For the first time ever, the Ford Mustang California Special will be available for European drivers. Ford’s iconic California Special sets sail for European shores to join its Mustang Mach-E, Mustang GT, and Mustang Mach 1 stablemates.

The European version of the California Special will be made available exclusively as a convertible with a 450 PS (443 horsepower) V8 powerplant. The California Special also features special badging, 19-inch Carbonised Grey alloy wheels, and distinct “color shift” California Special decals. Also featured is an Ebony Black honeycomb grille with a GT/CS badge in Race Red and lower side stripes in black, red and gray that feature a hidden “California Special” script that stand out more conspicuously in bolder sunlight.

The California Special will be available in nine colors, including Cyber Orange and Grabber Blue. A black roof adds a bit of contrast to these eye-popping colors.

Inside, the Mustang California Special features standard heated and cooled leather front seats, floor mats with the GT/CS logo, and instrument panel finished in Carbon Hex aluminum and a California Special badge.

The California Special will include several driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control with pre-collision assist and lane keep 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. 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,” said Matthias Tonn, Mustang chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe.

Photo credit: media.ford.com