History:
In Mid February of 1968, the California Special Mustang was born from the Ideas of a few California Ford Dealers wanting to market a factory-built, performance package Mustang and wanted to call it the GT/CS or “California Special” as we know it. Some pretty cool features on the GT/CS included Marchal or Lucas fog lights, twist-style hood pins, side scoops, a pop open gas cap and a rear spoiler deck lid with end caps and a pretty cool tail light panel with 65 Thunderbird lights. Surprisingly only 4118 were made at that time. 251 of those cars were sent to Denver, Colorado and remarketed as the "High Country Special '68". This initial run of Cali Special Mustangs only went for 5 ½ months from February to August of 1968.
Specs:
2007 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree SOHC 24-valve V-8
- Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,750 RPM
- Torque: 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 90.2mm x 90mm
- Compression: 9.8:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panhard rod, 20-mm stabilizer bar
Brakes:
- Front: 12.4 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
- Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 18 x 8 in., 5-spoke, polished aluminum
- Tires: 235/50ZR18 BSW High-Performance
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
- 60 to 0 braking: 130 feet (Est.)
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.8 seconds @ 103 mph (Car & Driver)
2008 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree SOHC 24-valve V-8
- Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,750 RPM
- Torque: 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 90.2mm x 90mm
- Compression: 9.8:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panhard rod, 20-mm stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 12.4 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
- Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 18 x 8 in., 5-spoke, polished aluminum
- Tires: 235/50ZR18 BSW High-Performance
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
- 60 to 0 braking: 130 feet (Est.)
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.8 seconds @ 103 mph (Car & Driver)
2009 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree SOHC 24-valve V-8
- Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,750 RPM
- Torque: 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 90.2mm x 90mm
- Compression: 9.8:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panhard rod, 20-mm stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 12.4 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
- Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 18 x 8 in., 5-spoke, polished aluminum
- Tires: 235/50ZR18 BSW High-Performance
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
- 60 to 0 braking: 130 feet (Est.)
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.8 seconds @ 103 mph (Car & Driver)
2011/2012 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree DOHC Ti-VCT 32-valve V-8
- Displacement: 5.0L / 302 CID
- Horsepower: 412 hp @ 6,600 RPM
- Torque: 390 lbs.-ft. @ 4,250 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 92.2mm x 92.7mm
- Compression: 11.0:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panhard rod, stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 13.2 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 19 x 8.5 in Argent Painted/Machined Aluminum Wheels
- Tires: 245/45ZR19 A/S Pirelli P-Zero Nero
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: 4.3 seconds (Motor Trend)
- 60 to 0 braking: 105 feet (Motor Trend)
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: 12.8 seconds @ 110.8 mph (Motor Trend)
2013/2014 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree DOHC Ti-VCT 32-valve V-8
- Displacement: 5.0L / 302 CID
- Horsepower: 412 hp @ 6,600 RPM
- Torque: 390 lbs.-ft. @ 4,250 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 92.2mm x 92.7mm
- Compression: 11.0:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panhard rod, stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 13.2 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 19 x 8.5 in Argent Painted/Machined Aluminum Wheels
- Tires: 245/45ZR19 A/S Pirelli P-Zero Nero
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: 4.3 seconds (Motor Trend)
- 60 to 0 braking: 107 feet (Motor Trend)
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: 12.7 seconds @ 110.8 mph (Motor Trend)
2016/2017 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree DOHC Ti-VCT 32-valve V-8
- Displacement: 5.0L / 302 CID
- Horsepower: 435 hp @ 6,600 RPM
- Torque: 400 lbs.-ft. @ 4,250 RPM
- Bore x Stroke: 92.2mm x 92.7mm
- Compression: 11.0:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: Independent Rear Suspension, Stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 13.9 in. vented disc, 4-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- Rear: 13 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 19 x 8.5 in Ebony Black/Machined Aluminum Wheels
- Tires: 255/40ZR19
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: N/A
- 60 to 0 braking: N/A
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: N/A
2019-2020 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree DOHC Ti-VCT 32-valve V-8
- Displacement: 5.0L / 302 CID
- Horsepower: 460 hp
- Torque: 420 lbs.-ft.
- Bore x Stroke: 92.2mm x 92.7mm
- Compression: 11.0:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: Independent Rear Suspension, Stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 13.9 in. vented disc, 4-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- Rear: 13 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 19 x 8.5 in Ebony Black/Machined Aluminum Wheels
- Tires: 255/40ZR19
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: N/A
- 60 to 0 braking: N/A
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: N/A
2024 Mustang GT California Special Specs:
Engine
- Type: 90-degree DOHC Ti-VCT 32-valve V-8
- Displacement: 5.0L / 302 CID
- Horsepower: 480 hp
- Torque: 420 lbs.-ft.
- Bore x Stroke: 93mm x 92.7mm
- Compression: 11.0:1
Suspension
- Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
- Rear: Independent Rear Suspension, Stabilizer bar
Brakes
- Front: 15 in. vented disc, 6-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- Rear: 15 in. vented disc, 4-piston caliper, high-performance pad
- ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
- Wheels: 19"x9"/19"x9.5" Rave Blue Painted Machined Aluminum
- Tires: 255/40/19 & 275/40/19
Performance
- 0 to 60 mph: N/A
- 60 to 0 braking: N/A
- 1/4-mile @ MPH: N/A
Production Numbers
2007 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Production
Total Produced: 8,519
Total Coupes Produced: 5,918
- Black: 2,232
- Performance White: 1,306
- Redfire: 1,253
- Vista Blue: 1,061
- Grabber Orange: 66
Total Convertibles Produced: 2,601
- Black: 906
- Performance White: 764
- Redfire: 510
- Vista Blue: 375
- Grabber Orange: 46
2008 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: 7,427
Total Coupes Produced: 4,918
- Ebony Clearcoat: 1,395
- Dark Candy Apple Red - 1,278
- Performance White: 1,273
- Vista Blue: 719
- Grabber Orange: 253
Total Convertibles Produced: 2,509
- Ebony Clearcoat: 718
- Performance White: 703
- Dark Candy Apple Red: 700
- Vista Blue: 275
- Grabber Orange: 113
2009 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: 2,643
Total Coupes Produced: 1,705
- Ebony Clearcoat: 448
- Performance White: 377
- Vapor Silver: 315
- Vista Blue: 286
- Dark Candy Apple Red: 279
Total Convertibles Produced: 938
- Ebony Clearcoat: 258
- Performance White: 243
- Dark Candy Apple Red: 182
- Vapor Silver: 150
- Vista Blue: 105
2011 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: 3,642
Total Coupes Produced: 2,509
- Black: 804
- Performance White: 442
- Race Red: 431
- Red Candy Metallic: 383
- Ingot Silver: 279
- Grabber Blue: 170
Totals Convertibles Produced: 1,133
- Black: 344
- Performance White: 232
- Red Candy Metallic: 229
- Race Red: 148
- Grabber Blue: 97
- Ingot Silver: 83
2012 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: 2,573
Total Coupes Produced: 1,863
Totals Convertibles Produced: 710
- Black: 1054
- Performance White: 525
- Race Red: 435
- Red Candy Metallic: 302
- Ingot Silver: 165
- Grabber Blue: 92
2013 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: N/A
2014 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: 4,533
Total Coupes Produced: 3,114
Total Convertibles Produced: 1,419
- Grabber Blue: 1
- Gotta Have It Green: 46
- Deep Impact Blue: 397
- Race Red: 706
- Ebony Black: 1,437
- Sterling Gray Metallic: 580
- Ingot Silver Metallic: 216
- Oxford White: 1,150
2016-2017 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: N/A
2019 Mustang GT California Special Production Numbers:
Total Produced: N/A
What Makes A California Special Mustang Different?
2007 California Special:
2007 Mustang GT / California Special. The GT/CS is based on a Mustang with a 4.6 liter engine. The GT/CS option adds 2 tone seats (Dove or Parchment Inserts), unique floor mats, side stripes with GT/CS behind the front wheel RH and LH, side scoops, Polished 18x8 Wheels, Faux Fuel Cap Medallion with “California Special” in the center, and Rolled 3” Exhaust Tips! Front and Rear bumpers were also changed from the standard GT Mustang with a more aggressive facia with open lower grill and the rear bumper was shared with the 2007-09 GT500.
The GT/CS was only available on the GT Premium so it included its options as standard equipment: Leather Seats, Shaker 500 Audio, and all the power goodies! The 300 Horsepower 4.6L 3v V8 Engine was standard with either a TR3650 Manual or the 5R55S Automatic Transmission. For more sound, enthusiasts could upgrade to Heated Headrests, the Shaker 1000 Audio System, or Satellite Radio! Exterior Options included a non-functional Hood Scoop or an Underhood Engine Cover.
2008/09 California Special Mustang:
The 2008 GT/CS remained basically unchanged with the exception of an exterior Color Change. Redfire Metallic was replaced with Dark Candy Apple Red!
The same could be said for the 2009 version of this Classy Pony! Only Exterior color changes took place in the third year of this Retro Redo! Grabber Orange Clearcoat was replaced with Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic. The only Main interior change was that Ford installed Chrome Mustang Logo Floor Mats instead of the California Special Logo options.
2013-2014 California Special Interior:
The interior was updated with Alcantara-style inserts in the seats and doors where the 2011/2012 model sported a faux carbon fiber pattern.
2011/12 California Special Mustang:
With the introduction of the newly redesigned S197 body style in 2010, the California Special saw an upgrade in 2011 which carried over into the 2012 year as well.
The 2011/2012 California Special got many of the same features as the GT, but with a few upgrades that really set it apart. These features included a front fascia redesign with a horizontal slat grill and lower valance that featured small fog lights (which was also seen on V6 Mustangs). The iconic GT/CS side graphics made a return as well as unique California Special wheels. A new diffuser gives the rear end a sportier look while the inside got a carbon fiber livery on many interior components.
2013/14 California Special Mustang:
Ending off the final years of the S197, Ford bid a fitting farewell with the 2013/14 California Special.
The 2013/14 California Special got a noticeable upgrade to the exterior with a new set of wheels and a relocation of the GT/CS stripe (from the middle of the door to the bottom of the door). The slat grille the S197 California Special Mustangs were known for got a tweak for a more defined shape to contour the new bumpers found on the 2013-2014 Mustangs. You will also notice the black hood extractors that are normally painted to match the Mustang's body color. This gave the California Special a unique look that many have replicated on non-GT/CS cars. The previous carbon-weave interior on the 2011/12 models has now been upgraded to a more modern alcantera material, much like those found in GT500s.
2016/17 California Special Mustang:
Although the first year of the S550 redesign of the Ford Mustang did not feature a California Special model, Ford made many people happy when it made an appearance in 2016/17
With a newly redesigned engine for the 2015 release, the 2016/17 California Special got to benefit from the 435 horsepower Gen 2 Coyote motor that is highly sought after by many. To help the car handle this power, a unique strut tower brace with "California Special" badging was added. The S550 GT/CS kept with the traditional styling with a side stripe, unique grill, and black heat extractors.
Exterior:
2007 Mustang California Special Colors:
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Redfire (G2)
- Vista Blue (G9)
- Performance White (HP)
- Black (UA)
- Grabber Orange (U3)
2008 Mustang California Special Colors::
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Vista Blue (G9)
- Performance White (HP)
- Dark Candy Apple Red (JV)
- Grabber Orange (U3)
- Black (UA)
2009 Mustang California Special Colors:
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Vista Blue (G9)
- Performance White (HP)
- Dark Candy Apple Red (JV)
- Black (UA)
- Vapor Silver (ZY)
2011 Mustang California Special Colors:
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Black
- Race Red
- Red Candy Metallic
- Ingot Silver Metallic
- Grabber Blue
2012 Mustang California Special Colors:
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Black
- Race Red
- Red Candy Metallic
- Ingot Silver Metallic
- Grabber Blue
- Yellow Blaze
2013 Mustang California Special Colors:
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Black
- Deep Impact Blue
- Red Candy Metallic
- Race Red
- Sterling Gray
- Performance White
2014 Mustang California Special Colors:
- (All side GT/CS stripes were black) (85x)
- Deep Impact Blue
- Race Red
- Black
- Ingot Silver Metallic
- Sterling Gray
- Oxford White
The Colors for the 2019:
- Kona Blue
- Race Red
- Ingot Silver
- Shadow Black
- Oxford White
What Is The California Special On A Mustang?
The California Special Mustang is a special edition Mustang with different interior and exterior trim.
How Do You Tell If A Mustang Is a California Special?
A California Special Mustang will have California Special emblems, different wheels, interior differences, and in some cases, special edition colors.
What Year Was The Mustang California Special Made?
The California Special was first developed in 1968 and has been utilized throughout the Mustang generations with most of them being 2007-Present.
Source:Ford Motor Company
