1968 Shelby GT500 KR Convertible
Carroll Shelby’s opportunistic trademark of “King of the Road” ahead of Chevrolet’s planned Corvette designation defined the mid-year GT500 KR introduced in April 1968.
Only about 1,570 GT500 KRs (1,053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles) were produced for 1968. The KR represented the only model year in which Shelby offered a convertible variant built around the 428 Cobra Jet powerplant.
Distinctive fiberglass front bodywork featured a large grille that housed inboard driving lights (Lucas-branded units were commonly used on Shelbys of this era), while functional hood scoops fed a ram air induction setup.
Sequential rear turn signals, a Shelby hallmark adapted from contemporary Ford/Lincoln components, distinguished the tail treatment and were complemented by a deck-mounted spoiler.
Ten-spoke aluminum wheels were a signature visual element on 1968 Shelbys and became closely associated with the KR’s muscular stance.
The 428 Cobra Jet V8 used revised cylinder heads patterned on 427-type performance castings, a high-rise intake manifold, and a 735-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor.
Ford conservatively rated the engine at 335 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 440 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm, although period and modern estimates place actual output much closer to 400 horsepower.
A choice of four-speed manual transmission or C6 three-speed automatic was offered, both feeding a strengthened 9-inch rear axle to cope with the Cobra Jet’s substantial torque.
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