1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop V8TV

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1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop V8TV
This 1968 Shelby GT500KR 4-speed convertible is a very clean car, and a pretty rare specimen of the breed. There were 4450 1968 Shelbys built in total, with 318 convertibles, and far fewer wearing Medium Blue and sporting a 4-speed manual transmission behind the Cobra Jet 428. This particular car was treated to a restoration at some point, but there were some details that the owner wished were nicer, so it came to visit the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
The original, numbers-matching 428 Cobra Jet engine is rated at 335 HP, but they’ve always been rumored to create more in reality. Under rating engines was becoming commonplace in the late 1960s, as auto insurance rates skyrocketed with higher horsepower numbers, so automakers began to fudge the numbers a bit to make the cars more attractive to buyers who didn’t want a high insurance bill. These saw 335 HP at 5400 RPM, but modern dyno testing on stock-spec engines show they easily tickled 365 HP.
This engine didn’t seem to make the power it should, so after an in-car diagnoses, it was pulled and sent to Fast Times Motorworks for a tear-down, inspection, and re-fresh. While the engine was out, it was obvious that the engine bay required some attention to make it not only look nicer, but also to be as correct as possible for a ‘68 GT500KR.
While the existing paint was being stripped from the firewall, the V8 team noted some hidden rust repairs down low and in the floor, so a plan came together to perform an under car restoration as well as under hood.
We’ll share more video of the completed job when the restoration is complete!
We restore Muscle Cars and Classics to be completely original, or modify them any way you want at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. If you’ve got a Shelby or any other Muscle Car that needs some love, we’re happy to chat about it! You can reach us at www.v8speedshop.com today.
314.783.8325
Be sure to subscribe to the V8TV channel, as we’ll be posting a feature video on this car when it is done. SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/RIkdDS
www.v8speedshop.com
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.
V8 Speed & Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud,IL 62278
314.783.8325
www.v8speedshop.com
Email: [e-mail]
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[@V8TV]

See us at www.v8speedshop.com

[@Robert31352]

And that is why my 77 Mustang will be in your shop soon.

[@williamwright6484]

I'm the owner of this car. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

[@Robert31352]

@@williamwright6484 Then you have a mighty fine ride, and a much better one when they finish.

[@plymouthdie-castreplicas]

Beautiful pony car! Awesome restoration job, guys.

[@johnpurdum8126]

It's really awesome that the owner has the resources to faithfully restore this gem to its original condition.

[@kareemrichards8635]

Love the color, nice. Thanks for the video.

[@tonyelliott7734]

Excellent attention to detail. I work at a shop that does the same work, Daniel's Performance Group in Smithfield Virginia. I love working on these cars.

[@charlesdalton985]

Golllllyyyy that car is beautiful, and about to be even better. A little piece of trivia - Shelby and Ford chose the KR designation when Ford learned Chevy was going to announce a King of the Road for an upcoming version of the Corvette. They just wanted to get one over on them.

[@agreyf]

Car of my dreams.

[@williamwright6484]

Mine too! It took me over 25 years to find this exact one. According to the Marti report, it is 1 of 22 built with this mechanical and trim configuration. And the big question is, of those 22 originally built, how many still exist?

[@agreyf]

@@williamwright6484 well congratulations! It obviously fell into good hands.....

[@konrsmi4543]

@@williamwright6484 I know of one more. Mine! 68 GT500KR Acapulco blue 4sd conv with 36000 miles!

[@williamwright6484]

@@konrsmi4543 post some pics brother!

[@orangetracktvhotwheels6635]

Looking good!!!! Love it!!!

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Beautiful car.

[@V8TV]

We agree!

[@Jgeneraledger23]

I always get so jealous when I hear about "The Brothers" They are obviously mega-wealthy. I wonder if they are the famous Koch Brothers.

[@hansschultz2858]

518 KR convertibles. The other number quoted is not correct. Still very rare and beautiful looking car

[@TazR6]

I am loving the new what are you in for series. Very interesting, and a good showcase for the quality of your work. I am curious though, about what has happened to the Car of the Week format. Is that done now, or is there more to come?

[@V8TV]

We went on a COVID hiatus shooting Muscle Car Of The Week, we'll be sure to post if and when we produce new episodes. Thanks!

[@TazR6]

@@V8TV Ahhh, thanks Kevin. That should have been obvious really, but I did not think of that. Looking forward to them commencing. Each and every one of them is a gem. I have a request for when they resume. If you feature convertables, would you be able to shoot footage of the roof up and down? Loving the new series of what are you in for though, so I am not complaining. Neil :-)

[@V8TV]

@@TazR6 Thanks for the kind words Neil! As for the convertibles, sometimes the tops are pretty fragile, so we only put them down if we get the OK from the team at the Brothers Collection. But we appreciate the notes!

[@TazR6]

@@V8TV Doh! That's something else that should have been obvious. I think I've been in the sun too much and turned my brain to mush. Thanks for taking the time to respond Kevin. Neil :-)

[@yafois988]

Really like the 428 Fords, raced a 67 Fairlane with one, did well and was a solid setup performance wise etc. Then , THEN, along shows up a 69 RAIII Firebird 4sp car and stole my heart away form Fords. I'll take a 69 TA over Shelby any time.