Race and classic pictures

Ex-McQueen Le Mans Porsche 917 fetches record price!

An iconic Porsche 917 which was featured in Steve McQueen's epic Le Mans film has just gone under the hammer at Pebble Beach.

The car was once owned by sports car legend Jo Siffert who purchased the 917 K from the factory before lending it to McQueen's Solar production company during the filming of Le Mans in 1970.

The Porsche was acquired by Swiss collector Jean-Pierre Clement in 2002 who undertook an extensive and outstanding restoration.

Unused since completion, the 917 K-024 which embodies inherent greatness and rarity was entrusted to auction house Gooding & Company this week.

Yesterday in Pebble Beach, after a fierce auction battle, it was sold for a record $14,080,000, making the legendary car the most valuable Porsche ever sold at auction!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.