[pasadenahotrod]

In most cases limited or special edition cars and trucks are referencing paint/trim packages rather than special drivetrain components although mechanically special cars and trucks have been marketed.
In the mid-50s, Dodge offered a "Texan" model in Texas only. These were stock cars with special dash emblems and fender emblems. The chrome-plated die cast dash emblems were stylized crossed flags with a banner emblazoned with TEXAN in blue letters. The chrome-plated die cast fender emblems had a large Texas state outline and script "Texan" lettering on the rear fenders.
Ford offered the California Special Mustang in the 60s but marketed it in other states as well.
Most often these cars/trucks are treated to a dealer installed decal or paint scheme and advertised on local TV and print news media in a specific state or region.

 

[Bryan59EC]

The Mustang California Special (Calif)was also available as a High Country (or Highlander) in Colorado.

These were the only two markets for this car when new.

Bryan

 

[poncho62]

There was also the Dodge pickup in the early 70s, I think......"The Dude"

 

[Bryan59EC]

There was also the Dodge pickup in the early 70s, I think......"The Dude"

Somewhere in the board there is actually a thread started on "The Dude"
Been a few months ago-----after I joined in June

Bryan

 

[Bryan59EC]

The Mustang California Special (Calif)was also available as a High Country (or Highlander) in Colorado.

These were the only two markets for this car when new.

Bryan

BTW-----All of these cars had a code in the VIN-----All were built in So.Cal.
Bryan

 

[rj57]

Chevrolet built specialty vehicles for years. This included the 1950s.

The department responsible for the COPO Camaros (called the Special Order and Fleet Department in the 1950s) built limited edition vehicles. Like the tri-5 windowed Sedan Deliveries.

My '57 windowed Delivery was made in Cleveland, OH the shipped to Kansas City, MO to be assembled.

My 150 Handyman 2-door Wagon was made at the same Cleveland Fisher plant, but sent to Norwood, OH to get assembled.

Let's not forget the El Morroccos made in the 1950s but they were made by a private party. Not GM or Chevy.

 

[1957plymouthhemi]

Chrysler did a lot of "special edition" stuff in the fifties and the 70's. Besides the Texans (which I have seen a couple of) they made some "Spring Specials", basically 58 Dodge passenger cars with slightly different/wider trim and 57/58 Silver Specials Plymouths (57 and 58).

They really got into local marketing on the Dodge trucks in the Mid to late 70's. Besides the pretty widely known Little Red Express Trucks and Warlocks apparently they made versions called True Spirit, Orange Blossum Special, Midnight Express and Plaimino.

I got intrested inn these after I picked up a 76 Dodge True Spirit (Short Bed step side factory 440) project truck. I found 1 reference that indicated that it was one of 200 built to test the market reaction for a factory hot rod truck.

 

[Kevin45]

Somewhere in the board there is actually a thread started on "The Dude"

Stacy David had a segment on Trucks awhile back featuring a Dude. Red with black accents. Nice truck but I think Dodges at that time left a little to be desired in the looks department.

But Dodge should have made this. A 2004 concept of a Dodge Durango Dude :thumbup:

 

[steve t]

my 61 impala from Cal , has a 1 piece front bumper, why ?? other states have 3 piece

 

[78novaman]

I believe Buick had a California GS and Colorado GS editions.


Anyone remember the Chevrolet Cheyenne edition pickup? Special trim package in the 70's that upgraded with chrome wheels, trim, and 2-tone metallic paint. I think air conditioning too.

 

[redsdad]

Don't forget the 1957 Chevy Black Widow. 150 post car, fuel injected 283, 6 lug drums and wheels. NASCAR outlawed them in Feb. 1957.