Ford is bringing a new Sixties-inspired Mustang to the Northern Ireland market.
Priced from £52,105 – £650 more than the regular Mustang GT Convertible – the Mustang California Special is a modern day take on the 1976 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype that featured a blacked-out grille, fog lights and side racing stripes.
Bosses at Ford were so taken by the car at the time that the decided to build limited numbers of California Special cars in 1968.
Available exclusively as a convertible soft top, the new Mustang California Special is powered by a 5-litre V8 that produces 443bhp and 390lb ft of torque. That means a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds, with every model sending this power to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The California Special is said to represent “distinctive style” thanks to unique badging, 5-spoke 19-inch alloys and decals. An ‘Ebony Black’ honeycomb front grille, ‘Race Red’ GT/CS badging and lower side stripes that are finished in black, red and grey complete the fresh look.
A ‘Carbonised Grey’ front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser are joined by a faux filler cap that sits above the quad exhaust pipes, while air scoops that pay homage to the original are optional.
Customers can choose from one of nine exterior colours, including ‘Grabber Blue’ and ‘Cyber Orange’. These contrast with the black roof that can be folded away in eight seconds, Ford says.
The California Special attracts heated and cooled front leather seats that are embossed with the GT/CS logo, and an instrument panel made from ‘Carbon Hex’ aluminium.
A 12-inch customisable instrument cluster and Ford’s SYNC 3 multimedia system that is operated via an 8-inch touchscreen also features. Standard driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control with Pre-Collision Assist and Lane Keeping Alert.
“The California Special is a huge part of the Mustang’s legacy in America and it symbolises so much of what Mustang stands for: The joy of driving and the freedom of the open road,” said Matthias Tonn, Ford of Europe’s Mustang chief programme engineer.
“Those ideals resonate just as strongly with driving enthusiasts in Europe, so it’s about time customers here got to experience the unique California Special blend of style, performance and driving fun.”
