Carrera Panamericana Posters: Most dangerous race in the world!

Nov/Dec 2020 edition
Issue #13 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Tony Singer

    Just the name conveys danger, as this border-to-border race existed for only five years, 1950-1954. With the completion of the Panamerican Highway, Mexico’s government used the race to celebrate its achievement and attract attention. Generally, it was a nine-stage race, held over five days, covering approximately 2,100 miles.While similar to the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana was much longer and considered to be the most dangerous race of any type in the world, with many fatalities of both competitors and spectators.

Initially, it was more of a “stock car” race, with many American vehicles, and morphed into a world-class road race with serious European marques later dominating. In 1950 the winner was McGriff/Elliott in an Oldsmobile 88; in 1951 Ferrari 212s were first and second with Taruffi and Ascari. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W194 won the 1952 race with Kling, and Lang second. For 1953 the Lancia D24 won with Fangio/Bronzoni in the overall class, and a Porsche 550 Coupe took the under 1600 cc class. In 1954 the winner was a Ferrari 375 Plus driven by Maglioli, with Phil Hill and Ritchie Ginther second in a 375 MM; third was the Porsche 550 Spyder driven by Hans Herrmann. 

Above: The 1954 Panamerican Race Poster English version on left (slightly rarer), Spanish version on right.  Both, because of the great design and due to the fact they were a “last running,” are in high demand.

​II Carrera Panamericana “Mexico” car plate number 87. Valued at approximately $3,000-$4,000.

Today the posters from this grueling race are quite rare and sought after. Many were tacked up and faded in the sun over time. These range in price from about $3,500 to $5,500. The car plates, which are extremely rare, are generally $3,000 to $4,000. With regard to repros, do be aware that on eBay a “fantasy” piece is usually on offer, and sadly some auction houses don’t do their due diligence.  

​Tony Singer

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