Ford brings back California Special Mustang for 2019

If the limited edition 2019 Mustang Bullitt nods to Hollywood, Ford Motor Co.’s other limited run for the 2019 Mustang invokes the entire Golden State.

The Dearborn-based automaker will bring back the Mustang GT California Special for the 2019 model year. Launching this summer, the souped-up drop top gets a fading side racing stripe, a blacked-out open grille and a California Special script on the trunk lid for exterior cosmetic tweaks.

But the pony car gets a little more power, too. The GT has a 5.0-liter V-8 engine delivering 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque. That’s mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with an available performance package.

The California Special gets black suede-trimmed seats and special badging throughout. The Mustang comes with a customized Bang & Olufsen audio system that uses 12 speakers.

The vehicle, like the Bullitt, will be available in “vintage-inspired” colors, Ford said, including Velocity Blue and Need for Green.

“No doubt, 2019 is an exciting year for Mustang enthusiasts, especially fans of our California Special and Bullitt models,” Corey Holter, Ford car group marketing manager, said in a statement. “This year further targets hardcore Mustang enthusiasts who want even more performance from Bullitt...”

The California Special started when regional Ford dealers began personalizing Mustang designs shortly after the car launched in 1964. The original version had a blacked-out grille, fog lamps and a side racing stripe.

Ford began producing a limited number of the car in 1968. It’s since launched special edition pony cars of the California Special in 2007 and 2011.

ithibodeau@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Ian_Thibodeau