You can’t put a price tag on Rich Courmettes’ 1942 Chrysler and his heart is revved up at an emotional peak for Sunday’s finish of the “Great Race” at Lake Sumter Landing.
“For people who care about cars, this is one of the biggest events in the history of The Villages,” Courmettes said Saturday. When asked how much his old car is worth, he replied: “How much is your wife worth? You don’t sell something you love.”
Courmettes is the coordinator of the Great Race for The Villages Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, and expects over 10,000 people to show up for the finish. Nearly 300 Villagers have volunteered to help with the race.
The Great Race started in Maine on June 21, and 13 states and 2,000 miles later will end Sunday on Canal Street between Johnny Rockets and the Old Mill Playhouse. About 100 of the competing cars are expected to start arriving around 3:30 p.m., and the winner of the $50,000 first prize should be announced between 5-6 p.m.
“You better come early because it’s going to be tough to find parking,” Courmettes said at Saturdays’ Great Race pre-party at Lake Sumter Landing. The place was packed with spectators, 15 Villages Motor Clubs and close to 200 cars. The list included everything for old Ford Model T’s to The Great Race was started 31 years ago and features competitors from all over the country. The cars range in model years from 1915 to 1972. Barry and Irene Jason of Keller, Texas have won the past two Great Race titles in their 1935 Ford coupe. As of this weekend’s last report, the Jasons were running a close second behind Jeff and Eric Fredette of Beecher, Ill. in a 1933 Ford pickup.
The Great Race started in 1983 inspired by the 1965 movie of the same name, starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The goal of the race isn’t speed, but, rather, following detailed instructions. Racers are judged while passing secret check points.
“It’s more about skill and driving ability than speed,” Courmettes said. “If you love classic motorized vehicles, you’ve got to love this race.”
Courmettes, who lives in the Village of Santiago, has had a passionate affair with his 1942 black Chrysler Royal. It’s a nine-passenger car that was built just before the start of World War II. When the war started, production ended and Courmettes’ car was used as an ambulance to transport injured troops who arrived in Cooperstown in New York State.
“I bought this car 38 years ago and will stay with me forever,” he said. “There is only one like it, and it’s mine.”
That kind of loyalty and attachment permeates classic car owners.
“There’s just something special about these cars,” said Don Day, who owns a 1967 green Austin Healey 3000. “It’s a hobby, but it’s more than that. These cars take you back to a different time. It’s like living in a dream.”
Day, who is treasurer of The Villages Region AACA, lives in Poinciana. His daughter, Sarah, was married three years and on her wedding day was pictured in his 1967 car. Day’s son, Jon, helped him restore the car.
“It’s a family thing,” said Day who bought the car back in 1978. “They can relate to the car the way I relate to it. It brings back so many happy memories.”
The same goes for Larry Dambrose and his flame-red 1957 Ford Thunderbird.
“I always wanted one,” Dambrose said. “I wanted one back in 1957 but I was in college at the time and couldn’t afford. My dad said, ‘don’t buy it; it’s only got two seats.’ I didn’t care. I wanted it.”
Thirty years ago he finally nailed his 57-T-Bird and restored it. With its flame-red color and colonial white trim, this Thunderbird has everything but Suzanne Somers in that famous scene from the film, “American Graffiti.”
“I keep looking for her but I haven’t found her,” Dambrose said with a smile.
There is a story behind every classic car and for Harry Herfurth’s 1956 Oldsmobile 88, it’s a tale of father and son.
His son, Mark, was 15 when he wanted to get his driver’s license. Dad told him the boy could have the license when he could take apart and put together a ’56 Olds. Two years later the kid got his license and the car.
That was 32 years ago. Mark is now married and raising a family of his own, so Harry takes care of the ’56 Olds. “I had one of these is 1956,” he said. “Every time I drive it, it brings back memories. It’s still comfortable and still smooth to drive.”
The same can’t be said for Kevin Sevigny’s 1920 Model T, which was designed for racing in the old days. “It’s a souped up Model T,” he said.
Sevigny belongs to the Model T club of The Villages and likes to burn rubber just like the roadsters did back in 1920. “I can get it up to 53 miles-an-hour, but the ride is pretty bumpy,” he said. “That’s not bad for a car that’s 94 years old.”
