Yesterday we lost one of the greatest motoring personalities of the last six decades; Phil Hill. Best remembered as the first American to win the Formula 1 World Championship and as a three-time Le Mans winner, Hill's real enthusiasm for anything automotive continued to thrive long after his racing career. Many of us greatly enjoyed the insightful articles he wrote for Road & Track, especially those about a wide variety of historic racing cars. His roots as a mechanic were put to good use in the renowned Hill & Vaughn restoration company he co-founded. In 1977 his craftsmanship was awarded with the much coveted Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 'Best of Show' award.

In his last years he suffered from Parkinson's disease, but he nevertheless was a frequent visitor, participant and judge at a variety of events. At the recent Monterey Historic Races he was due to make some parade laps in the Alfa Romeo, which he drove to his very first victory in 1951, together with fellow American World Champion Mario Andretti. Sadly he fell ill on the evening before and never recovered.

We would like to remember the great man in the best way we can, by highlighting some of the finest cars he drove in his racing career. Two of which are pictured with Phil at the wheel during the 2006 Goodwood Revival. His doctors advised against even riding in these rough and smelly machines, but after several parade laps alongside his son Derek, he had enough and got behind the wheel during the next sessions. The first car he drove was the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 MM he drove to his victory during the 1951 Pebble Beach road races. He later raced the car during the 1975 Monterey Historics and was due to ride in it again two weeks ago. Also in attendance at Goodwood were the Ferraris he drove to his three Le Mans wins; the 1958 winning 250 TR58 (again with Phil at the wheel), the 1961 winning 250 TRI61 and the 1963 winning 330 TRI/LM. During the 1967 BOAC 500 World Championship race Hill concluded his career in great form by clinching a victory in this Chaparral 2F.

This tribute is but a small reflection of the life of a truly great man. At PhilHill.com you can sign a book of remembrance.

Phil Hill, thank you and sleep well.

For racing enthusiasts the Monterey Historic Automobile Races are the highlight of the annual "Pebble Beach" motoring week. The now four-day event held on the scenic Laguna Seca track welcomes hundreds of important historic racing cars, all liveried in their original colours. With cars like the Ferrari 312 P, Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and the Tyrrell P34 six-wheeler racing through the legendary "Cork Screw", this year's edition again did not disappoint. In addition to the familiar program, the 2008 'Historics' saluted Alfa Romeo, honoured Mario Andretti and celebrated Formula Junior's 50th anniversary. An absolute highlight was Andretti rather quick parade run in his 1978 Formula 1 World Championship winning Lotus 79. Several of his former colleagues raced each other and current Formula 1 ace Timo Glock in competition prepared Scions, which further added to the excitement.
With fifteen classes, two Ferrari Historic Challenge races, the Toyota Legends of Motorsport race and several parades, the track was rarely quiet. Our photographers were track side for most of the four days and have managed to capture every class and race in an extraordinary 200-shot slideshow, which ranks as one of our very finest. Some interesting insights and information is offered by a detailed report on all of the highlights.
Naturally many of the great cars that participated in this year's Historics will receive a more detailed feature in the near future.