 | The GT/CS is one of the most desirable Mustangs built. The cars fitted with the large 390 and Cobra Jet 428 cubic-inch (6.4- and 7.0-liter) V8 engines are the most sought after due to their scarcity, but the small block California Specials are becoming increasingly popular. Between February 17 and July 30 of 1968, the San Jose plant turned out some 4,118 California Specials. Priced at $194.31 and listed on the window sticker as the "GT/CS EQUIP PACKAGE," the package was cosmetic. |
 | Base Mustangs came standard with the 115-hp, 200-cu.in. straight-six, a solid, boring engine. The first step came in the form of the C-code two-barrel, 195-horse, 289-cu.in. The hottest came in the form of the R-code 428 V-8, aka the Cobra Jet. Released close to the March 1 introduction of the California Special, the 428 put out an advertised 335 hp and made the Mustang a force to be reckoned with. Ford made just three California Specials equipped with the 428 Cobra Jet. An additional nine 428-powered GT/CSs were sold out of the Denver region as part of the 251 examples badged as High Country Specials. |
 | Every California Special is a two-door hardtop coupe. Ford made no convertible or fastback GT/CS models. The Mustang was a relatively simple car, using unit-body construction and a conventional independent front suspension with coil springs, tube shocks, and an anti-roll bar up front. In the rear, there were leaf springs, tube shocks, and a live axle driving the wheels. Drum brakes all around were standard, but front discs and power brakes were optional. This 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8, C4 automatic transmission, showed 56,494 miles. It made $57k in Jan at Mecum. |
