Mustangs were first produced in 1964, and they were almost immediately modified, with the Shelby version being the most famous. But countless other variants also were built, including the California Special, which Ford dealers actually had to petition the company to build. And now, the 2019 Mustang, the California Special is back.
The hallmarks of the California Special are a racing stripe and a blacked-out grille, both of which are featured on the 2019 version, Ford says. There’s also a custom badge and five-spoke painted machined wheels.
Here’s a few more details from Ford:
Inside, driver and passengers will discover rich black Miko® suede-trimmed seats with embossed GT/CS insignia and contrast red accent stitching, and custom embroidered GT/CS floor mats. Signature California Special script badging appears on the passenger-side dash panel.
And here’s an infographic from Ford showing various California Specials through the years:
One version of the 2019 Mustang California Special will be a convertible, of course, though you can also get a GT Fastback version. As Ford rightly notes in their press release, there really is nothing better than driving on the Pacific Coast Highway, top down, with 460 horsepower at your disposal. The new California Specials will be delivered this summer, Ford says. In the meantime, here are some more photos.