Lot F126 // 1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible // Mecum Indy 2016
1,622 views · Published 18 March 2016 · 1:35 · Indexed 19 October 2026
Channel: Mecum Auctions · 2016 · Autos & Vehicles
Website: https://www.mecum.com Learn About the Car: https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/SC0516-243309/10306/1968-Shelby-GT500KR-Convertible/4-Speed/ How to Bid: https://www.mecum.com/how-to-bid/ From the Joe McMurrey Collection Sold new at Nagle Ford in Rochester, New York, on August 29, 1968 as part of the Shelby dealer Summer Sales Contest, this gorgeous 1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible from the Joe McMurrey Collection is one of only 43 produced in code-WT 6066 Special Yellow. Interestingly, this color became available on Shelby GTs not through customer demand but by Ford contractor A.O. Smith, who supplied pre-painted Shelby fiberglass front ends and deck lids to the Metuchen plant for final assembly. When someone noticed that the Sunlit Gold Metallic paint used by A.O. Smith was not an exact match for that used at Metuchen, A.O. Smith was forced to remove and repaint the fiberglass on 38 Shelbys, an expensive and frustrating waste of precious production time and labor. By the time the 500KR was introduced in April 1968, WT 6066 Special Yellow had replaced Sunlit Gold on the Shelby palette. Because Special Order paint colors from the Fleet Colors catalog were available for special promotions, it is very likely this car was originally ordered specifically for the Shelby dealer Summer Sales Contest. Repainted once in the same Special Yellow, the car is a splendid example of the GT500KR convertible. Its R-code Cobra Jet 428/335 HP V-8 was teamed at the factory with a 4-speed and 3.50:1 Traction-Lok 9-inch rear axle, power steering and front disc brakes. Fitted with a new power-operated black soft top with glass backlight and a new black interior, its generous options list also includes the GT Equipment, Visibility and Interior Décor Groups, tilt-away steering column, a Philco AM radio and Shelby 10-spoke aluminum wheels with Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTS tires. This very attractive KR has received a high-end engine rebuild featuring a .030 overbore, forged pistons, stainless valves, adjustable iron rockers, ARP rod bolts, a new clutch, new smog-control system and an authentic reproduction exhaust system. Documented in the Shelby Registry and offered with a Deluxe Marti Report and the original owner’s manual autographed by Carroll Shelby, this especially rare 1968 Shelby GT500KR is a top-tier candidate for the Shelby collector seeking an extra-special addition to the stable. HIGHLIGHTS - Shelby no. 3546 - Rare factory WT6066 Special Yellow paint GT500KR - 1 of 43 GT500KR Convertibles produced in this color - R-code 428/335 HP Cobra Jet V-8 - Factory 4-speed transmission - 3.50 Traction-Lok 9-inch rear axle - Power top with glass backlite - GT equipment group - Visibility and interior décor groups - Power steering - Power front disc brakes - Tilt-Away steering column - Philco AM radio - Shelby 10-spoke wheels - Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTS tires - One repaint in factory-correct WT6066 Special Yellow paint - The body buck tag shows WT6066 paint - New Black interior and soft top - New smog system and reproduction exhaust system - High end engine rebuild featuring .030 overbore, forged pistons, stainless valves, iron adjustable rockers, ARP rod bolts and new clutch - Sold new at Nagle Ford in Rochester, New York on August 29, 1968 as part of the Shelby dealer Summer Sales Contest - Owner's manual signed by Carroll Shelby - Marti Report
