SUMMARY
Rotisserie restoration completed in May of 2015 / Restored by Shelby specialist Tim LeaSix words: Shelby Nationals Concours Heritage Gold GT500KR... That's really all we need to say to build excitement for our latest investment grade Ford. Of course, the car HAS benefitted from a professional, rotisserie restoration that was completed in May of 2015. So I guess that bumps the word count to eight with: rotisserie restored Shelby Nationals Concours Heritage Gold GT500KR. Then again, it's also a fully documented piece, which lands us at: fully documented, rotisserie restored Shelby Nationals Concours Heritage Gold GT500KR. But wait, I almost forgot about its gleaming coat of killer Lime Gold pigment. So how about: fully documented, rotisserie restored Shelby Nationals Concours Heritage Gold GT500KR that's decked in correct Lime Gold 2-stage? Yeah, that sounds good. But trust us, if you like the sound of that sentence, you're going to LOVE the car it describes!
BODYWORK/TRIM
According to Ford expert Kevin Marti, this registry-listed Shelby was produced on May 14th, 1968 and delivered down south to Rivers Ford of Monroe, Louisiana. After four decades of excellent maintenance and accident-free living, the car was purchased by its present owner and enjoyed as a solid driver. As we all know, drivers are fun, and the car racked up quite a few MCA Concours awards in that state, but sometimes it's just better to take things to the next level. So, in 2014, this clean Mustang benefitted from a professional, rotisserie restoration that was completed by Shelby specialist Tim Lea of North Andover, Massachusetts. When the car emerged from the shop in May of 2015, everything was 100% correct all the way down to original, assembly-spec oil and air filters. And today, sporting correct Lime Gold Metallic 2-stage under familiar Shelby side stripes, it rolls as a first-class showpiece that secured a Gold at the 2015 Ford/Shelby Nationals in the Concours Heritage Class, and a Silver at SAAC 40 in Division II Concours judging.
Naturally, a build this extensive involved quite a bit of original bolt-ons that, according to this KR's owner, were professionally re-plated as needed. At the front of the car, original fiberglass centers a stainless-trimmed grille behind clear Ford headlights, big Lucas driving lamps, 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 an original fiberglass hood, which is founded beneath mirror-like stainless and a SuperGlass-massaged greenhouse. At the sides of that greenhouse, a straight profile hangs original scoops, ornate Cobra Jet emblems and original fender extension around traditional door handles, a correct chrome mirror and NOS rocker guards. And at the back of that profile, a smooth silver valence centers correct taillights and a detailed fuel filler between a second chrome bumper, bright reverse lamps, KR-exclusive exhaust tips and an original, "S H E L B Y" branded decklid.
ENGINE
While the car's professionally rebuilt engine isn't original equipment, it is a highly accurate, date-correct 428. Long regarded as one of the most iconic mills ever created, factory-supplied Cobra Jets utilized a strengthened medium block, heavy-duty rods, a nodular crank, and larger valves and ports to produce an advertised 335 horsepower. At the top of the engine, ram air cowl induction centers a correct, SM8S-equipped air cleaner over a date-correct carburetor and high performance intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang crinkle-finish Cobra LeMans valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. The fires are lit by a familiar points distributor, which sequences sparks through fresh Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. Cooling comes courtesy of a re-cored radiator, which circulates water through pliable Autolite hoses and vintage screw clamps. And charging is provided by squeak-free V-belts, which spin a rebuilt alternator between correct power steering and correct smog equipment. Aesthetically, the marked and decaled engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even combination of Satin Black and Ford Blue paint. And everything, from the car's factory brake booster and fresh Autolite battery to its tidy Ford washer tank and fresh Autolite voltage regulator, is fully sorted and ready to show.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Take a look under this Mustang and you'll find correct, Oxide Red floors that are such a close interpretation of the car's original foundation that they back correct Lime Gold overspray with factory-accurate paint drips. A tough C6 3-speed utilizes a correctly marked Dead Nuts On driveshaft to spin a correct Traction-Lok differential around correct 3.50 gears. At the front of that drivetrain, a rebuilt suspension centers a beefy sway bar and the aforementioned power steering between correct power disc brakes. At the back of that drivetrain, correct C7ZA leaf springs hang correct drum brakes at the edges of a clean stainless fuel tank. At the center of that suspension, fresh exhaust pipes funnel spent gases through an H-shaped crossover, small resonators and a transversely mounted muffler. And power meets the ground through E70-15 Kelsey repros, which wrap correct, KR-exclusive black sidewalls around appropriate Shelby 10-spokes.
INTERIOR
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. Behind that wheel, a great looking dash frames a correct 140 MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer beside 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 sills. Opposite that carpet, a Shelby-spec roll bar and decaled sun visors perfectly complement a fresh headliner. At the base of that roll bar, which serves as a requisite foundation for Python-restored seatbelts, pliable door panels mix bright stainless trim and spotless chrome handles and clean wood accents. And at the back of the cockpit, a fully restored trunk sandwiches a matching Kelsey spare between a new mat and fresh decklid decal.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
1 of only 1,053 KR fastbacks produced for the 1968 model year, this award-winning Mustang is pretty much everything anyone could ask for when it comes to investment grade muscle. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's Elite Marti Auto Works Report:
SERIAL NUMBER: 8T02RXXXXXX-XXXXX
DOOR PLATE:
8 - 1968 model yearOPTIONS:
GT Equipment GroupAWARDS
Gold in the Concours Heritage Class at the 2015 Mid-America Ford/Shelby NationalsOUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Vintage marketing literatureBanner cars for the golden era of Detroit, pedigreed Shelbys offer an unbeatable combination of looks, desirability and performance. Few classics are as popular and well documented, and that simply adds to the brand's cache. With its exclusive, era-correct powertrain, fresh, highly accurate restoration and outstanding provenance, this SAAC Concours-winning Mustang represents investment grade muscle at its very finest!