1968 Shelby Mustang GT500 KR Convertible Coupe

This 1968 Shelby Mustang GT 500KR Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $180,000 - $200,000. The car is powered by a Cobra-Jet 428 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 335 horsepower. There is a Top Loader four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel power disc brakes.

The 335 horsepower rating was modest, at best. The engine rating was meant to fool the competition and the insurance agencies. In reality, the engine produced at least 400 horsepower and 440 foot-pounds of torque. This was good enough to combat the Chevelle's on the drag strips.

Included with the 'KR' were bigger brakes, under-hood suspension bracing, and staggered rear shocks which aided in preventing wheel hop.

There were only 517 examples of the King of the Road constructed. This example is finished in Acapulco Blue with a black interior and white top. Since new, it has been treated to a nut-and-bolt restoration which was done to high standards. Since that time, it has traveled only 2,535 miles.

The car has been judged 699 points out of a possible 700. It has received the Mustang Club of America Gold Award in the Thoroughbred Class five times. It has won the Premiere Division Concours at Watkins Glen in 1993. It has received many other awards and its one of the greatest examples of the KR in existence.

At auction, the car was popular. Bidding exceeded the estimated value, and a new owner was found for the price of $225,500.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007