A trip down Rétromobile's captivating memory lane

©Twitter/GeraldineGaudy

From classic car enthusiasts and collectors to racing fans with a heart entrenched in bygone eras, the annual Rétromobile show in Paris offers one an opportunity to get up close and personal with an extraordinary array of machines.

Across the exhibition's vast real estate, iconic F1 cars from the past rival in beauty with Le Mans winners and gems or restored barn finds.

One special car on display at Rétromobile is the very first prancing horse saddled by the great Michael Schumacher.

The stunning and unsophisticated looking Ferrari 412 T2 was tested by the F1 legend on November 16, 1995 at Estoril.

Chassis 157 is also the car that delivered his only Grand prix win to Jean Alesi, a feat achieved by the Frenchman in Montreal earlier in the 1995 season.

And if you're a well-heeled fan who happens to succumb to the car's magic allurement, you can make an offer that the current won't refuse, for the 412 T2 is for sale.

Otherwise, if you're in the area, we recommend you make your way to Paris and visit the Rétromobile show which runs until Sunday.

©Twitter/GeraldineGaudy

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.