Back in 2020, reader Andy B sent us an incredible find. A neighbor’s uncle had parked this 1968 Shelby GT500 KR, and it remained hidden away for decades. It has recently emerged from its slumber to become one of the most impressive Mustang barn finds in recent memory. Special thanks to Andy for the update and Dennis Collins for getting this amazing find back on the road!
The Shelby GT500 KR (KR standing for King of the Road) is likely one of the most iconic Mustangs ever made. Introduced in 1968 as a high-performance extension of the GT500 line, the KR was powered by Ford’s potent 428 Cobra Jet V8 — officially rated at 335 hp but widely acknowledged to be considerably stronger under the hood. Finding one is rare, but finding an original one in a barn is almost unheard of these days.
This particular GT500 KR sat quietly tucked away in a barn for many years. It survived with original body panels, trim, and a unique Lime Gold exterior with rare Saddle tan interior, documented by its Marti Report as authentic to Shelby’s production records. This is the kind of story muscle car aficionados dream about: the car had been parked and largely untouched for years, with only a few parts missing.
Once word of the find spread, Dennis Collins, of the Coffee Walk YouTube series, and a long-time Barn Finds Reader, made the trek to Franklin, Pennsylvania, to inspect it. His videos documented the discovery, the condition the car was found in, and the challenges involved in assessing what could be saved.
One of the most dramatic chapters in the car’s story came with the discovery and reunion of its original 428 Cobra Jet engine. While it had been separated from the car long before the barn storage, Collins located the engine and related components — including heads, manifolds, and carburetor — from a local machinist who had safeguarded them for decades. After careful verification, it was confirmed to match the car’s original identity. Since the engine is what really made the GT500 KR special, having the original unit not only back in the car, but running is huge. Getting it there wasn’t a simple task, but definitely worth the work.
While the original 428 Cobra Jet and most of the mechanical systems have been fully refurbished, the cosmetics, body, and interior have been left in as-found condition. It’s a rare sight to see a barn-stalled classic not only preserved, but revived and capable of enjoying the open road again.
Today, the vehicle is listed for sale by Collins Bros. Jeep and is ready to drive. It’s certainly striking, and it leaves the next owner with the option to either enjoy it as is or give it a full cosmetic restoration if they desire. Personally, I’d enjoy it as is, but I wouldn’t blame the next owner if they finish restoring it. Either way, it’s an incredible machine!
The link to the Collins Bro Jeep appears to be broken and I could not find the car on their website. So it looks like they removed it.
It’s a great story, and nice to see a rare project car brought back after a long slumber.
It’s currently on Bring a Trailer.
They are only original once. No i could not find it either.
That annoying guy stomping around with a coffee bloviating nonstop reminds me of junior high school. Can’t stomach it. There’s other cars out there.
Dennis is much better than listening to Richard Rawlings.
That guy, very annoying too. His upholsterer called him Ass Monkey right on his own show.
Both are equally fascinating people to listen to, and both do a lot of good for the classic vehicle world.
Not by much…..both of them local yokals…..
Yes, he is a total A-hol. I hate his snobby ways. He can stuff it. Braggart Jerk can go to he11.
his pockets are so deep he will never pull any lint out of them. OUTSTANDING!
Both those guys are representative of the TV Hot Rod Hype Drama Shows that started back in the Boyd Coddington American Hot Rod Days. Loud Talk and Stomping Around. It’s all for ratings. Ass Monkey and Loud Talking Coffee Guy have successfully brought it to YouTube. I saw Boyd doing an extended interview a few years before American Hot Rod. He appeared to be a low key friendly and kind hearted man. That doesn’t get ratings. I’ve only watched a couple minute of these guys, just enough to get annoyed. Didnt take long.
To each his own Steve. I watch Gas Monkey Garage and Dennis Collins Coffee Walk and enjoy both of them immensely!
I also like both of those guys, I also like GYC because they have a lot of neat cars to look at as well but I have to do it on mute and CC because I hate listening to that guy
Absolutely, Wife says I need to be more tolerant.
I know where almost the exact twin to this is located . Its a 24,000 mile original. In a barn
With you Steve….RR was around and a clown at the swap meets 30yrs ago and wasn’t well recieved….RR and Dennis went to school together…. remember the Jeep place when it was just sitting in a pasture BUT down the street from South Fork of the famous Dallas TV show….’bout where my 2+2 Mustang was found stripped in 1994…..
I stopped watching ass monkey years ago when he would purchase a new classic car for his collection ,bring it back to the shop and due doughnuts with it on the asphalt parking lot,a bit childish.
This is listed on BaT now…
Collins likes to sell on a bat. i look at the site everyday but would never list a car on there.