A superb and rare photo taken during the 1953 edition of the Carrera
PanAmericana road race which was ridden in Mexico. Shown is Lancia works rider Giovanni Bracco, sitting with
his eternal cigarette in his absolutely magnificent Lancia D23 works racing car! Bracco was forced to retire in the 4 leg of the race due to
an accident. Lancia did excellent with their D23 and D24 race cars, finishing 1-2-3 in that years edition of
the Carrera Panamericana!
The Carrera Panamericana was
regarded as the most heavy and most prestigious long distance rally in
the world. For the 1953 Carrera Panamericana the
Sports and Stock classes were both subdivided into Large and Small groups,
giving four categories in which to compete. These were split by engine cubic
capacity; sports cars under and over 1600 cc were Small and Large respectively,
and stocks cars under and over 3500 cc likewise. This was to accommodate the
huge number of participants and the diverse breeds of cars within the race.
Both Lincoln and Lancia came to the race highly organized and both factories
swept 1-2-3 finishes in their respective categories. The
Europeans dominated the sports categories, and the Americans the stock. Large
Sports Cars was won by Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina in a Lancia, Small Sports Cars by José
Herrarte from Guatemala in a Porsche. Large Stock Cars was won by
Chuck Stevenson of the United States in a Lincoln and Small Stock Cars by C.D.
Evans (again of the U.S.) in an ordinary six cylinder Chevrolet.
Stevenson has the distinction of being the only person to ever win twice in the
original race.
Giovanni
Bracco
was an Italian racing car driver. He lived in Biella, home town
of other racing aces such as Mario Porrino and Lamberto Grolla. Before and
after World War II he had been racing Lancia Aprilias. He won the 1948 Italian
Grand Prix (2-litre class) in a Maserati A6 GCS, before joining Ferrari
1950-52, winning the 1952 Mille Miglia in a Ferrari 250. With his younger
pupil, Umberto Maglioli, he got second in the 1951 Mille Miglia, driving a
Lancia Aurelia B20. He raced a Maserati 200S in 1955.
The Carrera Panamericana was raced
from 1950 through 1954. It was held on open roads in Mexico that ran from a southern Mexican
west-coast city towards Texas. The race was formed to celebrate the
competition of the Panamerican Highway. It was a multi-staged race across the
country that counted towards the World Sportscar Championship. The race saw
entrants from factory teams, privateers, and amateurs. On average, only
one-third of the entrants were able to finish the race. The first cars to run
the race had top speeds of around 100 mph. By 1954, the cars were easily running at 170 mph. The vehicles were not adequately designed
to protect the drivers at speeds this great. Being run on open roads meant that
many areas of the course could not be managed; live stock, people, obstacles,
and a number of other scenarios could make their ways into the road and cause
disaster. The decision to cancel the race in 1954 was sad, but necessary. Many
people agree that the Carrera Pan Americana race was one of the most grueling
road race ever conceived. The race was open to stock production vehicles. A few
marque's took advantage of this difficult course to prove their vehicles
stamina and toughness. Finishing the race was a major accomplishment but to win
was an accomplishment to the highest degree.
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era
of Lancia ‘s and Carrera Panamericana 's automotive history in a wonderful
way. This is your rare chance to
own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca.
8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on
photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright
expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our
archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well
protected in PVC clear files and board backed
envelopes.
We have
photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the
original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and
excellent quality.
After many decades
of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our
archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They
will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a
border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,
restaurant, bar or club!
First come -
first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any
questions before the auction ends.