In a bid to up the ante, and further bolster the GT500’s performance credibility, plans were hatched to develop a new powerplant that would provide an unequivocal degree of output. Through these efforts, the now legendary 428 cubic-inch, Cobra Jet V8 was born, as was a new GT500 model, known as the Shelby Cobra GT500 KR.
The new GT500 KR would serve as Ford’s flagship performance car, standing head and shoulders above prior Shelby models. The car’s KR designation stood for King of the Road, and was used by Ford to portray the model’s superior status.
The car is powered by a 428ci Cobra Jet V8 that features cast-aluminum valve covers with “Cobra Le Mans” lettering and is fed by a Holley four-barrel carburetor. Factory-rated output was 335 horsepower. However, this value is known to be grossly underestimated, with most being in universal agreement that the engine’s true output was well in excess of 400 horsepower, and 440 lb-ft of torque.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
