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.
They are only original once. No i could not find it either.