Race and classic pictures

Ex-Mansell 1992 Williams FW14B to go under the hammer!

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Nigel Mansell's historic 1992 championship-winning Williams FW14B will be up for grabs at Goodwood next summer, offered by Bonhams at the Festival of Speed's auction.

Designed by Adrian Newey, the FW14B was one of the most iconic and dominant Grand Prix cars in F1 history, thanks not only to its credentials but also to its famous revolutionary active suspension system that allowed the car to squat for more grip in the corners and to rise slightly for less drag on the straights.

The Williams F14B contested 13 of the 1992 season's races, and was driven by our Nige in seven of them. This particular Mansell/FW14B combo won five of those seven Grands Prix and finished second in another.

Commonly known as 'Red Five', the 3.5-litre V10-cylinder Renault-powered beast has been "painstakingly well-preserved, initially by Williams Grand Prix Engineering and subsequently by a single private owner", according to Bonhams.

Although the car is in perfect running order - it even stretched its wheels recently - any potential well-heeled new owner will have to rely on Williams' software engineers to enjoy a ride onboard FW14B.

"As a young man, and along with a nation, I was in patriotic awe of the brilliance of the British Williams cars, and of Red 5 in particular," says Bonhams director of motorsport Mark Osborne.

"Chassis 8 was the focus of that adulation - the best of the breed - and in Mansell's hands it took the first 5 rounds of the Championship.

"The FW14B was then and remains today one of the most sophisticated cars to compete in F1, and we at Bonhams are honoured to have been entrusted with such a motor racing legend."

A quote you ask? Likely in the £3 million region. Or the price for a smooth fast ride.

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.

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