Thanks to low production, big-block performance, special looks and Shelby mystique, the 1968 GT500KR is considered one of the most collectible of all Shelby Mustangs. Rotisserie restored in correct T-code Candyapple Red, this 1968 Shelby GT500KR Fastback, Shelby No. 03682, goes straight to the top of the collectability ladder with only 49,500 miles plus original sheet metal and fiberglass, a 4-speed transmission and a matching-numbers 428/335 HP Cobra Jet engine. Per its documentation in the official Shelby Registry, the GT500KR was sold new at Tallakson Ford in Seattle. The fastback’s provenance is further enhanced by the presence of its original VIN tag, door data plate, Shelby VIN tag on the driver’s side fenderwell and all three Ford VIN stamps. All glass (including the windshield) remains original, along with the Stewart Warner gauges, Philco radio and Kelsey Hayes steel spare wheel with E70-17 Speedway tire. For 1968, Shelby production moved to Michigan’s A.O. Smith Company, where Mustangs were transformed into Shelbys with abundant use of fiberglass body panels, including the extended nose, hood with functional, forward-placed scoops, the trunk lid with ducktail spoiler, side scoops and a rear panel with distinctive 1965 Thunderbird sequential tail lights. Inside, Shelbys received the Mustang Interior Décor Group, plus a unique console with a Cobra-embossed padded armrest, dual gauges and a roll bar with shoulder harnesses. At midyear, the 1968 GT500’s 428 Police Interceptor engine was replaced by the new 335 HP 428/335 HP Cobra Jet. Famously, Carroll Shelby swooped in to claim the “King of the Road” copyright when he learned that Chevrolet was planning to use the name on a new model. Thus, the Cobra Jet- powered GT500s were identified by the “KR” in their side stripes. Only 1,053 midyear GT500KR fastbacks were produced. Highly detailed, this red GT500KR is equipped with Shelby 10-spoke wheels mounting new reproduction Goodyear Speedway tires and comes with its Deluxe Marti Report, original buck tag and copies of previous registrations. It has been recently serviced at the current owner’s Ford dealership, including lube, oil and filter.
