Cobra Jet Performanceįor those desiring a white-knuckle driving experience, the GT500 KR’s 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 was certainly the star of the show. However, only 318 convertibles were known to have ever been produced. The GT500 KR was offered in both Fastback and Convertible forms. Additionally, the GT500 KR featured a 2-point roll bar, with attached inertia-reel harnesses. Also included was a center console lid which was embossed with the Cobra logo. Inside, the GT500 KR utilized the Ford’s Deluxe trim package, which included a wood-rimmed steering wheel, wood trim, and wood dash inlay. Also of note was the GT500 KR’s use of sequential turn signals, as well as revised head and tail lights, that differed from those used by the standard Fastback model. The GT500 KR featured decorative side air intakes and a new integrated spoiler on its rear deck lid. The GT500 KR’s hood also included a set of louvered cooling vents, which allowed additional airflow through the car’s engine bay. A set of sizable rectangular driving lights were affixed to this bumper, set just in front of the grille itself.Ī specialty fiberglass hood was also fitted to the GT500 KR, which featured a set of twin air scoops at its leading edge, differing from prior GT models, where these scoops were positioned in a more rearward manner. The car featured an extended front fascia, which included a large open grille, clad with a thin chrome bumper. The GT500 KR was not only a performance marvel, but looked the part as well. The car’s KR designation stood for King of the Road, and was used by Ford to portray the model’s superior status. The new GT500 KR would serve as Ford’s flagship performance car, standing head and shoulders above prior Shelby models.
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However, in April of 1968, the 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet equipped, Shelby Cobra GT500 KR was introduced. Plans were immediately put in action to further push the performance envelope, though the GT500 would initially be fitted with the same Police Interceptor V8, as well as an optional 427 cubic-inch V8, at the beginning of the 1968 model year.
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This was immediately followed by the introduction of the GT500, and its accompanying 428 cubic-inch, Police Interceptor V8. It was then that the Mustang’s engine bay was redesigned to enable fitment of more sizable powerplants. Looking back, the stage had initially been set for the Cobra Jet a year prior, in 1967. Through these efforts, the now legendary 428 cubic-inch, Cobra Jet V8 was born, as was a new GT500 model, known as the Shelby Cobra GT500 KR. In a bid to up the ante, and further bolster the GT500’s performance credibility, plans were hatched to develop a new powerplant that would provide an unequivocal degree of output. The “Cobra” moniker had also been added to all Shelby Mustangs, as part of Ford’s increased marketing efforts. Shelby himself was not as intimately involved in styling and production efforts as in years prior, and Ford had exercised further control over all facets of the Shelby line.
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A new, more robust variant of the GT500 was set to make waves across the American automotive landscape, much to the joy of Mustang enthusiasts the world over.Īt the time, the production of the Shelby GT500 had been moved from Carrol Shelby’s Los Angeles production facility to Michigan. However, Ford had greater plans in store for its flagship performance car. By 1968, the GT500 had already made a name for itself, reaching iconic status after only a single year of production.