Beautiful & Clean! 289 V8, Auto, A/C, PS, PB w/ Front Disc, Factory Colors, Wow!

This 1968 Ford Mustang California Special is one of those rare pieces that seemed to have escaped the notice of collectors in years past, but that's all changing now. For those of you not familiar with the California Special, it was a 1968-only Mustang coupe developed by Ford at the request of California dealers. Of course, it was sold all over the country, but its unique look that combines some Shelby-esque components with good old parts-bin engineering makes the California Special worthy of A-list status in the Mustang world.
The California Special was based on a prototype Shelby coupe that was never built. However, the look was a hit, and all the fiberglass add-ons, particularly the rear clip that's definitely got a Shelby look, were part of the package. This particular CS has the right look that whispers, "Shelby," complete with rare Gulfstream Aqua paint and gold stripes along its flanks. All the correct California Special bits are still present and accounted for, ranging from the blacked-out grille and expensive Marchal fog lamps, to the hood pins, to the Shelby-style rear scoops and fiberglass tail with built-in spoiler. You should be prepared to explain the car more thoroughly to the people who aren't quite sure what they're looking at, but everyone seems to agree that this is a very special Mustang. Correct GT/CS emblems are visible on the rear quarter panel scoops, and while the taillights are 1965 Thunderbird units, they are not sequential on the CS. And yes, this car looks as fantastic in person as it does in our photos.
The interior is pretty much the same as other Mustang coupes, but that's always a good thing, since in 1968 Ford was hitting on all eight cylinders in the design department. Personally, I really love the two-tone Aqua buckets and matching door panels, which give the car a very upscale air that continues throughout the two-sporty themed interior. The original steering wheel is an optional piece that adds a luxurious flavor to the Mustang (they were most often seen in the Cougars), and the woodgrain applique on the dash and door panels really warm up the interior nicely. The original dealer took it easy on options, but it includes a 3-speed automatic with a chrome shifter and factory A/C, making this car easy to drive regularly. The gauges appear to be original and are in excellent condition, and a factory AM radio is still in the dash, but a newer (yet still vintage) AM/FM unit has been tucked into the glove compartment to avoid any unnecessary surgery to the original dash. The rear bench appears largely untouched, and when you open that custom deck lid and you'll find a standard coupe trunk neatly tailored with correct plaid mats.
In addition to their unique exterior features, California Specials were also well-equipped mechanically. The believed original engine (remember, Ford did not stamp VINs on their blocks so number matching can never be verified) is a C-code 289 with an upgraded 4-barrel carburetor, and in the lightweight coupe, it's a great performer. Open the hood and you'll find a correctly detailed engine bay that's been properly maintained and shows off its original blue snorkeled air cleaner and correct " Ford" blue valve covers. Even the little stuff is right, including the wiring and hoses, the big A/C compressor, and the decals on the air cleaner. It runs extremely well and makes great torque, and the C4 3-speed automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively. Out back there's a 9-inch with 2.79 gears inside, so this CS is an easy cruiser on the highway. The exhaust system is one of the lone performance upgrades, featuring Flowmaster mufflers that sound fantastic breathing out the small block. Standard chrome GT wheels are part of the CS package and carry 215/70/14 Cooper Cobra white-letter radials all-around that finish off the package beautifully.
An unusual footnote in Mustang history, the California Special is one of those cars that few will recognize, but everyone will understand is something unique. They won't be this affordable for much longer, so call today!