1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Description

Seven words: One-of-nine, registry-listed Shelby GT500KR... That's really all we need to say to build excitement for our latest investment grade Ford. Of course, the car DID benefit from meticulous maintenance and restoration during its 34-year stint with two dedicated enthusiasts. So, maybe that bumps the word count to thirteen with: meticulously maintained and restored, registry-listed Shelby GT500KR that's one of nine produced. Then again, it's also a fully documented piece, which lands us at: fully documented, registry-listed one-of-nine Shelby GT500KR that's been meticulously maintained and carefully restored. But wait, we almost forgot about its clean coat of bright Candyapple pigment. So how about: fully documented, registry-listed one-of-nine Candyapple Shelby GT500KR that's been meticulously maintained and carefully restored? Yeah, that sounds good. But trust us, if you like the sound of that sentence, you're going to LOVE the car it describes!

TWO PASSIONATE OWNERS SINCE 1988

According to Ford expert Kevin Marti, this registry-listed Shelby was produced on April 29th, 1968 and delivered south to Ray Hunt Ford in Daytona Beach, Florida. One of two identical GT500KR convertibles peddled by Ray Hunt, this Ford likely spent the next 20 years turning heads and terrorizing streets. In 1988, the dream car met its dream home, settling with a motivated enthusiast who would drive and maintain his Ford for a solid 32 years. Early 2020 introduced the car to its present owner, who coordinated a professional restoration at Bumbera's Performance in Sealy, Texas. And today, as one of only 518 1968 Shelby GT500KR convertibles produced, this dreamy drop-top rolls as a choice classic that's unique, super cool and super exclusive!

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. This slick KR's dashing Candyapple pigment kicks off with a bright chrome bumper, which dissects a correct Shelby grille beneath a prominent “SHELBY” script, stylish Lucas driving lamps and stainless-trimmed headlights. At the top of that grille, twisting lanyards lead the eye past a lightweight fiberglass hood to factory-tint glass that's seated between straight frames, silver wipers and a correct White top. At the sides of that glass, factory mirrors reflect traditional door handles and dent-free rocker guards between correct Shelby caps, correct Shelby scoops and flashy Shelby badging. And at the back of the car, a lightweight Shelby decklid hangs more “SHELBY” lettering over Shelby taillights, a Cobra fuel filler and a second chrome bumper.

4, 2 & 8

Lift the hood and you'll find 428 cubic inches of legendary Cobra Jet V8 that's been completely rebuilt from its big Holley 4-barrel all the way down to its Ford Blue oil pan. 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 roughly 435 horsepower and 440 lb./ft. of torque. At the top of the engine, functional ram air induction drops wind through a high performance Ford intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang crinkle-finish Cobra LeMans valve covers between a polished breather and traditional, cast iron exhaust manifolds. The fires get lit by a factory distributor, which sequences sparks between an Autolite coil and loomed Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. Cooling comes courtesy of a stock radiator, which circulates water through pliable Autolite hoses. Charging is provided by a familiar Autolite alternator. And aesthetically, the clean engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even combination of Satin Black and Ford Blue paint.

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

Take a look under this 'stang and you'll find solid floors that, naturally, have been dressed in Satin Black pigment. A tough C6 3-speed spins a tough 9-inch axle. At the front of that drivetrain, a rebuilt suspension centers correct power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the back of that drivetrain, correct drum brakes frame a clean stainless fuel tank. At the center of that suspension, aluminized exhaust pipes spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, small resonators and a transversely mounted muffler. And power meets the ground through familiar Shelby 10-spokes which spin 215/65R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

DECADES OF STYLE

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 Shelby-branded 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 correct Selectaire air conditioning. Opposite that dash, cleverly integrated shoulder belts hug correct Black Décor buckets. Between those seats, a full-length console anchors small Stewart Warner accessory gauges in front of a slick Shelby shifter and a correct, cobra-branded armrest. Like-new carpet rides under pliable side panels, which frame a Shelby-spec roll bar. And at the back of the cockpit, a fully restored trunk hides a convenient spare tire.

Banner cars for a golden era of Detroit, pedigreed Shelbys offer an unbeatable combination of looks, desirability and performance. Few classics are as popular and well documented, and that simply adds to the brand's cache. With its exclusive powertrain, quality restoration and outstanding provenance, this exceptional Mustang represents investment grade muscle at its very finest!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Fully documented Shelby GT500KR convertible that's benefitted from a professional restoration
• 1 of only 518 Shelby GT500KR convertibles produced for the 1968 model year
• Listed in the SAAC Registry
• In the hands of two meticulous owners for the past 32 years
• Correct 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8
• Correct C6 3-speed automatic transmission
• Correct nodular 9-inch rear axle
• Correct Selectaire air conditioning
• Correct power steering
• Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
• Correct Black Décor interior
• Correct Candyapple paint with a correct White top
• Correct Shelby 10-spoke wheels (sale includes a second set of wheels and tires)
• Original order form
• Original Dealer Invoice
• Original Build Sheet
• Restoration receipts (including an engine build summary)
• Elite Marti Auto Works Report
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world