The 1968 Shelby GT500 and the GT500KR (King of the Road) occupy two of the most celebrated chapters in the Shelby legend. Both cars share a dramatic silhouette, unmistakable Carroll Shelby branding, and the raw visceral appeal that defines late-sixties American muscle.
Yet behind the shared sheetmetal lie key differences in engine tuning, induction systems, cosmetic appointments, chassis calibrations, and production rarity that set the 1967 Shelby GT350 Classic apart as the ultimate expression of the breed.
Below, we explore these distinctions in detail, in a style faithful to Revology Cars: richly descriptive, technically grounded, and passionately attuned to the heritage of Shelby engineering.
A Pivotal Year in Shelby History
In 1968, Shelby American continued its quest to push performance boundaries. The previous year’s 1967 Shelby GT500 had introduced a 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet big-block V8, rated at 335 horsepower.For ’68, the standard GT500 retained that engine but received subtle mechanical refinements. Mid-year, Shelby unveiled the GT500KR, a limited-edition variant featuring enhanced induction, revised internals, and bespoke styling cues. The KR moniker signified Shelby’s ambition to deliver a muscle car with royal stature in an era of intense competition from Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Dodge.
Powertrain: Base GT500 vs. King of the Road
The heart of any Shelby resides beneath its hood. In 1968, the GT500 and GT500KR engines embodied two distinct performance philosophies: one that leaned on proven brute force and another that pursued refined dominance.
1968 GT500
The standard 1968 GT500 carried over the 428 Cobra Jet Police Interceptor engine from the previous year. This naturally aspirated big-block V8 displaced 428 cubic inches and came factory rated at 335 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. In actual dynamometer testing, most units produced closer to 360 horsepower, reflecting Shelby’s generous camshaft profile and dual-plane intake design.
Cooling upgrades included a heavy-duty radiator and oil cooler to manage heat during spirited driving. An optional Drag Pack provided a larger cowl induction air cleaner, reinforced cooling components, and a 4.30 rear axle ratio. These choices delivered brisk quarter-mile times and strong straight-line authority, cementing the GT500’s status as a muscle car powerhouse.
1968 GT500KR
The GT500KR elevated the Cobra Jet to an elite level. Its Ram Air induction system featured forward-facing hood scoops that channeled cooler outside air into a revised plenum. Underneath, Shelby fitted high-flow cylinder heads, a hotter camshaft, forged aluminum pistons, and optimized porting.
Though factory literature continued to list 335 horsepower, these modifications produced real-world output of approximately 360 to 370 horsepower and nearly 450 pound-feet of torque, according to period road tests. Throttle response sharpened, and midrange acceleration became noticeably more aggressive. The KR’s powertrain changes yielded a muscle car with a stronger personality and improved top-end performance compared to the standard GT500.
Induction and Cooling Enhancements
The GT500KR’s functional Ram Air system was more than cosmetic. Forward-mounted hood scoops captured denser ambient air, reducing intake temperatures and slightly increasing volumetric efficiency at speed. Internally ducted hoses deliver that air directly to the intake plenum, improving cylinder filling.
To support higher sustained outputs, Shelby upgraded the radiator, enlarged the coolant passages, and added an auxiliary engine-oil cooler. These measures ensured stable operating temperatures during long, high-speed runs and on the dragstrip.
Chassis and Handling Calibration
Shelby’s performance ethos extended beyond straight-line speed. The standard GT500 already featured power front disc brakes, heavy-duty front torsion bars, and a front anti-roll bar larger than on base Mustangs.
The GT500KR for sale intensified these features by fitting stiffer front springs and a larger rear stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. Shelby American offered an optional handling package that included F-70-14 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires mounted on 15-by-7-inch aluminum wheels, further improving grip and directional stability. These suspension revisions made the KR feel more composed through corners and more confidence-inspiring at speed.
Cosmetic Appointments and Badging
Visually, the GT500 and GT500KR share aggressive fastback lines, pronounced wheel arches, and functional hood vents. The KR, however, bears a unique styling that signals its regal status. Gold-colored Le Mans stripes run the length of the car on select paint schemes such as Wimbledon White.
Decklid badging displays a gold KR script that proclaims King of the Road. The wheels on factory KR models feature painted gold “bullet” centers with steel knock-offs, contrasting with the polished Magnum 500 wheels of the standard GT500. These touches strike a balance between understated elegance and high-performance intent.
Interior Refinement
Inside, both models offer a driver-focused environment with high-back bucket seats, dual-pod instrument clusters, and wood-grain dash trim. The GT500KR enhanced creature comforts with unique two-tone vinyl and cloth seat inserts accented in gold, a thicker-rimmed wood-grain steering wheel stamped with the KR emblem, and the option of factory-installed air conditioning and an AM-FM stereo with eight-track tape player. These appointments reinforced the KR’s grand touring credentials without diluting its aggressive character.
Performance Figures and Real-World Dynamics
Independent road tests of the 1968 GT500 equipped with the Drag Pack and four-speed manual transmission recorded 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 6.3 seconds and quarter-mile times in the mid-14-second range at just over 100 miles per hour.
The GT500KR improved on these figures, typically achieving 0 to 60 in around 6.1 seconds and quarter-mile passes in the high-13-second bracket at nearly 105 miles per hour. Test drivers praised the KR’s stronger midrange punch, higher top-end velocity, and more assured handling on sweepers, attributing gains to its Ram Air system and optimized chassis setup.
Restoration and Modern Reinterpretation
Revology Cars celebrates these Shelby icons by marrying period-correct aesthetics with modern engineering. A Revology 1968 GT500KR re-creation uses CAD-perfect body panels fitted to a reinforced unibody chassis. Behind authentic gauges lie contemporary upgrades such as four-wheel four-piston disc brakes for fade-free stopping power, modern HVAC systems, and discreet infotainment.
Powertrain choices include a modern 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 calibrated to deliver the KR’s original torque profile but with enhanced reliability and emissions compliance. These reinterpretations preserve the visceral thrill of 1968 performance while offering comfort, safety, and dependability for daily driving and weekend enjoyment.
Legacy and Collectibility
The 1968 Shelby GT500 and GT500KR encapsulate the zenith of Shelby American’s muscle car era. The standard GT500 represents raw, unfiltered power and remains an icon of late-sixties performance.
The GT500KR stands above it as a limited-edition masterpiece, combining heightened induction, refined chassis dynamics, exclusive styling, and greater rarity. Today, KR models in concours condition achieve values well above their GT500 for sale counterparts. Yet both cars continue to stir passion among enthusiasts, collectors, and restomod builders, preserving their place in automotive lore.
Final Verdict: Two Legends, One Legacy
The 1968 Shelby GT500 and GT500KR are more than just performance variants of the classic Mustang. They represent a turning point in American automotive history, a time when boldness, innovation, and horsepower reigned supreme.
The GT500 is a muscle car in its purest form: fast, aggressive, and beautifully balanced. The GT500KR takes that formula and amplifies it, with enhanced performance, rare exclusivity, and a name that carries mythic weight.
For collectors, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference, budget, and appreciation for historical nuance. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate Shelby Mustang experience reimagined for the modern world, Revology offers both legends, faithfully recreated and thoughtfully refined.
Whether your passion leans toward the commanding presence of the GT500 or the unrelenting spirit of the King of the Road, one truth remains: there has never been a better time to experience Shelby greatness.