1968 Mustang GT California Special Hardtop Advertisement
(C) 2007-2024 MustangAttitude.com - all rights reserved.
This GT/CS article appeared in the March 5th, 1968 edition of The Van Nuys News of Van Nuys, California. It says, Introduce Special Mustang The new model Ford Mustang designed especially for California made its public debut at Ford Division dealers Friday. L.S. Gray, Los Angeles district sales manager for Ford Division, said the new California Special, designated the Mustang GT/CS, will be recognized easily by its design features that include a racing spoiler, competition-type hood latches and scoops on the side. The ford assembly plant in San Jose will build the car. It will be sold only in the two California sales districts. "The California districts account for about 20% of the Mustang sales." Mr. Grey said, "so we feel it appropriate to have a model for this area that was inspired by our market." The 1968 Shelby Cobra GT's influence on the new Mustang is apparent in the horizontal taillights and rectangular fog lamps. ...distinguishing design highlights ... of the a fiberglass deck lid with a dual stripe around the edge. The front end features a blackout grille without ornamentation and the push and turn hood latches. Identifying characteristics on the side include the scoops in the rear of the doors and California Special written in script on the back fenders. Bold stripe letters GT/CS decorate the scoops. A wide body stripe extends forward on the edge of the front fender. Dealers will sell the California Special with any of the engine/transmission combination in a regular Mustang line. Most regular Mustang options also will be available. A.O. Smith in Ionia Mich. which build the Shelby Cobra GT, will supply the fiberglass components for the California Special.