Every now and again, you see a listing for a car that seems to be priced right on the button in terms of market conditions and fairness to the eventual buyer. The Ford Mustang California Special, or C/S, is one of the more intriguing special edition models to emerge from the glory days of the muscle car, and features bodywork lifted from the desirable Shelby in addition to unique decals. This project-grade example listed here on craigslist was also born with some additional options that make it even rarer, like its Raven Black over red color scheme.
The seller is asking just $12,950 for this C/S, which comes with a Marti Report and some of the necessary bodywork already started. While it is missing some of its original parts, it is more or less correct, including the Thunderbird taillights, the fiberglass trunk lid with the integrated rear spoiler, factory badges, and the fiberglass side scoops. While the hood is not original, that’s a fairly minor concern in light of the fact that all of these special trim features should have been pillaged by now if this C/S has been languishing as a forgotten project car for a few years.
When it was delivered new, this Mustang came with a red interior, which had to have looked stunning against the Raven Black paint. Although those seats are gone, you can simply recover these buckets to capture some of the original magic. Overall, the dash appears clean and correct, and the same for the door panels. The seller notes that this Mustang was in storage for 30 years and not run, and this is the first time it’s been offered up for sale a project with some of the heavy lifting already started. Specifically, the seller references that the torque boxes are solid and that the labor completed to date represents a “….a major head start on the structural work.”
We’d like to know more about what that structural work entails, because the listing also mentions that the floors are solid. The engine is not original but it is, at least, a small block V8 set up with a 4-barrel, open-element air cleaner, and aftermarket headers. This C/S additionally left the factory with power steering and a limited-slip, so it sports some great equipment. While a California Special is far from the most sought-after Mustang, it’s still a unique chapter in the model’s history and good ones command a fair price. This seems like a great foundation for a worthwhile restoration. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rick Dicker for the tip.
Too bad it’s a slush box. Those seats were not made for long trips, as we figured out as kids. Movie theater ass would set in after an hour so. I can’t believe these old Muskrats command the money they do, to us they were a dime a dozen.
There is a lot of rust on the top of the inner fenders fore and aft of the shock tower, that is usually the tip of the iceberg. Potential buyers need to take a good look at this car.
This is a beautiful color combination, it will stand out in a crowd when finished. The front seats look to be high backs, from a later model Mustang.
Steve R
IF you want a California Special look Mustang you are better off buying a solid coupe and adding the CS items. Better yet also add a 68 Shelby hood/nose and a vinyl roof for the full “Green Hornet” look which is GREAT!
Much cheaper way to go and get a better car when done versus paying the CS premium upfront.
Yes, when done your car will not be a real CS. Does that really matter for a car you going to enjoy for 1/2 the money or less than a real California Special Coupe in equal condition???
I wonder if the California Special was a response to Buick California Gran Sports? Were they only sold in California? The color combo is great, needs a inspection.
I wouldn’t doubt that this car is already sold or close to it. With all its flaws and shortcomings someone will probably snap this right up and can’t say that I blame them.
As with any rustang , BEWARE!
At the price of parts and drug and alcohol ravaged labor , this can get very pricey, unless one is multi talented and can do the work on his own …