Vehicle Description
1968 Ford Mustang California Special Hardtop
In mid February 1968, the California Ford dealers began to market a
factory built, limited edition Mustang called the GT/CS, or
"California Special". It was born out of the need to spark interest
in the model as the pony car craze began to blossom and when the
Southern California sales manager saw the 1967 Shelby GT500 dubbed
"Little Red" it sparked an idea for a special model that would
appeal to Californians. The GT/CS was developed alongside the '68
Shelbys and in the end, 4,118 were produced.
For consignment, a 1968 Ford Mustang California Special hardtop
with a title verified 49,920 actual miles and a 289ci V8 under the
hood. This one has the black vinyl top and some Shelby stylings
that although did not spur the sales numbers Ford was looking for,
it did create a special Mustang that is collectible today.
Exterior
Candy Apple Red paint is augmented with black California Special
striping that travels the midline and terminates on the rear side
scoops and also lines the back end of the rear spoiler. In front,
Lucas fog lights live in the horseless blacked out grille while a
pair of hood pins and Shelby style hood vents decorate the top
surface. Both chrome bumpers are in great shape and the rest of the
metalwork is nice as well. Our notchback has a black vinyl roof in
good condition and a California Special script emblem on each rear
quarter panel. Shelby style tail lights flank a pop off gas cap and
reverse lights are round units on the rear valance. 15-inch Weld
DragLite wheels now occupy the hubs and we note one of them is
bent. Other imperfections include numerous scratches, chips,
cracking body work, bubbling, some gap fitment issues, and a triple
scratch in the black stripe.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels have a woodgrain strip inside the pleated
patterned insert which shows a bit of waviness on the doors and
some separation on the driver's side. Low back bucket seats have
textured and pleated inserts, all in good condition, and the black
vinyl continues on the back 2+2 seating where we find one window
crank off its mount. A wood rimmed 3 spoke steering wheel shares
the column with an AutoMeter tachometer in front of the wood
applique lined dashboard and standard gauge package. An updated
Mustang branded AM/FM/Cassette radio is in the center and warm
woodgrain applique covers the dash in front of the passenger and
above the glove box. A Hurst shifter is floor mounted with a rubber
boot and surrounded by loop style carpet in good shape and a center
console with armrest and cupholders has been added. An overhead
console stretches to the back of the car adorned with more
woodgrain applique and the headliner itself looks to be in very
good condition. The trunk is clean and painted and houses a fuel
cell.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 289ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and
a T5 5-speed manual transmission sending power to the Ford 9" in
back. Disc brakes are found on the rear wheels and drums in front.
Headers begin the exhaust process in this clean engine bay which
features a chrome shock tower brace, Monte Carlo bar and valve
covers.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with its fair share of surface rust in
the usual areas. The dual exhaust enters FlowMaster mufflers after
an H-pipe and then dumps under the car. The driveshaft runs through
a loop on its way to the back while coil spring suspension is
employed up front and a 4 link with coilovers are out back. There's
one spot of invasive rust on the inside rear quarter panel.
Drive-Ability
We'll head west with this one and take the California Special on a
test run. The 289 with headers and short exhaust creates a little
earthquake of sound under the seats and the car rolls around the
track like a mudslide, smoothly. We surf the gears and ride a wave
of acceleration which is quite good and the brakes stop the car
like rush hour on the 405. As far as functionality, the left rear
turn signal doesn't blink, the reverse lights do not illuminate,
and the fog lights don't work. Minor dysfunctions from something
with California in the name. Everything else worked as intended.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
While not fully original, this is a real California Special and
when was the last time you saw one? These are really quite rare and
until tributes were produced by Ford in 2007 and subsequent years.
We're thrilled to have one in our Hallowed Halls with low mileage
and a Marti Report that comes with it. Take the 15 to the 40 and
head east to the PA Turnpike, then get off at the Morgantown exit.
That's where you'll find us!
8R01C166268
8-1968
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
01-Mustang Hardtop
C-289ci 2bbl V8
166268-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 65B-Mustang Hardtop, Luxury Buckets
COLOR T-Candy Apple Red
TRIM 6A-Black Decor Vinyl Buckets
DATE 12F-June 12th
DSO 74-Seattle
AXLE E- 3.00 Equalock
TRANS 1-3 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
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in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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