John Surtees to takes Formula 1 to the streets

| 1 Apr 2014

The only man to win world championships on both two and four wheels, John Surtees, is to demonstrate his collection of historic racing cars on the streets of Edenbridge, Kent on 26 May.

The 1964 Formula 1 Driver's Championship-winner is planning on driving the very car that carried him to victory that season, the Ferrari 158, as well as the first Formula 1 car built by Team Surtees in Edenbridge, the TS7.

Team Surtees TS7

The 1972 TS14 and 1973 TS15 cars will also be taking part in the parade; the former set lap records in the German and Austrian Grands Prix, while the latter won at Interlagos, Brazil in the hands of Carlos Pace.

Team Surtees TS14

Not to be overshadowed, a Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing' is also set to thrill the crowds.

The event begins at 4pm, when Surtees will follow an Aston Martin DB8 pace car in the Ferrari 158 through the centre of Edenbridge, before returning to the historic site of the Team Surtees factory. A procession of classic and vintage cars is set to follow.

The purpose of the parade, which is part of the Edenbridge Fun Day, is to raise awareness and funds for the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance and Henry Surtees Foundation, which was set up after the death of Surtees' son Henry during a Formula 2 race in 2009.

Peter Kingham, Head of Edenbridge Chamber of Commerce said: “This year marks not only John’s 50th anniversary of winning the Formula 1 World Championship, but also his 80th birthday. We are very much looking forward to celebrating those two anniversaries with him at the Fun Day, in addition to raising funds for our chosen charities.”

As well as the motorcade, visitors will also be able to enjoy a photographic exhibition dedicated to Surtees' racing success, which takes place at the Topfoto Gallery. You needn't wait until the event though: the exhibition will run from 18 April to 12 June.

Click here for more information on the Henry Surtees Foundation