When four was a crowd on the front row in F1

40

Back in 1967, it was customary for F1 grids to figure a front row with four cars open.

This was the case for the German Grand Prix held that year at the daunting Nürburgring.

In the shot here above, the Lotus of poleman Jim Clark is flanked by Denny Hulme's Brabham, Jackie Stewart's BRM and the Eagle of Dan Gurney.

After Clark's early exit from the race, the American driver looked all set to win, but a transmission problem put the stunning dark blue machine out of contention with three laps of the 'Green Hell' to go.

This handed the victory to Hulme who would go on to win the championship that year.

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.