CMC Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, 500 km Spa 1964, Leon Dernier, #43

The highlights of 904-040 are largely associated with its first owner Léon Dernier, aka Eldé, of Belgium, who was a well-known sports car racer in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He first competed in the 1953 Spa-Francorchamps. The race was part of the newly created World Sportscar championship. But the Peugeot 203 that he co-piloted with Claude Collard lost a wheel, and the vehicle was disqualified by the use of unauthorised assistance.

Two years later he took his standing in the top position at the 24 Hours of Paris in

Montlhéry, where he finished fifth overall with co-pilot Charles de Cortanze. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1959, he placed 2nd overall, an achievement that he repeated in 1962. Both times, Jean Blaton was his teammate.

During the 1960s he was on the Belgian racing teams Equipe Nationale Belge and the Ecurie Francorchamps, competing in the Belgian Touring Car Championship, the German Circuit Championship, and international sports car races. In the process, he largely campaigned Ferrari models, including 250 GT SWB, 250 LM, 250 GTO, 250 Testa Rossa, etc.

Following his acquisition of 904-040 in 1964, Eldé raced it in a series of hill climbs, finishing 1st overall at Laroche-Samre, 2nd overall both at Ste Cécil – Hauberment and Citadelle de Namur. During Eldé‘s ownership, 904-040 was entered in as many as eight races, next only to the 250 GT SWB he raced, but more than the other Ferrari models that he campaigned.

Eldé‘s greatest successes were at 24-hour races. In 1964, he raced 904-040 with start number 43 to finish 8th in the GT2.0 class at 500 Km Spa on May 17, then placed 6th overall both at Zolder GP on July 19, and Rheinland Pfalz Preis Nurburgring on August 1. He appeared to participate in these races as a privateer with no known sponsor.

After 904-040 clinched a 10th overall finish with a 2nd-place class win at 500 Km Spa 1965, it was sold to Verdoedt. Hoffman of Germany purchased the car from him and had it restored with a new body.