The Return of the King

The Ford Shelby GT500KR brought back one of the most famous names in Shelby history. Revealed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show and released in spring 2008, the GT500KR was a modern interpretation of the legendary 1968 "King of the Road".

The new KR was developed as a high-performance version of the Shelby GT500, combining the supercharged Mustang's considerable power with a range of Shelby-specific performance and styling improvements.

Shelby planned a limited production run of 1,000 cars for 2008, followed by a further 712 examples for 2009.

Inspired by the Original King of the Road

The GT500KR's design deliberately referenced the original 1968 model. Shelby retained the aggressive character of the GT500 while adding distinctive details that gave the KR its own identity.

One of the most significant changes was the lightweight carbon-fibre composite bonnet. It featured functional scoops and vents designed to improve airflow and engine cooling, while distinctive hood pins were inspired by those used on the original GT500KR.

The car also received a unique carbon-fibre front splitter, carbon-fibre mirror caps and functional brake cooling ducts, giving the KR a more purposeful appearance.

Supercharged V8 Power

At the centre of the GT500KR was Ford's supercharged 5.4-litre V8. The engine produced 540 horsepower, making the KR considerably more powerful than the standard GT500 of the period.

The performance upgrades extended beyond the engine. The GT500KR received revised suspension settings, a short-throw shifter and a 3.73:1 rear axle, along with unique wheels and specially developed Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres.

These changes helped turn the already powerful GT500 into a more focused performance car.

A Modern Interpretation

The 2008 GT500KR was not intended to be a direct recreation of the 1968 car. Instead, it used the original "King of the Road" as inspiration while applying modern technology and performance.

The distinctive stripes, KR badges and Shelby detailing connected the new car with its predecessor, while the carbon-fibre components and supercharged V8 demonstrated how far Mustang performance had developed in the decades between the two cars.

A Rare Shelby

With only 1,000 examples produced for the 2008 model year, the GT500KR was a limited-production Shelby from the beginning. Its rarity, powerful engine and connection to the original GT500KR have made it an important modern Shelby Mustang.

This particular example is number 715 of 1,000. It was used as a display vehicle inside the Shelby factory museum in Las Vegas and was personally signed on the dashboard by Carroll Shelby before being sold to its first and only owner.

The car has travelled approximately 6,000 miles, adding to its significance as a remarkably low-mileage example.

Carroll Shelby's Legacy

Carroll Shelby died on May 10, 2012, at the age of 89. His name had become inseparable from some of the most famous American performance cars, from the original Cobra and Shelby Mustangs to the modern GT500 models.

The GT500KR therefore represents more than simply a powerful Mustang. It carries the name of the man who helped establish Shelby as one of the most respected names in American performance motoring.

The King of the Road Returns

The 2008 Shelby GT500KR successfully brought one of Shelby's most famous names into the modern era. With its 540-horsepower supercharged V8, carbon-fibre components, unique suspension and styling inspired by the original King of the Road, it became one of the most desirable modern Shelby Mustangs.