How much horsepower does a 1968 Shelby have?
There isn’t a single horsepower figure for all 1968 Shelbys. The main high-performance Shelbys that year—the GT500 and the GT500KR—used Ford’s 428 Cobra Jet V8 and were commonly listed at about 335 horsepower in SAE net terms, with some older sources citing around 360 horsepower in gross terms or when Ram Air configurations were considered. The exact number depends on the model, options, and measurement method.
Models and power in 1968
The 1968 Shelby lineup focused on two primary variants built on the Ford Mustang platform: the GT500 and the GT500KR (King of the Road). Both used the 428 Cobra Jet V8, and their official horsepower ratings typically reflect SAE net figures around 335 hp, with potential higher gross ratings cited in some period materials or test configurations.
- 1968 Shelby GT500: 428 Cobra Jet V8; SAE net horsepower commonly listed around 335 hp; some references note approximately 360 hp in gross terms or with Ram Air testing.
- 1968 Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road): 428 Cobra Jet V8; SAE net horsepower commonly listed around 335 hp; Ram Air or older literature may cite higher gross figures.
Because horsepower figures from the era varied by measurement method and options, the exact number for a given car could differ. The presence of Ram Air and whether the rating used SAE net or gross would influence the published figure.
Measurement nuances
Horsepower numbers in the 1960s often depended on the test standard used. SAE gross ratings tended to be higher than the SAE net ratings used later in the industry. Ram Air setups could also affect published numbers during testing, even if the standard production rating remained around the SAE net figure for the model.
- SAE gross vs SAE net horsepower
- Ram Air option availability and its impact on published numbers
- Model-specific variations within the GT500 and GT500KR lines
In practice, most references for the 1968 GT500 and GT500KR list about 335 horsepower (SAE net) for the 428 Cobra Jet engine, with higher figures appearing in some older catalogs or in gross-rated discussions.
Bottom line for enthusiasts
For collectors and fans, the takeaway is that the 1968 Shelby Mustangs’ performance was defined by the 428 Cobra Jet engine and the car’s configuration, rather than a single universal horsepower figure. The canonical, measurement-standard figure cited today is roughly 335 horsepower (SAE net) for both GT500 and GT500KR, with occasional references to higher gross numbers in older materials or Ram Air-equipped tests.
Summary: The 1968 Shelby GT500 and GT500KR were powered by the 428 Cobra Jet V8, typically rated around 335 horsepower in SAE net terms. Some historical sources report higher gross horsepower or values influenced by Ram Air testing, but there isn’t one universal number for all 1968 Shelbys—the figure varies by model, option, and measurement method.
How much is a 1968 Shelby worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $118,500 for a 1968 Shelby GT500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1968 Shelby GT500? The highest selling price of a 1968 Shelby GT500 at auction over the last three years was $412,500.
How much horsepower does a 1968 Shelby GT500 have?
The 1968 Shelby GT500 had a 7.0L (428 cubic inch) V8 engine with an official horsepower rating of 355 hp for the standard GT500 and the GT500KR models. However, the actual horsepower was significantly higher, with the GT500KR (King of the Road) model believed to be around 400 hp or more.
- Standard GT500: 355 hp with a 428 V8 engine
- GT500KR: Officially rated at 335 hp, but considered to be closer to 400 hp or more in real-world performance
How much horsepower does a 1968 Shelby gt350 have?
250 hp
In 1968 the 289ci V8 was replaced with a factory 302 V8 using an aluminum Cobra intake manifold and Holley 600 cfm carb. The 302 had less racing parts than the 289 and was rated at 250 hp. A Paxton Supercharger was available.
What year was the fastest Shelby?
In just 4.3 seconds. And this was back in 1965. It's no surprise that the Shelby Cobra 427 of the mid60s. Remains for many the most legendary car to ever bear the Shelby. Name.
