Gary Bartlett Brings a Targa Florio Cobra to Motor District

One of nineteen 427 Competition Cobras headlines the All-Americana field.

Some cars are interesting because of what they are. Others are interesting because of where they've been. Gary Bartlett's 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra, CSX3019, is both, and it will be one of the featured cars at the All-Americana on Saturday, July 18th from 12pm to 2pm

The history is remarkable. CSX3019 is one of nineteen 427 Competition Cobras, and one of only four built with dry sump lubrication. Its first owner raced it across Europe during the 1966 season, including the Targa Florio, Spa, and the Nurburgring. After decades in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Bartlett tracked down the owner, eventually purchased it in 2022, and set out to restore it to its 1966 Targa Florio specification. That effort, by a team he assembled across the UK and the US, won Restorer of the Year at the Historic Motoring Awards in London.

Bartlett's standing in this world is undeniable. His 1968 Ford GT40 MK1 took the award for Most Historically Significant Road Car at the 2022 Greenbrier Concours d'Elegance. His collection runs deep on American icons, including each generation of the Ford GT: a 2019 Ford GT, a 2005 Ford GT, and a 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III. He is a collector and enthusiast whose influence reaches well beyond Indiana, both here and abroad.

What sets Bartlett apart is not just what he owns, but what he gives back. He shares his cars where people can see them, supports the events and institutions that keep this history alive, and brings a level of knowledge and generosity that raises the standard for everyone around him. Collectors of his caliber could keep their cars behind closed doors. He does the opposite, and the wider automotive community is better for it. We are fortunate to count him as part of ours.

That he would bring this Cobra to All-Americana is exceptional. A car of this history could appear anywhere in the world, and he is choosing to share it with our community, on the growing campus of Motor District.

All-Americana lands Saturday, July 18th. Come see CSX3019 in person. Make plans to join us.