When 'Quick Vic' left the specialists behind in Monte Carlo

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Believe it or not, there was once a time in motorsport when diversification was a rule rather than an exception for racing drivers.

In 1968, Vic Elford wasn't just making up the numbers at the Monte Carlo rally but racing his Porsche 911 with so much talent - and with the help of expert co-driver David Stone - that he simply blitzed the opposition on the treacherous and icy back-roads above Monaco.

But wait, there's more!

A week later, Elford hopped into his Porsche 907LH at the Daytona 24 Hours and once again promptly dispatched the competition along with team mates Jochen Neerpasch, Rolf Stommelen, Jo Siffert and Hans Herrmann.

How's that for versatility?

Oh, and we almost forgot: Quick Vic also made his F1 debut in the summer of 1968, running in the French GP at Rouen with Cooper and scoring a remarkable P4 finish!

Those were the days...

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.