The Ford Mustang California Special is one of those limited-edition models you either think is enormously cool or consider a bit of a poser. The package, which largely focused on cosmetic enhancements, could be optioned up into a muscle car with Shelby-grade performance without the price tag. However, in most cases, it was equipped like the one we see here on eBay: a 289 V8, automatic car with all the visual enhancements that made it look like a Shelby for far less money. This one sadly is offered without a title, and bidding is up to $5,500 with no reserve.
While most cars that are intended to appeal to customers on the basis of looking cool but not being much of a performer are often a mixture of wheels and decals, the California Special dug pretty deep to make it a stand-out. The bodywork was actually modified to a significant degree, which is more than I can say for most cosmetic dress-up packages. The rear taillight panel was the most significant visual clue that we were dealing with a different kind of Mustang, as it featured an iconic Shelby-style rear end and Thunderbird taillights. It also had the typical badges and non-functional side scoops.
The interior was largely unchanged from a standard Mustang, but other exterior enhancements included a blacked-out front grille with Marchal fog lamps, hood locks, and a pop-up-style fuel door. The stripes were also a C/S-specific feature. Incredibly, all of these details appear to still be accounted for on this example, which doesn’t come off as a restored car. Instead, it simply seems like one that was put in the garage and left alone. I would imagine at some point when values reached their bottom, the C/S Mustangs were appealing to enthusiasts looking to pillage parts for their non-C/S cars.
The 289 V8 is a tried-and-true powerplant, and when equipped with an automatic transmission, it’s an easy-to-live-with cruiser. The engine produced just under 200 b.h.p. and a healthy 288 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine currently turns over but there’s no spark, which is hardly a surprise for a car that has been sitting in a barn since 1985. Sadly, the owners have misplaced the title for the car, which will likely severely limit interest. All that said, it still looks like a solid example of a rare California Special with all the right bits still attached.
Would have been great if Shelby built a notchback coupe; these CS are unique and interesting.
Ford also had a “High Country Special”, sold through Colorado dealers, with about as much interest. They were offered from ’66 to ’68, with about 1,000 cars sold. Cal Specials were only offered for 5.5 months in ’68, and only 4118 cars were sold, making the High Country much rarer with only 251 sold in ’68. It was a classic swing and a miss. Apparently, folks didn’t want to spend the extra $194.31 for one.
Were the 68 Cali Specials left over 67’s or is ? I don’t see the federally mandated side marker lights on the side of this one but the VIN decodes to a 68.
Why can’t the selling owner apply for a duplicate title, unless…
The seller is not the owner. He’s a “dealer” or flipper. New York does not require a title on a car this old, but does require a transferable title. The seller is located in New York, the license plates are from Pennsylvania.
There is basically no description and there are no detailed pictures of rust prone areas. The top of the inner fenders fore and aft of the shock towers show significant rust, I’d be surprised if this car hadn’t had rust repairs at some time in its past.
Steve R