Shelby American announced the return of the Ford GT500KR Mustang in celebration of the company’s 60-year anniversary.

The “King of the Road” Mustang will be limited to a special run of 180 cars for the 2020-22 model years-- 60 per year-- as well as an additional 45 available for the international market. Shelby and Ford representatives claim that it will produce 900+ horsepower on 93 octane pump gas. 

“The current Shelby GT500 already has amazing capabilities,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Chief of R&D. “We’re taking it to an entirely new level for the extreme driver. We integrated a new supercharger and coolers, then tuned the 5.2-liter V8 to churn out 900 plus horsepower on pump gas.”

In addition to extra muscle, the new GT500KR will feature more aggressive and adjustable springs, Ford Performance sway bars and a new suspension tune. The 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 will harmonize with a reworked exhaust. Weight has been saved thanks to a 30-pound-lighter hood; weight can be added back with an optional wide body kit.

This limited production King is only the third time a Shelby GT500 wore the “KR” namesake; first in 1968 with the 428 Cobra Jet, then in 2008 with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8. Each of these models also featured a variety of distinguishing parts, from suspension to bodywork.

The first production car will be auctioned, no reserve, by the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 9th. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

Each GT500KR will include membership in Team Shelby and will be documented in the official Shelby Registry. Production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2022 at Shelby’s Las Vegas facility.