What's so Special about a California???????

[oneheadlite]

Looking at a 2020 California Special in GA.
Don't see much to justify the price.
Any ideas from you owners of them......................

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...eCode1=FORD&modelCode1=MUST&clickType=listing

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[melwff]

From the Ford website
The California Special Package includes:
•19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with high-gloss Ebony Black-painted pockets
•Side stripe
•California Special badge on strut-tower base
•Pedestal rear spoiler
•Miko® suede seat inserts with GT/CS logo and red contrast stitching
•Unique grille with offset tri-bar Pony logo
•Side scoops
•Unique instrument panel badge with California Special script
•Faux gas cap on rear appliqué

 

[peoples1234]

That's just the MSRP which is in line with other mustangs, the CS package is $2000.

I'm sure you could get it for less.

 

[Zooks527]

It's an appearance package. If you like the look of the elements of the package, that will have a value to you. If you're indifferent to them, then there's nothing to recommend it.

 

[lew]

the 245/19s, PP1 spoiler, and side scoops alone could cost more than the 2k.
Cali theme seems appropriate if you lived in Ca. but imo wanabee labels for the rest of us.

i do like the tri-bar badge

 

[Smunczen]

Wheels, interior treatments, badging.

 

[Zooks527]

i do like the tri-bar badge

Absolutely. I think it's far better than the standard one. That said, I don't like it enough to justify the cost to swap the grill on mine.

 

[S550_GTCS]

•Miko® suede seat inserts with GT/CS logo and red contrast stitching

That is what sold me on the CS over the normal premium. Love the look of the seats and they don't get all stretched out/saggy like the normal leather ones do.

Honestly, the faux gas cap is gone, so are the side stripes and I use the CS wheels in the winter only. Can't even really tell mine is a CS from the outside anymore.

 

[IrishStallion]

I had a 14 GT CS. Appearance stuff. Did come with strut brace.

 

[WildHorse]

Cue angry Shelby owners in 3...2...

Don't forget their 10K painted stripe option haha

 

[Adamone92]

Just like with the Shelby's, badges and stickers.

Cue angry Shelby owners in 3...2...

oh come now Mik, Shelby's are more than that. They also have the inherent included history of having the brand of a guy that tried to go to GM before they went to Ford and paying a premium for that name.

jokes aside, Shelby's are nice cars (have to clarify jokes before people get upset). A California special is basically for a "special edition" like the Bullitt, just without the performance pack-esque upgrades. They look neat though.

 

[RoyalCrimsonBill]

Just little visual specs and 19" wheels. If you get a good deal I'd go for it, as they hold value well. Even s197 California specials go for a decent price used vs a reg GT. So if you ever sell down the road you will get a little bit more in your pocket even on a trade in...as long as you don't heavily mod it. People like buying them near stock when selling, but that goes for any car I guess haha...hey this is my first post....wooohoo! Been out of the mustang game since I sold my 2005 Mustang GT 8 years ago. Glad to be back with a 2018 gt...man these cars are sick.

 

[Bikeman315]

Yes, it is an appearance package but there is a history to the California Special (including Carroll Shelby!). Read all about it here....... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Special_Mustang

Also the GT/CS is is not available every year, especially recently. In a sea of GT's, CS's are fairly rare. You do not see them coming and going.

As far as the package itself, the current GT/CS has the nicest interior of any Mustang. The Miko/Alcantara seat and door inserts look really nice and does the dashboard trim panel. There is also a CS plaque on that panel. It's just the little touches that make it nicer.

As melwff already mentioned it does have a lot of other special trim features. Personally I love the grill, side scoops, wheels, and the red script on the trunk panel. Again, it's just a very nice step up package.

IMHO, the price is reasonable with the changes/additions made.

Cali theme seems appropriate if you lived in Ca. but imo wanabee labels for the rest of us.

There is nothing "wannabee" about the GT/CS. It's a historical package and a really good one at that.

 

[Adamone92]

Yes, it is an appearance package but there is a history to the California Special (including Carroll Shelby!). Read all about it here....... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Special_Mustang

Also the GT/CS is is not available every year, especially recently. In a sea of GT's, CS's are fairly rare. You do not see them coming and going.

As far as the package itself, the current GT/CS has the nicest interior of any Mustang. The Miko/Alcantara seat and door inserts look really nice and does the dashboard trim panel. There is also a CS plaque on that panel. It's just the little touches that make it nicer.

As melwff already mentioned it does have a lot of other special trim features. Personally I love the grill, side scoops, wheels, and the red script on the trunk panel. Again, it's just a very nice step up package.

IMHO, the price is reasonable with the changes/additions made.


There is nothing "wannabee" about the GT/CS. It's a historical package and a really good one at that.

id have to change those wheels, at a BARE minimum. lol. rest of the car is very nice though.

 

[oneheadlite]

I would buy one if Ford had seen fit to put the Gauge Pack in the dash.
I think it odd that they left it out..............

(of course I thought it odd Chevy didn't put an A/C in a '15 Z/28)

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