California event to announce winner of original 1968 Shelby GT500KR

MARTINEZ, Calif. — June 1, 2022 — The Cobra Experience will celebrate Shelby American’s 60th anniversary with the year’s largest display of Shelby Cobras in the U.S., as well as other classic Ford vehicles, on Saturday, June 4th for its 8th Annual Cobra Day in Martinez, California. Free to all spectators, the event will also include the announcement of the winner of a rare Northern California two-owner 1968 Shelby GT500KR (King of the Road) that is part of the Cobra Experience sweepstakes; entries are open online until noon PDT on June 4, 2022.

“To celebrate Shelby American’s 60th anniversary, we’re planning the largest display of original Shelby Cobras in the United States this year,” said Emily Lambert, Managing Director of The Cobra Experience. “Our show will feature over 125 Shelby Cobras and other special Ford cars. To make the event even more immersive, those who donate to the museum that day could enjoy a ride in an original Shelby Cobra or other classic Ford during the ‘Final Cruise Lap’ at the close of the show. And someone will become ‘King of the Road’ by winning the 1968 Shelby GT500KR!”

Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang quickly gained iconic status among sports car enthusiasts due to its lightweight design, powerful drivetrain and aggressive looks. The arrival of the Shelby GT350 in 1965 gave Ford even more performance credibility. The Shelby version became increasingly powerful over the years, as Ford and Carroll Shelby developed more potent engines.

In April 1968, a new version of the 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 engine, with improved breathing heads and larger exhaust manifolds, was launched. Dropped into the range-topping Shelby GT500, the new engine gave birth to the Shelby GT500KR.

In addition to the mighty engine, the King of the Road was recognizable for its unique styling. The massive vents atop the front grille were highlighted by fog lamps, while the Ford Thunderbird-sourced taillights gave it a wide stance at the rear.

The Cobra Experience sweepstakes winner will take home a first-generation Shelby GT500KR.

The rare, low mileage car is one of only 51 total 1968 fastbacks in this specific color and options configurations. It is particularly collectible as this Shelby is a Northern California-only car, making it virtually rust-free. It was purchased new in 1968 and has had only 2 owners in its 53 years.

The original and completely restored sweepstakes 1968 Shelby GT500KR features:

• Candy Apple Red paint
• Black interior
• 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8
• Automatic Transmission
• Twist Lock Hood Pins
• Chrome Bumpers
• Twin-Exhaust Layout
• Shelby stripes above the side skirts and “GT500KR” graphics on the front fenders

Proceeds from the sweepstakes will support the non-profit museum’s mission to inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts through conservation, education and preservation of the cars built by Shelby American.

“We are committed to motivating people to be part of the automotive industry through the inspiring story of Shelby American,” said Lambert. “From our record-setting Cobra display to classic car rides and sweepstakes, we are giving people an opportunity to truly be part of this great history.”

Cobra Day will begin at 10 a.m. PT in Martinez and run through 2 p.m. The sweepstakes winner will be announced at 1:45 p.m.

The Cobra Day Show is directly adjacent to The Cobra Experience, a 25,000-square-foot museum that displays original Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, GT40, King Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers and a Lotus.

The museum features numerous cars on display, enhanced by engine and wheel displays, several memorabilia exhibits, photos and a shop scene from Shelby American in the 1960s. A 40-seat surround-sound theater features an HD film about the cars and the Ford and Shelby American story. Attendees can enjoy the once-a-year Cobra Day show and The Cobra Experience Museum during the same visit.

Sweepstakes tickets are still on sale. Participants are automatically entered to win the special Shelby when they donate online at [www.WinAGT500.org]www.WinAGT500.org or by mail.

Proceeds benefit The Cobra Experience, a non-profit museum committed to the promotion, conservation, education, and preservation of the cars produced by Shelby American.

The event is at The Cobra Experience, 777 Arnold Drive, Martinez, California

About The Cobra Experience
The Cobra Experience is a 25,000-square-foot museum located in Martinez, California, that showcases original Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, Daytona Coupe, GT40, King Cobra, Sunbeam Tigers and a Lotus; currently, 24 cars are on display. There are engine and wheel displays, posters, photos and a shop scene as it was at Shelby American in the 1960s. Unique to the museum is a 40-seat surround-sound theater that features an HD film about the cars and about the Ford and Shelby American story. To learn more about The Cobra Experience, email info@cobraexperience.org, visit [www.cobraexperience.org]www.cobraexperience.org or call (925) 558-5585.

Media Contact:
Emily Lambert, Managing Director at emily@cobraexperience.org

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