Carroll Shelby's name forever tied with Ford motorsports and the Shelby Mustang, and he earned that distinction by designing powerful, performance-oriented cars that have become icons in the auto world. Shelby was known for prodding his partners at Ford to provide him with powertrains that offered even more performance than their predecessors, and, in early 1968, the Blue Oval answered handsomely. That year, Ford gave Shelby the Cobra Jet V-8 engine, a 428 cubic inch powerhouse that would power the Shelby GT500 KR, the "King of the Road."
The Cobra Jet Under the GT500 KR's Hood Had Surprising Specs
With the 1968 Shelby Cobra in its final stages of design in spring 1968, Shelby gave his new creation the "King of the Road" designation. On a historical note, Shelby instructed his attorneys to hurriedly patent the nickname after hearing through the grapevine that Chevy intended to introduce the moniker with a performance car of its own.
At the time, the Cobra Jet was slated to replace the 428 Police Interceptor, and enthusiasts scratched their heads at the new V-8's estimated horsepower. The 335 horsepower rating was considered low, and the outgoing 428 Police Inteceptor motor was rated at 360 ponies. Turns out that the low hp rating was for insurance purposes. The Cobra Jet V-8 would possess 427 low-riser heads, a 390GT camshaft, high-flow exhaust manifolds, and a Holley carburetor. The exterior of the GT500 was revamped as well; the hood garnered attention with the addition of twin air-scoops.
Fully Restored With Luxury Options Added
This GT500 KR will be for sale at RM Sotheby's Phoenix auction in January. It is fully restored and wears Ford's Highland Green highlighted with white racing stripes. On the inside, the GT500 KR's bucket seats are trimmed in black knit vinyl.Sotheby's auction offering is only one of 356 GT500's to sport this paint and interior configuration, according to Marti Auto Works. The official build date for this particular GT500 is May 2, 1968.
In addition to the full restoration, the 1968 GT500 is equipped with tons of factory and aftermarket upgrades for modern performance cars. A set of factory shoulder harnesses and a sport deck rear seat carry drivers and passengers in comfort. As a part of the restoration, a tilt-away steering wheel, an AM radio, and an interior decor group complete the retro look of the car. "Updates" in the form of power steering, power front disc brakes, and a 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear axle add to the driving pleasure and performance of the car as well. To round out the restoration, the wood-print dash and console are punctuated with a wood grip automatic transmission shift lever sporting a Shelby Cobra Snake logo.