California knows how to party
It’s got a pretty face, svelte silhouette, feels right at home in the sunshine and can bark as much as it bites. Sounds like California alright. And then there’s this – the Mustang GT California Special. Back in the Mustang’s earliest days, California alone was where a staggering 20% of all Mustangs were sold. The dealer network there used that as leverage to convince Ford a unique California edition should be made and sold. With some help from Shelby, they were given approval. These early California Specials were only available for a very limited time and have since become prized collector cars – as they featured aspects of both a Shelby and a Mustang, has low production numbers with only a single year of production, and its own unique touches. Ford has resurrected the California Special a few times since. Let’s see if this California cruiser can be as beloved as its grandfather.
Unlike its first ancestor, this California Special is available as a drop top. Frankly we are surprised the original was hard-top only. Convertibles just go hand in hand with that California vibe. But speaking of – take a look at that side scoop. It’s a lovely accessory – one that the originals carried too. But it’s also non-functional and exists to satisfy vanity alone. Just like the faux gas cap on the back. Hey – sounds like California alright! Kidding. Fake or not, the Mustang’s nicely plumped rear end is made to look even better with those side scoops. Also like the original CS, you’ll get some body stripes down the side with the familiar GT/CS script, a more aggressive front splitter and a trim-specific rear spoiler.
Inside, you’ll get some more unique touches, including suede seat inserts, red contrast stitching and a California Special badge on the dashboard. The Mustang has always been about affordable performance, and in here is where you’ll note the cost-saving measures. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find liberal use of plastic that can rattle and squeak at times. The SYNC touchscreen interface, while very intuitive and easy to use, is also feeling a little dated and low-resolution compared to offerings from other manufacturers. But it does also offer Android Auto and Apple Carplay if you’d prefer to use those. Given the analogue-looking nature of the dashboard, we would have liked to see a dedicated heated steering wheel button. As it is, you’ll have to use the touchscreen to activate it.
We also loved the extensive customization options for the all-digital gauge cluster. From differing gauge layouts to readouts like oil pressure and oil temperature, to expansive colour customization choices, it’ll be simple for drivers to really make the car their own. One issue we repeatedly experienced was the ‘My Mode’ setting not actually saving our custom choices. The exhaust would revert from Sport to Normal almost every time the vehicle was shut off.
But let’s face it, no one buys a Mustang for its interior. While not a terrible place to be, what you really want out of this car is the drive – and it’s a very hard task to find fault with the California Special. Sure, it might not be as taut or precise around a track or in the corners. It may lack some of the finesse of a European or Japanese offering. But that’s okay. It’s not the point. Drop the soft-top, put it in first and go. You will struggle to have a bad time. Even in traffic. The clutch is so user-friendly and surprisingly light on the 6-speed manual our tester was fitted with. Of course, a 10-speed automatic is also available but we’d urge you to reconsider. The 5.0L V8 under the hood pairs so nicely with this manual gearbox. This delight of an engine puts out 460hp and 420lb-ft of torque – and makes an absolutely glorious howl while doing so. Drive through a tunnel or underpass and enjoy some gratuitous downshifts. I dare you to frown while doing so. There is also a ‘quiet’ mode for the exhaust too, should you decide fun has no place in your life. (Or you’re just being a considerate neighbour.)
With great power comes great gas bills. The GT doesn’t have great fuel economy. Ford estimates it’ll return 15.8 L/100km in the city and 10.4 on the highway. You’ll find yourself at the gas station more often than you’d like if you drive it regularly. Which you should. Many of us are familiar with the various incidents involving Mustangs and crowds. We’d recommend getting a good feel for the car first. It’s a great vehicle to floor the throttle in, but it’s a rear-drive powerhouse made to make you smile, especially in Sport or Track mode. Driving it with a lighter foot in inclement conditions is far from scary. But drivers need to take some care with their own habits during those times.
A GT Premium Convertible starts at just under $55,000. Add another $2,500 for the California Special, along with some other extras this tester had like a $1,000 improved exhaust system, and you’ve got a very capable, powerful and stylish package for under $60,000. If you can live without the convertible, you can save a serious chunk of change by going for a coupe instead. Although the granddaddy CS was coupe only, we can’t imagine a California Special without the roof down.
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