From The Classifieds: 1968 Ford Shelby Cobra GT 500 KR

1968 Ford Shelby Cobra GT 500 KR

Carroll Shelby and Ford seemed virtually inseparable in the 1960s with a relationship that has continued -- in a naming sense at least -- until today in the form of the latest Mustang-based GT 500 Shelby Cobra coupe.

Today, numerous later-model Shelby Cobras are on sale in Australia, but the earlier 1960s versions are somewhat rarer and this 1968 GT 500 KR recalls the later days of the relationship between Shelby and Ford.

The Shelby Cobra GT 500 introduced the big block 428 cubic inch (7.0-litre) V8 to the Mustang range in 1967 (although it was not actually called a Mustang) and was produced under Ford stewardship at a plant in Michigan, selling alongside the smaller-engined 302 cubic-inch GT 350.

In 1968 came something special: The Cobra Jet powered Shelby Cobra GT 500 KR (King of the Road).

It was rated at 250kW, with a torque figure of 597Nm and drove through either a Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic gearbox or a four-speed manual.

The Cobra appellation disappeared from the cars in 1969, when they were sold as the Shelby GT 350 and the Shelby GT 500.

This Candy Apple Red GT 500 KR from Windsor Gardens, north of Adelaide is for sale through carsales.com.au and is claimed to be the third-last to be produced in 1968 and comes with factory options including tilt steering, fold-down rear seat, AM radio and original 10-spoke alloy wheels fitted with new tyres.

The owner says the Shelby Cobra had its engine and auto transmission rebuilt in the USA (with full report and receipts) and has matching numbers to prove its heritage. The owner says the Shelby logos are intact and that all panels (floors, external) are original. The car’s history from new is available.

The club-registered car comes with a roadworthy certificate and is tagged at $165,000.
A rare version of the original pony car.