Taking inspiration from the original California Special edition that launched in 1968 and adding some modern touches, Ford is launching a Mustang GT California Special for its 2024 design year.
Sitting on the edge of its 60th birthday, the Mustang is gifted new GT/CS styling addenda for customers who select this optional package. Layered on top of the GT Premium trim and available with or without the Performance Package, this group brings new visual drama to the Blue Oval’s muscular coupe.
The new Rave Blue hue marks several main points of the new California Special, being added at the nose entrances and around the badges. The grille features horizontal slats and the headlights are surrounded by black frames.
“Mustang has a rich lineup of special edition models to build on, and we will continue to reinvent them for a new audience,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand director. Talking about the resolution that will come with those Rave Blue color accents for the first time at the same time, he said that the goal is to make the California Special stand out not only from other Mustangs, but also from previous GT/CS models.
There are several wheel options, depending on whether you opt for the Performance package, thanks to the wider rubber on this option. A popular charred grey wheel has the GT/CS logo on this Rave blue; while the optional Performance Pack wheel combines another trend by placing this year’s iconic CS blue color in the spoke pockets.
Given the goodies on tap with the $6,500 Performance Package – that wider rubber, Brembo-branded brakes, Torsen diff, et al – we recommend splashing out for it in addition to the California Special. Hey, in for a penny, in for a pound, right?
Those same blue accents can be found inside, where Navy Pier perforated upholstery and black leather adorn the seats that also feature blue and gray stitching. These cables run all the way down the dashboard, doors, and can appear on the steering wheel and center console. if you wish. A mandatory California Special badge appears on the dashboard to announce your purchasing decisions, as do version-specific GT/CS floor mats.
The California Special package adds $2,595 to the price of a Mustang GT Premium in Canada. Available in Fastback and Convertible body styles with either the six-speed manual gearbox or 10-speed automatic transmission, fans will find its order banks are opening as you read this.
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