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Real, matching numbers '68 Ford Mustang California Special GT/CS owned since '97

Condition: Used
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
SubModel: GT/CS
Type: Coupe
Trim: California Special
Year: 1968
Mileage: 42,945
VIN: 8R01J158572
Color: Candyapple Red
Engine: 302ci/230hp 4V (4bbl) J code
Cylinders: 8
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Red
Vehicle Title: Clear
Item location: Houston, Texas, United States
Extras
Air Conditioning
Cassette Player

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Description of 1968 Ford Mustang California Special

Very original RARE California Special GT/CS Mustang equipped with the highly-desirable first year upgrade 302ci/230hp 4V (4bbl) J code V8 engine with C4 SelectShift “Cruise-O-Matic” transmission.Not a Clone!This is the Real Deal. Very Rare and under the radar car (until recently).One of only 3867 GT/CS Mustangs produced and exclusively in 1968 with less than <1,200 estimated remaining today.

What Exactly is a California Special GT/CS Mustang?
Based on pressure applied on Ford from several high-volume sales CA dealers, the limited-production 1968-only GT/CS was developed utilizing Shelby styling cues and parts.The GT/CS cars were all coupes (no convertibles or fastbacks) built solely at the San Jose Plant and primarily for the rabid CA Mustang market and included an extensive media blitz declaring such (“California Made It Happen!” slogan).However, despite being well received on Feb 15, 1968 at the Century Plaza Hotel unveiling, sales were not strong leading to only 3867 of the planned 5000 cars produced.Furthermore, to move the cars other markets were added to include Kansas City, Dallas, Salt Lake, Phoenix, and Canada (still with “California Special” script).

Key Identifiers of California Special GT/CS Mustangs

  • Fiberglass Trunk Lid and Rear Quarter Extensions: Same as 1968 Shelby and manufactured by same subcontractor A.O. Smith, Ionia, Michigan.
  • Distinctive Horizontal Tail Lights: Same as 1965 Thunderbird/1968 Shelby.
  • Unique Pop-off gas cap: Similar to 1968 Mustang GT or Shelby with runninghorse inset (instead of GT or Cobra Emblem).
  • Fiberglass Side Scoops:Similar to 1967-68 Shelby with GT/CS decal.
  • “California Special” Chrome Script on Rear Quarter Panels: GT/CS only.
  • Unique Body Striping: Unique, GT style: Black, white (mine), red or blue.
  • Blacked Out Front Grill: No chrome surround or running horse emblem
  • Fog Lights: Marchal or Lucas (depending on production date): Lucas (mine).
  • Quarter Turn Competition Style Hood Locks
  • Only Available on Coupes: No convertibles or fastbacks.
  • Built only at San Jose Plant: All VIN's start with 8R01.
  • 3,867 GT/CS Cars Produced
  • Only Produced for One Year - 1968: Production run of less than 6 months.

Details about my 1968 California Special GT/CS Mustang
I have owned my GT/CS since 1997.
I used her as my daily driver from 1997 up until 2005.
In April 2016 I started the long process of getting her up and running again.

I bought and had the following installed:
- 4 new BF Goodrich tires (April 2016)- new Motorcraft Group 24F battery (June 16)
In late June 2016, I took my GT/CS to Mo Muscle Cars (momusclecars dot com) to get repair and maintenance work done to get the GT/CS in excellent running condition again. Mo Muscle Cars is up in North of Houston in Woodlands/Conroe. They have a really nice shop with all kinds of classics they service - they do everything up there they even fabricate parts if need be. They do really good quality work.
Mo Muscle Cars changed out the GT/CS' whole fuel system (June / July 2016):
  • new fuel tank
  • new fuel lines
  • new fuel pump
  • new fuel filter
  • new hoses
  • new points
  • Edelbrock carburetor rebuilt

Once all the new fuel system parts were installed she turned over like a champ and has been running real nice ever since (July 2016)!
Also I had Mo Muscle Cars do some other repairs and some preventative maintenance (July to Sept 2016):
  • horn fixed
  • hood integrated turn signals fixed
  • brake flush
  • coolant flush
  • new thermostat installed

I went ahead and had the A/C repaired at Neil's Auto A/C (neilsautoair dot com):- new condenser (Nov 2016)- new drier (Nov 2016)
Both of these AC parts are made by Classic Auto Air (originalair dot com/restoration-ford-condensers) so they are judging quality reproduction parts.
And more importantly, as of November 2016, my GT/CS is cooling again with a functional A/C!
Factory Features of my California Special GT/CS Mustang
  • Automatic transmission
  • 302-4V 4 Barrel engine (302ci/230hp)
  • Power Steering
  • A/C
  • Manual Brakes (upgraded to Manual Disc Brakes)
  • Deluxe Seatbelts
  • Lucas Fog Lights
  • Integrated Hood Turn Signals
  • GT/CS Side Scoops
  • GT/CS Stripes (white)
  • Fiberglass Trunk Lid
  • Hood Lock Pins
  • Remote controlled left hand driver side view mirror

Modifications and/or Non-Stock Items on my California Special GT/CS Mustang
  • Painted Hood Stripes were an option but only mat black, I opted for white ones
  • Side view mirror on passenger side
  • Power Steering pump maybe 1966 but I still have my "original" PS pump
  • Radio is an aftermarket Jensen deal but I still have the original AM radio
  • GT center caps but I still have the original non-GT center caps
  • Radio antenna manually retractable version but I still have the original antenna
  • Air cleaner exposed chrome style one but I still have the original blue one
  • Monte Carlo bar added
  • Radiator overflow container added to make system a closed one
  • Interior upholstery (including seat sponge) and carpet replaced
  • Rolled chrome exhaust tips added
  • Rear valence with dual exhaust cut-outs added (my "original" valence had no cut outs).
  • A/C compressor remanufactured one although I still have my "original" one
  • Dash clock gauge replaced with RPM gauge and I do not have the original clock
  • Stainless Steel manual disc brakes added to front
  • Dual exhaust (transverse muffler style) system added
  • New windshield added but it is Carlite
  • Tires (4) - BF Goodrich (new)
  • Fuel System (new)
  • Edelbrock carburetor (rebuilt)
  • Battery is modern sealed style Motorcraft 24F (new)

Additional Videos of my California Special GT/CS Mustang on YouTubeOn YouTube, you will find my 3 videos: 1) walk-around (49 sec): Search for "dw2FBEu4Xq4" 2) engine start and engine bay (50 sec): Ssearch for "KZx89pV8pN4" 3) short drive along from driver's seat view (26 sec): Search for "3QLdM_ONFKM"Or just in general search for "texas canuck 1968" or for my texas canuck channel and you will find them.
Pros
  • This GT/CS is an amazing quality example of this very rare and one year onlyShelby-esque model. You will almost certainly not pass another wherever you go. You willreceive compliments and thumbs up galore!
  • GT/CS in excellent running condition with working A/C. Come and check her out!
  • Real GT/CS with Marti Report.
  • Matching numbers (engine/transmission).
  • Engine and transmission rebuilt (2001).
  • Note odometer reads 42,945 miles as of 2017 and it read around 90K back in 1997.
  • Factory A/C, PS, Automatic, Disc brakes (upgraded to manual discs).
  • Candyapple Red is its original color.
  • Lots of new parts (fuel system, A/C, tires, battery).
  • I have kept parts along the way as I replace them.
  • I have all my receipts and repair bills going back to 1997.
  • I have several magazines featuring the GT/CS.

ConsNeeds a paint job. The GT/CS has dark red paint color now, it is supposed to be candyapple red, which is a bright red.
NotesIf you have zero feedback or negative feedback, please call or email before placing an offer, thank you. The winning bidder must submit a $1,000 non refundable deposit within 48 hours of the close of the auction to secure the vehicle. The seller keeps the non refundable deposit of $1,000. Remaining balance is due from the buyer within 7 days of auction end. The method of payment is bank wire transfer or cash in person at bank only. I can work with you if that is a problem and only if other arrangements are made before purchase only. All funds must be in US dollars only. Please be sure to have full payment or approved financing in place before making your final bid. Feel free to call me with any questions before purchase only. The buyer agrees to pay remaining balance due within 7 days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be completed in full and all funds fully cleared before the title will be transferred and before vehicle leaves my house. If the buyer does not pick up the vehicle in person and wishes to have the vehicle shipped, then the buyer is responsible for all shipping charges and all shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, but I will gladly assist in arranging shipping to the best of my abilities and availability. Once the vehicle leaves my house, I will take no further responsibility for the vehicle at all. This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, with no warranty expressed, written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuine, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. It is the buyer’s responsibility to see that his/her purchase meets their individual criteria before purchase. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. Seller assumes no responsibility for any oral or written statements about the vehicle. International buyers must complete purchase in person, then arrange for shipping. A personal or third party inspection prior to purchase is highly recommended as everyone has their own ideas of desirability. Please note that the car is for sale locally and thus I reserve the right to end the auction early.
QuestionsIf you have any questions or would like to know more or if you have any unique picture or video requests, please let me know, thanks: Mike in Houston, TX Home: 281-333-9257 Cell: 832-840-0103
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