Ford Mustang California Special - 1st Gen (1968 to 1968)

The Ford Mustang California Special, also seen as the GT/CS, was a special edition variant of the 1967-1968 First Generation Ford Mustang. Introduced for the 1968 model year, the California Special was created as part of a promotional campaign by the Southern California Ford Dealer group. This special offering was only available as a hardtop coupe, and featured various exterior components that were shared with convertible versions of the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500. These components included the rear spoiler, rear quarter panel scoops, and rear taillights, as well as the blacked out front grill and fog lights. Although California Special cars were given the GT name, this did not mean they were equipped with the GT Equipment Package. Customers still had to select the GT Package for their cars to be true GTs. This meant that California Special Mustangs could be equipped with any Mustang engine, including the base inline six. As demand did not reach desired levels, 251 examples of the California Special were shipped to Denver, where they were renamed High Country Special. These cars were largely idential to California Specials expect for a few minor trim pieces and badging. Including the High Country Specials, a total of 4,118 examples of the Ford Mustang California Special were made, all exclusive to the 1968 model year. The California Special would be re-introduced in the 5th Generation Mustang as the S-197 Ford GT California Special.