When it appeared, the Surtees TS9 revealed its close kinship to the TS7, with a longer wheelbase and wider track, lower and with a differently designed nose. Further changes were introduced with the 1972 TS7B model, when the cars were occasionally competitive. In particular, Mike Hailwood finished in fourth place in Monza in 1971 just a stone's throw from the winner in the final sprint, then conquering the second position again in Monza the following year. Andrea De Adamich, Mike Hailwood, James Hunt, John Love, Carlos Pace, Tim Schenken, Rolf Stommelen and John Surtees drove the TS9.