1968 Ford Mustang California Special Hardtop
In mid February 1968, the California Ford dealers began to market a factory built, limited edition Mustang called the GT/CS, or "California Special". It was born out of the need to spark interest in the model as the pony car craze began to blossom and when the Southern California sales manager saw the 1967 Shelby GT500 dubbed "Little Red" it sparked an idea for a special model that would appeal to Californians. The GT/CS was developed alongside the '68 Shelbys and in the end, 4,118 were produced.
For consignment, a 1968 Ford Mustang California Special hardtop with a title verified 49,920 actual miles and a 289ci V8 under the hood. This one has the black vinyl top and some Shelby stylings that although did not spur the sales numbers Ford was looking for, it did create a special Mustang that is collectible today.
Exterior
Candy Apple Red paint is augmented with black California Special striping that travels the midline and terminates on the rear side scoops and also lines the back end of the rear spoiler. In front, Lucas fog lights live in the horseless blacked out grille while a pair of hood pins and Shelby style hood vents decorate the top surface. Both chrome bumpers are in great shape and the rest of the metalwork is nice as well. Our notchback has a black vinyl roof in good condition and a California Special script emblem on each rear quarter panel. Shelby style tail lights flank a pop off gas cap and reverse lights are round units on the rear valance. 15-inch Weld DragLite wheels now occupy the hubs and we note one of them is bent. Other imperfections include numerous scratches, chips, cracking body work, bubbling, some gap fitment issues, and a triple scratch in the black stripe.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels have a woodgrain strip inside the pleated patterned insert which shows a bit of waviness on the doors and some separation on the driver's side. Low back bucket seats have textured and pleated inserts, all in good condition, and the black vinyl continues on the back 2+2 seating where we find one window crank off its mount. A wood rimmed 3 spoke steering wheel shares the column with an AutoMeter tachometer in front of the wood applique lined dashboard and standard gauge package. An updated Mustang branded AM/FM/Cassette radio is in the center and warm woodgrain applique covers the dash in front of the passenger and above the glove box. A Hurst shifter is floor mounted with a rubber boot and surrounded by loop style carpet in good shape and a center console with armrest and cupholders has been added. An overhead console stretches to the back of the car adorned with more woodgrain applique and the headliner itself looks to be in very good condition. The trunk is clean and painted and houses a fuel cell.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 289ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and a T5 5-speed manual transmission sending power to the Ford 9" in back. Disc brakes are found on the rear wheels and drums in front. Headers begin the exhaust process in this clean engine bay which features a chrome shock tower brace, Monte Carlo bar and valve covers.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with its fair share of surface rust in the usual areas. The dual exhaust enters FlowMaster mufflers after an H-pipe and then dumps under the car. The driveshaft runs through a loop on its way to the back while coil spring suspension is employed up front and a 4 link with coilovers are out back. There's one spot of invasive rust on the inside rear quarter panel.
Drive-Ability
We'll head west with this one and take the California Special on a test run. The 289 with headers and short exhaust creates a little earthquake of sound under the seats and the car rolls around the track like a mudslide, smoothly. We surf the gears and ride a wave of acceleration which is quite good and the brakes stop the car like rush hour on the 405. As far as functionality, the left rear turn signal doesn't blink, the reverse lights do not illuminate, and the fog lights don't work. Minor dysfunctions from something with California in the name. Everything else worked as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
While not fully original, this is a real California Special and when was the last time you saw one? These are really quite rare and until tributes were produced by Ford in 2007 and subsequent years. We're thrilled to have one in our Hallowed Halls with low mileage and a Marti Report that comes with it. Take the 15 to the 40 and head east to the PA Turnpike, then get off at the Morgantown exit. That's where you'll find us!
8R01C166268
8-1968
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
01-Mustang Hardtop
C-289ci 2bbl V8
166268-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 65B-Mustang Hardtop, Luxury Buckets
COLOR T-Candy Apple Red
TRIM 6A-Black Decor Vinyl Buckets
DATE 12F-June 12th
DSO 74-Seattle
AXLE E- 3.00 Equalock
TRANS 1-3 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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