My friend has a restored 68 California special. He doesn't know how much he should ask for it!
Advise! Thx
A lot depends on the drivetrain and obviously what condition the car is truly in. "Restored" has many meanings.
With many original parts I was told. Online prices from high 30s to low 40s
I have seen nice 289 automatic cars starting at $25,000
Engine and transmission make a huge difference as do options and color. Post pictures of the car and the Marti Report. Huge difference between a 6 cylinder automatic stripper versus a big block 4 speed with AC.
428CJ - off the chart.
FYI
1968 Ford Mustang California Special Values | Hagerty Valuation Tool®
https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1968-ford-mustang
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 25, 2022, 08:45:23 AM
Engine and transmission make a huge difference as do options and color. Post pictures of the car and the Marti Report. Huge difference between a 6 cylinder automatic stripper versus a big block 4 speed with AC.
428CJ - off the chart.
. Could you get a C.S. with a 6?I have never seen one.
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 11:53:42 AM
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 25, 2022, 08:45:23 AM
Engine and transmission make a huge difference as do options and color. Post pictures of the car and the Marti Report. Huge difference between a 6 cylinder automatic stripper versus a big block 4 speed with AC.
428CJ - off the chart.
. Could you get a C.S. with a 6?I have never seen one.
No sir
Quote from: FL SAAC on April 25, 2022, 12:18:40 PM
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 11:53:42 AM
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 25, 2022, 08:45:23 AM
Engine and transmission make a huge difference as do options and color. Post pictures of the car and the Marti Report. Huge difference between a 6 cylinder automatic stripper versus a big block 4 speed with AC.
428CJ - off the chart.
. Could you get a C.S. with a 6?I have never seen one.
No sir
It's a 200 I6, with a 3-speed, no other options, Seafoam Green, 1 of 80 built that way.Read on.... https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/6-cylinder-california-special.410507/
Or here. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1968-ford-mustang-gt-cs-california-special
I remember when Armond did the body work and paint on a R-code example. 1 of a few. Always wanted one.
notice the 6 cyl in the pic?
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on April 25, 2022, 12:35:08 PM
Quote from: FL SAAC on April 25, 2022, 12:18:40 PM
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 11:53:42 AM
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 25, 2022, 08:45:23 AM
Engine and transmission make a huge difference as do options and color. Post pictures of the car and the Marti Report. Huge difference between a 6 cylinder automatic stripper versus a big block 4 speed with AC.
428CJ - off the chart.
. Could you get a C.S. with a 6?I have never seen one.
No sir
It's a 200 I6, with a 3-speed, no other options, Seafoam Green, 1 of 80 built that way.Read on.... https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/6-cylinder-california-special.410507/
Or here. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1968-ford-mustang-gt-cs-california-special
I remember when Armond did the body work and paint on a R-code example. 1 of a few. Always wanted one.
notice the 6 cyl in the pic?
Thanks for correcting me, though he meant 1966 stang CS
Seafoam pretty kool kolor
Quote from: FL SAAC on April 25, 2022, 01:15:08 PM
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on April 25, 2022, 12:35:08 PM
Quote from: FL SAAC on April 25, 2022, 12:18:40 PM
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 11:53:42 AM
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 25, 2022, 08:45:23 AM
Engine and transmission make a huge difference as do options and color. Post pictures of the car and the Marti Report. Huge difference between a 6 cylinder automatic stripper versus a big block 4 speed with AC.
428CJ - off the chart.
. Could you get a C.S. with a 6?I have never seen one.
No sir
It's a 200 I6, with a 3-speed, no other options, Seafoam Green, 1 of 80 built that way.Read on.... https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/6-cylinder-california-special.410507/
Or here. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1968-ford-mustang-gt-cs-california-special
I remember when Armond did the body work and paint on a R-code example. 1 of a few. Always wanted one.
notice the 6 cyl in the pic?
Thanks for correcting me, though he meant 1966 stang CS
Seafoam pretty kool kolor
Hey, I learned something new as I didn't know they had a 6 cyl but I don't think I've ever seen Royce wrong on something like this so I decided to do a little research.
The options that one could order on the '68 GT/CS when it became available would be essentially the same as the options available on any other '68 Mustang of the same time frame. Small differences were present when there was a circumstance where items may conflict in terms of the content of the GT/CS package, i.e. badging, stripes, grill mounted lights (GT fog lights vs the Marchal/Lucas lights in the case of the GT/CS), things of that nature. I always found it puzzling that they used the term "GT/CS" when the GT equipment group was not a standard part of the California Special option. As Royce and others have pointed out, any engine/transmission available in the "regular" Mustang of the time could be had in the GT/CS.
Sounds like a neat car. I do like the Seafoam Green, it's not a color often seen on any '68, let alone a California Special.
Paul Newitt's GT/CS books are pretty decent, the original (and now hard to find/pricey), as well as his later effort. Well worth the price to buy the newer version, IMO.
Terry
Interesting the article credits the design to Carroll Shelby when it was Ford designer who did the 67 Shelby. But I guess designed by Charley McHose just doesn't have the cachet of CS. Since it is a 68 car John Chun another Ford stylist could have had a hand in it.
PS: If you come across a red/black GT/CS (CA black plate ZAZ 235) run away from it. My sister bought it new and they fixed it after it got T-boned. Hit at the drivers A pillar the passenger door gap opened up to 1/2"+. They pulled it back but even the drivers AC vent wasn't in the right place anymore. She kept it another 6-8 months and bought a VW Bug.
GT/CS was a dress up sales tool installed on any Mustang. It added zero performance. I still have both sets of fog lights. If I remember the Marchal were illegal and the dealers swapped them to Lucas. My dad asked the dealer if he could have the takeoffs for his camper and they gave them to him. I took the Lucas ones for my car when my sister traded it in.
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 25, 2022, 02:12:12 PM
Interesting the article credits the design to Carroll Shelby when it was Ford designer who did the 67 Shelby. But I guess designed by Charley McHose just doesn't have the cachet of CS. Since it is a 68 car John Chun another Ford stylist could have had a hand in it.
PS: If you come across a red/black GT/CS (CA black plate ZAZ 235) run away from it. My sister bought it new and they fixed it after it got T-boned. Hit at the drivers A pillar the passenger door gap opened up to 1/2"+. They pulled it back but even the drivers AC vent wasn't in the right place anymore. She kept it another 6-8 months and bought a VW Bug.
GT/CS was a dress up sales tool installed on any Mustang. It added zero performance. I still have both sets of fog lights. If I remember the Marchal were illegal and the dealers swapped them to Lucas. My dad asked the dealer if he could have the takeoffs for his camper and they gave them to him. I took the Lucas ones for my car when my sister traded it in.
Did Carroll Shelby design Little red and the Green Hornet?
Quote from: tesgt350 on April 25, 2022, 02:45:38 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 25, 2022, 02:12:12 PM
Interesting the article credits the design to Carroll Shelby when it was Ford designer who did the 67 Shelby. But I guess designed by Charley McHose just doesn't have the cachet of CS. Since it is a 68 car John Chun another Ford stylist could have had a hand in it.
PS: If you come across a red/black GT/CS (CA black plate ZAZ 235) run away from it. My sister bought it new and they fixed it after it got T-boned. Hit at the drivers A pillar the passenger door gap opened up to 1/2"+. They pulled it back but even the drivers AC vent wasn't in the right place anymore. She kept it another 6-8 months and bought a VW Bug.
GT/CS was a dress up sales tool installed on any Mustang. It added zero performance. I still have both sets of fog lights. If I remember the Marchal were illegal and the dealers swapped them to Lucas. My dad asked the dealer if he could have the takeoffs for his camper and they gave them to him. I took the Lucas ones for my car when my sister traded it in.
Did Carroll Shelby design Little red and the Green Hornet?
To the best of my knowledge, Carroll Shelby didn't actually design anything.
Quote from: 68gtcoupe on April 25, 2022, 03:54:30 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on April 25, 2022, 02:45:38 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 25, 2022, 02:12:12 PM
Interesting the article credits the design to Carroll Shelby when it was Ford designer who did the 67 Shelby. But I guess designed by Charley McHose just doesn't have the cachet of CS. Since it is a 68 car John Chun another Ford stylist could have had a hand in it.
PS: If you come across a red/black GT/CS (CA black plate ZAZ 235) run away from it. My sister bought it new and they fixed it after it got T-boned. Hit at the drivers A pillar the passenger door gap opened up to 1/2"+. They pulled it back but even the drivers AC vent wasn't in the right place anymore. She kept it another 6-8 months and bought a VW Bug.
GT/CS was a dress up sales tool installed on any Mustang. It added zero performance. I still have both sets of fog lights. If I remember the Marchal were illegal and the dealers swapped them to Lucas. My dad asked the dealer if he could have the takeoffs for his camper and they gave them to him. I took the Lucas ones for my car when my sister traded it in.
Did Carroll Shelby design Little red and the Green Hornet?
To the best of my knowledge, Carroll Shelby didn't actually design anything.
Shelby surrounded himself with good people.
Quote from: tesgt350 on April 25, 2022, 02:45:38 PM
Did Carroll Shelby design Little red and the Green Hornet?
Shelby's designer Pete Brock got the ax after the Coupes won the Manufacturers Championship (65) and CS was told to focus on the GT40s. Ford sent (and paid) their own stylist Charles McHose to work at Shelby American and design the next Shelby cars - Ford had the final signoff not CS. Ford wanted more than just stripes and performance. They wanted people to see the Shelby as a true premium Mustang they would be willing to part with extra money for. Styling was a big part of that image in Ford's eye.
PS - The handwriting was on the wall as soon as Ford gave CS the GT40s he was told not to expend any more energy on the Coupes. In 1965 the Coupes were entered by SA but entirely run and managed by Alan Mann Racing.
SA basically got the ax too in mid 67 when Ford took over all the assets and trademarks. Shelby was offered and accepted a contract to run a race team. This is why you see Shelby Racing, Inc. on the fenders of the 68 TA cars and not Shelby American. "Ford" built/delivered some of the last 67s (believed to be those with the Z on the serial number plate) and created Shelby Automotive to build the 68 and 69 cars - CS was the titular head of Shelby Automotive but really had no input into development or design - very similar to the 2006 GT500 which was entirely finished before marketing figured CS could help gin up the sales.
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 25, 2022, 02:12:12 PM
Interesting the article credits the design to Carroll Shelby when it was Ford designer who did the 67 Shelby. But I guess designed by Charley McHose just doesn't have the cachet of CS. Since it is a 68 car John Chun another Ford stylist could have had a hand in it.
PS: If you come across a red/black GT/CS (CA black plate ZAZ 235) run away from it. My sister bought it new and they fixed it after it got T-boned. Hit at the drivers A pillar the passenger door gap opened up to 1/2"+. They pulled it back but even the drivers AC vent wasn't in the right place anymore. She kept it another 6-8 months and bought a VW Bug.
GT/CS was a dress up sales tool installed on any Mustang. It added zero performance. I still have both sets of fog lights. If I remember the Marchal were illegal and the dealers swapped them to Lucas. My dad asked the dealer if he could have the takeoffs for his camper and they gave them to him. I took the Lucas ones for my car when my sister traded it in.
What about C Special with a 4 2 8 ?
The 1968 California Specials were only built as hardtops or coupes. No convertible or fastbacks.
They were only built at San Jose and debuted mid year 1968. Any RPO engine available.
If a 1968 GT/CS was destined for DSO 51 (Denver), they would have come with High Country Special badging.
HCS's or High Country Specials were a 'Denver' Colorado special edition. They were sold 1966-1967 in any body style, 1968 were rebadged GT/CS's.
I've seen 428cj cal specials,never seen one with a P.I....
SO, how much is that guy's friend's car work that started this post?????!?!?!?!?!!??!?!!?!??!?!??!
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 09:56:43 PM
I've seen 428cj cal specials,never seen one with a P.I....
Since the California Specials were only built in 1968 and they only came with the Mustang engines that were optional that model year, I don't see why any of them would be equipped with an engine that was not made that model year.
Well,the engine was made that year(68 gt500) but not available in the C.S. I believe...
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 09:56:43 PM
I've seen 428cj cal specials,never seen one with a P.I....
the Red one, the white one or the blue one? All 3?
Quote from: 67 GT350 on April 25, 2022, 10:28:39 PM
SO, how much is that guy's friend's car work that started this post?????!?!?!?!?!!??!?!!?!??!?!??!
Hagerty lists the 1968 Mustang GT/CS with the C-code 289 at $33,500 in #3 (good) condition.
They list the standard 1968 Mustang coupe at $24,800 in the same condition
That indicates a 35% increase for the CS over a regular Mustang
Interesting, I am unable to find a value for any T-code 1968 Mustang, but obviously would be a deduction in value from the C-code cars.
This thread describes a car with essentially no optional equipment other than being a California Special.
So I guess whatever a basic 1968 Mustang 6-cylinder, 3-speed manual coupe is worth, plus 35%, if you want to put a number on it.
I own a black on black , 390-4v, stick , GT/CS.
I drove it to SAAC show 9 years ago from LA. It's in typical
Driver condition. Needs paint. Lots of patina.
Probably 50k all day long.
If it was restored it would be above that.
It's all about motor, condition , trans and color.
NFS
Color might even supersede trans in value evaluation under certain circumstances
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 26, 2022, 11:47:01 AM
Quote from: 557 on April 25, 2022, 09:56:43 PM
I've seen 428cj cal specials,never seen one with a P.I....
Since the California Specials were only built in 1968 and they only came with the Mustang engines that were optional that model year, I don't see why any of them would be equipped with an engine that was not made that model year.
Royce is correct
BBlocks available were 390-2v (wagon type 390), 390-4v and 428CJ, no PI
Quote from: 557 on April 26, 2022, 11:50:47 AM
Well,the engine was made that year(68 gt500) but not available in the C.S. I believe...
Special Shelby engine - only available in a Shelby.
California Specials had any engine that you could get in a MUSTANG in 1968 model year.
Do we have a photo?
If online prices are between the 30s and 40s put it up online with a reserve in the middle, and see what happens? Good Luck.
Quote from: Krelboyne on April 25, 2022, 04:38:08 PM
The 1968 California Specials were only built as hardtops or coupes. No convertible or fastbacks.
They were only built at San Jose and debuted mid year 1968. Any RPO engine available.
If a 1968 GT/CS was destined for DSO 51 (Denver), they would have come with High Country Special badging.
HCS's or High Country Specials were a 'Denver' Colorado special edition. They were sold 1966-1967 in any body style, 1968 were rebadged GT/CS's.
So if a car advertised as a GT/CS has a dso of 51 on the data plate it can't be a California Special even if it has all the CS options and California Special badging?
Quote from: hertz350 on April 27, 2022, 11:28:48 PM
Quote from: Krelboyne on April 25, 2022, 04:38:08 PM
The 1968 California Specials were only built as hardtops or coupes. No convertible or fastbacks.
They were only built at San Jose and debuted mid year 1968. Any RPO engine available.
If a 1968 GT/CS was destined for DSO 51 (Denver), they would have come with High Country Special badging.
HCS's or High Country Specials were a 'Denver' Colorado special edition. They were sold 1966-1967 in any body style, 1968 were rebadged GT/CS's.
So if a car advertised as a GT/CS has a dso of 51 on the data plate it can't be a California Special even if it has all the CS options and California Special badging?
Those cars should not have California Special badging. Marti Reports often times show that the car was built as a California Special, but has a HCS in the notation. Not always consistent.
Quote from: Bigfoot on April 26, 2022, 04:28:26 PM
Color might even supersede trans in value evaluation under certain circumstances
Hagerty just did an article on color and used Chrysler's colors from the late 60s early 70s. I was surprised on the Mopars that black wasn't #1 but a certain popular yellow was. Shit brown knocked the value down about 25 percent. They evaluated cars based on their condition system to "like" cars and such. At one time a while ago black carried a 50K premium over other colors on a 69 B9.
Your CS being what it is is much more desirable and valuable than a C-code in seafoam green and a 3 speed or auto. https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/hagerty-insider/do-mopars-famously-wild-colors-bring-more-money-at-auction/?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_content=MED_UN_NA_EML_UN_DailyDriver_Monday&hashed_email=814e3fd1c520bded6743bf07eb9b540ee8b5510f1f7b5a203f3bb53eed834d07
Without pictures, options and color and condition how would anyone know what your friend's car is worth?
Quote from: 1969shelbygt350 on April 24, 2022, 08:49:06 PM
With many original parts I was told. Online prices from high 30s to low 40s
Quote from: Royce Peterson on April 28, 2022, 10:23:04 AM
Without pictures, options and color and condition how would anyone know what your friend's car is worth?
Quote from: 1969shelbygt350 on April 24, 2022, 08:49:06 PM
With many original parts I was told. Online prices from high 30s to low 40s
R. P. is correct
According to the Ford records,
148 - 200 1V California Specials were built of the 4118 total
12 - 428 4V CJ
No breakdown of how many were High Country Specials, but they are included in the numbers.
Quote from: Richstang on April 28, 2022, 11:53:24 AM
According to the Ford records,
148 - 200 1V California Specials were built of the 4118 total
12 - 428 4V CJ
No breakdown of how many were High Country Specials, but they are included in the numbers.
3CS, 9 High country. That comes from my friend Kerry via the 428CJ forum. https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/index.php?topic=25705.msg173492#msg173492
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on April 28, 2022, 12:16:46 PM
Quote from: Richstang on April 28, 2022, 11:53:24 AM
According to the Ford records,
148 - 200 1V California Specials were built of the 4118 total
12 - 428 4V CJ
No breakdown of how many were High Country Specials, but they are included in the numbers.
3CS, 9 High country. That comes from my friend Kerry via the 428CJ forum. https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/index.php?topic=25705.msg173492#msg173492
Richstangs numbers match the info in the Newitt, GT/CS book.
The June 2022 Collectible Automobile has a feature on a '68 High Country Mustang.
Mike
So I guess we know what it is worth?
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1968-ford-mustang-california-special-249893?utm_medium=email&utm_source=daily_marketplace
STOP LAUGHING!
Can I have another, please? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-ford-mustang-california-special-8/
Cool cars i had one as my 1st Mustang ,loved the look & couldn't afford a Shelby at the time ,but just told people it was a poor man's Shelby & sold it to get my 1st Shelby ,it was a great stepping stone .