The California Special GT Mustang is a special edition of the iconic Ford Mustang that was introduced in 1968 as a tribute to the car’s popularity in California. The original California Special Mustangs were a limited run of just over 4,000 units, and they were only available in select states.
So, what’s the difference between the California Special GT Mustang and the standard Mustang GT? First of all, the California Special features a unique design that sets it apart from other Mustangs. The car has a more aggressive front end with a unique grille and air dam, as well as a blacked-out hood and side stripes. The California Special also features distinctive taillights and a spoiler.
Under the hood, the California Special GT Mustang is powered by the same 5.0-liter V8 engine that’s found in the standard Mustang GT. This engine produces 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which makes it a true performance machine. However, the California Special does offer a few unique performance upgrades, such as a performance exhaust system, larger brakes, and a unique suspension setup.
Inside the California Special GT Mustang, you’ll find a number of exclusive features as well. The car comes equipped with unique seats with suede inserts and California Special badging throughout the cabin. Other interior features include a premium stereo system, a navigation system, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.
In terms of driving dynamics, the California Special GT Mustang is a true driver’s car. The car offers sharp handling and a responsive steering system that makes it easy to maneuver through tight turns and corners. The car’s large brakes also offer excellent stopping power, which gives drivers a sense of confidence when driving at high speeds.
Overall, the California Special GT Mustang is a unique and exciting variant of the iconic Ford Mustang. It offers a number of unique features and performance upgrades that set it apart from other Mustangs, and it’s a true driver’s car that’s sure to satisfy enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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What makes the California Special GT Mustang different from a regular GT Mustang?
The California Special GT Mustang is a special edition Mustang that was first released in 1968. The California Special GT features a number of cosmetic upgrades that set it apart from the regular GT Mustang. For example, the California Special GT features a unique grille and front air dam, as well as unique side stripes and a blacked-out rear panel with unique taillights. The California Special GT also features unique wheels and a unique interior with “carbon-style” seats and a “California Special” badge on the instrument panel.
In addition to these cosmetic upgrades, the California Special GT also features some performance upgrades over the regular GT Mustang. For example, the California Special GT features a stiffer suspension and a larger rear sway bar for better handling. The California Special GT also features a more powerful engine – a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque – compared to the regular GT Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 435 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Overall, the California Special GT Mustang is a special edition Mustang that offers unique cosmetic and performance upgrades that set it apart from the regular GT Mustang.
Today, the California Special GT Mustang is still in production and still offers many of the same cosmetic and performance upgrades as the original. The California Special GT Mustang is a great choice for Mustang fans who want a car that stands out from the crowd and offers both style and performance. Whether you’re a collector or a driver, the California Special GT Mustang is a great choice for anyone who loves Mustangs and wants something special to add to their garage.
Are there any performance differences between the California Special GT Mustang and a standard GT Mustang?
The California Special GT Mustang and the standard GT Mustang both belong to the Ford Mustang line but with slight differences. The California Special GT Mustang was introduced in 1968, and it was a limited edition Mustang designed specifically for drivers in California. The GT/CS Mustang is built with a more advanced suspension system and a recalibrated engine management system that helps it deliver better performance and handling than the standard GT Mustang.
The California Special GT Mustang came with a unique front-end design that features a unique grille with an offset Mustang logo, fog lamps and a blacked-out grille. The car’s appearance was also differentiated with exclusive side stripes that run down the length of the car and GT/CS decals on the doors and trunk. While the standard GT Mustang has a sleek design, it doesn’t have the same aesthetic appeal as the California Special GT Mustang. However, when it comes to horsepower, both cars have the same power output.
In conclusion, there are significant differences in the appearance of the California Special GT Mustang and the standard GT Mustang. The California Special GT Mustang has better handling, a modified suspension system, and superior aesthetics that make it stand out from the crowd. Despite these differences, both cars share the same engine power. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to the buyer’s personal preferences.
What design elements are unique to the California Special GT Mustang?
The California Special GT Mustang, also known as the GT/CS, is a limited edition model with unique design features that make it stand out on the road. Some of the key design elements that are unique to this Mustang include its front fascia with its unique grille and air splitter, its side stripes that run from the front fender to the rear quarter panel, and its rear spoiler which is inspired by the classic Shelby GT models.
Other unique design features of the California Special GT Mustang include its 19-inch ebony black-painted machined aluminum wheels and the GT/CS badge that is prominently displayed on the grille, side stripes, and rear decklid. Inside the car, there are unique upholstery options and a custom “California Special” logo on the dash. The overall look of this limited edition Mustang is both nostalgic and modern, with a sleek and aggressive style that turns heads wherever it goes.
In addition to its unique design elements, the California Special GT Mustang also features performance enhancements such as a retuned suspension, larger brakes, and a specially-tuned exhaust system that give it a distinctive sound on the road. This limited edition Mustang is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike who appreciate its iconic design and impressive performance.
How does the California Special GT Mustang compare to other special edition Mustangs?
The California Special GT Mustang is one of the most coveted special edition Mustangs, with its unique design and powerful engine. It made a comeback in 2019 with a refreshed appearance and modern technology. In comparison to other special edition Mustangs, the California Special GT stands out with its heritage-inspired design cues such as a blacked-out grille and unique rear bumper. It also features exclusive California Special badging and 19-inch wheels. These design elements make it a visual standout on the road.
When it comes to performance, the California Special GT Mustang is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a ten-speed automatic transmission. The California Special GT also comes with a unique exhaust system and suspension tuning, which provides a sportier driving experience than other special edition Mustangs. Overall, the California Special GT Mustang delivers a balance of heritage-inspired design and powerful performance that makes it a unique and desirable special edition Mustang.
In comparison to other special edition Mustangs such as the Bullitt Mustang and Shelby GT350, the California Special GT has a more refined appearance and a unique blend of performance. The Bullitt Mustang is known for its sleek, understated design and powerful V8 engine, while the Shelby GT350 is more focused on performance with its track-tuned suspension and aerodynamics. However, the California Special GT offers a blend of both worlds with its refined appearance and increased performance, making it a desirable choice for Mustang enthusiasts.
Is the California Special GT Mustang more expensive than a standard GT Mustang?
The California Special GT Mustang is considered to be a more premium version of the standard GT Mustang. This means that it comes with a higher price tag than the standard model. A new California Special GT Mustang can cost anywhere from $45,000 to $50,000, depending on the dealer and any additional options that are added. By comparison, a standard GT Mustang can cost between $35,000 and $45,000, depending on the options and trim level selected.
One of the reasons why the California Special GT Mustang is more expensive is because of the added features and modifications that it comes with. This includes unique exterior styling elements, such as the “GT/CS” badging, a blacked-out grille, and a custom spoiler. The interior of the California Special GT Mustang also has a more premium look and feel, with unique seat stitching and leather accents. Additionally, the California Special GT Mustang has a more powerful sound system and a performance-tuned suspension system, which contributes to its higher price point.
In conclusion, the California Special GT Mustang is more expensive than a standard GT Mustang, but it also offers more features and upgrades that make it a unique and high-performance vehicle. Whether the added cost is worth it depends on the individual buyer’s preferences and needs, but for those who value style and performance, the California Special GT Mustang is definitely worth considering.
