1968 Shelby GT-500 KR Fully Documented Factory 4 Speed "King of the Road" Its initials stood for King of the Road, and the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500-KR looked the part. Equipped with the same 428 CJ engine with suspiciously low 335-bhp rating as...
1968 Shelby GT-500 KR Fully Documented Factory 4 Speed "King of the Road" Its initials stood for King of the Road, and the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500-KR looked the part. Equipped with the same 428 CJ engine with suspiciously low 335-bhp rating as other Cobra Jets, though some Shelby material put peak output at higher rpm. Shelby's version had die cast aluminum Cobra rocker covers but wore the same plain painted ram-air air cleaner. With its own fiberglass nose panels, fiberglass hood with working scoops and air-extraction vents. The front fenders had decorative body side intakes, and the rear end was equipped a rear spoiler and impressive sequential turn signals. The fastback's functional roof scoops directed air to the cabin for improved ventilation. A padded roll bar with attached inertia-reel shoulder harness, improved gauges, and wood grain appliques enhanced the interior. With its fat tires and suspension tweaks, the GT 500-KR out handled all but pure sports cars. To most street rivals, however, one look was all it took. At the time Car Life magazine said "The car is so impressive, so intimidating to challengers, that there are no challengers. The KR breeds confidence bordering on arrogance." This beautiful Shelby GT500 KR rolled off the assembly line at the Metuchen N.J. plant June 6, 1968. It arrived at Jerry Alderman Ford in Indianapolis, IN in the same livery as it is seen today, Acapulco Blue with black interior and of course being a KR with the new for 1968 428 Cobra Jet engine and 4 speed transmission. By August of 1971, the Shelby was located in Winston-Salem North Carolina and with this owner it would remain until 1979 when it was sold to the next fortunate individual located in Austin Texas. There it would remain until 1996 when it was sold and moved to Michigan, a few short years later parts would start accumulating for a complete restoration. During this restoration, not one but two factory build sheets were located and carefully removed to be preserved, the entire car would be gone through before it was completed in 2006. Open the hood of this factory Acapulco Blue KR and you will find the 428 Cobra Jet attached to power steering, power brakes with all correct smog equipment and A/C system. Other options on the car include tilt away steering coloum, sport deck rear seat, an AM radio and Shelby 10 spoke wheels. Overall this is a beautiful car inside and out, but what makes it even more special is the detailed documentation that comes with it including the two previously mentioned build sheets, previous copies of titles dating back to 1971, a small book documenting maintenance and mileage, a stack of invoices from the restoration, photos taken before, during and after the restoration and of course a deluxe report from Marti Auto Works. GT-500 KR's are special cars; the quality and documentation make this an exemplary example of a special car, perfect addition to a collection or Shelby enthusiast.
