1954 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Hardtop Sport Coupe

The Carrera Panamericana racing event began in 1950 and continued to 1954 and is considered to have been one of the most dangerous and grueling races of any type in the world. It was a border-to-border, 2,178-mile competition that celebrated the opening of the north-south Mexican section of the Pan-American Highway. The inaugural race began on May 5, 1950, and was raced almost entirely along the new roadway. Lincoln automobiles were very successful in the stock car division, placing in the top four places in that class in 1952 and 1953.

The original Panamericana race was put on hiatus after 1954 primarily due to the numerous accidents and misfortune, but a new race was organized in 1988 to celebrate the spirit of the Carrera.

This particular Lincoln Cosmopolitan Coupe is believed to have been used as a race car in the 1970s. Around 2005, it was converted to rally specification and raced in the modern La Carrera Panamericana rally. It wears a period-style racing livery, and has been given many upgrades and modern rally improvements, including drivetrain, brakes, electrical, safety, and suspension modifications. The 341 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine has a single four-barrel downdraft carburetor and produces an estimated 300 horsepower at 4,500 RPM. There is a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes, an independent coil-spring front suspension, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

This Lincoln has participated in the Carrera Panamericana road race 11 times and has earned the nickname 'La Bestia del Norte' (The Beast of the North).

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2024