Collins drifting his way to victory through Copse

©The CahierArchive

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©The CahierArchive

There was a time when a Grand Prix thoroughbred was anything but a sophisticated piece of technological equipment guided on rails.

In this great shot by Bernard Cahier taken on this day in 1958, Peter Collins is seen drifting his Ferrari D246 through Copse Corner on his way to winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Sadly, Collins' victorious run that day was his last.

Just two weeks later at the German Grand Prix, the 27-year-old British driver was killed while leading the race at the treacherous Nürburgring.

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.