Ford GT or Califronia Special?

[case12]

Well, Chicago is beautiful this time of year, so I took my CS out for a spin around town. In my neighborhood I am stopped by a screaming yellow Ford GT. The gentleman stopped to tell me how much he admired my car. I was standing there almost drooling on his GT, and he is talking about how he always liked the CS, and had seen very few of them. He invited me to his home where he also showed me his Ferrari and Viper. After an hour of car talk, he showed me the engine of the GT (wow!), but I noticed as I drove away that he was still checking out my CS going down the road.

Ford GT - $200,000. 1968 California Special - priceless?

Casey

 

[gt bandit]

I concur with your wisdom Casey

priceless indeed ,

although i wouldn't mind a spin in one of those GT cars !!

 

[68gt390]

Just goes to show you, there are those out there that drive exotic cars and still know a true thoroughbred (GT/CS) when they see it. Great story Casey.


Don

 

[68 GTCS]

Something else that interests me is that I have had family members tell me, " why spend that kind of money on a old car when you can buy a newer car," as I glance over at there "newer cars" I look at them, smile and tell them, The price of mine is going up, and the price of yours is going down. Thats pretty smart if you ask me, have a nice day! OH---Did I forget to mention they are a blast to drive, and I get more attention than a 3 yr old with a box of crayons!

Good Story Casey.

TWO thumbs up. :grin:

Kevin

 

[Midnight Special]

Just goes to show you, there are those out there that drive exotic cars and still know a true thoroughbred (GT/CS) when they see it. Great story Casey.


Don

So true! On top of that; I had a guy tell me yesterday that he always dreamed of owning a GT/CS, but if he did, he'd be afraid to drive it...

 

[Diesel Donna]

Kevin, that's what I tell people too....they will be bragging about some car they have and I just ask them how much do they think it will be worth in forty years.Or in fact my almost 40 year old car is worth more than the ride they have now!

 

[PNewitt]

Just a reminder--the Ford GT in 1964 was the design inspiration for the Mustang. Your side scoops, and spoiler are from the Ford GT, too. The T-Bird taillights were used on the Ford "J-CAR".

I've always "had a thing" for the Ford GT, especially the late model version (which bears the (improbable) question--would you do a straight across trade with your GT/CS for a Ford GT?):

http://www.ford.com/en/innovation/design/designTeam/camiloPardo.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Ford-GT-Legend-Comes-Life/dp/0760319936

http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/ford_gt_tungsten.asp

A friend of mine has a red GT, and a '68 KR Convertible (note to self--I need to ask for a ride-drive sometime). How I wish Camilo Pardo would do the next Mustang. He's so in touch with the feel of the Mustang.

It's hard to gauge reactions from those that have other "high end" exotic cars. Casey--I wonder if this gentleman was seeking another car guy to show off his collection to? He probably thought that your having such a rare Mustang meant that you were a collector yourself. That is, it was nice to be invited over to look, but I sometimes wonder about how high end, exotic car owners really know and appreciate their cars; as opposed to how we know every nut and bolt. Not that they have to, need to, or have the time to, but it's like apples vs. oranges with how some owners cherish their car, vs. someone who can buy a Maserati off the show floor, and drive it home.

Sometimes "not having" what you want makes you appreciate what you have even more. When I was in HS, I wanted a Nikon F, but had to buy a Nikkormat FTN. I ended up being yearbook photographer, and knew every f-stop by heart. I even developed my own photos.

I wanted to buy a neighbor's yellow '69 Shelby GT-350 in the worst way, back in '74, but they sold it to another friend (without my knowing). So, I saw a GT/CS in the Sacramento BEE in April 1974 for $995, and bought it instead.

And as they say...the rest is history. It was my appreciation & pride that led to my decision to do a registry and book in 1985. If I'd gotten the '69 Shelby, none of us would probably be here.

Paul N.
p.s. a GT/CS in tungsten (see the third site above), black vinyl top, and white stripes; with Shelby ten-spokes would be awesome. Food for thought--if you're going to do a clone, do it in a color that is awesome, and non-stock. The Grabber colors alone would be interesting; with black stripes, and a set mini-lite wheels.

BTW, Casey, is "Califronia" the Scottish pronounciation? Aye?
It's bad enough our Arnold says: "Cally-FOOR-nya".

 

[rvrtrash]

And as they say...the rest is history. It was my appreciation & pride that led to my decision to do a registry and book in 1985. If I'd gotten the '69 Shelby, none of us would probably be here.

Paul N.

No offense Paul, but I think it's possible to have a website dedicated to a specific car model with active participation without one of it's members having written a registry book.

Steve

 

[PNewitt]

No offense Paul, but I think it's possible to have a website dedicated to a specific car model with active participation without one of it's members having written a registry book.

Steve

I may have overstated my point, but I really doubt anyone else would have gone as far as I have (since 1985) to find & write about the history of the GT/CS. Some time ago, Jon Hanna wrote & asked me about how we could do a site on the CS, and of course, I approved and supported it 100%. It was my 1989 book that inspired Jon to ask me and to do this site. Without the book, I'm not sure we'd be here.

There was another, pretty good, GT/CS website many years ago, but it didn't have message boards, nor a history and resto section. It was mostly a tribute site.

I think I would think of myself more as a catalyst to this marque's enthusiasm than it's father. Many other limited edition Mustang registries don't have sites like this, nor the complete history, or resto information like we have here.

Paul N.

 

[PFSlim]

Casey

I enjoyed your story very much. I have had several folks look "that way" at my car and it makes me feel great!!!

You have a great car and one that should be admired.

Paul

 

[case12]

1. Paul, you got me on the spelling error. I type too fast sometimes.

2. I think the guy really appreciated the CS. The only reason he invited me to his driveway was that we were blocking traffic. So, his interest was genuine. Plus, he knew a lot about the CS - shelby scoops, shelby spoiler, tail lights, etc. I was impressed with how much he knew for a "general car guy".

3. Steve, I agree. I dont think Paul meant it the way you may have taken it though. We all are a part of the CS history. And we are fortunate Paul captured a bunch of that history in the 80's before it all disappeared (or people in the know passed away). As a newbie, I was excited to have that resource to learn from.

Casey from Chicago (and obviously not from Califronia)

 

[PNewitt]

1. Paul, you got me on the spelling error. I type too fast sometimes.

Casey from Chicago (and obviously not from Califronia)

I'm looking forward to a visit to Ill-i-noise sometime....(OOPS!) LOL!

I admire and hope to come to Chi-Town sometime soon! Great, great people, and the food sounds fantastic! Museums, and Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, too. A cultural wonderland!

I think a lot of us Californians would understand--if and when our GT/CSs are out of the state--to appreciate the reactions from others.

Paul N.

 

[Diesel Donna]

I drove mine to New York in about 1975 and the reaction was funny. I was told I had a nice Cougar or a nice Thunderbird. I can only imagine the reaction CS's get almost 40 years later on the East coast. Has to be more than they get out West just because classic cars are a dime a dozen out here. I would bet that in the Chicago area there are a lot more Vipers,Ferrari's and GT's than there are California Specials. You rocked it Casey!

 

[John McGilvary]

My Ma and Pa drove my CS to Calgary, Canada in 1969 after they visited me at the Naval Training Center in California. My Ma was mad because my dad kept passing cars on the road just so he could hit second and put her back in the seat. My Dad only said that they averaged about 15 miles per gallon, and every time they stopped for gas, people would gather around to look at the CS. (Pic in my gallary, my CS, my Mom and me.)

John

 

[BroadwayBlue]

I can only imagine the reaction CS's get almost 40 years later on the East coast. Has to be more than they get out West just because classic cars are a dime a dozen out here.

I can tell you first hand CS's get a reaction here in NY.
Every trip to the gas station, auto parts store, cruise, etc has people asking questions about it.

Is it real?
I've heard of that but never saw one in person.
What makes it a California Special?
Don't see many of those in this area.

And my favorite I heard from a few kids one day "It's a f#$#% Shelby! I told you!"

Not something you want to drive if you're trying to stay low key that's for sure. Love every minute of it!

 

[Midnight Special]

Well, Chicago is beautiful this time of year,...
Casey

...Is it still, Casey? I'm flying out there on Monday to visit a customer...

 

[case12]

Nice here. Cool - highs around 60. Supposed to get warmer next week - 80. Nice time of year. Would be nice to meet if you had time. where are you traveling to, and would you have time? casey

 

[Midnight Special]

Nice here. Cool - highs around 60. Supposed to get warmer next week - 80. Nice time of year. Would be nice to meet if you had time. where are you traveling to, and would you have time? casey

Thanks Casey!

I'm coming into O'Hare (United #242) from Sacramento at 12:28. I'll then be going to nearby Des Plains, then stay at the Holiday Inn Express H & S located at 6600 N. Mannheim Rd. (847-544-7500) tomorrow evening. I fly out Tuesday night at 5:00 pm... Yes, it would be nice to meet you if you're not too far away! PM me your phone number if you see this tonite.

 

[Midnight Special]

Membership has benefits!...

...While in Chicago on business. I called up & had a delightful visit with Casey "Case12" who was kind enough to drive his awsome convertible down to Des Plains IL

Although the 1.5 hr visit was not nearly long enough, we had an excellent chat as though we had known each other for years!

Such the incredible catalyst - our Mustangs!
Such the wonderful family - our group!

Thanks Casey for taking time out of your busy day while making mine
Photo courtesy: borrowed SUV ;-)

 

[case12]

Thanks Tim! Finally I get to meet one of the California gang!

You are right - our virtual family on the site is the same as if you all were here.

Tim, next time it will be dinner at my house and "stang stable".

Anyone ever in the Chicago area is welcome to visit. Great to put faces with names!

Casey