When Andre DesMarais drove up in his 1966 Ford GT40 at last year’s Ponte Vedra Auto Show, promoter Justin Felker could not believe what he was seeing.
At first, he thought it was a replica, but then as he walked up to it, he quickly realized it was the real deal.
According to the car’s owner, Andre DesMarais, there were only roughly 105 ever made by Ford, and only 31 road versions.
One of the neat things that captured people’s attention is the fact that DesMarais drove the car to the show rather than hauling it on a trailer.
“A lot of times they end up just sitting in someone’s garage somewhere,” DesMarais said. “We drive it, because no use is the best abuse for a car like that.”
The unique nature and history of the car led to it being named last year’s overall winner of the auto show.
DesMarais bought the car 10 years ago following the death of his father, who was the one that developed his passion for cars and racing.
“It’s sentimental and it is just a part of the family at this point,” DesMarais said.
What makes the 1966 GT40 so special is not just its physical features, but also the history that coincides with it.
The model won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans and was the first overall victory for an American manufacturer at the prestigious endurance race.
“When you talk about cars in the 60s, it’s a big part of American culture,” DesMarais said. “It’s almost like rolling art.”
The car was made with the sole purpose of winning at Le Mans, but 31 road cars were made so that Ford could meet the homologation standards required of each manufacturer to race.
“There’s not much difference between the road car and the race car,” DesMarais said. “It’s pretty much the addition of an ashtray and couple of little things, but it’s pretty much the same.”
DesMarais grew up in Wisconsin and attended races at Road America, which is a historic road course that hosts several professional racing series each year.
The decision to enter the car at last year’s show did not come until late in the process after his wife had heard about it and mentioned it to him.
“It’s a great thing for the community to have,” DesMarais said. “It’s important that people remain aware of these vehicles and the history behind them.”
