John Surtees headed a parade of exotic classics through the streets of Edenbridge – where his eponymous racing team was based from 1970-’78 – for the town’s Fun Day on 27 May. The cars operated from a makeshift paddock at the site of the former Surtees factory.
The only person to win World Championships on two and four wheels brought with him a TS7, which was the equipe’s first F1 car and made its debut at the British Grand Prix in 1970 (below). 'Fearless John' entertained the crowd by lighting up the rear tyres as the convoy headed down the B2026.
Others on show included the TS15 F2 racer that won at Interlagos, Brazil in 1973 and was demonstrated on the day by Robbie Kerr, plus the TS14 that Surtees drove at Monza in 1972 – his final Grand Prix. The latter became a static display after fuel problems prevented it from joining the run.
The 1964 F1 champion said: “It’s not often people get to see Formula 1 cars up close and it was amazing to have the High Street closed on a busy bank holiday weekend so we could give them a blast.
“It was a great turnout and everybody looked like they thoroughly enjoyed it. I certainly did.”
