The new trim harkens back to a limited run of the original Mustang from 1968.
The new trim harkens back to a limited run of the original Mustang from 1968.
is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is having a relatively good year, outpacing its gas brethren in sales for the month of August. The expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit doesn’t mean much to the Mach-E, which is made in Mexico and therefore ineligible for the credit. But with clouds looming on the horizon, Ford wants to keep the momentum going by releasing a new special edition version that harkens back to the pony car’s bygone days.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT California Special, announced today, is a new spin on a limited edition run of the original Mustang from 1968. The new electric version includes changes to the vehicle’s body, new wheels, new interior graphics, and a new paint color.
Ford says it wanted to take a “bold look” at the original California Special Mustangs, with their distinctive red and black color scheme, and figure out how to bring that within the Mach-E design. That translates into trading the red-and-black paint for a new color called Rave Blue, which Ford says mimics the blue coastal waters of California.
The California Special also removes the side scoops, adds 20-inch carbonized gray wheels with a printed GT/CS logo, and gloss black aero wheel covers. There’s a new illuminated Rave Blue pony emblem on the grille, and a special hood graphic, also coastline inspired. Ford said they didn’t want to copy and paste what they did with the two-door Mustang, but rather honor the Mach-E’s place in the Mustang lineup with its own identity.
The new special edition is built on the Mach-E’S GT performance package, with an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range, 480 horsepower, and 700 lb-ft of torque. Ford says it will start at $55,890, which is a $2,495 premium over the Mach-E GT’s suggested price of $53,395. It new performance EV will be available to order on October 22nd, and will begin arriving at dealers in the first quarter of 2026.