1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible

THE MODEL

The 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Convertible represents the apex of Shelby American’s street-performance Mustangs for the first-generation era, offering both muscular presence and engineering refinement. The "KR" designation stands for King of the Road—a bold title that was well-earned thanks to the introduction of the new 428 Cobra Jet engine.

Officially rated at 335 horsepower to appease insurance companies and stay within NHRA stock-class guidelines, the 428 CJ was significantly underrated, with real output closer to 400+ hp and over 440 lb-ft of torque. This mill featured improved breathing via larger intake/exhaust ports, a functional Ram Air induction system, and beefier internals over the standard FE engines. Backing it was either a Toploader 4-speed manual or C6 automatic, both with 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear gears standard.

The GT500 KR convertible incorporated Ford's mid-1968 visual refresh, including integrated side scoops, revised taillights (sourced from the 1965 Thunderbird), and the aggressive fiberglass Shelby front end with inboard-mounted Lucas fog lamps. It sat on staggered Kelsey-Hayes 10-spoke aluminum wheels and wore unique badging to distinguish it from the earlier GT500.

Suspension-wise, the KR retained the Mustang GT’s underpinnings but with Shelby-specific tuning—stiffer springs, heavy-duty shocks, and a larger front sway bar. While still fundamentally a straight-line machine, it offered respectable handling for a big-block convertible of its era.

Production numbers were limited: only 518 GT500 KR convertibles were built, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Shelby Mustangs today. Carroll Shelby's name may have been increasingly symbolic by 1968 as Ford assumed more control, but the KR remains a high-water mark—a well-balanced blend of muscle car power and Shelby-branded prestige.

For the enthusiast, the GT500 KR is more than just a Mustang—it’s a snapshot of late-’60s performance bravado wrapped in fiberglass and legend.

THE CAR

This is 1 of 518 GT500 KR Convertibles.  It was produced on June 21st, 1968 and sold by Shelby American to JD Ball Ford Dealership of Miami, Florida on August, 28th of 1968.  Only 40 convertibles were ordered with Lime Gold exterior and only 12 of those with a black convertible top. A Deluxe Marti Report accompanies this car, confirming the originality of this GT500 'King of the Road'!  

This car was owned in Florida and purchased by Donnie Gould Restorations in 2005.  They treated it to a full restoration before being sold by Galpin Motors at auction in Monterey Car Week in 2007.

Our client purchased the car at RM Sothebys at Monterey Car Week in 2010.  They displayed the car at several car shows around Northern California..

It comes with parts invoices from Donnie Gould's restoration as well as subsequent service records.  It features a portion of the original build sheet and window sticker, a glass framed collage shows the original Shelby Automotive invoice and the Marti Report.

An excellent example, this car has travelled less than 350 miles since its aforementioned restoration.  A truly rare car for Shelby enthusiasts!

LIVE ON BRING A TRAILER!

Email ingo@genauautowerks.com

or call 415.730.5352 for more information