Absolute rarity, competition-worthy big block power, and true beauty all come together in this 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 KR Convertible. It makes for an exciting drop-top where performance and pedigree create one of the most desirable collectibles.
Everyone already loves a Wimbledon White Mustang, but having it on what is the King of the Road (KR) makes this one an object other collectors will lust after. The factory-correct paint has a smooth shine that shows off the steel .....
panels' good fit and makes for a quality appearance as it radiates in the sunshine. So this one will look good whether you're on a Saturday drive or having the featured spot at a Sunday car show. The look of a true Shelby is quite distinct, whereas the replicas don't quite get all the details right, and so true enthusiasts gravitate to a car like this that looks so correct. The custom fiberglass hood, functional side scoops, Lucas fog lights, quad exhaust tips, snake-bitten badging, molded deck lid with integrated spoiler, and sequential turn signals make an impressive statement, and it all remains on this convertible today. Plus, the blue rocker triple stripe is a Shelby hallmark and is a nod to America's racing legacy. It all makes for an impressive way to show off some serious rarity. The KR was a 1968-only feature for the first-gen Mustang, with only 1,452 produced (the lowest total of any Shelby that year.) And the convertible version cuts that rarity down to about a third. So we're glad to have proper documentation like the build sheet and a Marti Report to present something this unique.
We like the look of the black convertible top against the white paint, and it only gets more appealing when you power it down to reveal the full black interior. After all, there seems to be something right about powerful cars and deep black interiors. The presentation here has been about keeping this looking stock and any replacements done to factory-style standards. So it looks factory, right down to details like the Cobra embossed on the armrest and hints of bright trim on the seats. It's a genuine sports car experience with a factory roll bar, bucket seats, a Shelby steering wheel, and full gauges - including Stewart Warner auxiliary readouts in the center console. Part of this car's added distinction also comes in how the small details are still present and working, like the vintage, upscale wood-like trim, Philco AM radio, and swing-away steering column. It's the kind of little things that make a rare classic even more impressive to show to friends and enthusiasts.
The GT500KR received one of Ford's most potent V8s, the 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet. This looks fantastic in the engine bay with the bold Ford blue paint on the block and the Cobra valve covers that brag about their '67 LeMans victory. And because details like the intake and flywheel are so correct, it's hard to see this as anything but a proper Cobra Jet KR. With a functional ram air and a big Holley four-barrel carburetor, we all knew the factory's 355 horsepower rating was a joke of underestimation. When the insurance wasn't looking, we all found out the actual level of real power it brings to the streets is why it earned the King of the Road name. And Ford made sure this was more than just a motor. The GT500KR was a capable car on the road, thanks to a beefed-up version of the Mustang's GT package. There's also power steering, power brakes, front discs, and the factory-optioned C6 three-speed automatic transmission. Completing this package is the grip of modern BF Goodrich T/A radials on those iconic Shelby 15-inch 10-spoke wheels. Call now!