In 1950, the Pan American Race began. One of the most demanding endurance races in history that tested the best cars and the most experienced and daring drivers of the era. Umberto Maglioli in his Ferrari 375 Plus was leading the fourth and final stage of the race. Shortly before he finished the fourth stage, his car began to fail. His Ferrari 375 Plus had an oil leak through a hole in the "carter". In the middle of nowhere and without a spare part for this vital part of the car, hopes of finishing the race were practically zero. In the fifth stage of the race and when the car was practically on the verge of stopping, Umberto Maglioli made a stop in the middle of the road when he saw a small workshop called "The Miracle". Maglioli was received by Renato Martinez who was the owner and only mechanic of the workshop in the middle of nowhere. Renato Martinez confirmed to Maglioli that it was indeed an oil leak in the carter and that he had a "creative" solution to repair it in moments. At least to be able to finish his journey.

Renato Martinez picked up a bucket and a big bar of soap. He also took three small bottles of Coke and gave them to Maglioli saying, "While you drink this Coke I will fix your car."

An Unbelievable Maglioli could only sit, drink the cokes and wait for a miracle. Meanwhile, Renato Martinez disassembled the Ferrari and using the bar of soap began to gradually rub the carter with it. By friction the soap melted and created a paste that sealed the leak hole. The soap "cuts" the oil and adheres to the metal of the carter and when solidified it became hard as a rock.

Amazed, Maglioli thanked Renato and pulled out of the Ferrari a small Roliflex camera that he used to take a photo of that miraculous moment. Workshop "El Miracle" and Renato alongside the Ferrari 375 Plus under repair were immortalized. Umberto Maglioli in his Ferrari 375 Plus, finished the fifth stage of the race in first place and changed Ferrari history forever.

Although Ferrari was a well-known car in Europe, it wasn't in America and the brand was far from an economically viable business. Ferrari desperately needed to show America that their cars were superior, fast and reliable. Winning the race would bring them recognition and sales in the United States, which would help them save the brand from bankruptcy.

Some time later, Renato Martinez received by mail the printed photograph Maglioli had taken of that moment. The photograph was signed: "To my friend Renato M. From Umberto Maglioli. "

The photograph came along with a letter thanking Renato and said: "Renato, the Mexican Miracle that helped Ferrari."

That letter was signed by a man named Enzo Ferrari.