Built by the Flagler East Coast Hotel Company in 1904 for the 1905 races, the Ormond Garage became a landmark in the history of the American automobile industry as the setting for the preparation, testing, and servicing of some of the world's most famous racing cars, which made racing history and records on the nearby beach. It served as a proving ground for pioneer automobile manufacturers such as Olds, Winton, Ford, and Chevrolet. Among the famous drivers who set world speed records here were William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., Arthur MacDonald, Fred Marriott, Ralph DePalma, Barney Oldfield, and Tommy Milton.