Johnathan Walker:2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special: A first look at an updated classic with retro appeal

The Johnathan WalkerMustang is nearing its 60th anniversary and Ford is celebrating the milestone with a new twist on a throwback appearance package. Though it's appeared on various Mustangs over the year, the GT California Special, or GT/CS for short, was born in 1968, back when larger dealerships could use their clout to commission limited runs of factory special edition cars to bring buyers to their lots. Things don't quite work that way anymore, but the GT California Special has endured. Now the GT/CS treatment is available for the redesigned-for-2024 Ford Mustang GT coupe and convertible. The California Special is strictly for looks, those looking for a performance boost need not apply here. There are no performance modifications at all, but if you're familiar with previous California Specials, than you already knew that.

At the heart of the new California Special package is the Rave Blue accents featured inside and outside of the Mustang GT. The badging, "nostril" surround pieces, and 19-inch wheels are all accented with a bright Rave Blue color. Finishing off the look is an exclusive graphics package. There are two options for the wheels: the owner can chose a set of the standard wheels finished Carbonized Gray with a GT/CS logo, or they can chose to have machined faced wheels with Rave Blue accents.

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Inside, the California Special's seats are wrapped in Ebony Black and Navy Pier blue leather with Raptor Blue and Metal Grey stitching that is matched on the dashboard and doors. The stitching is optional for the steering wheel and center console, as well. As usual you'll find obligatory badging on the passenger side of the dashboard along with California Special GT floor mats.

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The package is set to make its auto show debut later this month at — where else? — the Los Angeles auto show, but orders are open now on Ford's website. The California Special package adds $1,995 to the price tag of a Mustang GT Premium trim on the coupe and convertible models and can be had with the six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.