Some enthusiasts fear the day will come when the supply of desirable barn find classics will dry up, but I firmly believe it won’t. There are millions of untapped barns and sheds that house cars like this 1968 Ford Mustang GT California Special. It has sat gathering dust for over a decade, but the seller is ready to part with it. The GT/CS was a limited production run, and this one is a rock-solid survivor. It is listed here on eBay in Fillmore, California. The seller set their auction to open at $25,000 but has received no bids. A big thank you goes out to our own jonny c for spotting this beauty.

Manufacturers have a history of producing special edition vehicles, and Ford was no exception with its First Generation Mustang. It released the GT/California Special (GT/CS) specifically for its largest market, and the name means there are no prizes for guessing which one that was! It brought the usual GT appointments plus cosmetic updates usually reserved for Shelby derivatives. These included the fiberglass side scoops, rear spoiler, taillights, and unique foglights. This car has spent its life in its current location, although it is unclear whether it is entirely original. No restoration work is mentioned, so we must take its condition at face value. The Gulfstream Aqua paint wears a consistent coating of dust, so determining its state is challenging. There is slight damage between the driver’s side headlamp and the grille, but the underside shot confirms it is rust-free. The stripes show signs of deterioration, although the trim and badged should respond to some work with a polishing cloth. The original owner ordered this Mustang with tinted glass that looks in good condition.

The seller’s interior shots are poor, making it difficult to make a definitive call on specific details. However, the overall impression is positive. I can’t spot any rips or tears in the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces, and what we can see of the dash and pad are pretty positive. The faux chrome on the gauge bezel exhibits the usual deterioration, but high-quality reproductions retail for under $100. The wheel rim is cracked, adding another $300 to the total. I’m unsure whether other items require attention, but the photo quality would motivate me to negotiate an in-person inspection. It looks like the GT retains its original AM radio, and the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning.

Lifting this Mustang’s hood reveals a C-code 289ci V8, with the original owner specifying a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. The 1968 model year brought some minor specification changes to the C-Code. Power dropped from the previous year’s 200hp to 195hp, although torque rose slightly, from 282 ft/lbs to 288 ft/lbs. The performance difference was almost immeasurable, and most people wouldn’t have felt it under their right foot. This Mustang has been off the road for over a decade, and whether it runs or drives is unclear. Revival may not be complicated or expensive if it was healthy when parked. The winning bidder should budget for some mechanical refurbishment to items like the brakes and perishable components, but ready parts availability means it may not cause too many headaches.

I initially wondered why this 1968 Mustang GT/CS had received no bids when I glanced at the listing, but a more careful look revealed the possible reason. The low-quality photos and lack of information in the text leave potential buyers begging for more. The seller has done themselves and the car a disservice with their approach, particularly considering it is 1-of-4,118 examples of the GT/CS produced in 1968. Do you agree?