When Fangio reigned on Ferrari's home parade

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The Tifosi converged to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix on this day in 1953 expecting a Ferrari extravaganza from an extraordinary quartet comprised of Alberto Ascari, Giuseppe Farina, Luigi Villoresi and Mike Hawthorn.

And it was indeed all looking good for the Scuderia as Ascari and Farina headed into the final lap. But as the pair entered the Parabolica side by side, cheered on by the ebullient and manic crowd, Ascari spun and Farina went on to the grass to avoid his team mate.

Ascari was then hit by Onofre Marimon who had nowhere to go.

A bewildered Juan Manuel Fangio steered his Maserati clear of the carnage and roared on to the checkered flag to claim his seventh Grand Prix win.

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.