With competition from Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Mercury joining the pony car market in 1967, Ford wanted to ensure that the Mustang kept its place at the top of the heap. The 1968 California Special was one of their marketing ploys, resulting in just 4,118 specially-built ‘Stangs that Spring. They had unique styling cues like taillights from an earlier Thunderbird. This beautiful edition is in top shape and has a 302 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. Located in Hamilton, Ohio, this nearly perfect pony is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $15,201 (reserve unmet).
Designated as a GT/CS, the ’68 California Special was available only as a hardtop using fiberglass body parts (like with the Shelby Mustang of the same era), a subtle rear spoiler, and the nifty rear lights from a ’65 T-Bird. Other touches included side scoops (not working), fog lights, and a grille that was blacked out. A mid-body vinyl stripe was added along with California Special badging. You could order your CA Special with any Ford engine and transmission.
The seller’s car came with a 4-barrel 302 V,8 which was a one-year offering (J-code). Drum brakes are at four points, though front discs were optional. According to the seller, this Ford was purchased new in Seattle, Washington. Its blue paint is darn nice (but not perfect), and the interior looks just as fresh. A Marti Report comes with the car to back up what the seller goes into great detail about. It stayed in Washington for many years, accumulating most of its nearly 80,000 miles.
Very few cosmetic items have needed refreshing, such as the carpeting. Given the small portion of 1968 Mustangs that were California Specials, finding one today probably involves some effort. And many of them left may not come across as nice as this one. So, if you’re looking for a rare first-generation Mustang, this car might top the list. Several videos are included from the seller, including cold start and highway speed.
That 302 sounds good. Talk about a nice Sunday cruiser 👍
“I want to say one word to you. Just one word… Plastics. There’s a great future in plastics.”
There were a couple of these running around in my neck of the woods back in my high school days. Not nearly as nice as this one, though.
Turns out there’s an entire Wikipedia article about these:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Special_Mustang
What’s with the different color trunk?
I’m not sure but it appears not to line up with the rear quarter panel.
When I was 14, my buddy Blake, also 14, had one of these sitting in the woodlot behind his house. Same color. This would be 1980. Fairly rough, but running, we would drive it around the property like Bo and Luke Duke. Beat the hell out of that car.
Stupid is as stupid does, my momma used to say…..
My friend in high school in Culver City CA was gifted a new CA Special in burgundy. What a beautiful car that was!! I bet he wishes he still had it!!
Beautiful car.
Those were the fun days of pony cars.
You highlighted that a unique feature was the T-Bird taillights but you never gave us a picture.
At my Dad’s service in PORTLANDIA we had a customer who’s dad was a Ford dealer , the son had one of these new of course. It was a 4speed. Not having the opportunity to pop the hood I have no clue what was under it. If recall it had AC also. That would be a neat find now,
I’m wondering why it doesn’t have the stripes down the sides and across the back. The Marty report doesn’t do anything if its counted as a regular Mustang. These were basically a 1/2 year vehicle, all built at the San Jose plant in the spring of 68. If it was a stripe delete I thought it would show on the order form or the deluxe Marty report.
Listing ended at $28k, relisted with a BIN of $31k almost immediately.
I have a white on maroon 289 2 barrel automatic example of this car. So many people think it has been customized. I hardly ever see another at cruise ins or shows. It is a really fun and dependable car!