The GT500KR was the most powerful Shelby built in 1968, the year Ford moved engineering and production from Carroll Shelby’s facility in Los Angeles to corporate headquarters in Livonia, Michigan. By that time, the Mustang had gotten too large and luxurious for Ol’ Shel, who moved on to more challenging projects. But fun was still to be had, because in April 1968, the 428 ci Cobra Jet Ram-Air V8 engine was fitted to the GT500KR, shorthand for “King of the Road." Despite the extra weight, the big-block V8 was a powerhouse, underrated by Ford at 355 hp and developing 440 lb-ft of torque. Out of the 4,451 Shelbys made for 1968, just 1,452 were KR model (933 fastbacks and 318 convertibles).
From the article by Robert Ross, Bryan Hood, Erik Shilling
