1968 Ford Mustang California Special 289 4-Speed

Description

In 1968, a special Mustang model called the California Special GT/CS was conceived by a California sales manager named Lee Grey. Inspired by Shelby's GT500 "Little Red" prototype, the California Special could be ordered with any engine, transmission, and color option, but was only available as a coupe. These cars combine some GT features with Shelby-style taillights, a decklid spoiler, a blacked-out grille, Lucas or Marchal fog lights, non-functional rear fender intakes, and GT-style hubcaps. Ford produced 4,118 units of the 1968 Mustang GT/CS "California Special,” all of which were produced at the San Jose, California, plant, including 251 cars that were diverted to Colorado as the "High Country Special ‘68.”

This ‘68 Mustang is reported to be one of those 4,118 cars, and it is powered by a 289ci V8 paired with a replacement four-speed manual transmission in place of the original automatic. The car has been refinished in dark green over Ivy Gold upholstery and features 14” styled-steel wheels, power-assisted front disc brakes, fog lights, and an Edelbrock carburetor and intake manifold.

This 1968 Ford Mustang California Special is now offered with a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 289ci V8 engine

• Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor

• Four-speed manual transmission conversion

• 14" styled-steel wheels

• Shelby-style taillights

• Fog lights

Factory Equipment

• The data plate decodes as:

  • Body: Two-door hardtop coupe

  • Color: I – Lime Gold paint

  • Trim: 2G – Ivy Gold vinyl seats

  • Date: 29E – May 29th production date

  • DSO: 72 – San Jose, California, District Sales Office

  • Axle: 2 – 2.79:1 rear axle ratio, standard differential

  • Trans: W – C-4 automatic transmission

• The chassis number (8R01C163189) decodes as:

  • 8 – 1968 model year

  • R – San Jose, California, assembly plant

  • 01 – Mustang, two-door hardtop

  • C – 289ci 2V V8

  • 163189 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Edelbrock intake manifold

• Edelbrock carburetor

• Mickey Thompson valve covers

• Four-speed manual transmission conversion

• Repainted dark green

Servicing

Per the seller, the brake pads, rotors, calipers, wheel seals, brake hoses, ball joints, tie rods, and idler arm were replaced within the last 1,000 miles.

Known Imperfections

• Up-close images detailing the condition of the vehicle are provided in the gallery

Ownership History

The car was acquired by the seller in October 2013.

Included Items

• Factory valve covers