In 1967, Carroll Shelby shoehorned his first big-block engine into a Ford Mustang. By 1968 he was already hungry for more power. Midway through the model year, in the spring of 1968, Ford answered his desires with an upgrade to the current 428 Police Interceptor, the 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine. Reportedly, when Shelby heard Chevrolet was planning a new muscle car called the “King of the Road,” he instructed his lawyers to swoop in and copyright the name. Although the new 428 Cobra Jet was rated for insurance reasons at a ludicrous 335 horsepower—25 less than the 428 Police Interceptor it was replacing—the Cobra Jet was a true powerhouse with 427 low-riser heads, Holley 735-CFM carburetion, a 390GT camshaft, and high-flow exhaust manifolds.

The GT500 KR’s appearance was correspondingly beefed up to match the “King of the Road” title. A new front hood led the way with functional louvres and huge, twin air-scoops along the leading edge, creating a true “ram-air” intake system with under-hood plenum mounted directly to a steel air cleaner. A thin chrome bumper spanned the face of the GT500’s sizable grille, serving as mounting points for the new rectangular driving lights. Inside, deluxe finishes complimented the aggressiveness of the exterior. A new wood-print dash, luxury-print seats, wood-print center console with Shelby cobra logo embossed on the center armrest, and a deluxe wood-rim steering wheel with bright horn ring rounded out a true muscle-car setup.

Built on 20 June 1968 and believed to be one of just 101 GT500 KRs to wear this paint and trim specification, the example presented here is ready to draw admiration wherever it goes. Said to benefit from a full restoration, this king is finished in factory-correct Lime Gold with a deluxe Saddle Décor interior featuring bucket seats. A walnut shift knob with Shelby logo accents the wood-print dash and console, while the Shelby Cobra logo is correctly embossed on the center armrest. A full accompaniment of performance and luxury options are on display, including the Visibility Group—featuring a remote, driver-side mirror, two-speed wipers, and a day/night rearview mirror—sport deck rear seat, tilt steering wheel, AM radio, interior decor group, power steering, power front disc brakes, and a 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear axle. The car rides on Goodyear white-letter tires mounted to steel wheels with correct covers.

Included with the sale are the original build sheet and copy of a report by marque experts Marti Auto Works. Behold one of America’s most iconic sports cars, built by one of its most iconic drivers to dominate the road—all hail the King indeed.