The 1958 race is best remembered as the backdrop to the kidnapping of Formula One World Champion driver Juan Manuel Fangio by anti-government rebels linked to the 26th of July Movement.

[2][3] The race was established in 1957 as Fulgencio Batista envisioned creating an event to attract tourists, particularly from the United States.

Moss and Masten Gregory led the race which was red flagged after just six laps.

[4][5] The 1959 race was cancelled as Fidel Castro's revolution entered its final stages.

Moss, driving a Maserati Birdcage for privateer team Camoradi, had a comfortable victory over NART run Ferrari 250 TR59 driven by Pedro Rodríguez with Masten Gregory third in a Porsche 718.