Debuting in 1967, the Shelby GT500 returned for the 1968 model year with distinctive restyling, particularly noticeable in its redesigned front bodywork. While more aggressive than its predecessor, it retained a strong Mustang identity. The power choice remained the 428 CI Police Interceptor V-8 engine, but the dual inline Holley 4-barrels from 1967 were replaced by a single Holley 4-barrel carburetor on an aluminum intake manifold.
In February 1968, Ford introduced the new FE-based 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air V-8, a formidable engine that dominated NHRA Winternationals Stock and Super Stock events in factory-backed Mustangs. Despite its official rating of 335 HP at 5,400 RPM, the Cobra Jet featured impressive specifications, including 10.6:1 compression, high-performance 427 heads, valve springs and dampers, header-style exhaust manifolds, a Ram Air-fed 735 CFM Holley 4-barrel, and sizable intake and exhaust ports. The Cobra Jet’s substantial 440 lb-ft of torque enabled drag-prepared Mustangs to achieve sub-12-second quarter-mile times.
In April 1968, Ford replaced the GT500’s Police Pursuit engine with the Cobra Jet and rebranded it as the GT500KR, with “KR” signifying “King of the Road.” The GT500KR convertible featured a standard roll bar, grille-mounted Lucas fog lights, a fiberglass hood with functional ram-air scoops, quarter-panel and sail-panel scoops, a deck-lid spoiler, and Thunderbird-sourced taillights with sequential turn signals.
According to the Deluxe Marti Report accompanying this 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR, it is one of 518 convertibles produced for the model year and was completed on June 19, 1968. It was optioned with power-assisted steering and front disc brakes, 15″ alloy wheels, a power-operated white soft top, white bodyside stripes, a twin-scoop hood, side scoops, a rear spoiler, a tilt-away steering column, a push-button AM/FM radio, and the GT Equipment, Interior Décor, and Visibility group packages. The car is elegantly finished in Raven Black and features a black vinyl upholstered interior.
This 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR Convertible is now available for the taking on Bring A Trailer and is offered with 42k miles on the odometer.
Source: Bring A Trailer
