While most of us tend to decry cars that bear some hallmarks of a bigger, badder sibling, without the bite under the hood, I make an exception for some truly rare examples. Take this 1968 Ford Mustang California Special: it may have simply incorporated the rear tail light panel of a Thunderbird along with some additional scoops and fog lights in the grill, but the sheer rarity of these California-market cars make them desirable today. Find this one here on eBay with bidding over $13K and the reserve unmet.
While I more prefer the idea of a High Country Special, beggars can’t be choosers with just over 4,000 CS cars offered. This one remains in highly original condition, and the seller does a exceptional job of providing the documentation behind his claims. This Mustang wears 95% original paint according to the seller, who notes some scrapes and bruises from a previous owner. Body panels are said to be original, and some paint crazing on the rear spoiler is noted.
The interior is a time capsule as well, with only some light freshening up performed. The seller notes the following changes from original materials: “I replaced the seat covers. The originals had no rips or tears but they had lost their form a bit. I replaced the buns and front and rears. I also replaced the door panels. The originals were almost perfect but the faux chrome had come off.” Really, just par for the course for a vintage car without completely gutting it.
The seller describes the 302 mill as numbers-matching and optioned with an automatic transmission, power steering, and factory A/C. The transmission lost reverse shortly after he acquired the car, so the gearbox was rebuilt. Other recent maintenance includes a new timing chain, water pump, valve cover gasket, and a new A/C compressor blasting out cold air. These California Specials will never be as desirable as a Shelby or Hertz car, but it’s certainly up there among rare special editions.
I remember these cars when they were new. Perhaps this was Ford’s answer to Dodge’s Western Sports Specials? My buddies and I never got past the fact that they were kind of a lo-po Shelby wannabe.
Nice to see one of these has actually survived intact, as they seemed to have disappeared off the scene within a few years of their being sold, originally.
I was like you, These cars always struck me as a “Chicks car”.
With time, I can appreciate them for what they were. ALL Mustangs were awesome things. This would come close for me. Truth be told, I’d like a ’68 just like my family had as a “spare” car. It has a six, automatic, was beige with a white interior. Zero bells and whistles. But a great backup car when mine was in the shop.
I would love to have it today. My personal car from then, a mild custom ’59 Porsche (picture), I’m afraid that is off the table barring a lottery win.
My dream car is to have a 69 or 70 Charger 01 and all like I had before my x wife sold while I was in the Marines. Just like you, unless I snag a lottery win its just beyond reach.
Nice example of an early California Special. Better half & I purchased new in 2017 a Mustang GT/CS convertible. Like California Specials of yesteryear, only cosmetic differences separate a California Special from other GTs. Nice cars if you want something a little different from the average Mustang, but don’t have the deep pockets for a Shelby. The example shown here is in very good shape. I’d drive it as-is – potentially fix some of the minor rust that is shown on the body, but nothing drastic.
I would not restore this one. Just get the two areas taken care of and drive it and enjoy it. The driest cleanest unrestored one I’ve seen in a long time. The front end is tight like new. Wish I could keep this one. Add disc brakes of course. So many of the cars get color changed to red or black. Love period colors.
I’m diggin Mustangs lately. Seem to be a lot for your hard earned dough. Lots of parts support too.
If only it had a manual…..
The President of our Custom Club had one of these in 1974, he sold it for $1,500.00 he’s kicking himself in the butt ever since, he swapped out the 302 and installed a 351 W, in it. That car moved. Does bring back memories.
Did they make a drop head version of this ?
@Sirpike: Per this web page no, only coupes.
http://californiaspecial.com/1968-GTCS-identification.htm
The feature car is a nice example of the GT/CS of the era. We purchased a used 2012 GT/CS with the Coyote 5.0 with 412hp from the factory. It would blow away the 70 Mach1 we sold with the 351C but Technology has come a long way. We paid 18K for ours with 30K miles on it.