1968 Ford Mustang California Special | Gt/Cs

The 1968 Ford Mustang California Special is a limited-edition variant. Ford produced it exclusively for the California market. The GT/CS, the abbreviation for the California Special, showcases unique styling cues. These styling cues take inspiration from the Shelby Mustangs. The California Special features a blacked-out grille. It also features fog lamps. It has side stripes, and a rear spoiler. These features differentiate it from other Mustangs.

The Ford Mustang, oh, where do we even begin? This isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling piece of Americana. Think rock ‘n’ roll, drive-in movies, and that feeling of pure, unadulterated freedom. From its debut, the Mustang galloped its way into the hearts of millions, becoming a symbol of cool, a four-wheeled extension of the American Dream. It wasn’t just transportation; it was a statement.

Now, imagine taking that iconic Mustang, already a head-turner, and adding a dash of California sunshine, a sprinkle of exclusivity, and a whole lot of unique style. That, my friends, is the 1968 Ford Mustang California Special (GT/CS). This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Mustang; it’s a rare breed, a limited-edition variant with a personality all its own. Think of it as the Mustang that went to Hollywood and got a serious makeover.

What makes the GT/CS truly special? Well, it was born as a “Regional Special Edition,” a Mustang specifically tailored for the discerning tastes of the California market. Imagine the sun-kissed highways, the coastal cruises, and the desire for something that stood out from the crowd. This was a Mustang designed to capture that spirit.

And that’s why the GT/CS is so sought after today. It’s not just a classic car; it’s a piece of California history. For enthusiasts and collectors, it represents a unique chapter in the Mustang’s legendary story, a golden opportunity to own a piece of automotive exclusivity. Get ready to dive into the world of the ’68 California Special – it’s a ride you won’t forget!

Genesis of a Legend: The Background and Development of the GT/CS

• Ford’s Roaring ’60s: Picture this: The mid-to-late 1960s. Ford is riding a wave of Mustang Mania. The original pony car is a massive hit, and everyone wants a piece of the action. Ford, ever the savvy automaker, knew that to stay ahead, they needed to keep things fresh, to explore new frontiers of style and appeal. This era set the stage for something special, something distinctly Californian.

• Shelby’s Shadow (in a Good Way!): Now, let’s talk about Carroll Shelby and his legendary Mustangs. Shelby American was THE performance brand and his cars cast a long shadow. The design cues of the GT/CS clearly took a page from the Shelby playbook. Think of the taillights, the side scoops… These design touches gave the GT/CS an aggressive edge, borrowing from the aura of Shelby’s track-bred machines. It was like saying, “Yeah, I’m cool, and I might just beat you in a race… maybe.” The GT/CS had a shared style with Shelby Mustangs of its time.

• California Dreamin’ Dealerships: Here’s where the story gets really interesting. A group of California Ford dealership owners, seeing the Shelby’s success and recognizing the unique tastes of their local customers, had an idea: a Mustang designed specifically for California. They envisioned a car with the stylish panache of the Shelby but with a more accessible price point. They wanted a car that screamed “Golden State!” a car that was just plain cool! They knew that California buyers had a unique sense of style and the car to match it.

• Cosmetic Magic: But here’s the key takeaway: the GT/CS wasn’t a completely new beast from the ground up. Underneath the sleek sheet metal, it was still a standard 1968 Ford Mustang. The GT/CS was a cosmetic package, an appearance upgrade that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. It took the solid foundation of the Mustang and layered on a healthy dose of California cool, creating a legend in the process. Think of it like adding a super stylish suit to a well-built body. You can still hit the gym in it, but you’ll look amazing doing it!

A Closer Look: Design, Features, and Specifications

Alright, let’s dive headfirst into what really made the 1968 GT/CS stand out from the herd of Mustangs roaming the streets. It wasn’t just a Mustang; it was a Mustang with attitude, a Golden State of Mind on four wheels.

First up, the exterior. Forget subtle; this was a car that announced its presence. Those Shelby Mustang taillights, borrowed from the ’65 Thunderbird, weren’t just lights; they were a statement. And those side scoops? Purely decorative, sure, but they added a touch of muscle that said, “Yeah, I might not need them, but they look darn good.” Then you had the option of slapping on a rear spoiler – because why not? The fog lamps came standard, nestled right into the front, ready to cut through that California fog (or just look cool parked at the beach). And for those who wanted to dial the machismo up to eleven, there were optional hood pins. Nothing screams “race car” like a couple of shiny pins holding down the hood. The chrome trim added a touch of class, because even a muscle car can be civilized… a little.

But what really sealed the deal were those badges. The GT/CS emblems and the “California Special” script weren’t just slapped on haphazardly; they were strategically placed to let everyone know this wasn’t your average Mustang. These badges told a story, a tale of sun, sand, and unadulterated American horsepower.

Now, let’s hop inside. While the exterior screamed “California,” the interior offered a range of options to suit your personal style. There weren’t drastically unique features exclusive to the GT/CS, but you could find some cool color combinations that complemented that slick exterior.

Under the hood, things got interesting. You had a choice of heart-pumping engines, including the trusty 289 and 302 cubic inch V8s. Horsepower varied, depending on the specific engine and options, but rest assured, there was enough oomph to make things exciting. Transmission-wise, you could go old-school with a manual or kick back and let an automatic do the work. Either way, you were in for a ride.

But here’s the crucial part: how do you know you’re looking at a real GT/CS and not just a cleverly disguised pretender? That’s where the VIN comes in. This is your detective badge, folks. Specific codes and ranges within the VIN can help you verify the car’s authenticity. Do your research; become a VIN whisperer. Also, pay close attention to the paint codes. These codes reveal the original color of the car, and while a repaint isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, knowing the original hue is a key piece of the puzzle.

California Dreamin’: Marketing and Sales Strategies

• California Dealerships Take the Lead: Picture this: It’s 1968, and you’re cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, the sun shining, and the radio blasting some groovy tunes. Ford dealerships in California knew their market inside and out. They weren’t just selling cars; they were selling a lifestyle, a dream! The GT/CS was marketed with a heavy emphasis on its regional appeal. This wasn’t just any Mustang; it was the California Mustang, designed for and inspired by the Golden State. They played up the exclusivity angle, making it clear this wasn’t something you could find on every street corner. It was a limited-edition gem, and if you wanted a piece of that California dream, you needed to act fast.

• Mustang Marketing, California Style: Ford’s Mustang marketing campaigns were already pretty darn good. But when it came to the GT/CS, they amped things up a notch! Think of it as a surfboard wax job on an already shiny board. Advertisements highlighted the car’s unique styling cues—those Shelby-esque taillights, the racy side scoops, and that sweet rear spoiler (if you opted for it). Promotional materials often featured the car against iconic California backdrops: palm trees, beaches, and maybe even a glimpse of Hollywood. They knew their audience. The focus was on associating the car with the laid-back, cool, and adventurous spirit of California.

• Targeting the Golden State: Let’s be real: the GT/CS was all about California. While these cars did venture outside of the state, the primary focus was on marketing to the California market, specifically the Southern California region. Dealerships in SoCal were the main drivers of the GT/CS’s success. They understood their customers wanted something unique and stylish. Marketing efforts were hyper-targeted, using local media, events, and promotions to reach potential buyers. It was all about creating buzz and making sure everyone knew that the hottest Mustang on the market was a California original.

Preserving a Piece of History: Collectibility, Restoration, and Value

• The Allure of the Classic Mustang Market

  Let’s face it, the classic car market can feel like navigating a wild west saloon, but for Mustangs, it’s more like cruising down a sun-drenched highway with the top down. What makes a Mustang a hot commodity? It’s a cocktail of factors, including its iconic status, performance, and sheer American muscle. The demand for these beauties is driven by nostalgia, a desire for investment, and good old-fashioned love for a legendary ride.

• GT/CS: The Golden Child of Collectibility

  Now, let’s narrow our focus to the California Special. What makes this pony particularly prized? It’s a mix of scarcity, the condition it’s in, how close it is to its original factory state, and whether or not you have the paperwork to back up its story. Think of it like this: A GT/CS in pristine condition with all its original parts and documentation is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. One with a less-than-perfect history? Still valuable, but maybe more of a silver nugget.

• United We Stand: The Role of Mustang Clubs

  You’re not alone on this Mustang journey! Mustang clubs and associations are like a pit crew for enthusiasts. They are a treasure trove of information, a source of camaraderie, and a vital resource for keeping these classics alive. These groups offer everything from technical advice to organized events where you can show off your prized possession and swap stories with fellow Mustang maniacs.

• Show Me the Money: GT/CS Pricing Trends

  Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the garage—money. Valuing a California Special is like predicting the weather, but here’s the gist: Prices fluctuate based on condition, options, and the car’s unique story. A perfectly restored GT/CS with rare options will command a premium, while a project car will be more budget-friendly. But here’s the disclaimer: Pricing is as slippery as a greased pig at a county fair. It can change based on market conditions, the whims of buyers, and a whole lot of other factors. Always do your research!

• Restoration Rodeo: A Guide for the Brave

  So, you’re thinking about bringing a GT/CS back to its former glory? Buckle up; it’s a wild ride! Restoration is a labor of love, requiring patience, skill, and a hefty dose of elbow grease. Sourcing original parts can be a treasure hunt, and maintaining originality is key to preserving the car’s value. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from experts who’ve been down this road before.

• Appraisal Time: Know What You’ve Got

  Before you buy, sell, or restore a GT/CS, get it appraised by a qualified professional. An appraisal is like a Mustang’s medical checkup. It will verify the car’s authenticity and give you a clear picture of its condition and value. Look for appraisers who specialize in classic Mustangs; they’ll know the ins and outs of the GT/CS and can provide an accurate assessment.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just appreciate a cool piece of automotive history, the ’68 California Special is definitely a ride worth knowing about. It’s a unique blend of style and performance that captures the spirit of the open road, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to cruise around in one of these beauties?