Fact or Myth? - FAQ's about the 1968 GT/CS & HCS

Following are a few of the most commonly asked questions and misconceptions about the 1968 GT/CS and HCS cars. Many of these "myths" have been misreported in so many books and magazines that they've become accepted as facts.

Please note: The term "GT/CS" as used below includes both the California Specials and 1968 High Country Specials unless noted otherwise.

Fact or Myth?

"The GT/CS used Cougar tail lights with sequential turn signals."

Myth: Although the GT/CS uses horizontal tail lights similar to the '67-68 Cougars, they are actually from the 1965 Thunderbird. These lenses, housings and chrome bezels were also used on 1968 Shelbys. And while the Cougars, Thunderbirds and Shelbys made use of the cool directional sequential turn signals, they were not part of the GT/CS package.

Fact or Myth?

"The GT/CS used functional Shelby side scoops"

Myth: The fiberglass scoops found on the GT/CS were modeled after the 1967-1968 Shelby scoops, but were actually their own part number. The GT/CS scoops were closed and non-functional, unlike the Shelby scoops which chanelled air to the rear brakes to keep the temperature down.

Fact or Myth?

"All GT/CS's were coupes."

Fact: The coupe (or hard top) was the only body style used for the GT/CS. No convertibles and no fastbacks. It makes perfect sense that a car made primarily for the California market would be a convertible, but Ford didn't always make sense...And they didn't make a convertible GT/CS. Rumors have been spread, but to date a documented convertible has not been found.

Fact or Myth?

"All GT/CS cars were GT's."

Myth: Most GT/CS's were not GT's. Just like any other Mustang, a GT/CS could be ordered with or without the GT equipment group. Having "GT" in it's name certainly helps fuel the confusion, but the GT/CS and GT package are two different options. The GT equipment group consisted of a heavy duty suspension, GT styled steel wheels, GT pop-off gas cap, GT grille with round fog lights, GT fender badges, C-stripe, dual exhaust with quad tips and GT rear valance. If a car was ordered with both the GT/CS and GT package, the conflicting GT parts would be deleted in favor of the GT/CS parts.

Fact or Myth?

"The GT/CS was only offered for one year; 1968."

Fact: All California Specials were 1968 models. This is where the GT/CS and the HCS differ. The High Country Specials started in 1966 and continued through 1968. The '66-67 models consisted mostly of 2 fender emblems and 3 special paint colors. In 1968 the HCS continued, but became a modified version of the GT/CS including all the same parts with the exception of the scoop decal and the rear fender script. (The GT/CS package was brought back in 2007, but this discussion is about the classic Mustangs.)

Fact or Myth?

"Any 1968 engine was available for the GT/CS."

Fact: The GT/CS could have any standard production Mustang engine available at the time. The GT/CS was an aesthetic package, not a performance package. So all Mustang engines were used; from the 200 cid six cylinder all the way up to the 428-4V Cobra Jet.

Fact or Myth?

"The GT/CS was only sold in California"

Myth: All GT/CS's were built in California (at the San Jose plant), but not all were sold there. They were shipped to dealers as far away as Hawaii and Canada. The DSO (district sale office) is listed on the vehicle data plate. Valid GT/CS DSO's are 53 (Kansas City), 61 (Dallas), 71 (L.A.), 72 (San Jose), 73 (Salt Lake), 74 (Seattle), 75 (Phoenix), B6 (Canada) and B7 (Canada). Only High Country Special cars were sent to DSO 51 (Denver).

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