California Special Mustang
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In mid-February 1968, the California Ford Dealers (Ford Dealer Advertising Fund) began to market a factory-built, limited-edition Mustang, called the GT/CS, or "California Special". The hope was for a targeted production run of 5,000, but actually, 4118 were made, which included 251 units that were remarketed in Denver, Colorado, as "High Country Special '68". Production ran for only 5.5 months from mid-February 1968 to early August 1968.
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[edit] California made it happen
"California Made it Happen!" was the marketing theme for this limited edition was in response to the new muscle car competition for the upcoming 1968 model year from the Camaro, Firebird, Javelin, and even from Ford's Torino, and Mercury Cougar California was responsible for the sales of 20% of all Mustangs and Thunderbirds in the country, which gave them the clout to ask for and market their own Mustang.
Lee Grey was the Southern California district sales manager for Ford and he was looking for something unique to spark the sales of Mustangs in Los Angeles. Ford dealers had tried promotions like the "1967 Rainbow Colors Mustangs" and by adding accessories and options to dress up cars for public view. Making Mustangs look "custom" was what it was all about.
[edit] Shelby inspired
[edit] Little Red
Lee attended the Ford Preview event for the new 1968 Fords at the Los Angeles Coliseum in August of 1967, where he saw a Shelby GT-500 prototype coupe nicknamed "Little Red". This was a supercharged 427, C-6 automatic coupe that was dressed up in bright red paint, and a vinyl top, as a formal, yet high performance vehicle. It was on display to gauge market response as a possible Shelby lineup Mustang. Lee saw this as an opportunity to use the elements of this prototype to market his "California-Only Mustang". He met with Lee Iaccoca in L.A., and the decision was made to bring the car to Dearborn to develop into a limited edition Mustang. First, it was known as the "GT/SC", as a nationally available Sport Coupe, then, after some discussion, developed as the GT/CS. The 1968 Mustang Sprint became the springtime edition available nationally.
[edit] Shelby automotive and the GT/CS
Shelby Automotive, now part of Ford, was assigned the task of designing and engineering the necessary parts and assembly procedures for the GT/CS. This was done right along side the development of their 1968 Shelby. The fiberglass parts were crafted at A.O. Smith, in Ionia, Michigan, in steel molds. A.O. Smith was also the same OEM manufacturer for the Corvette fiberglass bodies. The completed fiberglass parts for the GT/CS included: the rear decklid and end caps, taillight panel, and side scoops (RH and LH).
[edit] Green Hornet
In April 1968, during production of the GT/CS, a second Shelby coupe prototype, the "Green Hornet EXP-500", was built by Shelby Automotive based on a GT/CS purchased from Ford.
"Little Red" and the "Green Hornet" were the only two Shelby coupes produced. Both were prototypes. All other Shelby Mustangs were either fastbacks or convertibles.
[edit] Features
The Mustang GT/CS features included: Marchal or Lucas Fog Lights, twist-type DZUS hood pins, side scoops, rear spoiler decklid with end caps, and taillight panel with 1965 Thunderbird taillights (non sequential). Side stripes with the "GT/CS" die-cut logo, along with a rear decklid stripe were included, and were available in white, black, red, and metallic medium blue only. It was available in all standard Mustang colors for 1968, all Ford engine and transmission combinations (except 427/C-6, which was dropped for all '68s). Most produced were the 289 2V type with C-4 automatic transmission. All regular production factory and dealer options for 1968 Mustang coupes were also available for the GT/CS.
[edit] Target market
Distribution of the Mustang GT/CS was primarily within the two California sales districts (DSOs 71 & 72); but was expanded to sales districts in Washington, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, Arizona, Western Canada, and Colorado (as the High Country Special).
Today, it is estimated that less than half of these cars survive. The most prized versions are the big-block 390 and Cobra Jet 428 versions, of which only a handful were made. The GT/CS has become one of the most owner-appreciated classic Mustangs, since it has both the qualities of a Shelby GT, and a Mustang coupe. It's uniqueness, and rarity draws great attention on the road, and at car shows. Values can range from as low as $3,000 for a restorable small-block driver version, to up to "six-figures" for a Concours 428 CJ version.
[edit] Timeline
- Jan '67: Shelby experimental coupe "Little Red" built from a '67 Mustang coupe
- Sep '67: Regular 1968 Mustang production begins.
- Oct '67: Lee Grey visits Shelby American to borrow Little Red for one week. Lee Grey wants to buy parts from A.0. Smith to modify Mustang coupes at L.A. area dealerships.
- Oct '67: Lee Grey meets with Lee Iaccoca to discuss a Mustang for California. Little Red is there to illustrate his idea.
- Dec-Jan '68: Shelby Automotive requested by Ford to develop "California Special." California Mustang gets approval and marketing money (initial order for 6,180 GT/CS parts sets).
- Feb 17, '68: Production of GT/CS cars at Ford begins, a few coupes dated as early as Dec 28,1967 used.
- Feb 22, '68: First dealer advertising of GT/CS availability, Coberly Ford, L.A.
- Mar 15-20, '68: Heavy production of GT/CS at San Jose (many special order cars).
- Apr '68: Shelby Automotive's second coupe prototype "Green Hornet" built from a GT/CS bought by Shelby.
- Mid Apr '68: GT/CS production begins for other sales districts in the west.
- Jun-Jul '68: High Country Specials produced for Denver District.
- Jul 30, '68: End of GT/CS (HCS) production.
- Sep '68: 1969 model year Mustang production begins.
