Car and Track was the first nationally syndicated show on television, hosted originally by Bud Lindemann, a renowned racing commentator at the time. The show aired from on CBS from 1967 through 1975, with roughly 80 episodes produced during it’s run. The main jist of the program was automotive reporting and testing of many of the hottest new domestic performance cars on the road, and given the time period amidst the golden era of muscle cars, the show was graced with some of the finest machines ever conceived. And like todays testing methods, it was often the highest level furnished of a particular make and model vehicle that was given the once over by Lindemann and crew.

In 1968, the top tier model from the Ford camp was the Shelby Mustang 500KR, known as the “King of the Road.” In this episode that we can only assume is dated from late 1967 or early 1968, Car and Track puts the Shelby through its paces, driving it like they stole it to prove once and for all it was truly worth of the title king of the road.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW7dzVdvQco

Host Lindemann opens this clip by highlighting some of the key points of this then-new Shelby, including its softer, smoother, and quieter ride as compared to its 1966 GT350 counterpart. The car utilized in the show was a fastback model with a back window that described as “about flat as a poker table.” The KR sported the 428-inch Cobra Jet V8 under the hood, producing 335 horsepower and capable of turning the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds. Exterior-wise, the car featured a true rear spoiler, hood scoop, side intake air scoops, and prominently displays the Shelby, KR, and 428 badging.

In this road test, Car and Track puts the three-speed KR through its paces with 0-45, 0-60, 0-75, and a quarter mile run. From there, the evaluation proceeded with braking, cornering, and handling tests that put the Shelby 500KR’s true grit on display. Enjoy this little clip re-aired on Speedvision in the early 200’s and as Lindemann would say “..and drive safely, won’t you? All the pros do.”