Electric Cars

Relive a Forgotten Era: When Lincoln Conquered the World's Toughest Race Tracks

Lincoln's Unexpected Dominance in Endurance Racing

Contrary to its modern image as a purveyor of opulent vehicles, Lincoln once possessed a fierce competitive edge, particularly evident in the brutal endurance races of the 1950s. While popular culture might associate high-performance racing with hot rods and sleek sports cars, the robust Lincoln Capri Coupe emerged as an unlikely champion, challenging preconceived notions about its capabilities.

The Grueling Test of La Carrera Panamericana

Between 1950 and 1954, Mexico hosted La Carrera Panamericana, an arduous 2000-mile race stretching from its northern to southern borders. This prestigious event was so influential that its name inspired Porsche's "Carrera" designation. During this period, the powerful Lincoln coupes, particularly those with engines exceeding 3500 cc, proved to be the vehicles to overcome. They masterfully navigated the challenging terrain, enduring steep ascents and sweltering conditions, ultimately delivering invaluable publicity that showcased Lincoln's durability and speed over rivals like Cadillac.

The Twilight of a Dangerous Era and a Resurfacing Legend

The inherent dangers of La Carrera Panamericana ultimately led to its discontinuation by the Mexican government after 1954, though it later re-emerged as a safer vintage race. In that final, challenging year, despite numerous factory-backed team retirements, a privateer named Ray Crawford piloted his Lincoln to victory. This triumph so impressed Lincoln that they repurchased the car, replicated its appearance across other entrants, and displayed them nationwide. Over time, the true identity of the winning chassis became obscured, and most of these historic Panamericana Lincolns vanished, fading into obscurity before their historical value was fully recognized.

The Sole Survivor: A Glimpse into Automotive Heritage

Remarkably, one 1954 Lincoln Capri Coupe survived this period of neglect, spending a significant portion of its life in the Harrah's Automobile Collection museum. In 1967, the museum initiated a restoration, returning the car to Holman & Moody-Stroppe, the original specialists who prepared the race cars. While historical records suggest this particular vehicle may not be the exact race-winner (as Crawford's car was red, and this one was originally white), it is undoubtedly one of the factory entries that was repainted to match the victor.

A Cherished Relic at Auction

This exceptional Lincoln is now poised to go under the hammer at Bonhams' National Automobile Museum auction. As the last remaining example, meticulously prepared and restored by the very team that campaigned it, it embodies a unique chapter of automotive history. It boasts fascinating details, including original reconnaissance maps of the racecourse and a hand-painted "Dennis the Menace" illustration, symbolizing Crawford's underdog success story. Despite not being the definitive race-winning car, its existence provides a tangible link to a thrilling era when Lincoln defied expectations, contending with agile Ferraris, Porsches, and Alfa Romeos to secure a top-ten finish.

Lincoln's Rock 'n' Roll Legacy

This overlooked segment of Lincoln's heritage reveals a brand that, in the 1950s, was synonymous with more than just luxury; it was about performance and challenging the limits. The victories at La Carrera Panamericana demonstrate Lincoln's capacity for raw power and resilience, qualities that allowed it to outpace nimble sports cars and etch its name into the annals of racing history, truly knowing how to "rock n' roll" on the track.

Honda is set to introduce significant upgrades to two of its prominent vehicles, the Accord and the Passport TrailSport. According to recent industry reports, the Accord is scheduled for a comprehensive redesign in the latter half of 2027, aiming for a more modern aesthetic. Concurrently, the Passport TrailSport, known for its off-road prowess, will receive an update in late 2026, focusing on enhancing its rugged capabilities and appearance.

The Accord's upcoming refresh promises a sharper and more avant-garde styling, moving away from its current subdued look. This new direction may be influenced by the recently unveiled Hybrid Sedan prototype, which showcased sleek, penetrating headlights, distinct body lines, and a fastback roof reminiscent of classic sports cars. The front fascia is expected to feature a narrower grille and refined, slender headlights, while the rear will adopt a more angular, less rounded profile. This design evolution reportedly strikes a balance, avoiding the extreme wedge shape of the canceled 0-series Saloon EV. Inside, the updated Accord will boast a larger infotainment display, and while powertrains are likely to remain consistent, the vehicle might incorporate the S+ Shift system from the Prelude, offering a simulated manual transmission experience. Speculation suggests that future iterations, possibly around 2030, could see the Accord transition to an exclusively hybrid lineup.

Meanwhile, the Passport TrailSport is gearing up to amplify its all-terrain persona with an update later this year, a mere two model years after its current generation's launch. This enhancement will include an approximate one-inch increase in ride height, coupled with other suspension modifications designed to give the SUV a more assertive stance. The front and rear styling will also undergo revisions to project a more aggressive image. If these reports prove accurate, enthusiasts can anticipate the revamped Passport TrailSport within the next few months, with the refreshed Accord making its debut early next year.

These strategic updates reflect Honda's commitment to evolving its core models, blending aesthetic innovation with functional enhancements. By embracing more dynamic designs and reinforcing model-specific strengths, Honda aims to captivate a broader audience and maintain its competitive edge in the evolving automotive landscape.