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1968 Shelby GT500

Author: Joe Babiasz
1968 Shelby GT500

Photos by Huw Evens

Image is everything. And image is what Carroll Shelby oozed. From his racing days to his days as a promoter of Shelby vehicles, Carroll Shelby was a one-man marketing genius. The difference between him and other marketers was that his products backed up the image with exhilarating performance, looks and handling.

Since the first GT350 came off the assembly line, the Shelby line of cars built on the performance image. Many buyers of these special cars got a lot for their money, with plenty of them going from the dealership to the racetrack and winning on a regular basis. Others enjoyed the celebrity of owning a pure bred race car.

The 1968 GT500KR had its roots in the 1967 GT500. When launched, the GT500 was the epitome of cool. The new tougher body style of the Mustang fastback lent itself to Shelby modifications. Using the basic Mustang shell, a more aggressive front end looked like a killer shark ready for lunch. The hood and headlamps had an aggressive overhang while the grille looked menacing with its center mounted high beams.

Things were changing for the Shelby organization. Up until now, all GT350 and GT500s were built in Metuchen, New Jersey, as a Mustang GT, then sent to a rented facility at LAX airport for transformation into a Shelby GT. However in September 1967, Shelby lost his lease at the LAX facility and all production was moved the A.O Smith Company in Livonia, Michigan.

Rumor had it that Shelby moved because of losing his lease, but the truth was Ford wanted more control over the project, especially with respect to quality control of Shelby’s cars. Earlier fiberglass pieces were at best a poor fit, especially at the hood to headlamp bucket fit. Ford, for 1968, redesigned the fiberglass front end pieces and changed suppliers that resulted in the 1968 Shelby having a much better fit and finish along with a crisper look to the car. Front-end changes included a shorter hood with a scoop resting more forward than that of 1967. The new hood also included twin side mounted louvers for added airflow to the engine compartment. The grille was redesigned and offered twin pedestal style fog lamps built by first by Marchal, then later by Lucas. High beams reverted back to larger seven-inch headlamps.

From the side, the GT500 was carried over from 1967. A C-pillar mounted air vent pushed air into the cabin while the quarter-panel mounted lower scoop cooled the rear brakes. The rear end treatment included a fiberglass decklid with an integral spoiler. Taillights for 1968 were changed to 1965 Thunderbird for a better look than the Cougar lights used previously. Quad exhausts exited under the lower valence panel.

Inside, the GT500KR was all business. All cars were fitted with the Mustang Deluxe Interior. This included a woodgrain dash panel, deluxe door pads, Cobra logo floor-mounted shifter, 140 mph speedometer and an eight grand tach. Bucket seats, while handsome, offered no lateral support.


Fuel For Thought
Probably the most recognized factory performance car in history
Outlandish styling
Carroll Shelby is an icon in the industry
Incredible curb appeal
First year for production Shelby Mustang convertible


Specifications
Number built
– 1,053 Fastbacks (GT500KR),  517 Convertibles (GT500KR), 1 GT500KR Hertz
Construction
– Unibody
Engine
– 428 ci V8
Power/Torque
– 335/440
Transmission
– four-speed manual, three-speed automatic
Suspension front
– independent ball joints, single lower control arm and upper a-type control arm with coil springs
Suspension rear
– leaf springs
Steering
– recirculating ball and nut
Brakes
– 11.3-inch front disc brakes, 10 inch drums rear
Length/width/height
– 183.6/70.9/51.8 inches
Wheelbase
– 108 inches
Weight
– 3,570 lbs.
0-60mph/quarter-mile
– 6.5 seconds, 14.75 seconds at 98 mph (Motor Trend, March 1968 on a Mustang GT500)
Top speed
– 116 mph
MPG
– 12.8 average
Price
– MSRP $4,438 (convertible), Today – $ 111,600


Insurance Cost
Insurance cost is $629 per year for a $100,000 1968 Mustang GT500KR. This is based on 3,000 miles per year of pleasure driving.
*Based on a quote from Heacock Classic Car Insurance
www.heacockclassic.com


Engine - The FE Cobra-Jet block was designed for racing. There are no known weak areas. It would accept high RPM without wincing. Ford purposely underrated the horsepower but opponents knew it was much more than 335. Most experts rate the factory engine at 400 horsepower or more.


Handling - The GT500KR handled better than any other domestic production car of its time. Carroll Shelby had been a road racer and knew what it took to create a total performance car. With staggered shocks, heavy-duty springs and a large sway bar, the GT500KR took curves like a skateboard.


Alternative
1968 Corvette 427 L71 Tri-Power
Number built
– 2,898 (L71 Corvettes)
0-60/quarter mile
– 6.3 seconds, 14.1 seconds at 103 mph
Top speed
– 160 mph
Price
– $4,663 plus $437.10 for the 427 tri-power engine; Today – $199,000 - $502,800.

Alternative
1968 Yenko (Copo 9737) 427 Camaro
Number built
– 65 units
0-60/quarter-mile
– 5.7 seconds, 13.20 seconds at 106 mph est.
Top speed
– 130 mph
Price
– $3,995 –Today – $72,100 - $181,800


Strong Points
One of the most sought after cars in history
Stellar performance
Incredible visuals
Limited production


Weak Points
Expensive to purchase
Many unrestored cars have rust problems
Easy to clone


Vehicle Category
Most are trailer queens. Due to the high value of the GT500KR, very few are driven regularly.


What To Pay
1968 Shelby GT500KR
MSRP – $4,900
Low – $111,600
Average – $159,900
High – $231,900
*Prices courtesy of NADA,
www.nadaguides.com


Parts Prices
Seat cover kit $201.95
Engine oil pan $54.95
Front fender $176.95
Complete floor pan $614.95
GT500 grille emblem $52.95
GT500 body side stripe $24.95
*National Parts Depot
(800) 521-6104
www.npdlink.com


Websites
www.allfordmustangs.com
www.mustangforums.com
www.saac.com
www.thecoralsnake.com
www.shelbyforums.com


Books
Shelby Mustang
by Tom Corcoran
Shelby Mustang
by R.M. Clarke
Shelby: The Man, The Car, The Legend
by Wallace Wyss
The Great Muscle Cars Compared
by R.M. Clarke
Mustang Legends
by Voyageur Press


Review
The GT500KR is arguably the best total performance cars of the ’60s. The combination of stunning looks, excellent performance and outstanding handling was never duplicated by any other manufacturer. Today, these have become prized possessions and an ever-increasing value.


Published Dec 7th, 2015

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