Why This Car Is Special

The "KR" in GT500KR stands for King of the Road — a name that dates back to 1968, when Shelby introduced the original GT500KR as the top-of-the-line muscle car in the Mustang lineup. Ford and Shelby revived that designation for 2008 and 2009 as a limited-production variant that sat above the standard GT500 in every meaningful way. The 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR was not simply a GT500 with appearance upgrades. It was a purpose-built package developed jointly by Ford's Special Vehicle Team and Shelby Automobiles, with a factory-rated 540 horsepower — up from the GT500's 500 — achieved through a combination of a Ford Racing cold air intake, revised supercharger calibration, and a specifically tuned version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8. Production for the 2009 model year was tightly limited, making this one of the rarer S197-generation Mustangs to come to market in any condition, let alone in the documented, well-preserved state this example represents. Each GT500KR was assigned a numbered Shelby build plaque, which is present on this car, confirming its place in the production registry. The car you are looking at carries that history intact — matching Vista Blue paint, black leather interior with Carroll Shelby signature headrests, the full carbon fiber aero package, and a clean undercarriage that tells the story of a car that has been cared for from the beginning.

Features List

• 5.4L Supercharged V8, 540 horsepower
• Tremec TR-6060 6-Speed Manual Transmission
• 3.73 Limited-Slip Differential
• Ford Racing Cold Air Intake
• Ford Racing Strut Tower Brace
• SVT-Tuned Suspension
• Brembo Disc Brakes
• Chrome SVT/Shelby Wheels
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Tires
• Dual Exhaust
• Carbon Fiber Hood
• Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps
• Twist-Lock Hood Pins
• Fog Lights
• Silver Racing Stripes
• GT500KR Embroidered Seats
• Carroll Shelby Signature Headrests
• Shelby Cobra Steering Wheel
• Short-Throw Shifter
• Numbered Shelby Build Plaque
• Shaker 500 Audio System
• Center Console
• Power Windows and Locks
• Air Conditioning
• SVT Tachometer
• Clean Undercarriage

Mechanical

The heart of the 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR is a 5.4-liter, aluminum-block, supercharged V8 producing 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque as rated at the flywheel. The supercharger is an Eaton TVS unit, and the GT500KR's output advantage over the standard GT500 came through the Ford Racing cold air intake system — visible and correctly fitted in the engine bay — along with recalibration of the supercharger system and engine management. The engine bay on this example is clean and well-presented, with no evidence of leaks, hacking, or deferred maintenance. The Ford Racing strut tower brace is in place, adding chassis rigidity at the front end, which is particularly relevant given the torque this engine produces through the drivetrain.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through the Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission. The TR-6060 was a significant upgrade over the TR-3650 used in earlier Mustangs — it was designed specifically to handle the torque output of the supercharged 5.4, and it paired with a short-throw shifter on the GT500KR for reduced throw distance between gates. Behind that sits a 3.73 limited-slip differential, which gives the car strong off-the-line bite and keeps both rear tires working together under hard acceleration. The SVT-tuned suspension was set up to balance straight-line stability with cornering capability, and Brembo disc brakes — standard equipment on the GT500KR — provide the stopping power the performance numbers demand. The undercarriage photos confirm a clean, rust-free floor pan and subframe, consistent with a car that has not been abused or stored improperly.

Interior

Inside, the 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR is finished in black leather throughout. The front seats carry GT500KR embroidery on the seatbacks and Carroll Shelby's signature embroidered on the headrests alongside the GT500KR designation — details that were specific to this model and are not shared with the standard GT500. The Shelby Cobra steering wheel is centered in the cockpit and features the Cobra emblem at the hub, red contrast stitching on the leather wrap, and a flat-bottom profile. The SVT tachometer is the correct unit for this application, redlined to match the supercharged engine's operating range, and it sits prominently in the instrument cluster between the main gauges.

The short-throw shifter rises from the center console, and the shift knob is the correct white ball unit associated with this package. The numbered Shelby build plaque is mounted on the dashboard — visible in the photos — and confirms this vehicle's authenticated place within the limited GT500KR production run. The Shaker 500 audio system is present, with its speakers integrated into the door panels and rear deck. Air conditioning, power windows, and power locks round out the daily usability of what is otherwise a serious performance machine. The interior shows no significant wear, with the leather in good condition and no damage to the trim or headliner.

Exterior

The 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR wears Vista Blue, one of the more visually appropriate colors available on this generation of Mustang given its historical ties to the original Shelby cars of the 1960s. Over the Vista Blue body run silver racing stripes that run the full length of the car, over the carbon fiber hood and down the trunk lid, consistent with factory GT500KR specification. The carbon fiber hood is not an aftermarket add-on — it was a standard component of the GT500KR package, chosen specifically to reduce front-end weight. The carbon fiber front splitter and carbon fiber mirror caps complete the exterior aero package and give the car a visually cohesive, functional appearance rather than a dressed-up look.

Twist-lock hood pins secure the carbon fiber hood and are part of the GT500KR's visual signature. The chrome SVT/Shelby wheels are in correct, undamaged condition, fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires that match the car's performance capability. Fog lights are present and functional. At the rear, the dual exhaust exits cleanly through the lower fascia, which incorporates the GT500KR-specific rear diffuser-style valance. GT500KR badging on the decklid and front fascia confirm the car's identity to anyone familiar with the nameplate.

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR is a low-production, performance-focused variant of the S197 Mustang that was only available for two model years. With 540 horsepower from the supercharged 5.4-liter V8, the Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual, Brembo brakes, an authenticated numbered build plaque, and the full carbon fiber exterior package, this is not a car you build from parts — it is one you find. This example presents in Vista Blue with its original interior intact, Carroll Shelby's signature on the headrests, and a clean undercarriage that confirms its history as a well-maintained car. Collectors and drivers who understand what the GT500KR represents — and what the KR name meant in 1968 and again in 2008 and 2009 — will recognize this as a legitimate piece of modern Shelby history.

To learn more or schedule a time to see this 2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR in person, call Skyway Classics in Sarasota, Florida at 941-254-6608.

Disclaimer

Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.