1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500-KR

The KR acronym represented King of the Road, and while the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT 500-KR appeared more menacing as a muscle car than its performance might suggest, its reputation remained formidable.

Shelby's 1967 GT 500 had pushed Ford's pony car beyond the 400-cid mark with a detuned 427-cid race engine and a high-performance 428-cid Police Interceptor V-8. Both engines were carried over into 1968. Later that year, in April, Ford introduced an even more powerful iteration of the 428, the Cobra Jet, which was made available in the Mustang and other models.

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Shelby replaced the original 428 with the Cobra Jet, and the GT 500 models were rebranded with the KR suffix, standing for King of the Road. (The 427 was discontinued.) This marked the second name change of the year. Although the AC Cobra roadster was phased out after 1967, Shelby retained the Cobra name, renaming his Mustangs as the Shelby Cobra GT 500 and Shelby Cobra GT 350. (The 1968 GT 350 featured Ford's new 302-cid V-8, producing 250 bhp.)

The GT 500-KR's 428 engine shared the same modest 335-bhp rating as other Cobra Jets, though some Shelby documentation suggested higher output at increased rpm. Shelby's iteration included diecast aluminum Cobra rocker covers but retained the same simple painted ram-air air cleaner.

The GT 500-KR was anything but plain. This year introduced the first Shelby convertible, which, like the fastback, enhanced the standard Mustang with custom fiberglass nose panels, a functional hood with scoops and air-extraction vents, decorative side intakes, and a spoiler-equipped rear with sequential turn signals. The fastback's roof scoops channeled air into the cabin. Inside, the stock Mustang interior was upgraded with a padded roll bar featuring inertia-reel shoulder harnesses, improved gauges, and woodgrain accents.

Equipped with wide tires and suspension adjustments, the GT 500-KR outperformed most vehicles, rivaling only pure sports cars in handling. However, its weight exceeded that of a Cobra Jet Mustang, making it less competitive in drag racing against Hemi-powered cars. Despite this, its sheer presence often deterred challengers. As Car Life noted, "The KR's vulnerability is irrelevant. Its commanding appearance and aura of dominance leave no room for competition, fostering a sense of confidence that borders on arrogance."

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