2007-2009 Mustang GT/CS California Special

Basic Info GT CS

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Old 5/14/16, 11:50 AM
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Basic Info GT CS

Basic info but stuff I didn't know.....

SOURCE /. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Califo...pecial_Mustang

In mid-February 1968, the California Ford Dealers (Ford Dealer Advertising Fund) began to market a factory-built, limited-edition Mustang, called the GT/CS, or "California Special". The hope was for a targeted production run of 5,000; however, only 4118 were made, including 251 units that were remarketed in Denver, Colorado, as "High Country Special '68". Production ran for only 5.5 months from mid-February 1968 to early August 1968. Today, classic car collectors consider these cars to be very desirable.

Contents [hide]
1 California made it happen
2 Shelby inspired
2.1 Little Red
2.2 Shelby automotive and the GT/CS
2.3 Green Hornet
3 Features
4 Target market
5 Timeline
6 2007-2009 GT/California Special
7 2011-2012 Mustang GT/California Special
8 2013-2014 California Special
9 References
10 Bibliography
11 External links
California made it happen[edit]
The marketing theme for this limited edition was "California Made it Happen!", a variation on Mustang's national marketing theme and commercial jingle, "Only Mustang Makes it Happen!"

This was all in response to the new pony car competition for the upcoming 1968 model year from the Camaro, Firebird, Javelin, and even from Ford's Torino and Mercury Cougar. The state of California, alone, was responsible for the sales of 20% of all Mustangs and Thunderbirds in the country, which gave the regional dealers there the clout to ask for and market their own Mustang.

Lee Grey was the Southern California district sales manager for Ford and he was looking for something unique to spark the sales of Mustangs in Los Angeles. Ford dealers had tried promotions like the "1967 Rainbow Colored Mustangs", as well as by adding accessories and options to dress up cars for public view. The objective was to make the Mustangs sold in California unique and to look "custom" made, thus differentiating them from the standard models available elsewhere.

Shelby inspired[edit]
Little Red[edit]

1968 California Special GT/CS - Rear View
Lee Grey attended the Ford Preview event for the new 1968 Fords at the Los Angeles Coliseum in August 1967, where he saw a Shelby GT-500 prototype coupe nicknamed "Little Red". This was a supercharged 428, C-6 automatic coupe that was dressed up in bright red paint, and a vinyl roof, as a formal, yet high-performance vehicle. It was on display to gauge market response as a possible Shelby lineup Mustang. Lee saw this as an opportunity to use the elements of this prototype to market his "California-Only Mustang". He met with Lee Iaccoca in L.A., and the decision was made to bring the car to Dearborn to develop into a limited edition Mustang. First, it was known as the "GT/SC", as a nationally available Sport Coupe, then, after some discussion, developed as the GT/CS.

Shelby automotive and the GT/CS[edit]
Shelby Automotive, now part of Ford, was assigned the task of designing and engineering the necessary parts and assembly procedures for the GT/CS. This was done right alongside the development of their 1968 Shelby. The fiberglass parts were crafted at A.O. Smith, in Ionia, Michigan, in steel molds. A.O. Smith was also the same OEM manufacturer for the Corvette fiberglass bodies. The failed fiberglass parts for the GT/CS included: the rear decklid and end caps, taillight panel, and side scoops (RH and LH).

Green Hornet[edit]
In April 1968, during production of the GT/CS, a second Shelby coupe prototype, the "Green Hornet EXP-500", was built by Shelby Automotive based on a GT/CS purchased from Ford. Its main purpose was as a test vehicle for independent rear suspension and fuel injection.

"Little Red" and the "Green Hornet" were the only two Shelby coupes produced (other than the race-only '67 coupes). Both were prototypes. All other Shelby Mustangs were either fastbacks or convertibles. "Little Red" was later crushed. "Green Hornet" survives today.

The Green Hornet Mustang was later owned by Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson, and went on sale at Barrett-Jackson 2013 Scottsdale auction,[1] but the sales failed when the winning bid price of $1.8 million was lower than the consigner's reserve price.[2] In Nerve Center episode 'Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction', it was revealed the reserve price was $2.5 million.[3]

Features[edit]

GT/CS Hood Locks and Fog Lamps

GT/CS Taillights

GT/CS Side Scoop
The Mustang GT/CS features included: Marchal or Lucas Fog Lights, twist-type DZUS hood pins, side scoops, pop-open gas cap, rear spoiler decklid with end caps, and taillight panel with 1965 Thunderbird taillights (non sequential). Side stripes with the "GT/CS" die-cut logo, along with a rear decklid stripe were included, and were available in white, black, red, and metallic medium blue only. It was available in all standard Mustang colors for 1968, all Ford engine and transmission combinations (except 427/C-6, which was dropped for all '68s).

Most produced were the small-block 289 two-barrel (2V) carburetor with C-4 automatic transmission. All regular production factory and dealer options for 1968 Mustang coupes were also available for the GT/CS, other than options that would conflict with the GT/CS package, such as fog lights or C-stripes. The GT option package was available on the GT/CS so some, but not all, GT/CSs are also GTs. The "GT" in GT/CS has nothing to do with the GT package.

Target market[edit]
Distribution of the Mustang GT/CS was primarily within the two California sales districts (DSOs 71 & 72); but was expanded to sales districts in Washington, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, Arizona, Western Canada, and Colorado (as the High Country Special).

The most prized versions are the big-block 390 and Cobra Jet 428 versions, of which only a handful were made. The GT/CS has become one of the most owner-appreciated classic Mustangs, since it has both the qualities of a Shelby GT, and a Mustang coupe. Its uniqueness, and rarity draws great attention on the road, and at car shows. Values can range from as low as $8,000 for a restorable small-block driver version, to up to $150,000 for a Concours 428 CJ version.

Timeline[edit]
Jan '67: Shelby experimental coupe "Little Red" built from a '67 Mustang coupe
Sep '67: Regular 1968 Mustang production begins.
Oct '67: Lee Grey visits Shelby American to borrow Little Red for one week. Lee Grey wants to buy parts from A.0. Smith to modify Mustang coupes at L.A. area dealerships.
Oct '67: Lee Grey meets with Lee Iaccoca to discuss a Mustang for California. Little Red is there to illustrate his idea.
Dec '67-Jan '68: Shelby Automotive requested by Ford to develop "California Special." California Mustang gets approval and marketing money (initial order for 6,180 GT/CS parts sets).
February 17, '68: Production of GT/CS cars at Ford begins, a few coupes dated as early as December 28, 1967 used.
February 22, '68: First dealer advertising of GT/CS availability, Coberly Ford, L.A.
March 15–20, '68: Heavy production of GT/CS at San Jose (many special order cars).
Apr '68: Shelby Automotive's second coupe prototype "Green Hornet" built from a GT/CS bought by Shelby.
Mid-Apr '68: GT/CS production begins for other sales districts in the west.
Jun-Jul '68: High Country Specials produced for Denver District.
July 30, '68: End of GT/CS (HCS) production.
Sep '68: 1969 model year Mustang production begins.
2007-2009 GT/California Special[edit]

2007 California Special GT/CS

2007 California Special GT/CS - front view
As a tribute to the 1968 California Special, Ford added a limited production factory GT/California Special in 2007. The GT/CS is based on a Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter engine. The GT/CS option adds 2 tone seats (Dove or Parchment inserts), unique floor mats, side stripes (with GT/CS behind the front wheel RH and LH), side scoops (behind doors), 18" polished aluminum wheels, rolled exhaust tips, faux gas cap (with words "California Special"), lowered front bumper/valance and unique rear bumper. The GT/CS was available as a coupe or convertible, with manual or automatic transmission. The GT/California Special package had an MSRP of $1,895.00.

The 2007 colors (All side GT/CS stripes were black (85X)):

Redfire (G2)
Vista Blue (G9)
Performance White (HP)
Black (UA)
Grabber Orange (U3)
The 2008 colors (All side GT/CS stripes were black (85X)):

Vista Blue (G9)
Performance White (HP)
Dark Candy Apple Red (JV)
Grabber Orange (U3)
Black (UA)
The 2009 colors (GT/CS stripes were black (85X) or white (852)):

Vista Blue (G9)
Performance White (HP)
Dark Candy Apple Red (JV)
Black (UA)
Vapor Silver (ZY)
The same front and rear fascias (bumper covers) for the GT/CS were used on the Shelby GT-H and Shelby GT (see 2006-2007 Shelby GT-H).

2011-2012 Mustang GT/California Special[edit]

2011 California Special GT/CS

2011 California Special GT/CS side
In 2010, Ford reintroduced the California Special package for its 2011 Mustang GT models. The new California Special Package (402A) is the first built on a 5.0 liter engine in a Mustang GT. The 2011 California Special package 402A includes a unique chrome billet grille with a tri-color Mustang pony logo, for 2012, Ford replaced the chrome billet grille with a black plastic unit that retained the tri-bar Mustang logo, GT/CS faded side stripes, unique lower fascia with fog lights, unique "GT" 19-inch rims with 245-45/19 tires, California Special decklid "faux" gas cap emblem, premium GT/CS floormats, pedestal rear spoiler, unique rear fascia, California Special interior with unique carbon finish on door panels, instrument panel and leather seats. Available in coupe or convertible body styles with a manual or automatic transmission. The option for the 402A California Special Package is $1,950.00 USD.

The 2011 colors (faded GT/CS side stripes are black or stripe delete)

Black
Race Red
Red Candy Metallic with tinted clearcoat
Performance White
Ingot Silver Metallic
Grabber Blue

2012 included all of the colors available in 2011 along with the addition of

Yellow Blaze
2013-2014 California Special[edit]
Along with the body redesign and the 420 hp in the 2013 Mustang, the GT/CS also received a slight update. The side stripe was moved from the middle of the door to the bottom of the body in the same location as the GT500 side stripe. The stripe was also featured along the body lines on the hood of the car. The heat extractors now featured on the 2013 Mustang GT's hood are painted black instead of body color. The 19" wheels are also black with chrome accent and a 5-spoke design. The interior was updated with Alcantara-style inserts in the seats and doors where the 2011/12 model year sported a faux carbon fiber pattern. The package cost $1,995.00 USD.

References[edit]
Jump up ^ “The Green Hornet” Scheduled To Roll Across The Auction Block As Part Of Barrett-Jackson's Salon Collection In 2013
Jump up ^ Barrett-Jackson 2013: 1968 Shelby EXP 500 “The Green Hornet” fails to sell at $1.8 million
Jump up ^ Nerve Center : Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction : Part 1
Bibliography[edit]
Newitt, Paul, GT/California Special Recognition Guide and Owner's Manual, 1989.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ford Mustang GT California Special.
California Special Website
1968 GT/CS California Special TV Commercial (.wmv file)
Shelby Green Hornet Info, Photos
Shelby Little Red Photos (1st and 3rd, mislabled) and Green Hornet Photo (middle)
Registry for modern (2005-2009) GT/CS
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This page was last modified on 13 February 2016, at 13:48.
Old 5/14/16, 12:55 PM
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More Info......
Source . http://californiaspecial.com/2007-GT...tification.htm
The 2007-2009 GT/CS featured a special interior in either Black/Dove or Black/Parchment color schemes. This included two-tone GT leather seats and floor mats. Starting in 2011 the GT/CS interior had several refinements from previous years. It was available in Charcoal Black only and had "GT/CS" embossed on the seat backs. The GT leather seats included carbon inserts as did the door panels and dash, including a GT/CS logo on the passenger side dash. The GT/CS logo also appeared on special floor mats in 2011-2012.
EXTERIOR

2007-2009 GT/CS Stripe

2011-2012 GT/CS Stripe

2007-2009 GT/CS Side Scoop
Being an appearance package, the heart of the GT/CS is it’s unique look. One of the most noticeable features is the side stripes (body tape stripes) including the letters “GT/CS” on the front fender. These and the non-functional side scoops are the most obvious nod to the original 1968 California Special. For 2007 & 2008 the only stripe color available was black, which gave a “ghosted” appearance on black cars. In 2009 white stripes were introduced as an option.

2007-2009 GT/CS Front Fascia

2007-2009 GT/CS Rear Fascia

2007-2009 GT/CS Faux Gas Cap
The front and rear fascias are also unique to the GT California Special. The front featured a chin spoiler that was 1 ½” lower than the standard GT. The rear fascia had a race car like “diffuser” similar to the GT500 Shelby. Through this rear fascia exited dual bright rolled exhaust tips. The back end treatment was topped off by a faux gas cap (emblem) centered in the trunk lid with “California Special” text surrounding the GT logo. This was another styling cue taken from the original 1968 GT/CS.

2011 GT/CS chrome grille w/ running pony emblem

2011 GT/CS Faux Gas Cap
The 2011 GT California Special had many of the same exterior features carried over from 2007-2009, but applied to the new Mustang body style introduced in 2010. The side scoops and body tape stripes remained very similar, but with an updated “GT/CS” font on the front fender stripe. The front and rear fascias were also unique in 2011, but the GT/CS that year also received a special chrome billet grille with a tri-bar running horse emblem offset to the driver’s side. Fog lights moved from grille to the lower front fascia. For the rear of the 2011 GT/CS a pedestal spoiler was added along with decklid tape applique. The faux gas cap emblem on the trunk was similar to 2007-2009, but with a traditional Mustang running horse logo in the center in lieu of the GT logo.
WHEELS

2007-2009 GT/CS wheels

2011 GT/CS wheels
One of the most noticeable features of the GT/CS (aside from the side stripes) are the unique wheels. The 2007-2009 GT/CS package included 5-spoke 18” polished aluminum wheels with center cap featuring the classic running pony logo. The design is similar to the classic Torq-Thrust wheels from the 60’s. The same wheel was optional with the GT package, but included with the GT/CS.
In 2011 the GT/CS wheel changed to a 19”x8.5” machined aluminum wheels with argent painted accents. Center caps have the running pony logo. This wheel was exclusive to the GT/CS package.

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Since the GT/CS package is based on the GT Premium package it already received the top of the line engine offered. For 2007-2009 this was the 4.6L 3V V-8 rated at 300 hp and 320 lb-ft or torque. Transmission choices were between the TR3650 5 speed manual or the SR55S 5 speed automatic. Standard rear axle ratio was 3.31:1 with an option of 3.55:1 gears when ordered with a manual transmission.
For 2011 the GT/CS package included the new 5.0L 4V Ti-VCT V-8 engine. Power output increased significantly to 412 hp and 390 ft lb of torque. This new 5.0 was mated to either a 6 speed manual transmission or 6 speed automatic. Standard rear gear ratio was 3.15:1 for automatics and 3.31:1 for manuals. Coupes with manual transmissions could also opt for either a 3.55:1 or 3.73:1 differential.
Old 5/14/16, 12:56 PM
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California Special.com ......... my world of info.....

http://californiaspecial.com
Old 5/16/16, 07:37 AM
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Oh yeah, baby!! On the Tail of the Dragon on the NC/TN border. We love our GT/CS.

Basic Info GT CS-337382.jpg
Old 5/16/16, 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by NC07GTCS
Oh yeah, baby!! On the Tail of the Dragon on the NC/TN border. We love our GT/CS.

Attachment 179319

Oh yeah, baby!! We love your GT/CS too!!!!!!! sweet.......
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Old 5/16/16, 10:56 AM
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Awesome!!

Hey There "NC07GTCS" North-Carolina-2007-GT-CS......
Awesome pic....
Greyeagle middle TN

Last edited by Greyeagle; 5/16/16 at 03:26 PM. Reason: Thanks
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Old 5/19/16, 04:21 PM
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2008 Mustang GT California Special

The classically styled GT/CS "California Special" package which had returned to the Mustang lineup in 2007 was given another go-around for 2008. Mechanically, the '08 model was identical to previous year. The only noteworthy change came in the exterior paint color palette, with Dark Candy Apple Red replacing Redfire Metallic.

The GT/CS package offered a number of styling enhancements for the retro-styled fifth-generation Mustang. It included a unique front fascia with a billet-style grille and a revised chin spoiler, which was 1.5 inches lower than the standard Mustang GT's. Out back there was a special diffuser-style rear fascia and bright, rolled dual exhaust tips. Down the flanks was a pair of non-functional quarter scoops, along with classic GT/CS tape-striping. Even the interior saw upgrades, with California Special nomenclature on the bucket seats, as well as the floor mats.

Engine
Type: 90-degree SOHC 24-valve V-8
Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,750 RPM
Torque: 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
Bore x Stroke: 90.2mm x 90mm
Compression: 9.8:1

Suspension
Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panard rod, 20-mm stabilizer bar

Brakes
Front: 12.4 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control

Wheels
Wheels: 18 x 8 in., 5-spoke, polished aluminum
Tires: 235/50ZR18 BSW High-Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
60 to 0 braking: 130 feet (Est.)
1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.8 seconds @ 103 mph (Car & Driver)

Production

Total Produced: 7,427
Total Coupe Produced: 4,918
- Ebony Clearcoat: 1,395
- Dark Candy Apple Red - 1,278
- Performance White: 1,273
- Vista Blue: 719
- Grabber Orange: 253

Total Convertible Produced: 2,509
- Ebony Clearcoat: 718
- Performance White: 703
- Dark Candy Apple Red: 700
- Vista Blue: 275
- Grabber Orange: 113



- See more at: http://performance.ford.com/enthusia....iLzZBcGh.dpuf
Old 1/22/17, 07:57 AM
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Nice pics!

I'm gonna be looking at a black 2007 CS to purchase in a few days, with 30k miles. Is the car worth extra money because it's a CS? The guy put a Procharger on it (the smaller one), so does that actually hurt values?

Also, does the CS have the 'Premium' interior treatment?

Does it have controls right on the steering wheel to adjust radio volume?

Many thanks, Dave F. in RI
Old 1/22/17, 04:05 PM
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Thanks for posting. Awesome read and great information!




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