The year 1968 marked a pivotal point in the history of the Ford Mustang. While the original pony car had enjoyed immense popularity, it was facing stiff competition from rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
Ford was determined to reclaim its dominance in the muscle car market and introduced several high performance variants to do so. One of the most notable additions was the Mustang GT/CS, a limited edition model designed specifically for California residents.
The GT/CS was more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It featured several performance enhancements, including a larger engine, upgraded suspension, and a special exterior package.
The car was powered by a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 320 horsepower. This engine was paired with a close ratio 4 speed manual transmission. The GT/CS also featured a stiffer suspension with improved handling characteristics.
The exterior of the GT/CS was distinctive and eye-catching. The car featured a blacked-out grille, hood scoops, and side stripes. The interior was also upgraded with a special console and instrumentation.
The GT/CS was a rare and desirable car. Only a limited number of these vehicles were produced, making them highly sought-after by collectors today. The GT/CS is considered to be one of the most iconic and collectible Mustangs of all time.
The Mustang GT/California Special, a limited-production variant of the iconic pony car, was introduced in 1968 to boost sales in California. Despite its unique appearance and Shelby-inspired styling, the GT/CS was essentially a standard Mustang with a few cosmetic upgrades.
While its performance was comparable to other Mustangs of the era, the GT/CS’s rarity and distinctive looks have made it a sought after collector’s item today. One of the most striking features of the GT/CS is its exterior styling.
The car features a unique front grille with squared off fog lights, side scoops, a blacked out hood, and Shelby-style taillights. The interior of the GT/CS was also upgraded with a special console and instrumentation.
Despite its cosmetic enhancements, the GT/CS was powered by the same engines as other Mustangs of the era. Buyers could choose from a variety of options, including a six-cylinder engine, a 289 cubic-inch V8, a 390 cubic inch V8, and even a 428 Cobra Jet V8. The GT/CS was only available in coupe body style.
The Mustang GT/California Special was a limited production model, with only 4,118 examples built. Today, the GT/CS is a highly sought-after collector’s car. Its unique styling, rarity, and performance make it a desirable addition to any Mustang enthusiast’s collection.
