What engine did the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT-500 test car have?

A 427 cu. in. V-8 with 11.5-to-1 compression, rated 400 bhp @ 5600 rpm and 460 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm, fed by a 600 CFM Holley quad carburetor on premium fuel.

How fast was the 1968 GT-500 in this test?

0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, quarter-mile at 100 mph with a 14.20 second elapsed time, and a top speed of 130 mph.

What transmission and gear ratio did the test car use?

A Ford Select Shift (C-6 automatic) with a standard (non-limited-slip) differential and a 3.50-to-1 gear ratio.

What fuel economy did the GT-500 get in the test?

Fuel consumption was 10/13 mpg.

What traction problems did the article note?

Limited slip rears were not available with this combo, so the car burns one tire off the line; the stock leaf springs wrap up around the axle causing wheel hop under hard launches. The article suggests a Detroit Automotive locker and Super-Bite-style traction bars.

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1968 Shelby Cobra GT-500 427 Road Test Specs - Speed & Supercar Magazine p.62

1968 Shelby Cobra GT-500 magazine road-test spec sheet (S&S Test Specs)

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Magazine test-spec page for the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT-500: 427 V-8, 600 CFM Holley quad, Ford Select Shift, 3.50:1 axle, 0-60 in 6.0 sec, 14.20 quarter-mile.

AI caption October 2009 · Photo 33 of 66

This is page 62 from Speed & Supercar magazine, part of a road test article titled "Shelby's Sophisticated Supercar" covering the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT-500. The page contains an "S&S Test Specs" panel listing full test data: a 427 cubic inch V-8 with 11.5-to-1 compression, 400 hp @ 5600 rpm, 460 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm, a 600 CFM Holley quad carburetor, Ford Select Shift transmission, standard differential with a 3.50-to-1 gear ratio, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, quarter-mile at 100 mph in 14.20 seconds, 130 mph top speed, 10/13 mpg fuel consumption, 3480 lb test weight, 108 in wheelbase, 186.81 in overall length, unitized frame, disc/drum brakes, 325 sq. in. swept area, and 15-inch Goodyear tires. The article text discusses traction problems due to lack of a limited-slip differential, wheel-hop from leaf spring wrap-up, the C-6 automatic's behavior, and the compromise suspension setup with heavy-duty shocks, coil springs and a fatter stabilizer bar. It notes Ford won't offer a locker until '69 or '70 and recommends a Detroit Automotive locker and traction bars. Photos show the Goodyear E-series 15-inch tire/wheel and a rear view of the car. Article continues on page 67.

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Frequently asked questions

What engine did the 1968 Shelby Cobra GT-500 test car have?: A 427 cu. in. V-8 with 11.5-to-1 compression, rated 400 bhp @ 5600 rpm and 460 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm, fed by a 600 CFM Holley quad carburetor on premium fuel.
How fast was the 1968 GT-500 in this test?: 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, quarter-mile at 100 mph with a 14.20 second elapsed time, and a top speed of 130 mph.
What transmission and gear ratio did the test car use?: A Ford Select Shift (C-6 automatic) with a standard (non-limited-slip) differential and a 3.50-to-1 gear ratio.
What fuel economy did the GT-500 get in the test?: Fuel consumption was 10/13 mpg.
What traction problems did the article note?: Limited slip rears were not available with this combo, so the car burns one tire off the line; the stock leaf springs wrap up around the axle causing wheel hop under hard launches. The article suggests a Detroit Automotive locker and Super-Bite-style traction bars.