This 1968 Shelby American GT500KR, found after 30 years in a barn, underwent a no-expense-spared concours restoration and is listed in the Shelby Registry. Powered by the original 428ci Cobra Jet engine paired with a C6 automatic transmission, it’s an iconic piece of automotive history. Sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction for $495,000.
Barn Find 1968.5 Shelby GT500KR: Restored to Perfection
Discovered after spending three decades tucked away in a barn, this fully documented 1968.5 Shelby GT500KR has been subjected to a meticulous, no-expense-spared concours restoration, earning its place in the prestigious Shelby Registry. A rare gem, the car’s R-code designation signifies the early April debut of the Cobra Jet V8 engine, which led Shelby to add the iconic “King of the Road” label to the GT500.
At the heart of this classic is the original 428ci Cobra Jet engine, fully rebuilt and restored to factory specifications. After undergoing a thorough dyno test, it was confirmed that the engine delivers a robust 360 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 364 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a C6 automatic transmission featuring a cast-iron tail housing, a 3.50 Traction-Loc rear axle, and 31-spline axles. The drivetrain is 100% original, with the engine, transmission, and rear end all bearing correct date codes. The carburetor and exhaust manifolds are also original, further enhancing the car’s authenticity.
The undercarriage of this Shelby reveals red oxide primer, consistent with the original Build Sheet, and a Fuller exhaust system. With just 183 units produced in Raven Black (paint code 388), this GT500KR is an exceptionally rare find. It was born on June 26, 1968, and boasts a unique exterior featuring grille-mounted Lucas lights, sequential taillights, and date-coded Autolite adjustable shocks.
Riding on original 1968 Ford Kelsey-Hayes steel wheels with period-correct blackwall tires and Shelby Mag-style wheel covers, the car’s exterior has been painstakingly restored. It features rechromed original bumpers and all-original fiberglass components, including the fenders, doors, and quarters. The interior remains true to its Shelby roots with black-knit vinyl bucket seats, a sport deck rear seat, a tilt-away steering wheel, a center console embossed with the Cobra logo, wood-grain accents, and the factory-original roll bar.
Originally ordered and delivered to Minar Ford in Minnesota, this Shelby GT500KR is a prime example of a classic American muscle car, restored to its full glory and ready for any collector or enthusiast who appreciates automotive history at its finest.
