Description

1968 Ford Mustang California Special, Rare, 289 V8, C4 Automatic, Marti Report, $37,000 Restoration

Few Mustangs from the 1960s have the distinctive history, limited production, and unmistakable styling of the 1968 Ford Mustang California Special. With only 4,118 California Specials originally produced, these cars represented a unique chapter in Mustang history, combining the classic Mustang Coupe with styling heavily influenced by Shelby. Today, it is estimated that only a fraction of the original production remains, making a properly restored example increasingly difficult to find.

This beautiful 1968 Ford Mustang California Special has undergone an extensive frame-on restoration with approximately $37,000 invested in bringing the car back to the impressive condition you see today. Finished in classic Candy Apple Red with a Black Vinyl Top and Black Interior, this Mustang has exactly the kind of color combination that complements the unique California Special bodywork.

Under the hood is its 289 cubic-inch V8 engine with a 2-barrel carburetor, backed by a C4 automatic transmission. The drivetrain is believed to be matching numbers, adding another important element to this Mustang’s collectability. It is also equipped with Power Steering, making it a comfortable and enjoyable classic to drive.

Documentation is another strong point of this California Special. The car is accompanied by a Marti Report as well as a copy of the original Ford invoice, providing valuable documentation of its history and factory configuration.

The California Special was far more than simply a Mustang with a stripe package. Ford gave these cars an unmistakable appearance with a collection of special equipment and styling features, including GT/California Special body stripes, unique side scoops, hood pins, Marchal fog lights, a special rear decklid with integral spoiler, unique tail lights, and other distinctive GT/CS touches.

Inside, the Black Interior provides the perfect contrast against the Candy Apple Red exterior and includes desirable features such as a Center Console. Combined with the Power Steering and C4 automatic transmission, this Mustang is a classic that can be comfortably driven and enjoyed.

The story behind the California Special is one of the most interesting of the Mustang era. Developed specifically to capture the attention of the booming California performance-car market, the GT/CS borrowed heavily from the aggressive appearance of the Shelby Mustangs. The result was a car that blended the practicality and drivability of the traditional Mustang Coupe with styling cues normally associated with the much more exotic Shelby models.

That combination has made the 1968 California Special one of the most recognizable and appreciated specialty Mustangs of the 1960s.

This example checks many of the boxes collectors look for: rare California Special production, desirable Candy Apple Red finish, believed matching-numbers drivetrain, 289 V8 engine, C4 automatic transmission, Power Steering, Center Console, factory California Special equipment, extensive restoration, Marti Report, and original Ford invoice documentation.

With approximately $37,000 invested in its frame-on restoration, this is not simply another driver-quality Mustang. Considerable time, effort, and money have been spent bringing this special Mustang to the condition it is in today.

California Specials are very rare and seldom come to market in this condition. Their limited production, unique one-year styling, Shelby-inspired appearance, and fascinating history have made them increasingly desirable among Mustang and Ford enthusiasts.

If you have been looking for something more distinctive than the typical 1968 Mustang Coupe, this California Special deserves serious consideration. It delivers the unmistakable appearance of a Shelby-inspired Mustang, the rarity of limited production, excellent documentation, and the benefit of approximately $37,000 invested in its restoration.

A beautiful, rare, documented, and highly collectible example of one of Ford’s most distinctive specialty Mustangs, ready for its next owner to show, drive, and enjoy.

While we do our best to provide the highest quality muscle cars with an honest and reliable description and realize the importance of transparency when selling vehicles. That being said, we have not built, modified, changed or personally owned this vehicle. Whether this vehicle is consigned or owned by Past & Present Motor Cars we do not know the vehicles complete history since new. We want to be clear and try to answer any questions our customers might have prior to purchasing. Additionally, we not only welcome but we encourage 3rd party independent inspections. Please inquire prior to purchase to make sure the advertised vehicle has not already been sold. We list our vehicles on multiple websites and a vehicle can sell at any time. If a customer chooses to purchase sight unseen (many of our customers choose this option) the customer accepts the vehicle AS IS and WHERE IS and understands we cannot address concerns after purchase. For this reason, it's important all concerns are addressed prior to purchase. We make every effort to present accurate and reliable information, but use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Financing is Available with low rates and Vehicle Shipping is available from our Showroom to your Garage. A Classic Car Warranty is Available for Purchase from a 3rd Party. Please speak to our Sales Associate or Company Representative for more information. Our team is working and available anytime by Phone or Text for your convenience at 407-559-7759. Thank you for your interest!