When word trickled down that Ford was going to offer the special, Tasca Ford-developed Cobra-Jet engine as an option for select models, Carroll Shelby made sure it found its way into the GT500. The Cobra-Jet-powered GT500 would be the top-of-the-line Shelby for 1968 — the only question was what to call it. As the story goes, Lee Iacocca had a meeting with Shelby informing him that Chevrolet was about to release a new version of the Corvette called the King of the Road. Shelby had supposedly always wanted to use that name for one of his cars and figured the Cobra-Jet-powered GT500 was the perfect platform. He left the meeting and called his trade dress lawyer in Washington to see if anyone had secured the rights to the name; turns out no one had. Shelby secured the rights and thus, the GT500 KR—the King of the Road—was born.

The Cobra-Jet 428 engine was rated at “just” 335 horsepower as a ruse to fool the competition and the insurance companies. The engine, in fact, pumped out at least 400 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The KR included a number of engine modifications over the 428 Police Interceptor engine in standard GT500s, such as: low-riser heads from the famed 427 engine, a beefier crank, rods and pistons. Additionally, the KR had larger brakes, under-hood suspension bracing and staggered rear shocks to prevent axle wind-up and wheel hop, making the KR the best of the best.

This magnificent 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Fastback was built on 6 June 1968. It was finished in stunning Acapulco Blue over black interior and powered by Ford’s legendary 428 Cobra Jet V-8. The engine was backed by a C-6 automatic transmission which sent power to a 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear axle. It was further equipped with shoulder harnesses, GT equipment group, visibility group, Sport Deck rear seat, power disc brakes, power steering, tilt-away steering wheel, AM radio, interior décor group, as well as a tachometer and trip odometer. Just released from a prominent private collection this fully restored show quality GT500 KR is readily shown or driven. We are proud to offer what we believe to be one of the very best GT500 KR's to be found the market today, for the most particular collector, investor or enthusiast who demands the very best.