California dreamin': Ford rolls out Mustang California Special

Ford has added another ground-pawing pony to its seventh-generation Mustang stable.

The Mustang California Special pays homage to the 1968 OG that became a hot property more than 50 years ago as the Mustang craze swept America (over 317,000 units were sold in that year alone) and privateers customized their steeds.

Like the ’68 car, the 2024 model bears striking exterior accents like Rave Blue grille nostrils, Rave Blue wheels, and side stripes. Unlike its forebear, the CS does not share Shelby GT500-inspired performance mods like a big engine and fiberglass panels since, well, there isn’t a Shelby GT500 version of the seventh-gen Mustang yet.

Neither will the California Special feature the performance upgrades of the track-focused, 2024 Mustang Dark Horse which also debuted this year alongside Ecoboost and GT models. The California Special will be available as a $1,995 upgrade on the Mustang GT Premium — available as a coupe (starting at $47,015) or convertible ($52,515) and with 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions.

“The original California Special package was geared toward California’s optimistic and carefree driving culture,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino in a statement. “We’re refocusing on those elements for the 2024 Mustang GT California Special, which brings vibrant style that looks as at home on Colorado Boulevard as it does on the Pacific Coast Highway.”

In the pony car’s early days, some 20% of sales were in the Golden State alone. Owners’ clubs coveted the latest mods and regional dealers created their own personalized designs to stand out from the herd. The ’68 California Special was inspired by the Carroll Shelby-modified, 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype and would be coveted by collectors.

Subsequent generations of the CS — 2007, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2023 (for Europe) — paid homage to the original. The OG featured a blacked-out grille, fog lights, side racing stripes, and rear spoiler. Most were powered by 4.7-liter (289 cubic inch) V-8 engines with the most desirable sporting big block 6.4-liter (390 cube) and 7-liter (428) V-8 earth-shakers.

For the 2024 edition, the California Special will be stuffed with the same rib-rattling, 480-horse, 5.0-liter (305 cubic inch) V-8 found in the GT.

You’ll know by its striking appearance.

At the end of the Mustang’s long, menacing hood, Rave Blue nostrils bracket the horizontal-slat grille. Headlights are surrounded by black bezels and California Special graphics in Rave Blue and black are emblazoned on the side rocker panels.

The 19-inch wheels also stand out in Rave Blue with either a CS logo on Carbonized Gray wheels or a Performance Pack wheel with bright Rave Blue pockets. A GT/CS badge in the grille is also finished in Rave Blue.

Mustang’s modern, digital interior is trimmed with more blue accents including Navy Pier upholstery and Ebony Black leather seats. Raptor Blue and Metal Gray contrast stitching extends to the dash and doors.

“Mustang has a rich well of special edition models to draw from, and we’ll continue to reinvent them for a new audience,” Bellino said, referring to Mustang archives that include legendary badges like Bullitt and Mach 1. “The new Mustang GT California Special is a perfect example of our drive to build a Mustang for every customer.”

The ‘24 Mustang GT California Special will make its public debut at the LA Auto Show Nov. 16. It’s available for order now at Ford.com.

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.