1968 Ford Mustang

California Special Coupe

289

Automatic

8R01c152028

Clear

Gasoline

History of The California Special: 1968 California Special (GT/CS) Perhaps one of the best known of the limited edition classic Mustangs is the 1968 California Special, or GT/CS. Most Mustang veterans and even casual enthusiasts have heard of it, yet false info and rumor still abound on the net. The California Special roots started with "Little Red", a hand built experimental Shelby coupe. Shelby's were only offered in fastbacks and convertibles, but there was enough interest in expanding to the coupe body style that a prototype was mocked up. Although the Shelby coupe idea was ultimately scrapped, the groundwork was laid for the California Special. Borrowing heavily from the Shelby parts bins, the GT/CS was the most elaborate special edition Mustang yet, going way beyond the typical fender badge or special paint. The GT/CS was unveiled at a Ford dealer party at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The advertising tag-line was "California Made it Happen" although in truth the GT/CS was sent to sales districts beyond just California. Kansas City, Dallas, L.A., San Jose, Salt Lake, Seattle, Phoenix and Canada were all eligible DSO's to sell this limited edition pony. (A Denver DSO (51) made it a High Country Special) What made the 1968 California Special more significant then any other limited edition Mustang to date was the extent of the factory modifications. Borrowing from Shelby parts, the entire look of the car was changed making it into something immediately recognizable as a special Mustang. The front end featured factory fog lights set in a blacked out grille. The fogs were originally Marchals and then Lucas after a CA recall. The hood featured integral turn signals and factory twist style hood locks, the same as used on the 1968 Shelby. Starting at the front headlight buckets a unique triple side stripe ran down the length of the car, terminating just past the simulated side scoops. On the scoops, cut into the tape stripe was the GT/CS insignia. These scoops are very similar to the Shelby models, but unique to the GT/CS because they were non-functional. Continuing past the stripes to the rear quarter panels you find "California Special" in a chrome trim script font. The tail end is where the Shelby influence is unmistakable. The fiberglass trunk lid has an integral "duck tail" spoiler with matching fiberglass quarter panel extensions. These are direct Shelby part numbers. As are the wide, horizontal taillights and fiberglass taillight panel. Although many think so, these wide tail lights are not sequential like you would find on Cougars or T-birds. On the deck lid is the "Mustang" script typically found on standard Mustang front fenders. The tape stripe continues along the rear edge of the trunk spoiler and turns down the quarter panel extensions. Topping everything off is a unique pop-off gas cap with the running horse in the center. Ford advertising description of the GT/CS from one of it's brochures: GT/CS California Special Mustang. Limited edition. Inspiration by Shelby GT. But priced like a Mustang. Loo Now for my car This is a fresh "Less then 500 miles" very well restored mustang California Special with the numbers matching 289cid motor and automatic transmission. We started with a very rust free California car with 75,000 original miles. We sent the car to Kye the owner of European Motor car works to strip the car down to the metal and completely disassemble the car. Once disassembled the Motor and transmission was sent to Mike Lewis at Lewis automotive to get a high performance rebuild including blue printing and balancing. Then we sent the car to Mustang country to have the Brakes,Heavy Duty Suspension,Power steering,Bushings,Fuel lines, Fuel Tank, Wiring,Lights  all replaced. Then it went back to European Motor car works for Paint, Vinyl roof, New chrome , Reassembly, Buff and polish. Then off to Markel's auto interiors for the complete interior work. Please keep in mind when bidding there was a lot of money spent on restoring this Mustang It looks amazing and runs even better, but does need I few little things like the Center console needs to be installed " don't have it" and the steering wheel should be replaced I was going to go the wheel and console at the same time. If you have any Questions for would like to make an appointment to view this very beautifully restored Mustang Please call Miller at 310-409-6541 NOTE 2,000.00 Dollar nonrefundable deposit due within 24 hours of end of auction.