1968 Ford Mustang GT500KR

Description

SUMMARY

• 1 of only 1,053 Shelby GT500KR fastbacks produced for the 1968 model year
• Ground-up restoration completed in 2014
• 428 cubic inch Ford V8
• C6 3-speed automatic transmission
• Correct Raven Black paint
• Correct Black Décor interior
• Sale includes an original build sheet and an Elite Marti Auto Works Report
• Ford 9-inch rear axle / Traction-Lok differential / 3.50 gears
• Shelby 10-spoke wheels
• Power steering / Power front disc and rear drum brakes

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Here at RK Motors we have a tradition of offering the best collector cars on the planet. And, while it's our job to facilitate transactions that make car enthusiasts' dreams come true, we also enjoy telling guests about the legendary metal that adorns our massive Charlotte showroom. That's why we simply couldn't wait to tell you about this awesome Raven Black fastback! Fully documented, wearing a fresh restoration and featuring a killer 428/3-speed drivetrain, this Ford is an excellent example of one of the finest muscle cars ever produced. And if you're a discerning enthusiast who demands the very best in high caliber, investment grade classics, it's the story you've been patiently waiting to hear!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Delivered to Healy Motors of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, this awesome Shelby likely spent very little time in the showroom before its big power and big style were unleashed on big city streets. After roughly four decades of excellent maintenance and accident-free driving, the car received a ground-up restoration that included stripping and reworking each of its solid panels. Once those laser-straight lines and super-smooth surfaces were adequately prepped, correct Raven Black base was buried in thick clear and decorated with precise GT500 KR side stripes. And today, this razor-sharp Shelby rolls as a first-class showpiece that can anchor any serious muscle car collection or hedge any major investment portfolio.

The GT500 threw fuel on the muscle car fire by not only adding power, but also introducing some of the coolest and most aggressive Mustang styling cues ever created. At the front of this KR, a stainless-trimmed grille hangs big Lucas driving lamps between clear Ford headlights, a bright chrome bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a familiar “S H E L B Y” script leads the eye to a correct fiberglass hood, which is founded in mirror-like stainless and like-new glass. At the sides of that glass, a straight profile hangs small scoops, ornate Cobra Jet emblems and subtle fender extensions around traditional door handles, correct chrome mirrors and dent-free rocker guards. And at the back of that profile, a smooth silver valence centers correct taillights and a detailed fuel filler between a second chrome bumper, bright reverse lamps, KR-exclusive exhaust tips and a correct, “S H E L B Y” branded decklid.

ENGINE

Now that you've waded through all the flowery prose about paint and trim, it's time to get down to business. Lift the car's lightweight hood and you'll find 428 cubic inches of Ford V8 that's been completely rebuilt from its big 4-barrel carburetor all the way down to its (D) April 17th (17), 1967 (7) casting date. Long regarded as one of the most iconic mills ever created, factory-supplied Cobra Jets utilized a strengthened medium block, heavy-duty rods, a nodular crankshaft, and larger valves and ports to produce an advertised 335 horsepower. At the top of the engine, ram air cowl induction centers a “COBRA JET” branded air cleaner over a high performance intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang crinkle-finish Cobra LeMans valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. The fires are lit by a familiar points distributor, which sequences sparks through fresh Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. Cooling comes courtesy of a stock radiator, which circulates water through pliable FoMoCo hoses. And charging is provided by squeak-free belts, which spin a rebuilt alternator and correct power steering via simple black pulleys. Aesthetically, the clean engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even combination of Satin Black and Ford Blue paint. And everything, from the car's tagged Autolite battery to its tidy Ford washer tank, appears fully sorted and ready to show.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take a look under this Mustang and you'll find exceedingly clean floors that are every bit as solid as the body's straight exterior panels. The tough C6 3-speed, one of 523 bolted under 1968 KRs, spins a correct Traction-Lok differential around correct 3.50 gears. At the front of that drivetrain, a rebuilt suspension centers a beefy sway bar and the aforementioned power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the back of that drivetrain, sturdy leaf springs hang correct drum brakes at the edges of a clean stainless fuel tank. At the center of that suspension, fresh exhaust pipes funnel spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, small resonators and a transversely mounted muffler. Power meets the ground through 215/65R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As, which are wrapped around appropriate Shelby 10-spokes. And everything, from the car's stainless fluid lines to its “COBRA” branded oil pan, appears safe, lucid and ready to roll.

INTERIOR

Naturally, Ol' Shel focused most of his energy on the performance and appearance of America's most revered pony car. And when those attributes were combined with Ford's already excellent interior, it paid big dividends. The first thing you'll notice is a snazzy wood-rimmed, chrome-trimmed steering wheel. Behind that wheel, a great looking dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer beside a correct Philco radio and requisite Carroll Shelby autograph. Opposite that dash, knitted vinyl seats are in spectacular shape, presenting hardly any evidence of use. Between those seats, a full-length console anchors small Stewart Warner accessory gauges in front of a slick Shelby shifter and correct, cobra-branded armrest. Beneath that console, like-new carpet rides tight between Shelby branded sill plates. Opposite that carpet, a Shelby-spec roll bar perfectly complements a fresh headliner. At the base of that roll bar, pliable door panels feature bright stainless trim, spotless chrome handles and clean wood accents. And at the back of the cockpit, a fully restored trunk hides a new mat, fresh decklid decals and Goodyear Speedway 350 spare.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

1 of only 1,053 KR fastbacks produced for the 1968 model year, this stellar pony is pretty much everything anyone could ask for when it comes to investment grade muscle. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's Elite Marti Auto Works Report:

SERIAL NUMBER: 8T02RXXXXXX-XXXXX

DOOR PLATE:

• 8 - 1968 model year
• T - Assembled in Metuchen, New Jersey
• 02 – Shelby Fastback
• R - 428-4V CJ Engine GT-500KR
• XXX,XXXth Mustang scheduled for production at Ford's Metuchen assembly plant
• X,XXXth Shelby scheduled for production
• 63B – Shelby Fastback
• A - Ford #1724-A Raven Black paint
• 5AA – Black Knitted Décor bucket seats
• 03E -- Scheduled for build on May 3rd, 1968
• 8D2874 – Home Office Reserve ordering district under Domestic Special Order Number 2874
• H -- 3.50 Traction-Lok axle ratio
• U – C6 3-speed automatic transmission

OPTIONS:

• GT Equipment Group
• Visibility Group
• Sport Deck rear seat
• Power steering
• Power front disc brakes
• Tilt-Away steering column
• AM radio
• Interior Décor Group
• Tachometer and Trip Odometer

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

• An original build sheet
• A couple of restoration photos
• A brief historical summary
• The aforementioned Elite Marti Auto Works Report

Few classics have the kind of attitude and presence of an old school Shelby. And if previous trends are any indication, these cars will continue to gain value as they become more exclusive and collectible. This investment grade KR is a fully documented, fully sorted show queen that drives and sounds every bit as good as it looks. If you're a dedicated purist who desires only the best, here's a chance to own the ultimate muscle car!