Restored Shelby GT500KR 428 Cobra Jet V8 4 Speed w/AC

Here at RK Motors Charlotte we have a tradition of offering the best collector cars on the planet. And, while it's our job to facilitate transactions that make car enthusiasts' dreams come true, we also enjoy telling guests about the legendary metal that adorns our massive Charlotte showroom. So, when the ink dried on the $180K contract to our "super rare GT500KR convertible":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/sold#!/1968-Ford-Shelby-Mustang-GT500KR/134663 it's fair to say we were all a little bummed. That's why we simply couldn't wait to tell you about this awesome Wimbledon White coupe! Fully documented, wearing all-original sheetmetal and featuring an original 428/4-speed drivetrain, this Ford is an excellent example of one of the finest muscle cars ever produced. And if you're a discerning enthusiast who demands the very best in high caliber, investment grade classics, it's the Shelby you've been patiently waiting for!

1 of only 530 4-speed KR fastbacks produced for the 1968 model year, this stellar pony car sports a mere 95,518 original miles. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's Elite Marti Auto Works Report:

SERIAL NUMBER: 8T02RXXXXXX-XXXXX

DOOR PLATE:

* 8 - 1968 model year
* T - Assembled in Metuchen, New Jersey
* 02 – Shelby Fastback
* R - 428-4V CJ Engine GT-500KR
* XXX,XXXth Mustang scheduled for production at Ford's Metuchen assembly plant
* X,XXXrd Shelby scheduled for production
* 63B – Shelby Fastback
* M - Ford #1619-A Wimbledon White paint
* 5AA – Black Knitted Décor bucket seats
* 24E -- Scheduled for build on May 24th, 1968
* 8D2910 – Home Office Reserve ordering district under Domestic Special Order number 2910
* 7 -- 3.00 Traction-Lok axle ratio
* 5 – 4-speed manual transmission

OPTIONS:

* GT Equipment Group
* Visibility Group
* Sport Deck rear seat
* Power steering
* Power front disc brakes
* Tilt-Away steering column
* Air conditioner
* AM radio
* Interior Décor Group
* Tinted glass

Delivered to Kenray Ford in Dallas, Texas, this awesome Shelby likely spent very little time in the showroom before its big power and big style were unleashed on big city streets. After roughly three decades of excellent maintenance and accident-free driving, the car received a ground-up, rotisserie restoration that included stripping and reworking each of its original panels. Once those laser-straight lines and super-smooth surfaces were adequately prepped, correct Wimbledon White was buried in thick clearcoat and decorated with precise GT500 KR side stripes. And today, this Shelby is a first class show piece that can anchor any serious muscle car collection or hedge any major investment portfolio.

The GT500 threw fuel on the muscle car fire by not only adding power, but also introducing some of the coolest and most aggressive Mustang styling cues ever created. At the front of this KR, a stainless-trimmed grille hangs big Lucas driving lamps behind clear Ford headlights, a bright chrome bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a familiar “S H E L B Y” script leads the eye to a correct fiberglass hood, which is founded in mirror-like stainless and correctly tinted glass. At the sides of that glass, a straight profile hangs small scoops, ornate Cobra Jet emblems and subtle fender extensions around traditional door handles, a correct chrome mirror and dent-free rocker guards. And at the back of that profile, a smooth silver valence centers correct tail lights and a detailed fuel filler between a second chrome bumper, bright reverse lamps, KR-exclusive exhaust tips and a correct, “S H E L B Y” branded decklid.

Now that you've waded through all the flowery prose about paint and stainless trim, it's time to get down to business. Lift this Ford's lightweight hood and you'll find the original, 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 that's been completely rebuilt from its correct 4174 Holley all the way down to its (E) May 1st (14), 1968 (8) casting date. Long regarded as one of the most iconic Ford mills ever created, the new-for-1968 428 FE utilized a strengthened medium block, heavy duty rods, a nodular crankshaft and larger valves and ports to produce an advertised 335 horsepower. At the top of the engine, ram air cowl induction centers a correctly decaled air cleaner over a correct, high performance intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang crinkle finish Cobra LeMans valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. Fire is provided by a familiar points distributor, which sequences spark between a fresh Autolite coil and new Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. Cooling is provided by a stock radiator, which circulates water through pliable FoMoCo hoses. And charging is provided by squeak-free belts, which spin an Autolite alternator, correct power steering and factory air conditioning via simple black pulleys. Aesthetically, the clean engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even combination of Satin Black and Ford Blue paint. And everything, from the car's strong Autolite battery to its tidy Ford washer tank, is fully-sorted and ready to show.

Take a look under this Mustang and you'll find exceedingly clean floors that are every bit as solid as the body's straight exterior panels. The original Toploader 4-speed, which is branded with a correct RUG AE build stamp, spins a correct Traction-Lok differential around correct 3.00 gears inside a familiar Ford 9-inch. At the front of that drivetrain, a rebuilt double A-arm suspension centers a beefy sway bar and the aforementioned power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the back of that drivetrain, sturdy leaf springs hang correct drum brakes at the edges of a standard stainless fuel tank. At the center of that suspension, an aluminized, true-dual exhaust system funnels spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, small resonators and a transversely mounted muffler. Power flows to the pavement via E70-15 Goodyear Speedway 350s, which are wrapped around appropriate Shelby 10-spokes. And everything, from the car's orange shocks to its over-sprayed floors, appears safe, lucid and ready to roll.

Naturally, Ol' Shel focused most of his energy on the performance and appearance of America's most revered pony car. And when those attributes were combined with Ford's already excellent interior, it paid big dividends. The first thing you'll notice is a snazzy wood-rimmed and chrome-trimmed steering wheel which spins around a tilting column. Behind that wheel, a great looking dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer above a correct Philco radio. Opposite that dash, knitted vinyl seats are in spectacular shape, presenting hardly any evidence of use. Between those seats, a full-length console anchors small Stewart Warner accessory gauges in front of a slick Shelby shifter and correct, cobra-branded armrest. Beneath that console, like-new carpet rides tight between Shelby branded sill plates and color-keyed floor mats. Opposite that carpet, a Shelby-spec roll bar perfectly complements a fresh headliner. At the base of that roll bar, pliable door panels feature bright stainless trim, spotless chrome handles and clean wood accents. And at the back of the cockpit, a fully restored trunk features a new mat, a fresh decklid decal and a full-size spare tire.

The sale of this incredible classic includes:

* An original Shelby order form
* A copy of that order form
* An original Shelby invoice
* A copy of that invoice
* An owner's manual
* A framed Elite Marti Auto Works Report
* Pictures of pertinent numbers and restoration details

Few classics have the kind of attitude and presence of an old school Shelby. And if previous trends are any indication, these cars will continue to gain value as they become more exclusive and collectible. This investment grade KR is a fully documented, fully-sorted show queen that drives and sounds every bit as good as it looks. If you're a dedicated purist who desires only the best, here's your chance to own the ultimate muscle car!