1967 GT500 vs. 1968 GT500KR

[69Boss429]

Maybe you folks can settle a debate my friends and I are having.
Given the choice, which would you prefer?

1967 GT500 428PI 4spd or 1968 GT500KR 428CJ 4spd?

Things to consider...
-both matching #
-both the same color
-both with the exact same documentation
-both in the same condition
-both the same where ever possible
-1967 last year Shelby American built Shelby's before Ford took over
-1968 428CJ being the better engine (or is it?)
-more 1967 GT500's manufactured than 1968 GT500KR

There, I think I covered everything.
Thanks for your help and I hope I don't start a battle.

[highland green]

I own a 68, but have always liked the styling of the 67s.The 67s have afew proto types,& 427s to add to their mystic(sp?). But go back to the 60s and the KR wins as a car thats easy to live with every day , better fiberglass fit and remember a lot of 67s had the 2x4s taken off and replaced with a single carb for that every day drivability. I like the cosule in the 68, hate the steering wheel. I think every one thinks that 67 steering wheel is beautiful.

[DJR]

All things equal, the 67. I like the style. Performance and drivablility, the 68.

[SFM6S2015]

I like the looks of the 67 much better than the 68s. If it wasen't for the fact that all 67s had P/S and P/B I would still have one. I guess I just like things simple.

Larry

[ELJ1st500]

Hello,

I will give you my very biased opinion on why I favor the '67 over the '68.

1. As you stated, the '67s (most of them) were made by Shelby American and not by Ford.
2. The front end styling of the '67s looks much better than the '68s.
3. Although the 428 CJ makes a little more power; when you open the hood it just does not have the same WOW factor that the 2x4V equipped 428 PI does.
4. The '67s wood steering wheel is way cooler than the "Mustang" steering wheel used in the '68s.
5. The brushed aluminum interior pieces in the '67 are more visually appealing than the fake woodgrain pieces in the '68s.
6. The Cougar taillights used on the '67s look better than the Thunderbird taillights used on the '68s

The '68s are still great cars. I just think that for the previously listed reasons, the '67s are the more appealing/better cars.

Thanks,
Eric

[KensKR]

When I started looking for a Shelby it had to have a hardtop, 4spd, and a big block. I started out wanting a 67 GT500, but when I found my black KR I had to have it. A 428cj, 4spd, with 4:11 gears is a good running car. I've never cared for the 68 steering wheel, so it hangs on the wall and an over the counter 67 Shelby wheel is in the car. I believe the 68 has the most aggressive look. I have to agree with Eric the 2x4's do have the wow factor, but if you want to go fast a single four is hard to beat.
This is just my opinion,
Kenny

[John76]

When I read the question i started to weigh the pros for each year.
-67 was the first year of the big block and the last year the car was produced in SoCal.
-the 67 had awesome pro-types like the 427 Super Snake.
-the 67 has more of race car feel with a no center consule and brushed aluminum interior. And inboard and outboard lights and an awesome wooden steering wheel.
-the 68 was the first year of the convertible....
-68 was the first year of the CJ, but they put a heavy cast iron intake instead of lighter aluminum intake.
-the 67 2x4 has great eye appeal but the single carb is an excellent performer.
These are just a few of them and i am sure many of you list many, many more.
So my conclusion is both cars have awesome lines and wow factor...it might come down to what car will always bring the biggest $$$ with all things equal?
The 67.

[Magstar]

Wow when you look at Kens KR it makes the choice even harder that is one sweet KR .I've had both and a 67 interior ,inboard lights,magstars,lemans stripes are hard to beat,on the other hand a428 CJ is a good thing along with the better quality fiberglass,the nice counsel,sequensel taillights,Done up right I would take either.

[Swiss_Made]

That is an interesting question. My heart is bleeding but I must admit I prefer the style of the 67. I do own a 68 shelby, but I always wanted a 67. So my choice is the 67 GT500. I don't care about where it was build and who build it, it is just the styling.

[mherman2]

I couldn't decide so I bought both!!!!! Just got lucky and was able to afford to get one of each. I will sell one but don't know which yet as I have not driven the KR yet, it still being restored and having the CJ rebuilt.

The low production of the KR is always appealing, not many people have one. The fact that the 67"s were at LAX in the Shelby hanger is pretty cool.

You can't lose, cherish what you decide on.

Mike

[shelby Guy]

Well I have had both, and still have the Kr , so that answers that !
I prefer the 68 styling , better front end , and the rear is better as well with the chrome surrounds on the lights . The Cj in the 68 looks cool,and with the correct Air Cleaner it looks great !
The Cobra Air cleaners look Good , but less Classy !
The seats are better in a 68, as it is a better optioned car !
Also the KR is a Unique Shelby , where the 67 bits will transfer to other models ! theres the numbers situation as well , not many Krs made , especially if you have a special paint car !
Just my thoughts !
John

[shelby Guy]

Hey 69Boss 429 have you got one ? if so what colour?
THX, John

[69Boss429]

No, currently I have a Superbird but I'm in the market for either a 67GT500 or 68KR. I'm really torn between the 2 and can't make a decision. The only things I do know is that it has to be a 4spd, matching # with documentation. I have huge Ford/Shelby friends. Some tell me to go with the 67 because it's the last year Shelby American produced Shelby's and for it's styling, others tell me to go with the 68 for the low production numbers and the 428CJ. I'm hoping you guys can settle the score but it looks like I'm hearing the same thing. Everyone has great reasons for the one they pick. I think eventually I'm going to have to shop around an look at both and pick the one that appeals to me the most. Either way I look at it as a win-win.

[whitey]

Go with your heart man. Ultimately you're the one who has to live with it and love it. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Me? I have the 68 GT 350. The ONLY one I could afford and the BEST I'll ever own and I LOVE IT! Who cares what the rest of the world thinks.
Cheers,

Dicko

[cougar]

Like the man said, buy what you like and that will keep YOU happy.
Frank

[shelby Guy]

I would go for the lowest number !
Thats what makes it in the end !
I have 1 of 2 Special paint car ( Special Orange) 4 speed , i was going to paint it black when i restored it !
Jeff Mays said to me , everyone has a Red or Black car , Keeep it Orange . it lokks great , and Glad i Did !
When i was in Nashville 2004, theres loads of shelby cars , but not many KR cars , Limited production, Go for it , or you migt ba lucky and you can buy mine off me !
THX, John