3. 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR
By the late sixties, the Ford Mustang was one of the most loved and popular cars in America. Affordable, available in multiple different styles and models, and with a number of V-6 and V-8 engines, the car enjoyed immense success. Shelby’s Mustangs were introduced and were wildly popular and successful. Ford and Shelby were not done creating muscle masterpieces though.
In April 1968 a brand-new version of the 428 Police Interceptor engine was fitted with improved breathing heads and significantly larger exhaust manifolds, creating the 428 Cobra Jet engine, which quickly found its way into the Shelby GT500. This lead to a name change: the GT500KR or “King of the Road.”
The ’68 GT500KR with the Cobra Jet was rated at 335 HP, but considering this mammoth had 440 ft./lb.’s of torque at 3400 RPM, it has some serious pull. Most experts agree this car actually had around 400 ponies going beneath its hood. Unfortunately, Ford and Shelby would cease collaborations in a few short years. It would have been great to see what else they could have brought to the American muscle car market. But at least we have them to thank for the ’68 GT500 King of the Road!
Engine: 428 Cobra Jet V-8 – Top speed: 116 mph –
Quarter mile time: 14.8 seconds – 0-60 mph time: 6.5 seconds