Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Sad to see that John Surtees 1964 F1 champion has passed away, think he drove a Lotus at the 1960 Monaco GP.

He was the landlord of our factory in Edenbridge, a decent guy to do business with, only person ever to be the world champion on both 2 wheels and 4.

Truly, a great champion and nice person.
When you think of his acheivements and his world championship titles... then compare him to someone like Nico Rosberg (as a world champion )... Different league!

As a motorcycle and car nut in my youth I pretty much worshiped Surtee's. Hailwood as well.

Sad...

Kurt.

Yep, finished second at Monaco in 1960 driving a Lotus - at that time he was still racing bikes and won his fourth two wheel championship in that year, before switching to four wheels.
Never met him but did have the privilege of meeting and chatting with Phil Hill at goodwood some years ago - another true gentleman. Other than Sir Stirling, not many gentlemen of the sport left


Martin B

I saw a fairly recent TV programme on him and his house, family etc, IIRC he had a son quite late in life that died tragically at a young age in a freak motorsport accident, J.S. seemed very saddened and demoralised at the loss, I know that my own grandfather who had been bright, fit and active all his life went downhill very fast indeed when he lost both his children within a few years of each other.

The only man ever to win the World Championship on two wheels and four.
I watched him many times and marvelled at his speed, even in his seventies, particularly once at the Goodwood Revival, driving Nick mason's Ferrari 250 GTO to victory , where he was miles quicker than anyone else.
My son Andy & I had the pleasure of his company for about 20 mins, at the back of the pits at Donington in May 1999. He was there to demonstrate the Mercedes Museum W154 Silver Arrow at the lunch halt. He told us a story about, (just before he fell out with Enzo Ferrari ), walking round the back of the factory with Enzo, who pointed to two GTO's gathering dust. The "old man" told him that he could have both for ?14000. John thought about it for a few seconds and politely declined. "Worst days work I ever did" he told us.

At the lunch halt he gave awesome display, powering the 650bhp monster sideways but forwards in front of the home straight grandstand. In the late 90's, he was the only man that Mercedes would trust with the priceless Silver Arrows, and at that time he was 65 !
We found him to be a real gentleman, always willing to spend time to chat to his fans.

Rest in peace Big John.

I met John at Hever Castle where he used to show a few of his cars and his bikes every year for his trust. He was a great guy and I have some great photo's of him with me and my two boys, they will grow up remembering the legend that he is...

RIP John.

Very sad to hear the passing of John Surtees, truly a racing legend and the big question that I am sure will never be answered was why are we not referring to him as Sir John Surtees

RIP John, you were a true legend and a gentleman racer of the highest order

Rob P wrote:Very sad to hear the passing of John Surtees, truly a racing legend and the big question that I am sure will never be answered was why are we not referring to him as Sir John Surtees

Agree:-
RIP Sir John.

Because he very gently and politely put straight people who addressed him with that title socially, in daily life and in business.

He was more honorable in my eyes for being a gentleman than a "Sir".

RIP Sir