Shelby celebrates 60th anniversary with 670 kW-wielding GT500KR Mustang

Shelby celebrates 60th anniversary with 670 kW-wielding GT500KR Mustang

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For the past 60 years, American high-performance vehicle manufacturer, Shelby has been applying its expertise to create bespoke pieces of machinery. This includes the iconic Shelby KRGT350, GT350 and the recent Mustang Shelby Speedster, to name a few.

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The marque is therefore celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of the third generation KRGT350 Mustang. The KRGT350 is based on the GT500 and carries the 'King of the Road' nameplate – a name Carrol Shelby was often called.

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This is the first time the Shelby GT500KR (for King of the Road) is offered in right-hand drive. A 5.2-litre V8 engine settles underneath the long bonnet with 670 kW — a significant bump of 105 kW compared to the outgoing GT500KR, thanks to an upgraded supercharger and coolers..

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As a weight-saving measure, the new Shelby Mustang King of the Road features a lightweight carbon fibre bonnet that saves close to 14 kg, a new alloy wheel design, as well as tweaked suspension, and sportier sway bars.

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The interior gets unique anniversary badging and each car includes membership of Team Shelby, the worldwide club Carroll Shelby established in 2008.

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Shelby will only build 225 units globally, with the local arm of the American marque aiming to complete four of those between 2023 and 2024 as part of the local allocation.

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Shelby SA estimates that the Shelby GT500KR will carry a price tag of R4.4 million, including VAT.

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Looking back. The year 1968 marks the first time when the first Shelby GT500KR was created. It wielded a 438 Cobra Jet V8 with 250 kW of power as well as a modified suspension, a redesigned front and rear end, a custom fibreglass hood and Thunderbird taillights.

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This model was offered in both fastback and convertible shapes, and proved a massive sales success with 1,053 and 517 models sold respectively.

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The GT500KR nameplate was brought back to life in 2008 with power figures bumped to 402 kW, 30 kW more than the standard GT500 model, and this marked the beginning of an interesting era for the brand.

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Shelby produced 1,000 units of the second generation GT500KR models and due to the demand, an additional 712 cars were built in 2009.