1968 Shelby Ford Shelby Facts, Information & History

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The 1968 Shelby models continued the tradition of high-performance and unique styling that had become synonymous with the Shelby Mustang brand. The 1968 Shelby GT350 and GT500 featured powerful V8 engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and distinctive design elements. The GT350 maintained its focus on handling and performance, while the GT500 received updates to its engine and design, making it even more potent and visually striking. The 1968 Shelby Mustangs are known for their performance capabilities, iconic appearance, and role in shaping the muscle car landscape of the late 1960s.

In 1968, Shelby American produced a total of 4,451 Shelby Mustangs across various models and configurations. This production included both Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 models. The breakdown of the production numbers for 1968 Ford Shelby models is as follows:

Shelby GT350 Fastback: 1,053 units
Shelby GT500 Fastback: 1,140 units
Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) Fastback: 1,053 units
Shelby GT500KR Convertible: 318 units

The introduction of the GT500KR (King of the Road) marked an important addition to the lineup, featuring an even more powerful engine. The 1968 Shelby Mustangs are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their performance, design, and contribution to the American muscle car legacy.

The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustangs, specifically the GT350 and GT500 models, continued to have a presence in motorsports and racing, particularly in road racing and various competition events. Here are some notable aspects of the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustangs in racing:

Trans-Am Racing: The Shelby GT350 remained active in the SCCA Trans-Am racing series. The GT350's performance and handling improvements made it a competitive contender in this road racing championship.

GT500KR Racing: The introduction of the GT500KR (King of the Road) model in 1968 brought additional power and performance. While not as extensively involved in racing as the GT350, the GT500KR still participated in various events, showcasing its powerful engine.

International Racing: Some Shelby Mustangs, including both GT350 and GT500 models, were raced in international events, contributing to their reputation as high-performance machines.

Drivers and Teams: Accomplished drivers like Peter Revson and Horst Kwech continued to be associated with Shelby racing efforts in 1968.

Legacy of Racing: The presence of the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustangs in racing events continued to build upon their reputation as performance-oriented vehicles and helped maintain their connection to the world of motorsports.

Overall, the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustangs carried forward their legacy in motorsports, showcasing their capabilities on both the track and the road and contributing to their iconic status in the world of high-performance vehicles.

The 1968 Ford Shelby Mustangs, particularly the GT350 and GT500 models, have made appearances in various movies and television shows due to their iconic design and high-performance image. Here are a few examples of their appearances in movies:

Bullitt (1968): While the famous car chase scene in "Bullitt" primarily features a 1968 Ford Mustang GT, a 1968 Ford Shelby GT500 briefly appears in the background during one of the scenes.

Gone in 60 Seconds (1974 and 2000): Both the original 1974 film and the 2000 remake feature a 1968 Ford Shelby GT500 as part of the collection of cars being stolen.

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014): A 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 appears as the vehicle mode of a character named Barricade in this science fiction action film.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019): While the film mainly features modern cars, a 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 makes a brief appearance as part of the backstory of one of the characters.

Dark Phoenix (2019): In the X-Men film "Dark Phoenix," a 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 can be seen parked on the street during a scene.

These examples showcase how the 1968 Ford Shelby Mustangs have been featured in various movies, reflecting their enduring appeal and classic design in the world of cinema.