Race and classic pictures

McLaren cooks up the special edition 'Spa 68'

This year marked the 50th anniversary of McLaren's very first Grand Prix, a milestone achieved by its founding father Bruce McLaren at Spa in 1968.

The automotive company's customization department, which recently revealed an awesome P1 hypercar dedicated to Ayrton Senna, was put to contribution to cook up a special edition McLaren 720S 'Spa 68' which commemorates the F1 team's maiden success in F1.

Fittingly, the car was commissioned by McLaren Brussels to honour the team that won in Belgium in 1968. The triumph was also Bruce McLaren's fourth and final win in F1 before his tragic death at Good wood in 1970.

The special-edition "Spa 68" car is draped in papaya orange naturally and includes special commemorative badging in its package.

Only three cars have been built, two of which have already been sold, leaving a third beast available for a well-healed impassioned McLaren fan.

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.