The 1954 La Carrera Panamerica, one of the most demanding endurance races in history tested the best cars and the most experienced and daring drivers of the time.
Umberto Maglioli in his Ferrari 375 was leading the fourth and final stage of the race. Shortly before finishing stage four, his car began to fail. His Ferrari had an oil leak through a hole in the crankcase.
In the middle of nowhere and without a spare part for this vital part of the car, hopes of finishing the race were practically nil.
On the fifth leg of the race and when the car was practically about to stop working, Maglioli made a stop when he saw a small workshop called “El Milagro”.
Renato Martinez who was the owner and sole mechanic of the workshop in the middle of nowhere. Martinez confirmed to Maglioli that it was in fact an oil leak in the crankcase and that he had a "creative" solution to repair it in moments. At least to be able to finish their journey.
Renato Martinez caught a bucket and a big bar of soap. He also took three small bottles of Coca-Cola and gave them to Maglioli saying, "While you drink this Coke I will repair your car."
An unbelieving Maglioli could only sit, drink the coke and wait for a miracle. Meanwhile, Martinez dismantled the Ferrari and using the bar of soap, began to gradually rub the case with it. The soap melted and created a paste that sealed the leak hole. Soap "cuts" the oil and adheres to the metal in the crankcase and when solidified it became hard.
Amazed, Maglioli thanked Renato and pulled out of the Ferrari a small Roliflex camera which he used to capture that miraculous moment.
The "El Milagro" garage, Renato, and the Ferrari under repair were immortalized.
Umberto Maglioli in his Ferrari 375 Plus, finished the fifth stage of the race in first place and changed Ferrari history forever.
The Ferrari 375 Plus (s/n 0392AM owned by Erwin Goldschmidt), was won at an average speed of 173.7 km/h; 2nd was another privateer Ferrari (a 375 MM Vignale, entered #20 by Allen Guiberson and driven by Phil Hill/Richie Ginther).
While Ferrari was a well-known car in Europe, it wasn’t in America and the brand was far from being an economically viable business. Ferrari desperately needed to prove to America that Ferraris were superior, fast and reliable. Winning the race would bring them recognition and with its sales in the United States, which would help them save the brand from bankruptcy.
Some time later, Martinez was mailed the photograph Maglioli had taken, it was signed:
"To my friend Renato M. From Umberto Maglioli. "
The photograph came along with a letter thanking Renato and said: "Renato, The Mexican Miracle that helped Ferrari."
That letter was signed by a man named Enzo Ferrari.
It is decorated with an example of very early and striking commercial livery – 1.2.3 Household Products.
WOW
ReplyDeleteWOW! Now this is a piece of history to remember! Thanks
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