The ever-popular modern Ford Mustang range has a new special edition. Contributor Ian McLaren recently did some California dreaming in the new model.
By the late 1960s, some 20% of all monthly Ford Mustang sales were focused on the US state of California. Armed with this quite remarkable statistic, the dealership network in this Sunshine State managed to convince the brand’s Michigan head office to sign off a factory-built derivative designed specifically for this region. Debuting in 1968, the Mustang California Special featured fog lamps integrated into the grille, hood pins, side scoops ahead of the rear wheel arches, a boot spoiler and side stripes. Limited to a planned production run of 5,000 units, the 4,118 cars that eventually left the Dearborn line were finished with distinct GT/CS decals.
Introduced in 2015, the current sixth-generation Ford Mustang has mimicked the original car and enjoyed impressive sales success to date. The first time this famous model was engineered and assembled to include a right-hand drive configuration, the modern Mustang introduced an entirely new audience of enthusiasts to its appeal. Even when offered as a “lowly” 2.3-litre four-cylinder derivative, the appeal of Ford’s Pony car retained the sense of muscle car presence and purpose it exuded. To date, more than 3,600 units have been sold in South Africa.
As with the original Mustang, the popularity of the modern package has benefited from the timely introduction of any number of special editions, including from the likes of affiliated brands like Shelby. Following the launch of the Bullitt edition in 2019 and Mach 1 upgrade in 2021, the latest limited-edition model to be marketed by Ford South Africa is the newest interpretation of the California Special.
Limited to just 100 units that the local office claims are all already accounted for in terms of deposits, the modern California Special is based on the 5.0 GT Mustang Coupé. Cosmetic upgrades compared to the standard car include various GT/CS badges, a GT Performance front splitter and fixed wing, matte 19” alloy wheels, and for the first time on the sixth-generation car, factory-fitted side scoops. While hood pins would likely not have found favour with modern crash safety standards, I would have loved to see the inclusion of side stripes, too.
Inside, the California Special gains a carbon-look centre console treatment, embossed leather upholstery and a model-specific plaque on the dash. Unlike the Bullitt, the cars aren’t numbered in terms of their respective exclusivity.
A consummate boulevard cruiser, the GT/CS features the same 331 kW/529 Nm, 5.0-litre V8 powertrain as in the standard GT and is mated exclusively with the brand’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Crucially, this includes the boorish exhaust note that fans of this model have come to love – their neighbours less so.
Driving a modern Mustang is less about outright performance or dynamics and more to do with the experience. Seven years since its introduction, it’s still impressive just how much attention this car (in any form) gleans. From construction workers to school children and even fellow road users who opted for more sensible purchases, there’s something special about the sight and sound of an all-American muscle car on a slow cruise.
With an all-new seventh-generation Mustang being touted for reveal in 2023, it’ll be interesting to see whether there’s an opportunity for at least one more special edition of the current car before the new model arrives. Anyone for a reimagined, all-conquering Mustang Boss?
Report by Ian McLaren | Images © Ford