BIG PRICE DROP! $180,000
1968 SHELBY GT500KR #2575
From the Collection of Motor Trend former Editor-in-Chief, C. Van Tune.
Aluminum Shelby 427 Side-Oiler stroked to 468 cubes.
Dynoed at 579 hp & 597 lb/ft torque.
Original 4-speed Top-Loader.
Fully Sorted. Runs Cool. It's a badass of a car, but easy to drive.
$195,000. $180,000 takes it. (Over $285k invested.) No trades.
Life can be hard. Mine just got that way. My just-diagnosed Stage IV lung cancer is forcing me to change many things about my life, including selling my beloved KR. This diagnosis has my family very worried, because at my last physical exam 6 months ago I was completely healthy. And I've never smoked anything but tires!
I've decided to list my KR here first, in hopes that one of our own buys this spectacularly fast & fun Shelby. I bought it in 1982. Always a CA car.
PM me for a very detailed 7-page list of the car's equipment, specs, condition, modifications and original items.
Happy to send photos, videos, etc. Inspections welcomed. Car is located in San Diego, CA.
Thanks guys,
Van
PS: Sorry about the Brand D car in the background. That's the screen car from the Mannix TV series.
Get well soon.
Sorry to hear that Van. Best wishes.
Devastating news indeed. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Keep the faith my friend. Best wish's on a positive treatment outcome and best of luck with the sale.
Looking forward to better times and positive outcomes. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Hope you find the right new owner and a smooth sale
I don't know you Van but I wish you well and your in my thoughts mate. Good luck with sale. Take care
Stay positive
A good friend of mine had a similar diagnosis about three years ago. He has been in remission for maybe 18 months. It's been a tough battle for him. Like you he never smoked, but for many decades everyone smoked everywhere. So as we get older, some of us are not too lucky.
Wish you the best and do what the doc says.
I hope everything goes well for you. Stay strong and positive my friend!!
Prayers sent. Keep the faith. Mike G.
Thanks everybody. I very much appreciate your messages of hope, prayers and best wishes.
And, yes, I will do what the doctors say. I'm a pretty independent guy, but I already promised my wife that too.
Life can change in an instant. Enjoy it today.
Thanks again,
Van
Quote from: J_Speegle on May 17, 2022, 03:04:49 PM
Looking forward to better times and positive outcomes. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hope you find the right new owner and a smooth sale
Very sorry to hear this news... will go with a +1 ^^^ on those sentiments.
Its a shocker I'm not sure what to say, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
God bless you. I encourage everyone to research alternative treatments if they want other options in addition to what the Doctor tells them.
Thanks again, everyone.
Here's a few more pix of the KR.
Best wishes to you and your family. Keep the faith, miracles do happen.
BTW:
I have a very in-depth 7-page listing of the details of my car to send to anyone interested.
All the specifics of the new engine, driveline, suspension, brakes, etc.
Condition of paint, interior, undercarriage, etc.
A list of everything on the car that's original. And what isn't.
How it drives, rides, handles and performs.
This car's history. And anything else I can think of to mention.
PM me with your contact info and I'll send it out. I also have several driving videos, walk-arounds, cold-start and hot start examples, and tons of photos I can send.
I am happy to discuss the car with you on the phone. In the interest of privacy, I'd prefer if you'd PM me your number and I'll call you.
Here's a pix from Willow Springs Raceway on Oct 2015, Cobra Owner's Club meet. The KR ran fast and 100% reliably all weekend. Proof of concept and execution. These days, I merely drive it on the street. It is very quick, yet easy to drive.
Van,
I am very sorry to hear of this. I wish you all the best, and hope you come out of this with excellent results! Don't give up, and stay positive!
Take care as always, Scott.
A couple more photos...
Engine & Transmission specs of my KR...
427 side-oiler Carroll Shelby Engines aluminum block & heads, punched out to 468 cubic inches.
Built by Denbeste Racing Engines. Complete air cleaner to oil pan. Stage 2 porting.
(Cost $28,000.)
579 hp @ 5700 rpm and 597 lb/ft torque @ 4200 rpm. Dyno sheets included.
10.5:1 compression
Mahle 4023 alloy pistons
Scat 6.7"H-beam rods, 4340 forged steel
Scat 4.125" stroker crank, 4340 forged steel
8740 main studs & head studs
2.25/1.75 stainless steel valves
High silicone 1.550" diameter dual valve springs
Custom 4130, .080" wall, 3/8 pushrods
Harland Sharpe aluminum roller rockers
Proprietary Denbeste hydraulic roller cam, 8620 billet steel
Cloyes Hex-a-Just roller timing chain
Melling blueprinted racing oil pump
Holley XP830 carb, mechanical secondaries
Shelby aluminum dual-plane intake manifold
Aeromotive electric fuel pump and dual oversized filters
Fuel pressure gauge mounted on engine.
MSD Pro Billet Distributor
MSD 6AL ignition box
MSD Blaster 2 coil
Shelby high-flow aluminum water pump
Aluminum pulleys & timing cover
Aluminum radiator
Original KR belt-driven fan
70 Amp Alternator
Powermaster Ultra Torque starter
FPA headers and Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust system with x-pipe, exiting through stock tips.
Excellent installation, exhaust properly tucked-up. No problem on speed bumps.
Performs and sounds incredible, runs cool, drives very strong.
TRANSMISSION:
Original Top-Loader 4-speed.
Original 9-inch rear-end with 3.50 Traction-Lok gearing.
Original nodular iron 3rd member.
New Currie axles.
Gear Vendors 0.82 overdrive. Drops 4th-gear revs at 75 mph from 3500 to 2850 rpm.
Hurst T-handle Competition Plus Shifter.
McLeod Super Street Pro Clutch & Steel Flywheel.
QuickTime Bell Housing (SFI rated.)
Wilwood Hydraulic Clutch System. (Low Pedal Effort. Stop & Go driving is easy.)
Hang in there... modern medicine is amazing. Has keep me alive for the past 9 years after a C word diagnosis. Hang in there and keep your head up !
Thanks Corbins, and everyone else. Your thoughts and messages are being taken to heart.
Van
More technical info on KR:
TRANSMISSION:
Original Top-Loader 4-speed.
Original 9-inch rear-end with 3.50 Traction-Lok gearing.
Original nodular iron 3rd member.
New Currie axles.
Hurst T-handle Competition Plus Shifter.
McLeod Super Street Pro Clutch & Steel Flywheel.
QuickTime Bell Housing (SFI rated.)
Wilwood Hydraulic Clutch System. (Low Pedal Effort. Stop & Go driving is easy.)
Gear Vendors 0.82 overdrive. Drops 4th-gear revs at 75 mph from 3500 to 2850 rpm.
CHASSIS:
Full Hotchkis Suspension F/R. Includes springs, shocks, anti-roll bars & bushings.
Four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes. Four piston front. Two-piston rear. Manual brakes. Retains original pull-on parking brake.
16x8-inch Specialty Racing Wheels, in period-correct 5-spoke Torq Thrust D style.
BFG g-Force Sport Comp 2 tires. 215/55/ZR16 front. 245/50/ZR16 rear.
Handles great. Rides nice. Sits perfect.
EPAS Performance electric power steering (with adjustable effort control) added to the rebuilt manual box for easier parking.
Flaming Rivers "1968 Mustang" steering column with tilt wheel, to mate with electric power steering.
Corner-balanced, Aligned and Weighed.
Total Weight: 3272 pounds with half tank of gas, no driver.
Front axle: 1824 pounds. Rear axle: 1448 pounds
Driver side total: 1653 pounds. Passenger side total: 1619 pounds
BODY:
This is a CA car since new. No Rust or body rot.
Dry body & undercarriage, floors, trunk. No patch panels.
Original bumpers.
Original gas cap.
Original taillight lenses.
Original sheet metal and fiberglass.
The fiberglass lines up about as good as when new. Hood has a slight bow in it, typical of many Shelbys of this era.
The 30-year-old bare-metal paint job is still thick, shiny, and generally holding up well. But, there are several small blemished areas, plus some rock chips and a few small cracks in the fiberglass. I'm not a paint fanatic, so it doesn't bother me. I'd call the paint quality a "5 footer".
Undercarriage has been thoroughly cleaned, by hand, revealing correct orange-red oxide factory primer undercoating.
Fender lips have been rolled to fit the larger tires.
DETAILS:
Correct Blue GT500KR Lower Door Stripes made by Shelby restoration expert Tim Lea.
New Wiring Harnesses from 1968 Shelby expert coralsnake.com
New Ultima red top battery installed 150 miles ago.
The headlights are new FoMoCo logo halogens.
Taillights and dashboard lights converted to brighter LEDs.
The original fog lights were not on the car when I bought it, so I installed (in 1982) a pair of powerful Cibie Series 175 quartz-iodine fog lights. You can actually see with these!
The chromed taillight grilles were not on the car when I bought it. I like the look better without them. (They're readily available online.)
No spare tire or jack.
Upsized 22 gallon fuel tank.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Van, if you didn't see my answer to your DM that I sent. I will stay in touch. I haven't been too active on this site due to some funny little virus going around. But I beat its a$$. I did buy a supply of Ivermectin (Human Doctor prescribed I might add) back last November and it came in handy. I took the full treatment the next morning as symptoms developed on Saturday afternoon. Did it make a difference? Can't tell. But glad I had it if for nothing more than a placebo, a "hand holder" so to speak. For you, I suggest scaling back on sugar intake and do some intermittent fasting. Starve it out. But I am no medical doctor. Just regurgitating what I have read on the subject.
Best wishes to you and your family,
Richard
Thanks, Richard, and everyone else, for your concern and words of wisdom.
It is all very much appreciated by my family and me.
Van
Really a bad deal, I wish you all the best. Killer car btw.
Mike
Thanks Mike. I'm doing my best to hang in there. Still having as much car fun as I can.
An old Motor Trend buddy of mine came to the house yesterday and brought his badazz Pantera. He let me drive it, and then I gave him a fast ride in the KR. His jaw was on the ground at the KR's performance (faster than the Pantera) and handling.
He said if he had the $$ he'd buy my car in an instant. He's going to list it on the Pantera site with his personal recommendation. I'm getting several interested people so far, from the SAAC forum, and it will be a great fully-sorted Shelby for someone.
Best regards,
Van
Hi Van,
Best of luck with a complete recovery. I've enjoyed reading your articles over many years as well as your comments on the Forum. Your car looks like a great one for guys and gals who like to drive them.
Thanks 6s341, for the nice comments. I had a great and fun career as a car mag writer. Before the internet ruined everything.
If I had the spare $$ it would already be mine. Well done, my kind of car!!
Thanks Mike! Much appreciated.
Here's the Dyno Sheet: 468-inch Side-Oiler.
579hp @ 5700 rpm
597 lb/ft torque @ 4200 rpm
Van, Brother
There are no word for this, But I will try to be productive. We are thinking of you and we are thinking good thoughts. Keep doing what you are doing and keep being true to yourself. Such a pleasure thinking about that afternoon we spent together with our dear friend and my son roughly 9 years ago. Looking forward to talking with you soon.
Good thoughts.
Hugs
Thanks Bill, much appreciated.
That fun day was with our pal Kiwi and your son at the SAAC event Calif Speedway. I remember it well.
Van
Your efforts to sell your car strike a note with me. I always wonder what I would do if I had to sell. My families health history is pretty terrible but I actually had my first real physical since June of 1969 and remarkably have no real issues.
When I retired over 6 years ago I told the wife I wanted to make as many car show as I could before I either ran out of money, the car couldn't make it or I was unable to. I figure I got 8-10 years left before I'm too feeble
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope for something miraculous to come your way
Meanwhile take care
Regards
Steve McDonald
Thank you Steve. It is a weird new reality for me.
I share your mindset of driving your Shelby as much as possible, and going everywhere you can go in it.
That's a pretty good philosophy for any car guy/gal.
All the best to you and your family,
Van
More info...
INCLUDED WITH SALE:
Boxes of receipts and technical information from restoration and mechanical work done.
A shelf full of spare parts, extras, and some take-off parts.
The framed Elite Marti Report.
Photostat copies of 1968 warranty work invoices. (Thanks Mongo!)
The 1982 L.A. Times newspaper ad from when I bought the car.
I will also give the buyer copies of all the vintage & restoration photos of the car that I have.
THIS CAR'S HISTORY:
Sold new at Chet Monez Ford in Fairfield CA in June 1968.
Original owner's name is R. J. Holland of Vacaville, CA.
Ownership chain known back to 1977.
The CA License Plate currently registered on the car is its original "XQB 138" Black-and-Yellow plate number.
Clear CA title in my name.
WHY BUY THIS KR?:
If you're looking for a trailer queen and concours show winner, this is not the car. I built this KR to incorporate the best of all things Shelby: A very fast, fun and reliable muscle car that is also comfortable around town, on the highway, or at the track.
This car is a badass, but it is remarkably easy to drive.
Excellent HP and Torque throughout RPM range.
Fully Sorted and Dialed-In during the seven years since completion.
Doesn't overheat in traffic.
Exhaust doesn't drone at highway speeds. Quiets down nicely in overdrive.
Engine runs well on super unleaded pump gas.
I took the car to Willow Springs Raceway once again, in late 2015, after the new driveline was properly broken in. The car ran fast, and without any problems, all weekend. Never overheated, puked or otherwise got cranky.
For those of you who know the Willow track layout, my KR was caught on the radar gun at the end of the front straight at 133 mph. And it still had a lot more to go.
Thanks to the Gear Vendors overdrive, 5700 rpm = 150 mph.
That was all I needed to experience. It's been a street driven car ever since.
Car is located in San Diego, CA.
Inspections welcomed.
VIN: 8T02R204740-2575
This is a genuine 1968 Shelby GT500KR. Guaranteed.
I'm C. Van Tune. Guaranteed. (Google me.)
I am happy to answer any and all questions, send more photos, videos, etc.
PM me with your contact info. I will reply ASAP.
Car just listed on Hemmings.com at $198,000. I'll still honor the $195,000 to any SAAC person.
More photos in the Hemmings listing:
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/shelby/gt500kr/2584533.html
Thanks,
Van
More pix of my KR.
Header to ground clearance is excellent. Car does not scrape on any speed bumps or driveways I've encountered.
Underside was cleaned by hand, to reveal the orange-red-oxide primer/undercoating.
More underside...
More underside rear...
Out for a fast run, last summer, with my pal Dave and his very accurate Bullitt Replica.
(His car is featured in the Sheryl Crow video "Steve McQueen". She drove & signed it.)
JUST ADDED: 15 YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF MY KR.
Cold Start, Warm Start & Hot Start.
Engine views.
Fuel Pressure & Oil Pressure.
Walk-Arounds.
Driving around neighborhood.
Getting on it a bit.
Getting on it a bit more.
Operating the Gear Vendors overdrive.
Interior overview front and rear.
Stay tuned for more.
Here's the direct link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqOfYiTk9psP0eI7kX_wY_Q
Price dropped to $180,000 .
To my SAAC friends: I'd really appreciate it if you'd forward my KR's info to anyone you know who might be interested.
I need to sell it, for my family's benefit. It's a great car.
Thanks very much,
Van
Link to Hemmings listing, with all the info & photos:
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/shelby/gt500kr/2584533.html
Link to YouTube, with lots of videos of my car:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH-e7mQ5Uqs&t=7s
PRICE DROP! $175,000.
Check out the YouTube video link, for 15 videos.
Cold and Hot Starts, Driving, Exterior walk-arounds, Interior, Engine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH-e7mQ5Uqs&t=7s
Plus, have a look at the Hemmings ad for many additional photos and details.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/shelby/gt500kr/2584533.html
This is a very fast & well-sorted KR, with a 95% original interior, no rust, always a CA car.
Plus, with a long list of top-level performance, handling and braking modifications that make this a great car...and a screaming deal.
Thanks,
Van
SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD! One it's way to Kansas, to join a couple other bitchin' Shelbys, a B9 and a 428CJ Torino.
Thanks to everyone here who checked out my ads and forwarded the info to others.
Van
Glad you found a home for her!
- Phillip
Quote from: propayne on June 08, 2022, 06:31:04 AM
Glad you found a home for her!
- Phillip
+1 and hope your situation improves !
Congratulations on the sale!
Quote from: Side-Oilers on June 07, 2022, 11:38:57 PM
SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD! One it's way to Kansas, to join a couple other bitchin' Shelbys, a B9 and a 428CJ Torino.
Thanks to everyone here who checked out my ads and forwarded the info to others.
Van
Very happy on the outcome, good to hear it's going to have other playmates surrounding him
Van,
Congrats on the sale! Nice to hear it went to a good home.
Take care as always, Scott.
Congratulations Van, and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Craig
Congrats Van!
Congratulations on the sale. I know it was a bitter-sweet parting. Good wishes for the future!