This Mexican mechanic saved the Ferrari 375 at the 1954 La Carrera Panamericana which was one of the most demanding endurance races in history.
Umberto Maglioli was leading the fourth stage of the race in his Ferrari 375 before his engine started to leak oil through the crankcase. He had to stop in the middle of nowhere without any technical support for his car. His chances of finishing the race were near-zero.
Maglioli was lucky enough to stop beside a small workshop called “El Milagro” where he met Mexican mechanic Renato Martinez. Renato confirmed the oil leak and was able to provide Maglioli with a temporary solution:
He grabbed a bucket and a big bar of soap while he gave Maglioli three bottles of Coke and said "While you drink your Coke I will repair your car."
Martinez started to rub the bar of soap onto the crankcase. The soap melted and created a paste that sealed the leak hole. Soap cuts through the oil film and adheres to the metal in the crankcase.
Amazed by Martinez ingenuity Maglioli pulls out a small Rolleiflex camera to capture the moment and to immortalise Renato and his "El Milagro" garage. Umberto Maglioli finished the race in the first place.
After the race, Martinez was mailed the photograph Maglioli had taken and it read "Renato, The Mexican Miracle that helped Ferrari." signed by a man named Enzo Ferrari.
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