James Garner and Lorenzo Bandini get ready to roll

Two commemorative dates come together on this day, and both are embodied by this picture of actor James Garner and Ferrari legend Lorenzo Bandini taken at Monaco in May 1966.

On December 21st in 1966, the Hollywood epic "Grand Prix" was released on the big screen.

Director John Frankenheimer brought together a massive amount of star power for a film which, despite its obvious lack of plot, is still considered by many as the best racing film ever made.

Lead character Pete Aron, who was played by Garner, is seen here getting some pointers from Bandini who was among the many stand-in racers who worked on the film.

And the Italian driver was actually born on this day in 1935, in Libya, which was an Italian colony back then.

A veteran of 42 Grands Prix and a one-time F1 winner, Bandini suffered a tragic fate when he died from injuries sustained in a fiery crash at Monaco in 1967.

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.