To my mind’s eye, this is still one of the best values out there in the world of classic muscle cars: the 1968 Ford Mustang California Special. Factory-installed Shelby styling, truly limited production, and respectable standard horsepower all combine to make it a car that checks all the right boxes. This is esepcially impressive for an automaker that was known to build special or limited edition models that really weren’t either of those things when you got down to it. This 1968 Ford Mustang C/S listed here on eBay also shows under 50,000 original miles and is listed for $59,995 or best offer.
The upright styling of the notchback design was another bonus here, if you’re a fan of coupes like I am. If you’re a fastback or convertible fanatic, the abrupt drop-off in the C-pillar and the miles-long trunk lid likely isn’t your jam, but when it comes to a real-deal C/S, beggars can’t be choosers. The Mustang’s unique GT hubcaps, badges, and decal kit were other aspects of the California Special you didn’t see combined on other models. And of course, that rear sequential taillight panel was the most significant detail and direct call-out to the monstrous Shelby that still sat at the top of the Mustang family tree.
The car was limited to West Coast sales and found 5,000 buyers when new. The inspiration behind this interesting limited-edition was the “Little Red” concept car, which we discussed here on Barn Finds a few years ago. In short, Ford was looking at different packages and options to entice buyers into the showroom. They also came up with the High Country Special in Colorado, but you hardly ever see those come up for sale. The California Special truly was an outstanding combination of features and standard equipment, along with the option to choose from a range of engines.
This California Special features the venerable 289 V8, which is one of the most usable engines in the classic Mustang range. Power is around 200 b.h.p. and 285 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired to an automatic transmission. The seller claims this C/S has been fully restored, which is a bit of a shame considering the low mileage. However, if some of the original package details were missing or heavily weathered, I can see the appeal of restoration in order to show off all of the things that make a California Special stand out look as healthy as possible (decals, lighting, etc.) However, the hardest car to rebuild is a C/S missing those details, so finding one with the proper boxes checked is likely far less of a headache.
Pshew, that is one beautiful Mustang!
Jeff…. A lot of Mustangs pass through the pages on Barnfinds. And thats not a bad thing. But this particular one really caught my eye. This shade of blue the white stripes, nice 289 and an automatic makes for a great cruiser. ( you said it best, the 289 is one of the most usable engines in the Mustang). I think this one is absolutely beautiful, and someone somewhere is going to be the priud new owner and hopefully enjoys it. Great write up Jeff!!!
Sweet ride, looks great from 20 feet, but a few items on the body do not line up great.
I see what you mean, Howie…but if it were mine very few people would be allowed closer than 20 feet!
The GT wheels and hubcaps are not unique to a Mustang. They were also used on the 1968-1969 Torino. A painted version of the wheel was used on the 1969 Cougar Eliminator with a plain center cap. There was also a Mercury man center cap that was used on some Montego/Cyclones.
Not supposed to have GT center caps.
Not true. GT/CS had GT hub caps. They were GT’s. I owned one bought by the original owner and it came with the GT caps.
I switched to Shelby ten spokes since I never liked the 68/69 GT wheel.
They were not GT’s
No GT on caps
The GT/CS’s that were GT’s, which mine was, had the GT hubcaps.
Howie,,, the trunk lids never fit quite right, that’s just the way they were. Manufactured by the AOSmith company. Interesting note, the trunk lids weighed more than the stock units,, so the spring rods had to be stronger to support that heft. That’s a quick way to spot a tribute.
The headlight buckets(doors) do look off. I’d question if the fenders are after market. Great color on this car. I owned a Wimbledon white gtcs with blue interior and stripe for 25 years. It had a 302 ac ps.
Check out the hood, or is that what you mean by after market fenders?
Jimmi,
I had a Wimbledon White with blue stripes and blue interior when I lived in CA. I was told by the original owner that it was the only one in that color made. I wonder if you had my car.
I happen to own one that I bought from the original owner in 81. I use both hands to open the trunk, one to turn the key and the other is holding down pressure on the lid or it will fly up fast enough make you fear breaking it.
Well there you go! A sweat nice clean ride affordable to ! 👍
Aftremarket body parts NEVER just fit .they , in most cases , need a total rework to get right .
C/S used the 65 T-Bird tail lite panel but were not sequential like the 68 Shelby.
My mother’s
C.S. turn signals were sequential from the factory. The car was purchased in 1969.
I have a white 52,000 mile example with maroon red interior. 289 auto in nice stock condition, and I love it! Fun and trouble free, and you just don’t find many. I really like the blue on this one.
I have a friend that owned one as his first car back in the 70’s. He got it from someone that didn’t know what it was for about $200. His biggest regret in his life is that he sold it to buy a Porsche 911 in the 90’s.