For Sale: 1968 Ford Mustang in Saint Louis, Missouri

In late 1967, Ford's Southern California District Manager, Lee Grey, attended an insider preview of the new 1968 models at the Los Angeles Coliseum. There, he spotted a Shelby-built prototype known as "Little Red;" a 1967 notchback coupe with the full GT500 package and packing a stonking supercharged 428ci Cobra Jet engine. The notchback body and vinyl-covered roof lent an upmarket appearance, yet it could easily vaporize a set of rear tires without breaking a sweat. Grey figured elements of the design would be perfect for a limited-edition model to boost sales in his California district. Once he convinced Lee Iacocca to go along, the Mustang GT/CS (GT California Special) was born. Available only in notchback form, the GT/CS was an appearance pack distinguished by a Shelby-style fiberglass hood with external locks, rectangular Lucas foglamps, fiberglass side scoops, Thunderbird taillights in a special panel, ducktail rear decklid and filler panels, and special badging. While it could be had with any standard Mustang engine/gearbox option, the vast majority were 289/automatics. Initially planned for California only, it was extended to other Western markets, including Texas and Western Canada, and while plans were for 5,000 cars, production ended after 5 months and 4,118 examples.
The Mustang had always been about style and performance, but when Chevrolet introduced the Camaro in 1967, it gained a leg up on the drag strip (and between stop lights) courtesy of the big block SS 396 option. In response, Ford quickly redesigned the Mustang (much to Iacocca's chagrin) to allow Ford's FE big block engines to squeeze between the shock towers. The 325hp 390ci was the first factory big-block option outside of a Shelby, and despite being considerably heavier on the nose than the 289, Car and Driver magazine's test of a 1967 GT/A found the big 390 had little negative effect on handling and braking. The upshot was a faster, and altogether more grown-up Mustang - undoubtedly aided by the oceanic 427 lb-ft of torque. In fact, C&D declared it the fastest of its sporty-type brethren from Detroit, no mean feat considering the competition.
Presented as it left the factory in its fantastic original shade of Sea Foam Green over black standard bucket seats specifications; this superbly restored 1968 Mustang GT/CS California Special 390 coupe achieves coveted 'One of One' status on the accompanying Elite Marti Report. In addition to the Marti Report, the window sticker confirms this car was delivered at Dunlop Ford of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, equipped with a litany of desirable options including the California Special package, GT Equipment Group, power disc brakes, deluxe seat belts, Wide Oval tires, and the rare combination of the 390-4V (4-venturi carburetor) V8 and 4-speed manual gearbox. It is one of only 111 390/4-speed California Specials, and the only one in this color combination.
Photos of the car on file show that it was painted black at some point, and notes from the previous owner indicate the 390 block is a correct factory replacement, reportedly fitted early in the car's life. Beginning in approximately 2012, this very special Mustang was treated to a comprehensive, bare-metal rotisserie restoration to return it to its as-delivered specs. The work was performed by various Alberta-based specialists, and a tally from the previous owner totals nearly $150,000. Following the restoration, it traded hands in 2022 to the most recent owner, who employed Texas-based specialists Carlisle Air-Automotive South to install a vintage air A/C system. The installation is notably tidy, and it maintains a period-correct feel in the cabin, while making summer cruising considerably more civilized. Since its restoration, it has been used with care, and it remains in excellent order with authentic detailing found throughout.
Rolling on chrome finish styled steel wheels, Firestone Wide Oval tires, and properly detailed with factory-correct fog lamps, stripes, and GT/CS add-ons, it ticks all the boxes for the classic Mustang enthusiasts. Boasting unique specifications and a high-quality restoration, it is the ideal example to show, drive, and savor the uniquely American experience of a tire-shredding big-block pony car.


Offers welcome, trades considered