1968 California Special GT/CS 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. 00; however. only 4118 were made. including 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. Today. classic car collectors consider these cars to be very desirable. 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 alongside 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 failed fiberglass parts for the GT/CS included: the rear decklid and end caps. taillight panel. and side scoops (RH and LH) Timeline Jan '67: Shelby experimental coupe "Little Red" built from a '67 Mustang coupeSep '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. 80 GT/CS parts sets). February 17. '68: Production of GT/CS cars at Ford begins. a few coupes dated as early as December 28. 1967 used. February 22. '68: First dealer advertising of GT/CS availability. Coberly Ford. L. A. March 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. July 30. '68: End of GT/CS (HCS) production. Sep '68: 1969 model year Mustang production begins. 1968 Mustang GT/CS California Special ********************************************* 289 V8 / C4 Automatic ********* S U R V I V O R ********* Original Matching Numbers / California Original Car MARTI REPORT ~ Shelby Signature on Dash ~ Scroll down below description for over 100 HD Photos ! VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV We are presenting an Extremely Original Rare California Special that has been in California over 40 years before finding its way to the East coast. This GT/CS is in terrific condition and has not been Restored! That's right this is a natural true survivor that has no rust and still retains its original red oxide primed under carriage without any rust and is as clean as can be found. We found this car in its present condition and gave it an extensive meticulous detail from the ground up. We removed over 40 years of California Smog and road grime to find an extremely well preserved unmolested representative of Ford / Shelby history! We detailed the engine compartment and interior while preserving the original patina of its well serviced history. We replaced a few essential items and gave it a new pair of Cooper Cobra tires. Everything works well with the exception of a disconnected heater core and the headliner has pull away from the rear window on driver side but it is original. The dash pad has been replaced a while ago and we installed a new gauge bezel with all gauges operating properly. The interior is original and has two repaired spots on rear seat and one on the driver’s seat. New door panels have been installed. The interior looks terrific and presents its age very well. This Carroll Shelby inspired coupe does possess Mr. Shelby's signature and is a great asset to this GT / CS giving it a substantial value to its originality! We have an original Ivy Gold console that will need restoration that is available to go with this car. It has an original Am radio and 8 track tape player in the console. The exterior is clean and the paint is shiny and has a very good overall finish. There are a few minor dings and chips that have been touched up. This car has been resprayed probably in the 1980's due to harsh sun baking being a west coast car. It is very presentable for its age and is substantial and acceptable for a driver/show quality classic. The chrome is in excellent condition as well as the original glass. The wheels are in great condition showing minimal wear for their age. We also installed a chin spoiler on the front for a more appearance! The drive train is in great condition. The motor runs excellent and smooth and seems to be untouched and the C4 transmission is tight and shifts as it should. The suspension is in good condition and the rear shocks are air shocks which are adjustable for rear ride height as wear popular during the pony car era. We have taken many photos to display the raw and original un-restored condition of this CS. This car is one that is of high collector quality as a true survivor car should be. It is solid and tight and will maintain a high quality condition for many years to come! We like this car and it is one that we will regret selling because of its rarity and condition we know it will stand the test of time with tons of appreciation. Overall a must have collector for someone who appreciates an Original one of probably 1000 left GT / CS coupes presently existing and this one sports Carroll Shelby's signature ! A dream car at a reasonable low reserve offered for sale. Don't Miss this one! It's a Keeper! Vin # 8R01C142654 Miles on odometer 27301 Color Lime Gold with Ivy Gold interior Marti Report included and shown below as well as California Title . Call for a Buy it Now ! Contact Mike @ 845 795 2707 THE RESERVE IS SET A VERY REASONABLE AND AFFORDABLE PRICE FOR A SUPER NICE CAR OF THIS CALIBER ~SO BID WITH CONFIDENCE TO BUY! THIS IS ONE TO OWN AND WILL APPRECIATE FOR YEARS TO COME ! This vehicle is being sold “AS IS “ with no warranty implied A $ 1000 deposit is to be deposited to Pay Pal within 48hrs. by the Winning Bidder Full Payment to be made within 7 days of Auction end . Wire Transfer ~ Bank Check ~ Cash will be accepted. This vehicle is being advertised locally and seller reserves right to end auction at any time upon a sale of other means. We welcome any independent inspections of this vehicle before the end of this auction to assist in your bidding decision. Please do so before Auction is completed. . Once the vehicle is sold all sales are final . Thank you for your interest and Enjoy the Ride ! V Scroll Down For over 100 photos V