She may have never finished higher than 37th place (in a Chrysler Saratoga in 1952), but I have huge respect for anyone that attempted to tackle the mighty Carrera Panamericana. Jacqueline Evans, however, was not content to just do the race once. Ms. Evans was a piloto at every year of the Carreras running—from 1950 to 1954.
Arguably it was the 1953 race with her behind the wheel of the Eva Peron tribute Porsche 356 for which she’s most remembered. The car is certainly among the most famous liveries of the period. With its vibrantly painted portrait of the recently deceased First Lady of Argentina. Although she ran overtime which resulted in her disqualification in the race she is among the most photographed racers that year. Whether it was because of the exotic livery, the relative novelty of a woman racer, or because she just looked so very cool is anyone’s guess… but I’m sure glad she was.
En representacion de las mujeres del mundo indeed.
13 replies on “Fast Women: Jacqueline Evans—Queen of the Carrera Panamericana”
“Piloto” is a masculine noun in Spanish…I wonder why the livery painter didn’t use “Pilota”?
Simply because no such word exist in Spanish. “Piloto” is relevant to both men and women.
Simply because this word does not exist in Spanish. “Piloto” is the correct form for both men and women.
Hmm. It is quite unusual to see such a women in a race car. Great old photos!
Did Ms. Evans have a relationship with the Peron family? Did Juan or Eva help finance her entries?
British Born actress, Jacqueline Evans de López who entered and competed in the race every year from 1950-1954 (the only woman to ever do so) My Aunt was very brave and the panamerica race was considered the most dangerous race in the world at that time.
Sorry I forgot to say she did her first 2 races without sponsorship another 3 races she had some funding.
Hi Colin
Your aunt Jacqueline was a dear friend of my mom when she lived in Mexico City. We all loved her charisma and elegance. I think of her whenever I have earl gray tea with milk!
I came across this posting when I was looking for a picture to show my husband as I was telling him a funny story of an outing with your aunt
Colin
I came across this site when looking for a picture of your aunt to show my husband – we were talking about fascinating people we have met, and of course, your aunt came to mind. Jacqueline was a dear friend of my mom and my family, I was a young teenager when we were neighbors in Mexico City. We loved hearing her stories from racing and from later, when she became a successful actress. She introduced me to Earl Gray tea with milk and lemon curd. I always think of her when I have both. She was, without a doubt, one of the most charming and elegant ladies I have ever met!
This was the proof that women could drive fast!
Jacqueline Evans as an inspiration to boys and girls that wanted to be racers when they grew up. I real icon.
The struggle was real then, and it continues today. Thankfully there were, and still are, women like her to prove equality is real.
A ’52 Chrysler Saratoga was a bit of a barge – kudos to Evans for entering it and finishing the race!