1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special

Description

Almost all automobile manufacturers have dabbled with creating special editions, however most are not usually special in any sense of the word. The Mustang GT/CS, better known as the California Special, took a different route. Purely focused on the Los Angeles and San Jose, California markets before its popularity helped it spread to other West Coast Districts, the California Special featured production input from local legends Shelby Automotive Inc. With GT/CS production lasting just seven months in 1968 Ford had created a rare, collectible Mustang desired well beyond its intended markets with its historical popularity spawning modern variants.

Highlights

• GT/CS California Special model, sold only on the West Coast

• One of 4,118 produced for 1968

• This California Special’s chassis number decodes as a 1968 coupe built in San Jose, California with a ‘C-Code’ 289 cu-in V8 with 195-horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque fed by a two barrel carburetor

• A factory-built, limited-edition Mustang inspired by the 1967 Ford Shelby EXP 500 prototype dubbed “Little Red”

• Shelby Automotive Inc. was tasked with the design and engineering of new components and assembly procedures for the GT/CS

• Three owner example with original assembly line quality control ‘X’, ‘OK’, and check mark stamps.

• Extremely clean undercarriage, outstanding original interior

• Previous owner completed engine out reseal with the request to retain originality wherever possible

• A largely unmodified example with original details throughout

Features

• Factory California Special features include front grill mounted Lucas fog lights, 1965 Thunderbird tail lights, trunk mounted spoiler end caps, quarter turn hood pins, side scoops, pop-open gas cap

• Finished in Wimbledon White ‘M’ over Black, Standard Buckets ‘2A’

• Black side stripes with GT/CS logo, along with a rear trunk lid stripe

• Unique ‘California Special’ badging on the rear fenders

• ‘65A’ Body Style Code: Coupe w/ Standard Interior, Buckets

• Produced 15 February 1968 and delivered to Ford’s Los Angeles District 71

• ‘W-Code’ C-4 Automatic

• ‘2-Code’ 2.79:1 Standard Differential

• Factory 'SelectAire' air-conditioning

Known Flaws

• Small spot of loose paint inside trunk, back left corner (please see photography)

Included

• Original trunk bag tool kit

• Digital Marti Report confirming build information and California Special edition

Previous Ownership History

Two owner car prior to current ownership. Owner One: 1968-1993, Owner Two: 1993-2022.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.