STORY OF THE DAY: Maglioli Masters the Final Carrera Panamericana

On 23 November 1954, Umberto Maglioli won the Carrera Panamericana in the number 19 Ferrari 375 Plus. Across the immense Mexican road race, he defeated a field facing extreme speed, changing altitude and relentless mechanical strain. The victory crowned Ferrari’s successful World Sportscar Championship season.

Maglioli combined increasing speed with careful management of tyres and machinery. When damage caused an oil leak, an improvised repair allowed the Ferrari to continue rather than retire. That recovery, followed by Maglioli’s command of the faster concluding stages, defined a victory in the final running of the original Carrera Panamericana.

The 375 Plus used a tubular chassis and a front-mounted Lampredi V12 of nearly five litres. Its strong torque, high-speed gearing and open bodywork suited Mexico’s long straights, while a rear transaxle assisted weight distribution. The car’s performance remained demanding on tyres, brakes and drivetrain components.

Maglioli was an Italian sports-car specialist who became renowned for adapting quickly to difficult road courses. A versatile Ferrari works driver, he later won the Targa Florio three times. His Mexican triumph was one of his greatest achievements and supplied the 375 Plus with another landmark victory after its success at Le Mans.