Historic Shelby Convertibles Arrive at Heritage Center
The two historic models are now on display at the Las Vegas museum through December 15, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Car Culture
Live Poll
Should private collections of historic vehicles be displayed for the public to visit in your area?
Local car enthusiasts can now view two historic Shelby convertibles at the Shelby Heritage Center, which recently secured a loan for the vehicles. The display features a 1968 Shelby GT500KR convertible and a 1970 Shelby GT500 convertible, both on loan from the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center.
Why it matters
The display provides a rare look at foundational muscle car history for locals interested in the legacy of American performance vehicles. These specific models represent significant production milestones from the original era of Shelby American manufacturing.
The Shelby Heritage Center maintains over 30 vehicles across its 15,000-square-foot exhibit space. The new additions include a 1968 model, one of 517 produced, and a 1970 convertible, which remains one of just 36 built with a 4-speed transmission.
The players
Shelby Heritage Center
A Las Vegas-based facility that houses over 30 Shelby vehicles.
Segerstrom Shelby Event Center
An Irvine-based organization that loaned the historic convertibles to the local center.
Shelby American
The automotive manufacturer responsible for the production and ongoing rotation of the Heritage Center inventory.
The details
The exhibit includes the 1968 Shelby GT500KR, which was the first of its kind sold to the public, and the 1970 Shelby GT500, marking the final convertible built during the first-generation era. The 1970 model specifically features a 428 SCJ engine paired with a 4-speed close-ratio transmission. The vehicles are currently managed under the Shelby American inventory rotation program.
Timeline
1968 marked the sale of the first Shelby GT500KR convertible to the public.
1970 saw the production of the last first-generation Shelby GT500 convertible.
2013 was the year the Shelby Heritage Center was established in Las Vegas.
December 15, 2026, marks the end of the current exhibit period for these vehicles.
Beyond the Strip
The display of these rare Shelby models follows the legacy established by the 1964 Ford Mustang debut that catalyzed the muscle car era. These vehicles extend that history by showcasing the specific, low-volume variants that defined high-performance engineering in the late 1960s.
Residents can visit the Shelby Heritage Center to view the convertibles during regular operating hours through late 2026. Parking and exhibit access are managed on-site at the Las Vegas facility.
The takeaway
Collectors and fans should note that the exhibit for these rare convertibles is scheduled to conclude on December 15, 2026. Check the Shelby Heritage Center exhibition calendar regularly to see which vehicles are currently in rotation.
Further reading
For more on local automotive exhibits, visit the Car Culture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
Live Poll
Should private collections of historic vehicles be displayed for the public to visit in your area?
