory color with code R53. This deep purple with blue pearl undertones first appeared in the 1990s on sports cars like the 300ZX and Skyline GT-R. The unique color code precisely identifies the original pigment formula to make repairs and restorations more accurate. For Nissan enthusiasts who want to stay true to the brand’s heritage, having the midnight purple 3 R53 code helps guarantee paint jobs that match the iconic original shade. By providing certainty and consistency, color codes like R53 give more freedom for creative expression and nostalgic individualization.
