Ford made 4,118 1968 California Special GT/CS Mustangs.
The GT/CS, short for GT/California Special, was a factory-built limited edition marketed primarily through California Ford dealers. The program began in mid-February 1968 as a regional response to growing competition from the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, and other sporty cars. Dealers hoped to sell 5,000 examples, but production stopped after roughly five and a half months with 4,118 completed.
The package added distinctive styling inspired partly by Shelby Mustang ideas: side scoops, fog lamps, a rear spoiler with end caps, a special taillight panel using 1965 Thunderbird-style lamps, hood pins, and GT/CS graphics. The cars could be ordered with the regular 1968 Mustang engines and transmissions, although most used the 289-cubic-inch V8 and automatic transmission.
A frequent confusion involves the 251 examples sent to Denver and marketed as High Country Special ’68 cars. Those are included in the 4,118 total. The “GT” in GT/CS also does not mean every California Special had Ford’s separate GT option package.