- Shelby American Reintroduces Famous Ford Shelby GT500 in Celebration of the Company’s 60th Anniversary.
- The Mustang KR is based on the impressive 2020-2022 Ford Shelby Gt500, boasting 140+ extra horsepower among other features, as well as being repeatedly named “King of the Road”.
- Metro Ford of OKC has Shelby American vehicles for sale in Oklahoma.
In December of 2021, Shelby America, a fully owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., made a huge announcement inside the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in Irvine California for the company’s 60th anniversary. The subsidiary announced that one of its most beloved vehicles, the Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang would return in 2022 to honor this milestone for the company. Only a limited number of 60 “King of the Road” post-title packages with 900+ horsepower will be available worldwide for the 2020-2022 model year Shelby GT500’s from Shelby American.
Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American reflected on the history of his company: “Sixty years ago, Shelby American and Ford Motor Company collaborated on their first car, the Shelby Cobra. That resulted in racing championships, victories over Ferrari at Le Mans and amazing Shelby Cars based on the Ford Mustang.” Continuing, Joe spoke of the vehicle manufacturer’s present story, which offers “a lineup of Ford-based Shelby trucks and cars and have begun exploring eclectic 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.”
A Look Back At The Shelby GT500
This comeback marks only the third time in history that a version of the Shelby GT500 has been appointed the “King of the Road” label. The first time was in 1968, when the Shelby mustang was powered by the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that was moderately rated at 335 horsepower. The model was set with modified suspension, redesigned front and rear end, custom fiberglass hood and Thunderbird tail lights. A functional roll ball and wood-rimmed steering wheel was added by Shelby. Offered in both fastback and convertible, Ford dealers sold 1,570 GTR500KR models in 1968 (1053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles).
In 2008, the “King of the Road” returned when Ford and Shelby brought the model back in 2008. Its supercharged V-8 produced 540 horsepower, which was 40 more than the standard GT500. The model also included a short-throw shifter, 3.73:1 rear axle and unique wheels, tires and suspension settings. The Ford Shelby set itself apart with a special composite hood with push button pins, unique stripes, and badges. Only 1,000 cars were produced that year, but demand was so large that Ford and Shelby built an additional 712 cars for 2009.
“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,” claimed Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “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 Johnsons… From its initial design to final performance specs, the Shelby Gt500KR will live up to the name.”
About the Shelby GT500
The Mustang KR is based on the impressive 2020-2022 Ford Shelby Gt500, boasting 140+ extra horsepower, dry carbon fiber hood, new wheels, tires, suspension tuning, interior, badges, and more. Only 180 total (60 per model year) of the 900+ horsepower cars will be available in the USA, with 45 available overseas.
“The current Shelby GT500 already has amazing capabilities”, Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of the Operations and Chief of R&D claimed. “We’re taking it to an entirely new level for the extreme driver. We integrated a new supercharger and coolers. Then, turned 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. We sliced 30 pounds off with an ultra-light dry carbon fiber hood that delivers even more cooling. An optional wide body version is even available.”
Membership in Team Shelby, the worldwide Carroll Shelby club established in 2008, and documentation in the official Shelby Registry will be included with each car.
First Shelby Available
On January 29, the first production car was auctioned at No Reserve by the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company in Scottsdale. Proceeds from the sale benefitted the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The winning bidder was allowed to choose from any standard Ford color on the Shelby GT500KR.
According to Aaron Shelby, Board Member of Carroll Shelby International and co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, “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 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 for the GT500KR began in the first quarter of this year. Owners of 2020 and 2021 model year Shelby Mustangs can contact Shelby American about transforming their car into a KR as well. Orders for 2022 model year cars will be accepted and they will also be decorated anniversary badges.
Shelby GT500KR Details
Performance
- Shelby by Whipple black finish supercharger system
- 900+fwhp★ 3.8L supercharger
- High volume supercharger intercooler
- High volume supercharger heat exchanger
- Open cold air intake system
- Heavy-duty performance half-shafts
- Shelby ride–height adjustable front and rear springs
- Shelby by Borla cat-back exhaust system
- Ford Performance front and rear sway bars
- MagneRide® suspension recalibration
- Caster camber plates
- Shelby one-piece 6061-T6 forged aluminum wheels (20×11 front and 20×11.5 rear)
- Performance spec tires
- Extended and hardened wheel studs
Exterior and Interior
- Shelby carbon fiber hood
- Prepreg dry carbon fiber with functional evacuation air vents and special rain trays
- Shelby hood strut system
- “SHELBY” hood lock housing
- Carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser
- Carbon fiber Gurney flap (non-CFTP)
- Billet engine caps
- Shelby rocker stripes and badges
- Leather seat recovers
- CSM numbered engine and dash plate
Options
- Shelby Wide Body
- Polished supercharger
- Painted stripes
- Rear seat delete with harness bar
- Le Mans style over the top stripes
Mustang Shelby GT500 at Metro Ford of OKC
Metro Ford of OKC is proud to carry American Shelby vehicles at our dealership, and we are so excited for the return of the “King”! Custom order your Shelby Mustang here.
If you’re looking for more information on the vehicles we carry, have any questions or need assistance from the dealership, don’t hesitate to contact us. Making your experience with us the best it can be is our priority! Call us at 405-896-8531, or stop by our location at 2800 West I-44 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
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