The annual curtain-raising Autosport International will pay tribute to the fiftieth anniversary of John Surtees‘ 1964 Formula One World Championship triumph, with bikes and cars on display in celebration of his illustrious career.
Having taken seven motorcycle Road Racing World Championships, Surtees’ 1964 Formula One title with Ferrari made him the first, and only, man to take World titles on both two and four wheels. He is also the last Briton to take an F1 crown with Ferrari.
The Ferrari 158 that Surtees drove to victory in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring will form the centrepiece of the exhibit, making a rare appearance outside of the USA, where it is part of a dedicated Surtees section at the George Barber Museum at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.
“I’ve got very fond memories of the 1964 season with Ferrari, and seeing my 158 from that year is always a special occasion,” said Surtees, who headlines the list of motorsport stars in attendance. “I’m looking forward to having it alongside many of my other race cars and bikes at Autosport International, and sharing stories about the entire collection with fans of the sport.”
Accompanying the Ferrari 158 will be iconic cars such as the Lotus 18 he drove in his Formula One debut at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix, the Lola T70 he took to victory in the inaugural Can-Am Series in 1966 and Surtees Racing Organisation’s first F1 car, the TS7.
Joining the four wheel exhibits will be a range of Surtees’ race-winning motorcycles, such as the 1949 500cc Vincent Grey Flash which he rode to victory in his first race at Aberdare Park in Wales. Works Norton and BMW Rennsport machines will also form part of the display, as well as the 1960 500cc World Title-winning MV Augusta.
The Henry Surtees Foundation, founded after the tragic death of his son Henry at Brands Hatch in 2009, will have a presence alongside the display. The charity assists those who have suffered injuries in accidents and provides education, training and road safety instruction for both two and four wheels.
Also on display at Autosport International will be more contemporary Formula One machinery on the F1 Racing grid, as well as showcases of the British Touring Car Championship and Wales Rally GB.
The show takes place at Birmingham’s NEC between January 9-12, with tickets starting at £31 for adults, while children’s tickets start at £20. For more information visit www.autosportinternational.com
