CaliforniaSpecial.com -- Identification of the GT/CS -- 1968 California Special Limited Edition Ford Mustang GT/CS

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Following is a list of the features found on the California Specials and '68 High Country Specials. With the exception of the items in this list, the GT/CS and HCS used the same parts as standard '68 Mustangs. They could be ordered with any engine, transmission, color or option as long as the body style was a coupe. No convertible or fastback "Specials" were produced in 1968.

The "Identification" list has been grouped by rear, side and front and thumbnails have been provided showing photos to go with the parts descriptions.


		BLACKED-OUT FRONT GRILLE

			The blacked-out front grille on the GT/CS and HCS was not simply a stock 68 grille with the chrome horse and corral emblems removed. The GT/CS and HCS grille used the same rectangular grille pattern, but did not have the filled-in mounting areas for the stock Mustang grille emblems. The GT/CS and HCS grille gives a more clean, uncluttered appearance without any ornamentation or emblems of any kind. These grilles are no longer available through Ford or any aftermarket supplier. While not appropriate for a show car, a stock 1967 Mustang grille is the closest alternative.
		FOG LIGHTS

			In lieu of the stock grille emblems, factory fog lights, either Marchal or Lucas, were installed. In the first few months of production Ford used a light made by Marchal. This was a rectangular, clear lensed fog light with a raised “star” in the center of the glass and an “eyebrow” at the top. The Marchal lights were mounted with an angled bracket that attached to the grille, and was hidden behind the lamp. This gave the appearance of the fog lamp floating in the blacked out grille. At some point in early GT/CS production it was determined that the Marchal lights were illegal for highway use in California. This led Ford to change to the Lucas fog lights which were used in the remainder of the GT/CS cars, as well as all 68 HCS’s. Ford also issued a factory recall replacing some of the Marchal lights on cars that had already been sold. Because of this the Marchal lights are very rare today and hard to find parts for. The Lucas fog lights were also a rectangular design but without the “star” or “eyebrow” molded into the lens. Rather than mounting to the grille, they sat atop tubular stands which were bolted to the wide grille trim. These stands or posts were painted the same argent color as the trim to help them disappear and again give that floating appearance to the lights. Note rubber ring at base of tubular stand as shown in bottom photo to left.
		COMPETITION STYLE HOOD LOCKS

			The GT/CS and HCS also featured a hood with integral turn signals (practically a standard option on all 68 Mustangs by this point anyway) and factory installed chrome hood locks. These locks were in addition to the standard center mounted hood safety latch. They were a quarter turn design and mounted through factory cut holes in the hood. When the hood was closed a turn of the locks secured them to special latches bolted to the radiator support. Note these latches are no longer available through Ford or aftermarket sources.