The special-edition Ford Mustang I think is coming to South Africa this week

Via its social media channels, Ford announced on 13 April that a new “something-something” is on its way to South Africa in celebration of Mustang day, which falls on this Sunday, 17 April.

The automaker might not have said that the “something-something” is a Mustang, but considering the day it will be celebrating, it’s a safe bet to assume this is what it will be.

Ford hid a clue in its teaser images for enthusiasts to figure out what’s coming – a depiction of a Mustang logo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.

This particular bridge just so happens to be located in San Francisco, California.

Coincidentally, Ford also unveiled its Mustang California Special for Europe just last month, and this region tends to share vehicle ranges with the domestic market. See where I’m going with this?

I think that what Ford is bringing its South African fans later this week is none other than this convertible Mustang California Special.

Now, it’s only a matter of waiting and seeing.

Keep in mind that the manufacturer has not yet confirmed this, and it could very well be something else.

Mustang California Special specifications

The Ford Mustang California Special is available exclusively with a convertible soft-top that goes down in eight seconds and a V8 petrol engine.

If this does not scream 1960s West Coast Americana, I don’t know what does.

Harking back to the original California Special from 1968, the new Mustang is endowed with a black honeycomb grille, Race Red GT/CS badging, and side stripes in black, red, and grey with “colour shift” CS decals.

Aerodynamic enhancements also give it a more athletic look over its standard siblings, comprising a larger front splitter, 19-inch carbonised grey wheels, and optional rear side air scoops.

Additionally, the California Special can be painted in nine different exterior hues, with signature Grabber Blue and Cyber Orange solely reserved for this model.

The convertible is equally decked out inside, offering heated and cooled front seats, leather/Miko suede upholstery, red contrast stitching, Carbon Hex aluminium trims, an 8-inch infotainment display, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep alert.

As with the rest of the South African Mustang line-up, the new California Special is powered by a 5.0-litre, V8, naturally aspirated petrol motor with 331kW and 529Nm on tap.

Paired to a six-speed manual transmission this substantial powerplant allows the Ford to sprint to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, whereas with the 10-speed auto-box it reaches the milestone in a faster 4.5 seconds.

An active exhaust system with “Good Neighbour Mode” is fitted, too, and so is a limited-slip differential and MagneRide suspension that enhances cornering abilities.

However, it must be noted that none of these specifications, or even the vehicle, has been confirmed for South Africa yet.

Photos of the Ford Mustang California Special European model can be viewed below.

Ford Mustang California Special