This Mexican mechanic saved the Ferrari 375 during the 1954 La Carrera Panamericana, one of the most grueling endurance races in history.
Umberto Maglioli was leading the fourth stage of the race in his Ferrari 375 when his engine started leaking oil from the crankcase. He had to stop in the middle of nowhere with no technical support for his car. His chances of finishing the race looked almost impossible.
Fortunately, Maglioli stopped near a small workshop called “El Milagro,” where he met Mexican mechanic Renato Martinez. Renato confirmed the oil leak and came up with a quick fix:
He grabbed a bucket and a large bar of soap, handed Maglioli three bottles of Coke, and said, “While you drink your Coke, I’ll repair your car.”
Martinez rubbed the soap onto the crankcase. The soap melted and formed a paste that sealed the leak. Soap cuts through the oil film and sticks to the metal, effectively closing the hole.
Impressed by Martinez’s ingenuity, Maglioli pulled out a small Rolleiflex camera to capture the moment and immortalize Renato and his “El Milagro” garage. Umberto Maglioli went on to finish the race in first place.
After the race, Martinez received the photograph Maglioli had taken, with a note that read, “Renato, the Mexican Miracle who helped Ferrari,” signed by none other than Enzo Ferrari himself.