La Carrera Panamericana in the Golden Age

Vintage photos from the original La Carrera in its golden age of 1950–1954. Learn about the history of Mexico’s great road rally. Photos courtesy of La Carrera Panamericana.

A race car crossing the finish line, with a group of spectators watching from the side of the road.

A vintage race car with the number 11 and various sponsor and event decals, surrounded by a group of people, including children and adults, observing and inspecting the vehicle outdoors.

A vintage race car crossing the finish line at the Oaxaca Mexico race track during a race, with spectators and officials watching from the side and a large sign overhead.

Black and white photo of a vintage car race starting point with racing cars lined up on the street, surrounded by officials, photographers, and spectators, with mountains and trees in the background.

Two race car drivers in vintage racing suits and helmets, with one seated in a race car and the other leaning over to talk. A crowd of onlookers stands in the background.

A vintage black-and-white photo of a woman and two men preparing a race car for a race, with a crowd of spectators watching in the background.

Workers repairing a vintage Mercedes-Benz race car on a dirt roadside with mountains in the background, a Coca-Cola sign, and other cars nearby.

Black and white photo of a vintage race car with a Mercedes-Benz emblem, and four men, including Karl Kling, standing next to it on a race track. The caption mentions a full talk with his team, Karl Kling.

Black-and-white photo of a vintage car crossing a finish line while a man waves a checkered flag, with spectators lined along the road