The Ford Mustang California Special, a fleeting icon born in February 1968, remains a coveted gem among pony car enthusiasts. Conceived as a limited-edition model to invigorate sales in the Golden State, it captured hearts with its distinctive blend of style and performance.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Shelby Mustangs, the GT/CS boasted a unique ensemble of features including Thunderbird taillights, fog lamps, hood pins, a pop-open fuel cap, side scoops, a rear spoiler, and a choice of vibrant stripes. This carefully curated package transformed the standard Mustang into a head-turning showstopper.
Produced for a mere five and a half months, the California Special remains an elusive find for collectors. With a total production of less than 4,000 units, it stands in stark contrast to the over 300,000 Mustangs that rolled off the assembly line in 1968.
Among these, the Acapulco Blue example with its exceptional powertrain commands particular attention, solidifying its status as a crown jewel in the Mustang collector’s.
The California Special’s enduring appeal lies not only in its rarity but also in its role as a quintessential representation of the free-spirited and performance-oriented ethos of the late 1960s. Despite its unique exterior features, the GT/CS was mechanically indistinguishable from a standard Mustang, offering the full spectrum of available Ford engines and colors.
While most examples were equipped with the ubiquitous 289 cubic-inch V8, this particular car boasts a rarer 390 cubic-inch V8, a powerplant highly coveted by enthusiasts alongside the Cobra Jet. Accurate production figures for the 325-horsepower 390 GT/CS are elusive, but experts concur that they are exceptionally scarce.
This specific vehicle, finished in a desirable blue-on-blue color scheme, is likely one of only a handful produced. Its rarity is underscored by a previous auction sale of an identically configured GT/CS for $29,700 at Mecum Houston in 2020.
