When MV approached him at the end of the 1955 season, young 21-year-old Surtees, who was born into a well-to-do family of motorcycle enthusiasts in Catford, had already won 77 races, mainly with Norton 350's and 500's. He was capable of bringing Cascina Costa its first 500 title during his first season with the Italian brand. Inventor of a new style that was challenged and that is at the roots of today's riding technique with the body outstretched towards the inside of the curve, he won another six titles in the 350 and 500 classes between 1958 and 1960. Of course they were "easy" years for MV due to the fact that the leading rivals pulled out.
But we have to remember that Big John, as he was called, really ran wild, shattering records previously set on racetracks throughout Europe on a regular basis. In 1961 he turned to the world of automobile racing, entering the annals of history as the only rider who was ever able to win the World Championship Title with both motorcycles and cars. Indeed, he won the 1964 F1 title with Ferrari. Following his long car-racing interlude - first as a driver and then as a builder and engineer - today he has returned to his first love by willingly entering revival races, still fast and a great stylist.
