The Reuniting of Automotive Icons

Im guessing Im not alone among auto enthusiasts in having a special place in my heart for Shelby Mustang Cobras. Ive driven a few examples over the years, with the most memorable an extremely rare and well preserved 1968 GT-500KR - KR being short for King of the Road.

Such a title might seem more appropriate for Bill Ford and Carroll Shelbys latest Mustang, the Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept. Since the automotive businesses favorite octogenarian has been back with the blue oval gang hes been very busy. He oversaw the development of the reinvented Cobra roadster which debuted at last years Detroit auto show, but due to chunky, somewhat awkward styling it drew mixed reviews. The gorgeous GR-1 concept that came along later in the year, which reportedly received even more input

Like many auto enthusiasts, I have a soft spot in my heart for Shelby Mustang Cobras. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

But whos got a hundred and fifty grand to buy a new supercar? Not as many people who can drop fifty large for something that might be even more desirable, at least to muscle car fans. The Shelby Cobra GT500

The Shelby Cobra GT500 Concept is more than just a design exercise, but rather it shows the styling direction for the next-generation SVT Mustang Cobra coupe. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

I fell head over heals for Fords new Mustang during its press introduction in Los Angeles last year. It not only drives extremely

I fell head over heals for Fords new Mustang during its press introduction in Los Angeles last year, and immediately begin dreaming about the SVT version. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Sitting around the dinner table with some of Fords designers after the

The new concept is slightly lower in ride height than the production Mustang. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Its easiest to see the differences when viewing a head-on shot of both cars together. The only similar shapes are the two cars greenhouses, which appear identical, the front fender flares, sideview mirrors, the round

The Shelby GT500 Concept features a completely unique grille, much more menacing than the stock Mustangs due to a frowning appearance. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Overall, the new concept is slightly lower in ride height than the production Mustang, most easily noticeable when aligning the sideview mirrors, an attribute that makes it look longer and more hunkered down, and should deliver a lower center of gravity which should result in improved handling characteristics.

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