What if GTCS stood for something else on the 1968 Mustang?

[ibj40]

This is another fantasy build, using my imagination and 1/18 scale diecast.







Prior to 1966, the FIA's Group 4 classification applied to Sports Cars which were in compliance with FIA Appendix C regulations.


It also included recognized Series Touring Cars, Improved Touring Cars and Grand Touring Cars which had been modified beyond the respective Group 1, Group 2 or Group 3 regulations under which they had been homologated.


In 1966, an overhaul of FIA categories saw Group 4 Sports Cars redefined such that they were now subject to a minimum production requirement of 50 units in 12 consecutive months and had to be fitted with all equipment necessary for use on public roads.


Ford, realizing that the Shelby Cobra/Cobra Daytona could never satisfy the minimum production requirement, nor the public roads criteria, hatched a plan based on the 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe, to be called the “GTCS”.


The original California Special Mustang, which features characteristics of both a classic Shelby Mustang and a classic GT coupe, got its start in February of 1968.


Select California Ford Dealers offered the car as a limited-edition Mustang, naming it the Mustang GT CS with CS standing for “California Special.”


The marketing message associated with the car was “California made it happen!”


Some of the original California Special Mustangs were offered with big-block 390 engines.


There were also Cobra Jet 428 versions.


In all, only 4,118 of these limited-edition cars were made. They were eventually sold in other states as well.


It’s reported that 251 of the GT/CS Mustangs were sent to Denver, Colorado, where they were re-branded as “High Country Special” Mustangs.


Few know, however, that the “GTCS” designation originally was intended to stand for G(rand) T(ouring) C(arroll) S(helby).


Shelby was to continue along the lines of the GT350 and build 50 units under contract to Ford.


As with the prior versions, subtle but effective body work would distinguish the model, with competition improvements to the engine, suspension, and drivetrain reserved for a select few.


The coupe versus fastback body was chosen to save weight, primarily, as well as to take advantage of already existing componentry that the car would share with the Trans Am versions raced in the USA, including the tried and true 289 cubic inch engine.




The GTCS would carry over one element of the GT350, the iconic fiberglass front bumper. This would serve two purposes, one it would provide better directed air flow to the radiator, and two it would incorporate front brake cooling ducts.






Air flow management at the front would also be aided by deleting the turn signal lights incorporated into the hood, and opening them up to allow heated radiator air to exit the engine compartment.




At the rear, a subtle (but assuredly aero effective) rear spoiler would be a design feature incorporated into the trunk (boot) lid.




A separate homologation from the Trans Am versions would also be required, in order to identify the equipment necessary for the GTCS to meet the public roads requirement.


A 5000cc engine capacity limit was applied by the FIA for 1968 and the minimum production requirement was reduced to 25 units for the 1969 season.


This build is based on two 1/18 scale Greenlight Ford Mustangs, with a GTCS version offering up the bodywork, and a Gulf-liveried version providing the competition chassis.






The paint I chose is Ford Guardsman Blue, to follow along with this same primary color on many of the Cobra Daytonas campaigned previously.


The first, and hardest task will be the incorporation of the GT350-type front bumper.

There will be a considerable effort cutting through the diecast metal at the front of the donor body.









I'll also be adding some details to the chassis, such as a fire system, spark boxes, and fuel cell.

[vamach1]

Great alternate story and doing this in 1/18 diecast is quite an undertaking but the end result should be awesome.

[ibj40]

So, after this (which one is a new 1 1/4" Jeweler's saw blade?).



We have this.






 

[ibj40]

Progress?

Here's an update on where I have been since the last posting.

My interpretation of the rules is that if the car came with bumpers, it needed to race with bumpers.  So, even though we are using a GT350 front valence to direct air to the radiator, we still need the stock bumper in place.





Wanted to share what it took to fit the chassis back to the body, with the GT350 front valence in place.



You can see some of the cut marks from this view.



Also needed to trim some of the plastic chassis.






Took two cuts and some sanding to get it right.



But we've got a good fit now.

Scavenged an export brace from the Lane GT350 that also sourced the front valence.



Had to notch the diecast inner lip to make it fit, but worth the effort.



Currently setting the final fit of the front valence, hoping to get a coat of primer on everything tomorrow, weather pending.

[swede70]

It cleaned up nicely and is certainly looking trim.  Care must be demonstrated with the Mark I and Mark II finger removers as I can readily attest to!  Thanks for sharing your progress...

Mike K./Swede70

[ibj40]

Laid down a coat of primer.



This turkey is going to take a break.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[ibj40]

So I moved away from the body, and turned to the chassis and interior.

Remember what the original chassis/interior looked like.



Now, here's the updated version.



Now, some close ups of the changes.

For the interior, I removed the console, changed the shifter to one that looked a little more realistic, added ignition boxes and a fire bottle. I also changed out the seats, adding a racing seat with seat belt for the driver, and a standard passenger seat to comply with the regulations at the time.



In the trunk, I added a battery and a fuel cell with filler.



Some pictures with the body on.





Next will come the paint. Turned cold here, so might be a few days.

[ibj40]

Some updated shots.

First, the donor chassis drivetrain was all in chrome, for some reason.  I replaced the exhaust dumps with those from a Lane GT350, and painted the rear shocks Koni red.



And here is a dry fit of painted panels.  I like the Guardsman Blue/Gulf Orange contrast.



More to come as I reassemble it.  Lots of little bitty pieces.

[ibj40]

Kind of a hard/soft final.  There are still a couple of details to the chassis I need to do (including re-attaching the rear wheels, but that is another story).

Thought I would share, decals will be applied, maybe over the weekend.

Kind of a walk-around visit.

[ibj40]

Thanks for your patience!


 

Finished pictures here.

Edited January 1, 2022 by ibj40