1968 Ford Mustang

GT/CS Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Manual

8R01C156608

Gasoline

You are looking at a very rare Mustang- even more rare than the Boss 302! California Specials hold their place in Mustang history as what some would call a "poor man's Shelby". Marketed by Ford at California dealerships for those who wanted some Shelby-style flair, including the ducktail fiberglass deck lid and Thunderbird taillights, side scoops, fog lights and a unique side stripe, these coupes were priced less than their race-inspired counterparts. They were available with the same long list of Mustang options, engines and interiors. This California Special is an exceptional example of this rare and unique car. This car has been restored from stem to stern for over thre years. It is a third-owner car and comes with its original options, as well as some more modern ones- this car was meant to drive! The main focuses of the restoration were reliability, safety, and overall comfort. It features the original 4 speed top loader transmission and a blue deluxe interior with comfortweave vinyl. As the story goes, the original owner wanted a racey, bare bones driver. His girlfiend at the time did insist on the deluxe interior, and it remains the unique option on this car. The car is the original color; painted with DuPont Acapulco blue in three coats with three coats of clear. The original deck lid, quarter extensions, tail light panel and side scoops were used in the restoration. Marshall fog lights are nested in the grille, and the GT/CS hood locks anchor the hood. The original 2V 289 was rebuilt, balaced and blueprinted with forged pistons, steel crank, roller rockers and a double roller timing chain. On top it has a rare Shelby 4V manifold, purchased over the counter at a Ford dealership by the original owner. A 4V 600 CFM Edelbrock carburetor finishes the installation. The car boasts its original toploader 4 speed transmission- a rare option with the original 2V- and was one of only 2200 other Mustangs to have such a combination. Couple that with its being a California Special, of which 4118 cars were branded that way, then there aren't many like it. It now has a Centerforce Clutch in front and a balanced driveline with a Spicer yoke and joints. The rear end housing was reinforced and aligned by Bll Scribner and it carries a 9 inch 3.25 posi Richmond gear set and Moser 31 spline axles with screw in studs. The suspension is all new, with Grab-A-Trak control arms and springs, KYB Gas-Adjust shocks in the front, and Edelbrock shocks in the rear. An Export brace and 1 1/8" front sway bar anchor the car and it is tight as a drum. As a result, improved handeling, steering and minimizing of interior rattles and squeaks is very apparent, especially to the most experienced Mustang experts. New wiring was installed throughout the car, with a new mini-blade fuse box and a built in anti-theft device. Brand new American Racing Torq-Thrust D's are wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires. The car has all-new 4 piston caliper disc brakes with stainless steel lines and all new rear drum brake haradware. The fuel tank, sender and lines are all new, as are the heater core and radiator. All the weatherstrip has been replaced with new and sound deadening has been installed throughout, including in the roof, B-pillars, firewall, floors and inside the doors for a quite ride for the interior passengers. The car has been painstakingly restored, mindful of its heritage, with a eye for the future, thanks to the full Marti Report. Pictures can speak a thousand words, but inside this pretty package are hours upon hours of work that stays behind the scenes. This care was very nearly cut up and taken away as scrap and is back, better than ever for many more years yet to come. Don't let me convince you- take a look at these pictures and decide. You won't find another California Special like this one- guaranteed! For the winning bidder: winner pays $800 deposit within 3 days of auction's end via Paypal. There is no reserve, so the highest bid wins- period. Good luck and please direct any questions to me at any time and I will make sure you get your answer as quick as possible.On Jul-30-10 at 00:10:30 PDT, seller added the following information: For any other questions you may have, please call Shane at (206) 979-5448 between 9am and 7pm Pacific Time. Thanks!