The CARRERA collection of sunglasses and optical frames is produced and distributed by Safilo Group who acquired the Austrian-based Carrera Optyl company in 1996. The brand is named after the trans-Latin American auto race, "La Carrera Panamericana," hence the brand's tag line, "Racing Sunglasses Since 1956." The brand is made up of two distinctive collections. The CARRERA "classic" eyewear collection of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames features memory metals, polarized lenses and styles that have been influenced by the brand's heritage. The new CARRERA "vintage" sunglass collection is based on the brand's original '70s and '80s popular designs featuring boldly colored plastic and metal aviator shaped frames with gradient lenses.