While almost all of the cars and trucks we sell make us smile just
about every time we walk past them for however long or short their
stays are with us, every now and then we come across a vehicle that
is just a little extra special. The most recent example of that
rarified air is this incredibly rare, incredibly cool 1968 Ford
Mustang California Special. Influenced by, and built primarily for,
the titular state's market, only a mere 4,118 C/S Mustangs were
made for the 1968 model year, making this fun Ford equal parts
unicorn and Pony Car.
Fully repainted in its factory-correct Lime Gold with a black vinyl
roof, this C/S represents the perfect half-way point between a
standard Mustang GT and the much pricier Shelby GT350/500. With its
unique California Special badging, original restored Shelby-style
Lucas fog lights, incredibly fun hood-scoop turn indicator lights,
hood-pins, side scoops, and Thunderbird-derived taillights just
like the GT350/500 used, this particular car stands out as even
special-er, since its Marti Report tells us it was a California
Special that was actually sold new to a Texas dealer, making it one
possibly only a handful of GT/CS models sent outside its intended
market from the factory.
Inside, we find a factory-correct black vinyl interior. A pair of
front bucket seats gives way to an upgraded aftermarket
wood-rimmed, power-assisted steering wheel. A factory-correct
dashboard and five-pod gauge cluster are outlined in woodgrain
trim, which coordinates nicely with the door panels, while a
RetroSounds AM/FM/AUX radio subtly offers Bluetooth connectivity,
providing far more soundtrack options than the unit it replaces.
Originally fitted with factory air conditioning, this car has been
upgraded with an Old Air A/C and heat setup, which, when combined
with the new window seals, makes a world of difference in HVAC
efficiency compared to the factory units.
Under that aggressive hood, we find a correct 1968 302 cubic-inch
V-8 engine. Fed by a factory-style two-barrel carburetor, spent
gases are expelled via factory exhaust manifolds and X-pipe dual
exhaust. Originally a three-speed manual, this C/S has been
upgraded to a four-speed stick, making cruising far more
fuel-efficient. An eight-inch rear transfers power to the pavement
via a set of 15-inch, ten-spoke Shelby wheels shod in BFGoodrich
Radial T/A tires.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Real GT/CS, One of 4,118 Made For 1968
• Rare Texas Dealer Car
• Factory Correct Lime Gold w/ Black Vinyl Roof
• Original Restored Lucas Fog Lights
• 302ci V8
• Four Speed Manual
• X-Pipe Dual Exhaust
• Fully Restored Factory Style Suspension
• Shelby Style Wheels w/ BFG Tires
• Power Brakes w/ Front Disc
• Power Steering w/ Wood Rimmed Steering Wheel
• Factory Correct Black Vinyl Interior
• RetroSounds AM/FM/AUX w/ Bluetooth
• Upgraded Old Air A/C and Heat
• All New Window Seals
• Owner's Manual, Marti Report
This 1968 Ford Mustang California Special rides on a fully restored
factory-style suspension, while power brakes featuring a pair of
front discs stand ready to scrub off speed at a moment's notice.
This highly collectible Mustang comes with its owner's manual and a
confidence-inspiring Marti Report, providing all the provenance any
collector would need to feel reassured that this car is the Real
McCoy. If you love first-generation Mustangs as much as we do, then
odds are you'll be smiling Joker-style the same way we do whenever
we are around this extra special, California Special. But don't
wait because it won't last long. Call today!
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