A Tipo 375 Plus, piloted by Umberto Maglioli, won the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, a road race marking the construction of the Mexican stage of the Pan American Highway. It was run over the mountains and plains of south-eastern Mexico, where race authorities ruthlessly reigned in unruly spectators. The brute power of Maglioli's 4.9 liter engine assured Ferrari victory in the Sports Car Championship that year. Such was its performance that the light aircraft carrying the Press corps covering the race were unable to keep up with Maglioli, who often attained speeds of 180 mph and more.