RARE CALI SPECIAL, MARTI REPORT, FULLY RESTORED, J-CODE 302 V8, CALENDAR CAR!!

1968 Ford Mustang California Special Description

This 1968 Mustang California Special is one of those rare pieces that seems to have escaped the notice of collectors, but that's changing. 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 Wimbledon White paint and red 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. 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 like combination of white bodywork and red buckets, which gives the car a very upscale air, and the two-sporty theme continues throughout the interior. The steering wheel is an optional piece that adds a luxurious flavor to the Mustang (they were most often seen in the Cougars). The original dealer took it easy on options, but it includes a console for the 3-speed automatic shifter and cold A/C, making this car easy to drive regularly. The gauges appear to be original and in excellent condition, and factory AM/FM radio is still in the dash, but a modern radio has been tucked into the trick "garage" storage area underneath. Open that custom deck lid and you'll find a standard coupe trunk, albeit with no issues hiding under the plaid mat.The engine is a J-code 302 with a 4-barrel carburetor, and in the lightweight coupe, it's a great performer. Open the hood and you'll find a nicely detailed engine bay that's been properly maintained and shows off its original air cleaner (with a new 4-barrel carb and Edelbrock intake underneath, but the original parts are included) and correct " Ford" valve covers. Even the little stuff is right, including stamped radiator hoses, the A/C compressor, and the decal on top of the air cleaner lid. It runs extremely well and makes great torque, and the 3-speed automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively. Out back there's a 9-inch with 3.00 gears inside, so this CS is an easy cruiser on the highway. The exhaust system is fairly recent, and those performance mufflers sound fantastic. Styled steel wheels were original equipment and wear 205/70/14 Goodyear white letter radials.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!