Figlio del Vento

This portrait of the legendary John Surtees, by mixed media artist Jonathan (Joff) Carter, commemorates the unique, astounding, achievements of the man who, while riding for Ducati, earned the nickname figlio del vento (son of the wind). World Champion on both two and four wheels, he claimed the 500-cc motorcycle title no less than four times—in 1956, ‘58, ‘59 and ‘60—then in 1964, driving for Ferrari, he won the Formula One World Championship too.

“I was lucky enough to meet John on several occasions while exhibiting at events,” notes the artist. “He was utterly charming, and always complementary about the portrait, intrigued by its ‘hidden’ narrative—dates and other snippets of information that represent his racing career. He was also delighted to hear that I donate 10 percent of proceeds from sales of this print to the Henry Surtees Foundation, which of course he was passionate about. John will be sorely missed, remembered as one of the true greats of motorsport history.”