CALIFORNIA SPECIAL, J-CODE 302 V8, MARTI REPORT, CORRECT COLORS, GREAT CAR!

The 1968 Mustang California Special is a one-year only package that is starting to come into its own as one of the rarest and sportiest first-gen pony cars around. With all of the factory Shelby touches, low production numbers, and the numbers-matching Code 302 V8, this coupe would still be attractive at double the price.The Shelby-like appearance of the California Special is no accident. This was based on supercharged GT500 prototype coupe that didn't see the light of day. That didn't stop California's Ford dealers for asking for a special package to heat up sales. Built only in California, this particular CS comes from long-term ownership, presenting in an extremely rare color combination of Lime Gold over a green interior. The reason why the paint looks so spectacular today is it is a professional respray of the factory-correct color. So the modern clearcoat really helps the precious metallic elements pop in the sunshine. All the correct California Special elements are still present and accounted for, including the blacked-out grille, Lucas fog lamps, hood locks, Shelby-style rear scoops, pop off gas cap, and fiberglass tail with built-in spoiler. Correct GT/CS stripes run down its flanks, and while the taillights are 1965 Thunderbird units, they are not sequential on the CS. So this is a rare (less than 3,900 CS coupes were produced) package that will have you talking at all the car shows the moment you point out the "California Special" badge on the rear fendersThe code 2G Ivy Gold interior is one of those great colors that represents the 60s perfectly. It only gets better with the two-tone bucket seat arrangement. But the real reason why all of this looks so good is the carpets, headliner, door panels, dash pad, and seat covers are all new. Even the foam inside the seats is new, so you know it feels as good as it looks. To help breakup this sea of green is a new black center console that blends in nicely and is easily removable, but more importantly, it provides an always-welcomed addition of cup holders. The driver gets the great round gage package that came on later versions of the first-gen Mustangs, and ahead of that is a three-spoke woodgrained steering wheel.The CS package could be had with any engine combination, so you know not all were created equal. That's what will make you so happy to see an optional 302 cubic-inch V8 under the hood. Best of all, the J-code motor is original to this coupe. It breathes a little better thanks to a Cobra air cleaner (original as comes with the car) and a Holley 600 CFM four-barrel carburetor. It reliably fires up thanks to a new ignition and good maintenance to all of the belts, wires, and hoses. Making sure you can have the maximum fun and power with this V8 is the three-speed manual transmission, and the 3.00 rear end makes this quite a versatile cruiser. Control is also well in hand thanks to features like the power steering and new BF Goodrich tires on proper Ford GT wheels. The final touch is the new braking system that includes new hoses, master cylinder, and discs up front.This is an exceptionally rare California Special, and to help you tell its story, this coupe comes with a Marti Report and restoration receipts. With all of these features, we're not sure if you should want this Mustang for a great driver, cherished classic, or a great investment. All we know is at this price, it will be going fast. Call today!!!