The Ford California Special Comes Back, With a Modern Electric Twist
Ford is reviving the California Special name with the new 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT California Special, which brings heritage-inspired design to its electric lineup. The California Special name traces back all the way to the 1960s when West Coast dealers helped define the Mustang’s image. Ford’s color and material designer said how this new edition of the Mach-E reflects “the California spirit” that has always been a part of the Mustang identity.
To make this California Special of the Mach-E, Ford’s design team revisited the original 1968 California Special, updating its signature styling for a more modern look. Designers like Stefan Taylor and Keenan replaced the classic red and black accent with the new Rave Blue, a color said to be inspired by the Californian coastline. Like the ocean, Rave Blue is dynamic, with its color changing from light blue to violet depending on the lighting. Both the Mustang coupe and Mach-E now share this modernized design language, both paying tribute without direct imitation.
The Mach-E GT California Special has some unique design elements like: 20-inch carbonized gray wheels with painted GT/CS logos and gloss black aero covers, illuminated Ravy Blue pony emblem on the grille, and a special hood graphic with sun-style gray and blue lines. For the interiors, it gets upgrades like the Navy Pier ActiveX performance seat with reflective blue and silver stripes, blue stitching, and matching accents in the steering wheel and console. These details set it apart from the standard GT, combining EV performance with the older Mustang design.
In power, the 2026 Mach-E GT has 480 horsepower, 700 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated range of 280miles. The California Special package also adds $2,495 to the GT’s $53,395 base price. The ordering window for the vehicle starts on October 22, with deliveries beginning at the start of 2026.
Ford designers said that they continually drew inspiration from the Mustang community, especially car shows and owner meetups. The Rave Blue wheels and detailing on the car were also said to be inspired by the DUB showcase at SEMA, the world’s largest aftermarket auto show. Stefan Taylor said the goal for creating this car was to create a “package that stands out and offers something unique.”
What do you think of Ford using the California branding on an electric car? Do you think you would add the styling features for $2,495? Let us know in the comments!
Source and Images: Ford