The person who coined the phrase “all that glitters is not gold” obviously wasn’t looking at this 1968 Ford Mustang GT California Special (GT/CS) when they uttered those words. It presents superbly, but the additional flake added to its Sunlit Gold paint makes it stand apart from the crowd. It needs nothing and is ideal for someone seeking a turnkey classic that will draw crowds. It is worth a close look because its condition may tempt you to pursue it further. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Matt H. for spotting this unique Mustang.
Ford virtually rewrote the post-war rulebook with its First Generation Mustang. It sold in unprecedented numbers, with 1966 marking the badge’s high point. Sales tapered from there, although they didn’t plunge to a disastrous level. The company was keen to stimulate the market, introducing several region-specific Special Editions. With over 20% of cars heading to California, the GT/CS was an obvious development. The company earmarked a sales target of 5,000 vehicles, but only 4,118 buyers paid the additional $194.31 for a California Special. Unlike similar vehicles for other areas, the GT/CS was a Hardtop-only proposition. The package brought many cosmetic enhancements previously reserved for Shelby vehicles, including the rear spoiler, scoops, and distinctive taillights. These enhanced the standard GT features like the grille with integrated foglights and the chrome wheels with center caps. Throw in unique stripes, and the GT/CS made a bold visual statement. The first owner ordered our feature car in Sunlit Gold with a Black vinyl top. Its presentation is impressive, although the seller did themselves no favors with the supplied images. They confirm the car underwent a repaint, but not when this occurred. They added additional flake during that process, making the paint really gleam. There are no signs of paint or panel issues, rust, or other nasty surprises. The vinyl is in as-new condition, the unique GT/CS features are intact, and the glass is crystal clear. There is little worth criticizing, and this Mustang would draw favorable comments if displayed at a Cars & Coffee.
This Mustang’s interior presents as impressively as its exterior but reveals another aspect of the car that isn’t original. Its trim combination raised questions in my mind, and a check of several reputable resources confirmed that Ford didn’t offer a combination of Medium Saddle and Black vinyl in 1968. I am happy to be corrected, but I suspect the seller undertook a custom component mix during a restoration. The factory radio has also gone, with its spot occupied by a retro-style stereo. If you ignore the lack of originality, there is nothing to criticize. The vinyl and carpet are spotless, the dash and pad are excellent, and the factory console is a welcome feature.
I will never understand why a seller would list a car of this caliber and fail to include engine photos. The California Special didn’t bring any performance enhancements, and the drivetrain is pure GT fare. This classic scores the 302ci V8 that sends 230hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. Whether this car scores power assistance for the steering or front disc brakes is unclear, but it should provide excellent performance from its drivetrain combination. The seller doesn’t merely miss the mark with no photos, but there is no information on subjects like whether the GT is numbers-matching or how well it runs and drives. However, since they describe its condition as “like new,” that suggests it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The seller listed this 1968 Mustang GT California Special here on Craigslist in Gresham, Oregon. They set the price at $46,000, which is higher than the market average. There will be debate about whether the figure is justified because the additional paint flake means it can’t be considered original. However, there is no questioning its overall condition, and somebody who dreams of parking a GT/CS in their garage might pay the premium for this one. It has only been on the market for a few days, but do you believe it will find a new home?
’68 Mustang is one of my favorites. When mentioning a “California Special” Mustang, it should be noted, of the 4100 made in ’68, 251 were called “High Country Special ’68”, and were sold exclusively at Colorado Ford dealers. Like the Cal Special, sold only in California, it was pure marketing the public didn’t really go for. These sold new for just under $3grand, a “regular” Mustang was close behind at about $2800, and in the other 48 states, the moniker(s) didn’t mean much to them. These surface from time to time, not common, but the ones out there seem to be taken care of. If TV auctions have any merit, which they don’t, someone, possibly from California, who couldn’t have one in ’68, will have no problem buying it for the price. I just wonder if future generations will know the difference, or care?
And yes, I still say, while popular among us, the 4 speed leaves out a great majority of prospective buyers that would love a ’68 Mustang, wherever it came from. They just don’t want to shift gears.
You think most buyers of a ‘68 Mustang would prefer not to shift gears? I have the exact opposite opinion.
Good. Leave out the people who can’t row their own.!
Enough of this accommodating the incompetent :)
Let ’em buy a slushbox Pinto!
Beautiful car. Always liked the sequential turn signals
Nice car. The GT/CS was an attractive trim package, something to spice up the hardtops. The mods on this one look fine. Not cheap. If I was promoting “extra flake”, I think I would figure out how to show that, maybe pics taken in bright sunshine? Along with more, and better, pics.
I own a California Special that upgraded the brakes to wilwood discs,the same steering wheel and console as in this car, new classic instrument cluster with tac & 140 speedo, headers, Shelby rims, and a 3k stereo system. New manifold and carb. And a couple of other little items. I love it and get many compliments and thumbs up asi drive it.
Based on the brake pedal in one picture it is equipped power brakes and the fronts being disc.
I love the way these Mustangs look,alot of people(including myself)at one time,would easily mistake it for a Shelby at first seeing it from behind.There was a green one that i used to see driving around where i live for several years,the only one i’ve seen in person.This Mustang is very clean,and surely would be a center of attention at any car show.
My wife (girlfriend then) bought a brand new 67 Mustang from Rodman Ford in Foxboro, MA while I was in Viet Nam. I couldn’t believe how smooth that 200 6 ran when I got home. We drove everywhere in it and brought our new borns home in it… Tight, responsive and peppy for a 6. Sold it to my Seargent on FPD. What a mistake. I ended up restoring 8 more Mustangs of various years as time went by.. Great little cars.
This is one special horse. How much do you want it?
A very nice car, I lived in Colo at the time and we had “The High County Special” Over the years you still see one occasionally. I do not know enough about Mustang values, so I am not sure if this makes it more valuable?
I think I recall this car when new? A customer of my Dad’s service station in Portland Or had one one of these new? His dad was a Ford dealer not a huge mega dealer tike today, the son got a new gt 350 cs and his was a four speed which I thought was unusual on a special model and since the car is now located in Gresham a suburb of Porland maybe it’s the same car? This was EONS so I recall the color, but I don’t recall many running around town at the time,
My friend Frank has a 1968 GTCS and it has a 289 and an automatic. I did not think they put 302 in them.