Classic 1968 Shelby GT500KR Lives Life Rough
Slideshow: Don't let the age of this one fool you for one moment.
This '68 Shelby G.T. 500KR is no stranger to American roads
From the newly waxed floors of posh showrooms to the artfully designed garages of savvy collectors, most antique roadsters are primped and pampered more than thoroughbred racehorses. But there are a few exceptions to this norm, like this sparkling 1968 Shelby G.T. 500KR proudly owned by Bob and Audrey Greenwood of Wisconsin. This beauty has actually undergone a transformation from the Greenwood's daily family driver to one of the more impressive restorations Shelby connoisseurs will ever encounter in their travels.
Image courtesy of HotRod
Bob Greenwood’s articulate restoration has returned his 1968 Shelby G.T. to original condition.
Since Greenwood’s painstaking restoration, his Shelby G.T. 500KR, known affectionately by its nickname “Cobra,” notches approximately 4,000 miles a year on roads across the United States. That’s quite a bit of miles for a vehicle that could easily be collecting dust in a showroom. “I am old and so is the car,” says Greenwood. “I love driving it and Audrey loves riding in it. The AM radio works, but who needs it with a 428 CJ humming as we drive down the road?” While “Cobra” still packs an impressive punch when the engine is opened up, it’s 12-to-14 MPG capability still leaves the Greenwood’s plenty of opportunities to visit communities across the nation no matter where their adventures take them.
Image courtesy of HotRod
>>Join the conversation about this 1968 King of the Road right here in The Mustang Source.
The 1968 Shelby G.T. 500 KR was inspired from the 1967 Ford Mustang's Winning pedigree
Based on the 1967 Ford Mustang, the 1968 Shelby G.T. 500KR was the first to feature a 428 V8 engine known as the “Cobra Jet.” Given the initials “KR,” for “King of the Road,” The Shelby’s KR engine features die-cast aluminum valve covers inscribed with the text “Cobra Le Mans” to commemorate Ford’s victory over Ferrari at the famed race.
Image courtesy of HotRod
>>Join the conversation about this 1968 King of the Road right here in The Mustang Source.
This Shelby GT500KR loves the road, but has seen its last snowfall
Greenwood dismantled his Shelby G.T. 500KR in 1982, without the time or finances at that point to commence the proper restoration he knew the car deserved. In fact, most the car was stored in boxes in the Greenwood’s basement, until Bob, a former Air Force mechanic, had the time and funds needed to dedicate himself to a proper restoration. By 2013, the vehicle’s transformation was complete. Given the time and resources invested by the car’s proud owner to complete the project, you can rest assured the car has seen its last Wisconsin snowfall. “Now it will never see snow tires or winter again,” assures Greenwood.
Image courtesy of HotRod
>>Join the conversation about this 1968 King of the Road right here in The Mustang Source.
Years of hard work; a lifetime of memories
Bob Greenwood’s hard work has paid off in more ways than one. The car’s “maiden voyage” post-restoration was to the Mustang 50th anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Greenwoods have also taken road trips through South Dakota, notably to Sturgis for the city’s annual Mustang Rally, as well as many, many miles across the famed Route 66. The Greenwoods and their prized Shelby were even in Indianapolis, Indiana for the MCA 40th Anniversary event. “No matter where we go people are taking pictures,” says Greenwood, “And many thank us for driving it so others have a chance to see a ‘real Shelby.’ The car has made it possible to meet many new friends.” The Greenwood’s sparkling Shelby rebuild is proof that when you restore a classic, you're likely to have an entire nation of automobile fans cheering you on at every turn.
Image courtesy of HotRod
>>Join the conversation about this 1968 King of the Road right here in The Mustang Source.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit the How-To section of our sister site, Mustang Forums.