1954 Carrera Panamericana

Artist: Dexter Brown

Down Mexico Way: a Tipo 375 Plus, piloted by Umberto Maglioli, won the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, a road race marking the construction of the Mexican stage of the Pan American Highway, and run over the mountains and plains of south-eastern Mexico where race authorities ruthlessly reigned in unruly spectators. The sheer brute power of Maglioli’s 4.9 litre 375 Plus assured Ferrari victory in the Sports Car Championship that year. Such was the performance of his car, the light aircraft carrying the Press corps covering the Carrera was unable to keep up with Maglioli, who often attained speeds of 180 mph and more.