CaliforniaSpecial.com -- Identification of the GT/CS -- 1968 California Special Limited Edition Ford Mustang GT/CS

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Following is a list of the features found on the California Specials and '68 High Country Specials. With the exception of the items in this list, the GT/CS and HCS used the same parts as standard '68 Mustangs. They could be ordered with any engine, transmission, color or option as long as the body style was a coupe. No convertible or fastback "Specials" were produced in 1968.

The "Identification" list has been grouped by rear, side and front and thumbnails have been provided showing photos to go with the parts descriptions.


		TRUNK LID AND QUARTER EXTENSIONS

			Perhaps the most striking element of the GT/CS and HCS, the thing that makes even the most casual Mustang enthusiast say, "what kind of Mustang is that?" is the unique tail section. Comprised of a fiberglass trunk lid and quarter panel extensions with integral spoiler, horizontal 1965 Thunderbird tail lights and a special pop-off gas cap, many loyal Mustang lovers mistake it for a Shelby from the rear. (or worse yet, accuse the innocent owner of trying to create a fake Shelby!) The mistake is understandable as many of the parts are shared with the 67-68 Shelbys. The fiberglass trunk lid and quarter panel extensions are the same as 68 Shelby convertibles. Their production was contracted out by Ford to A.O. Smith, Ionia, Michigan, as were all the fiberglass components on the GT/CS and HCS. The rear face of the trunk lid features horizontal stripes and a chrome "Mustang" script fastened to the upper right corner. This is the same script emblem used on all 1968 Mustang front fenders. The stripes continue from the upper edge of the integral spoiler by turning downward onto the rear quarter panel extensions.
		TAIL LIGHTS

			The tail lights too are shared with 68 Shelbys (67 Shelbys used Cougar tail lights), although they first appeared on 65 Thunderbirds. In order to fit these tail lights in the solid, concave rear panel on 68 Mustangs, Ford had to cut four additional holes in the sheet metal. A fiberglass cover panel was then placed over the rear so the new tail lights could be mounted. These lights required a special wiring harness which plugs into the stock Mustang pig tail leading to the trunk. The fiberglass rear panel is the same as the 68 Shelbys, however the wiring harness is completely unique to the GT/CS and HCS. This is one of the key areas to check when verifying a potential GT/CS or HCS. It is a common misconception that the GT/CS and HCS cars used sequential rear turn signals. Sequential signals were a unique and popular feature on 65-71 Thunderbirds and 67-73 Cougars where the 3 separate bulbs behind each tail light lens would light up in sequence from the middle out. This gave the impression of the lights "pointing" the way the car was going to turn. Although this feature did make it into 68 Shelbys, it was never an option for the GT/CS or HCS. As a side note, it is my understanding that the rear fiberglass panel was always painted the body color. However, I have seen several photos of GT/CS or HCS's where this panel has been painted argent, or silver which was typical of Shelbys of that era. I assume this is not original, however if anyone knows of an unrestored GT/CS or HCS which did have this panel painted argent, please let me know.
		POP-OFF GAS CAP

			The GT/CS and HCS came with only one gas cap*. It is a pop off design similar to the Mustang GT or Shelby caps, but without the GT or Cobra emblem. Instead, a running horse inset in a rectanglular "corral" resides in the center. This same cap was used on the Sprint package and was also available as a dealer option. *****A handfull of GT/CS cars appear to have been originally sold with the GT pop-off gas cap, even though this is not consistent with Ford literature. Even GT/CS cars that were also GT's were supposed to have the GT/CS cap in place of the GT cap.