1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS

Expert Auto Appraisals inspected this 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special. I performed this inspection at the 2022 Mecum auction in Monterey. My inspection found this a good example of the Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special, finished in Acapulco Blue (originally Seafoam Green) with a restored black vinyl interior. This car has the J-code 302 CI V8 engine producing 306 horsepower and a 3-speed automatic transmission. Mecum cataloged the car with an auction estimate of $60,000 to $80,000. Mecum sold the car for $60,500 with the buyer’s premium.

1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special

The California Special equipped cars were produced in California, explicitly for the California market. 3,867 of these cars were made. Ford designers used many of the features that are similar to how a Shelby would look. For example, it had fiberglass rear decklids, quarter panel caps from the 1968 Shelby convertible, Shelby taillights, and nonfunctional fiberglass side scoops. In addition, other features that made the California Special unique from a standard Mustang were the blacked-out grille, Lucas fog lamps, hood locks, and side striping.

As a piece of trivia, the Ford Mustang California Special has a counterpart made the same year and for the same reason. Ford produced the California Special to create a unique, region-specific model with cosmetic differences. Ford had planned on making 5,000 of these, but only sold 3,867, well below expected sales. Due to the lack of sales, Ford targeted the Denver Colorado market with the rebadged, the GT/HCS High Country Special. Ford sold only 251 Mustang GT/HSC High Country Specials.

Monterey Auction Inspection Services – Mecum

Typical points examined on a Ford Mustang auction inspection are chassis and body quality, driveline originality, and mechanical performance. I can also arrange an evaluation drive to check the vehicle’s road performance if available. This type of service proves to be invaluable for our clients. As always, I collect the information necessary for many buying or bidding decisions. In addition to the report, over 100 images covering all aspects of the vehicle were provided.

Expert Auto Appraisals inspects all Ford Mustang cars and all other marques throughout the United States and Canada. I attend the auctions in Scottsdale, Monterey, and Amelia Island every year. Because of this, I provide inspection services at most auctions. I am at most RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Co., Broad Arrow, and Bonhams events. I also regularly attend Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and GAA auctions. If you are considering the purchase of a special-interest car, contact us to perform an auction inspection of the vehicle for you. Contact us today at 772.621.2622 to discuss your needs, or use our online Pre Purchase Inspection Request Form.