2008 Shelby GT500KR

The year 2008 marked the 40th anniversary of the original GT500 KR (“King of the Road”), and to commemorate the original, Ford and Shelby teamed up to create a brand new 2008 Shelby GT500KR. They made subtle changes to the already-popular GT500 platform to increase performance, handling and styling. The pieces, parts, personality and production are a joint effort between Ford Motor and Shelby Automobiles, with the development driven by Ford’s SVT engineering team. With only 1,000 units built, the remastered KR was very rare and expensive with an MSRP of 79,995 USD.

For the new KR model, the standard GT500 5.4L Supercharged V-8 powertrain remained. Instead, SVT used some small tuning tricks to extract more horsepower out of the supercharged mill. The engine-management system is remapped for a more aggressive timing curve, and with that comes the mandatory use of premium fuel. The hood/air-box combo makes for a cooler intake charge, while a new exhaust system helps this engine breathe. The result is a 40 HP increase (500 HP to 540 HP), plus a 30 lb-ft increase in peak torque. A stouter 3.73:1 rear gear completes the package. The Tremec provided 6-speed manual transmission remains but with a shorter-throw shifter for increased performance.

The chassis tuning is about 17% stiffer in front and about 7% stiffer in the rear

than the standard GT500 thanks to more aggressive Ford Racing springs and Tokico shocks and struts. Ride height drops 20mm up front and 15mm in the rear. The standard 14-inch front Brembos and vented rear discs were judged adequate to cover the increased performance. Newly designed forged Alcoa wheels wrapped by Goodyear F1s come standard on the KR.

The styling and aerodynamics are improved with new, polished carbon-fiber front splitter, carbon-trimmed exterior mirrors and new extractor hood. The rear wing is new too, producing less drag and helping move the center of aerodynamic pressure forward for better stability. Combined with the lowered ride height, the result is a car that is more balanced.

This 2008 Shelby GT500 KR offered here for sale was originally shipped from Dearborn, Michigan, to Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas, where the “King Of The Road” package was completed. With a base MSRP of $44,330 for the GT500, plus $35,665 for the KR package, the final cost was $79,995 USD. This example is one of only 328 factory-painted Ebony Black with Satin Ebony stripes complemented by a black leather interior for the 2008 model year.

Amazingly, it still looks showroom fresh like the day the first owner purchased it and has only 1,480 miles on the odometer. Accompanying the car is the original window sticker, Shelby invoice, owner’s manual, two keys, car cover and more.

With its low production numbers, low mileage and high performance, this 2008 Shelby GT500KR is a must-have for any collector. All these attributes make this Shelby an investment-grade automobile. Don’t miss your opportunity to add this rare modern Shelby to your collection today.