Ford Shelby GT500KR makes comeback for Shelby's 60th year

MANILA: Shelby American, a subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International, Inc., has recently announced the comeback of the iconic Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang as part of the company’s 60^th anniversary.

For the 2020-2022 model year Shelby GT500, Shelby American will offer a limited run of 60 “King of the Road” post-title packages with over 900hp. Shelby and Ford representatives made the announcement during the milestone kick-off event held at the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in California, USA.

In a statement, Shelby American Chief Executive Officer Joe Conway said, “Sixty years ago, Shelby American and Ford Motor Company collaborated on their first car, the Shelby Cobra. That relationship resulted in racing championships, victories over Ferrari at Le Mans, and amazing Shelby cars based on the Ford Mustang. Today, we offer a line of Ford-based Shelby trucks and cars and have begun exploring electric vehicles. Every 2022 model year vehicle we build will wear a 60th-anniversary badge to symbolize our heritage and bright future, beginning with the Shelby GT500KR.”

This is only the third time in Shelby GT500 history that a model has been dubbed as “King of the Road.” The first time was in 1968, when the Shelby GT500KR was equipped with the 428 Cobra Jet V8, which produced 335hp. It had a bespoke fiberglass bonnet and Cougar taillights, as well as a modified suspension and revamped front and rear ends. Shelby also included a functional roll bar and a steering wheel with a wood rim. In 1968, Ford dealers sold a total of 1,570 GT500KR units— 1,053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles.

The Ford Shelby KT500KR was reintroduced in 2008, with a supercharged V8 engine producing 540hp (40 more than the standard GT500), a short-throw shifter, 3.73:1 rear axle, and special wheels, tires, and suspension settings. The KR was differentiated by a unique composite hood with push button hood pins, unique stripes, and badges. That year, a total of 1,000 units were produced. Demand was so high that Ford and Shelby decided to manufacture an additional 712 cars in 2009.

Shelby American President Gary Patterson stated, “Shelby American Vice President Vince LaViolette and I were deeply involved with the Ford Performance team for the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR program, and I also own a 1968 model. We’re committed to ensuring the third-generation model is worthy of the iconic ‘King of the Road’ crown. Our program team includes experts at Ford Performance and key suppliers, as well as specialists like Shelby GT500 Factory Development Driver Billy Johnson. We announced the program launch today and we’ll show the car to the public at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January. From its initial design to final performance specs, the Shelby GT500KR will live up to the name.”

The KR will be based on the world-class 2020-2022 Ford Shelby GT500. It feature a dry carbon fiber hood, as well as new wheels, tires, suspension tuning, interior, and badges. Only 180 (60 per model year) of the 900+ hp units will be offered in the United States, with 45 available elsewhere.

“The current Shelby GT500 already has amazing capabilities. We’re taking it to an entirely new level for the extreme driver. We integrated a new supercharger and coolers, then tuned the 5.2-liter V8 to churn out 900-plus horsepower on pump gas. The KR has more aggressive adjustable springs, Ford Performance sway bars and a new aggressive suspension tune. The exhaust was reworked to be even bolder and we sliced 30 lbs off with an ultra-light dry carbon fiber hood that delivers even more cooling. An optional wide body version is even available,” LaViolette said.

Every purchase comes with a membership in Team Shelby, the global club founded by Carroll Shelby in 2008, and will be documented in the official Shelby Registry.

Barrett-Jackson Auction Company will auction the first production car on January 29, 2022. The proceeds of the sale will benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF). The winning bidder will be able to customize the Shelby GT500 with any standard Ford color available on the model. Barrett-Jackson Chairman Carolyn Jackson and Chief Executive Officer Craig Jackson were present in the vehicle announcement in California.

Carroll Shelby International Board Member and Carroll Shelby Foundation Co-president Aaron Shelby stated, “My grandfather Carroll Shelby was often called the ‘King of the Road’ for pushing the performance envelope both on and off the track. He was proud of his company’s relationship with Ford Motor Company and was passionate about supporting philanthropic causes. We’re pleased that the first 2022 Ford Shelby GT500KR will be sold by our friends at Barrett-Jackson for JDRF and the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Together, we’ve raised millions of dollars for charity through the years by giving collectors the rare opportunity to own a very unique and valuable vehicle.”

The production of Shelby GT500KR will start in Las Vegas, Nevada within the first quarter of 2022. Owners of 2020 and 2021 model year Shelby GT500 may contact Shelby American to convert their unit into a KR. Orders for the 2022 model year will be taken, and they will also be adorned with commemorative badges.

“This is just the start of our milestone celebration,” Patterson added. “In addition to updates to our current lineup, we plan to announce three more significant vehicle programs. The incredible Shelby GT500KR is just the beginning of an amazing year.”

Photos from Shelby American

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