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!
