Carrera eyewear is one of the most celebrated names in vintage sunglasses and optical design - known for bold styling, high-performance materials, and deep-rooted connection to motorsport culture.
Founded in Austria in 1956 by Wilhelm Anger, the brand took its name from the legendary Carrera Panamericana car race - and from that moment, the tone was set: this would be a brand where speed, adrenaline and eyewear collided.
🛠️ Carrera's Early Innovations: Ahead of Their Time
In 1964, Wilhelm Anger developed Optyl, a revolutionary, lightweight and hypoallergenic acetate material. Still used in high-end eyewear today, Optyl set Carrera apart as a pioneer in material innovation.
By the 1970s, Carrera began expanding into ski helmets, motorcycle googles, and performance eyewear, targeting athletes and adrenaline-seekers alike.
🚘 Porsche Design x Carrera: A Legendary Collaboration
In 1979 Carrera joined forces with Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, creating the now iconic Porsche Design by Carrera collection.
These frames - including stand out models like Porsche Design Carrera 5600 Ski Goggles and Porsche Design Carrera 5632 featured:
- Folding designs
- Interchangeable lenses
- German-engineered precision
Today, vintage Porsche Carrera sunglasses are among the most collectible eyewear pieces worldwide. We're proud to stock authentic new-old-stock Porsche by Carrera frames, sourced with care for collectors and vintage eyewear lovers.
🛒 Browse Carrera Vintage Sunglasses
🏎️ Carrera & Formula 1: Sunglasses of the Speed Elite
Carrera's racing heritage reached new heights in the 1980s and 1990s, when Formula 1 drivers began wearing Carrera sunglasses both on and off the track.
🕶️ The Carrera "Champion" Model
A standout frame from this era, the Carrera Champion 5412 featured:
- Signature aviator-inspired shape
- Iconic Carrera logo on the temples
- Lenses tailored for sun-drenched circuits
From Ayrton Senna to Alain Prost, Carrera became part of the F1 uniform, offering the perfect mix of style, performance and visibility under intense conditions.
✈️ The Boeing by Carrera Sunglasses Collection
In 1986, Carrera introduced the Boeing Collection - sunglasses made for pilots, adventurers and discerning wearers.
Highlights include:
- Models like the Boeing by Carrera 5701 and 5731
- Rotating 3C nose pads for custom fit
- Shock absorbing dampner hinges for comfort at altitude or on the move
Produced in limited quantities, these vintage sunglasses are now rare collector's pieces, sought after by fans of aviation and vintage design.
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🌈 Sunjet by Carrera: Colourful Vintage Cool
Sunjet by Carrera introduced a bold and playful energy to the brand featuring:
- Bright colours
- Mirrored lenses
- Unisex, youth focused shapes
These vintage Sunjet sunglasses perfectly embody the spirit of the 80s and 90s, stylish, sporty and unmistakably Carrera.
👑 Celebrity Fans of Carrera
From streetwear icons to A-listers, Carrera has made its mark in pop culture too. Spotted wearing Carrera sunglasses:
- Rihanna
- Usher
- Jamie Foxx
- Halle Berry
- Taylor Swift
The enduring popularity cements Carrera as a brand that blends vintage flair with modern relevance.
🕶️ Why Choose Vintage Carrera Glasses & Sunglasses
Whether you're after authentic vintage Carrera sunglasses, rare Porsche Design models or bold optical frames from the 70s and 80s, Carrera has something unique to offer:
- Innovative designs rooted in motorsport and aviation
- Durable, collectible frames made from high quality materials
- Timeless styles that stand out in any crowd
At Retro Spectacle, we stock one of the UK's best selections of vintage Carrera eyewear - all carefully curated for quality, authenticity and style.