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With some fresh ponies in the Ford Mustang corral, such as the 2025 Mustang GTD and Mustang Dark Horse, Ford is introducing a trace of nostalgia as well. Enter the 2024 Mustang GT California Special, or GT/CS for short, and seen for the first time since the 2007-20 Ford Mustang.
“The original California Special package was geared toward California’s optimistic and carefree driving culture. We’re refocusing on those elements for the 2024 Mustang GT California Special,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino. “The new, modern Mustang GT California Special is a perfect example of our drive to build a Mustang for every customer.”
In particular, Bellino is talking about the Rave Blue accents that decorate newest Ford Mustang GT California Special. Up front, Rave Blue air intakes can be seen on the low gloss black grille, body graphics and the optional 19-inch wheels. You’ll also find Rave Blue accents on the interior, with Navy Pier upholstery and Ebony Black leather seats. Contrasting Raptor Blue and Metal Gray stritching can be seen throughout the cabin. And, of course, there’s the obligatory badge on the instrument panel and floor mats.
Tempted? Then you’ll want to know that the $1,995 California Special package is available on the Mustang GT Premium Coupe and Convertible. It starts at $47,015. The new trim package debuts on November 16th at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The California Special gets its start in 1967. Ford vice-president Lee Iacocca is fearful that the potential UAW strike would impact the freshened 1968 Mustang’s sales, 20% of which come from California. There is also fresh competition from the all-new 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and AMC Javelin
District manager Lee Grey tapps Shelby American, then working on GT500 Mustangs and the company’s Le Mans efforts, to create a new California Special. When it arrives, it wears Shelby GT side scoops, quarter-turn hood pins, a T-Bird taillight panel, special stripes and a black vinyl top. Ford builds 4,118 units, short of the expected 5,000, and the package is dropped after one year. It returns in 2006 on the fifth-generation Ford Mustang, and continues until 2020.
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