The names Ford, Shelby, and Cobra have been well known in the auto industry for over a half century. The first Shelby Cobra debuted in 1962 and was quick to become popular for both looks and performance during a time all about looks and performance. Legend has it the name Cobra came to Shelby in a dream. Carroll Shelby’s official website backs up this claim and presents it as factual. What an appropriate beginning to a car that would go on to be the car many auto enthusiasts around the world would dream of owning! The first Cobra was produced by Shelby in 1962 in collaboration with Ford using a Ford engine. The Cobra went on to make automobile history as a street car and in competition. The last 427 Cobra was built in ’67 and the last new 427 Cobra was sold in ’68. Shelby’s ties with Ford were unraveled by the end of the decade and he moved on to other projects. Fast forward to the 21st century; Shelby becomes part of the Ford GT project in 2003 and shortly afterwards, Ford announces a new line of Shelby-Ford vehicles. The Shelby Cobra concept car of the new millennium is unveiled in 2004. Two years later, the first 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is sold at auction for $600.000. Ford donated the money from this sale to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. Just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1968 Cobra gt500KR, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR is unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The KR designation is for King of the Road. According to Shelby, Corvette was two weeks away from announcing their King of the Road’ model and after verifying the name was not legally taken, Shelby added the KR to the model. Touted by Ford as the most powerful Ford Mustang ever built, the 2008 KR was scheduled to have a limited production run of 1000 units. The new millennium rear wheel drive Stang boasts 540 horses, 510 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter, and 3.73 gears in the rear end. This beast also comes stock with 18″ wheels and a Ford racing package including a performance suspension, stabilizer bars, and cold air intake. What’s not to love? After perusing several reviews on the Ford Shelby Cobra, the primary features drivers seem to be complaining about are interior cosmetics and a weak AC. I doubt either of these issues will detract from a true Mustang fan’s enjoyment of owning and driving an updated version of one of the most popular cars that ever rolled off an assembly line. As an added bonus; the Ford Shelby Cobra is getting in 25 mpg range. Not bad for a car obviously not bought with fuel economy in mind. Carroll, thanks for one last hurray! Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil