In the spring of 1968, Ford Motor Company answered Carrol Shelby’s constant requests for more power with their new 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet V-8 engine. Officially rated for insurance reasons at a ludicrously low 335 horsepower—25 horsepower less than the 428 Police Interceptor engine 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. Armed with his new engine, Shelby reportedly named his latest model “King of the Road” after he heard Chevrolet was planning on using the mantra and told his lawyers to beat GM to the copyright.

The GT500 KR’s appearance was correspondingly beefed up to match its royal 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.

Built on 2 May 1968, this example is said to benefit from a full restoration and is finished in factory-correct Highland Green with dual white racing stripes over a black knit vinyl luxury bucket seat interior— one of just 356 GT500 KRs to wear this paint and trim combination, according to a detailed report by marque experts Marti Auto Works.

It is further equipped with a full complement of performance and luxury options, including factory shoulder harnesses, sport deck rear seat, tilt-away steering wheel, AM radio, the interior décor group, power steering, power front disc brakes, and a 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear axle. A wood grip on the automatic transmission shift lever is adorned with the Shelby cobra snake logo, while a wood-print dash and console round out this gentlemanly muscle car.

Listed in the Shelby American Automobile Club registry and accompanied by a copy of a Deluxe Marti Report, this well-outfitted and nicely presented GT500 KR is ready to dominate the road with its ferocious Cobra Jet V-8 and aggressive stance. All hail the King indeed.