From Favorite to Farewell: Man Reunites with Rare Shelby GT500KR after 33 Years and Now It's Up for Auction
Rare, classic cars are not like cranberry sauce at a family Thanksgiving dinner—they aren’t meant to be passed around casually. These vintage beauties often enjoy long-term ownership, seldom changing hands unless there's a compelling reason. Prime examples of such genuinely prized possessions often move from one owner to another, not for the sheer profit, but for love and passion that goes beyond financial metrics.
When Carroll Shelby joined forces with Ford Motor Company, he aimed to transform the Mustang from a namesake stallion into a true wild horse. Shelby turned Ford's vision into reality and the final product was no less than a regal masterpiece. Enter the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR—aptly named 'King of the Road.'
The Controversial Origin of 'King of the Road'
The moniker 'King of the Road' carries a tale filled with controversy and debate. Some back Carroll Shelby's version of the story, and others side with Tasca Ford's version. Legend has it that Lee Iacocca enlisted Shelby to fend off an impending Corvette bearing the 'King of the Road' name. Shelby acted swiftly, utilizing legal resources to secure the name before General Motors could. The legend grew when Shelby reportedly demanded immediate action from his lawyer, claiming he'd find another if results weren't quick.
However, there's another version that brings Tasca Ford from East Providence, Rhode Island, into the picture. Once the second-largest Blue Oval dealership, Tasca Ford was at the forefront of the performance-modified Mustangs. Bob Tasca's personal Mustang, reconfigured with a 428 Police Interceptor engine and dubbed the KR-8 (short for King of the Road 428), was showcased to Ford’s top brass. Tasca’s prototype ended up influencing Ford's creation of the Cobra Jet engine.
The Birth of the GT500KR
In late February 1968, Ford announced the Cobra Jet engine, and by April 1st, the Shelby GT500KR was unveiled. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, the GT500KR went from concept to production in less than two months, a feat of engineering agility. Only 1,571 units were produced, making these models highly coveted today. This remarkable car's limited production run of fastbacks and convertibles only adds to their desirability.
Now, about the extravagant journey of one of these majestic machines: an original owner buying back his beloved GT500KR 33 years after parting with it. This fastback, bought on October 28, 1968, from Kimnach Ford in Norfolk, VA, touched many milestones in its lifespan.
Full Circle: From Sale to Storage and Back Again
Nine years after its purchase, the Mustang changed hands to a friend. The friend drove it for a couple of months, only to dismantle and store it for a planned restoration that never came. From 1977 to 2010, the car lay dormant until the original owner, Donnie Green, decided to reclaim his once-cherished possession.
In an engaging interview for RPM Magazine, Green admitted to driving the car 'as it was meant to be driven' during his initial ownership. After years of waiting, Green not only bought back his prized Shelby but also restored it to its former glory. Now, this scientifically restored beauty is up for auction, with the current bid touching an impressive $150,000, and days left for this auction block's finale.
This particular GT500KR, assembled late in the production — on July 23, 1968, exactly a week before manufacturing ceased — underwent significant restoration. Between 2010 to 2013, its 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 was rebuilt, and the car was outfitted with a refreshed paint job. Today, it stands as a shining example of its era with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.50 Traction-Lok rear differential, and 37,897 miles on the odometer.
A Passion and Story Worth Sharing
Donnie Green's emotional journey with the Shelby Mustang GT500KR is a testament to the bond between car enthusiasts and their remarkable rides. From the day he first bought it to adopting it back after 33 years, restoring and now selling it again, Green's tale is one of passion and dedication.
This king of the road carries a history that extends beyond its mechanical prowess. As the bidding war heats up, enthusiasts have their eyes set on this gem—a car that has returned full circle to its original owner and is now ready to grace someone else's garage. Will you be the next chapter in its storied life?
Photo: bringatrailer.com
Play the videos below to see and hear this beast in action. Will you be the next proud owner?
