CaliforniaSpecial.com -- GT/CS Resources & Links -- 1968 California Special Limited Edition Ford Mustang GT/CS

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Collection of resources for more info on the GT/CS and HCS.

Registries:

California Special Registry

High Country Special Registry
Books:

GT/California Special Recognition Guide

GT/CS 1996 Registry
Vehicle Reports:

Marti Auto Works

Ford CAC (or "History 999") Report
Misc:

Data Plate Decoders

Useful Links

REGISTRIES

GT/CS Registry
Paul M. Newitt
P.O. Box 2245
Davis, CA 95617-2245

GT/CS Registry:
The 1968 California Special Registry is currently run by Paul M. Newitt. In 1988 he took over and continued the efforts of previous registrars Craig Zelinski and Michael Dobbins. My sincere thanks go out to Paul for the determination, patience and enthusiasm he's shown over the years. He has done a huge amount of work gathering and compiling GT/CS owner surveys, researching and interviewing Ford designers and engineers and promoting awareness of these rare cars. His two books (see below) are probably the single greatest resource for information on these cars.

High Country Special Registry
Bob Teets
6874 Benton Ct.
Arvada, CO 80003
(303) 424-3866

HCS Registry:
The 1966-1968 High Country Special Registry is run by Bob Teets who has been doing this for many years and is a wealth of information on the very rare HCS. It seems a conversation can't come up about the HCS without Bob's name being mentioned. In addition to being a great source on the fine details of the HCS, Bob is also the only source for HCS decals and fender shields. (Contact him directly for these. See address and phone number to left.)

BOOKS

In addition to running the GT/CS Registry Paul M. Newitt has also produced two books. Both are an excellent resources and a must have for the GT/CS or HCS enthusiast.

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"GT/California Special Recognition Guide & Owner's Manual"
This is the first GT/CS book Paul published in 1988. It's 66 pages with a glossy color cover. It includes a very detailed history on the how the GT/CS came about, who was involved and how Ford marketed this new car. This book also includes survey information and analysis of the 375+ cars that were in the Registry in 1988. It goes on to discuss each of the unique GT/CS components including photos, diagrams, part numbers and tips on restoration. Highly recommended. I reference my copy all the time.

Unfortunately this book has been out of print for quite a while. Currently Paul does not have any copies left so eBay or other sources for used books may be your only bet.

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"GT/CS 1996 Registry"
This is the second GT/CS book Paul published in 1996. It's 140 pages with a grey card stock cover. This is a suppliment to the original Recognition Guide. The bulk of this book is the actual registry itself containing a list of over 700 cars that were in the Registry as of 1996. In addition to updated registry news and photos, it includes a great section on concours show rules and guidelines. This is a nice resource to have on hand when car show judges question you. Other excellent features of this book included how-to's on grille and tail light restoration, a list of other GT/CS resources, and rare factory blue prints of some of the original GT/CS parts. Great reference book for the GT/CS or HCS owner.

Unfortunately this book is out of print and Paul doesn't have any copies left. eBay or other sources for used books may be your only bet.

VEHICLE REPORTS

Standard

Deluxe

Order Form

Marti Auto Works Reports

Have you ever wished you could:

Verify your GT/CS or HCS?
List your factory options?
Prove that car you're buying is for real?
Get a copy of your original window sticker?

Now you can! Marti Auto Works is the only company licensed to access Ford's entire vehicle data base for 67-73 models. This means they can provide you with accurate information most Mustang enthusiasts never thought possible.

Different levels of detailed reports are offered showing everything from what options your car came with to how many were made in your car's color, engine, etc. The most detailed report even gives you a copy of your original window sticker!

Kevin Marti offers 3 levels of reports; Standard, Deluxe and Elite. Click here for Marti Auto Works.

CAC Report

Ford CAC Report (aka History 999)
A while ago Ford began offering these free reports based on your Mustang's VIN. While it's not an extremely detailed report, it will give you some basic info like decoding your data plate and listing some of your cars original options. Unfortunately Ford isn't extremely careful with these reports. I have had 2 out of 3 cars listed with incorrect options. Others have mentioned similar problems to me. But then again, it's free!

Although they are somewhat inconsistent, they do seem to list a "California Option" or "California Mustang Promo" on most GT/CS cars. Unfortunately for High Country Special owners, the is no mention of this option. (Note: Kevin Marti's reports do list the HCS option. See above.) You can see a sample CAC report by clicking on the image to the left.

To get your free report you need to call or write Ford and supply them with your VIN, name and mailing address. Mention that you are interested in their "VIN report" provided by their "Customer Assistance Center" or "Technical Research Center." Calling is best, but don't expect the operator will know what you're looking for. You have to be persistant. The reports usually take 4-8 weeks to arrive.

Ford Motor Company
Customer Assistance Center 300
Renaissance Center
P.O. Box # 43360 Detroit, MI 48243
(800) 392-3673 or
(313) 322-3000

DATA PLATE DECODERS

CodeCracker - Click here
This is your basic "plug in the numbers" decoder. It seems to work very well for most codes. It even recognizes the "X" code 390-2V which many decoders miss. They also offer a "more detailed" downloadable version which I wouldn't waste my money on. (I know because I did! :) The additional information provided is not very useful or abundant, at least for GT/CS or HCS cars.

Mustang NetCorral Decoder - Click here
Vintage Mustang Decoder - Click here
These decoders are a little different because they allow you to see all the data choices with out having to know the codes. Because of this they're good decoders to help you work backwards if you're missing your data plate.

OTHER LINKS

	Tom Schmidt's Links - Click here Tom does a great job keeping all 2000+ Mustang links current on his site. Probably the only links list you'll need.
	1968Mustang.org - Click here Sam's page is a really nice source for '68 specific info. Just a few of the highlights are; '68 options list with prices, list of '68 Mustang registries, engine specs, '68 Shelby info with vintage ads, and more!
	MustangsandMore Discussion Boards - Click here This is a nice web-based discussion board relating to quite a few Fords from different years. Although it's not completely GT/CS or HCS specific I thought I'd throw it in. It's a nice, active group and a great source for answers.
	Steve's HCS Page - Click here Photos and info on Steve's '66 High Country Special as well as vintage ads and articles about the HCS.
	Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association - Click here A group of classic Mustang lovers who gathered together in 1994 to serve car enthusiasts in the area around Toronto, Ontario.
	1969.com - Click here 1969 Mustang Supersite.
	Mustang Pedal Cars - Click here Offers pedal cars, pedal planes, pedal tractors and more.

History Features Parts List Registry Gallery Resources Classifieds Hartman HCS Site Tools

Web page composition & design copyright � 2000, by Jonathan Hanna.
Information supplied copyright by Paul M.Newitt, "GT/CS Recognition Guide & Owner's Manual, 1988; "1996 GT/CS Registry, 1996".
Additional HCS material provided by HCS Registrar Bob Teets.
All rights reserved.