Discover The Legendary Ken Miles: The Unsung Hero Behind Ford's Victory

Who was Ken Miles?

Ken Miles was a British racing driver and engineer who is best known for his work with Ford Motor Company in the 1960s. He was a key figure in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. Miles was also a talented driver, winning numerous races throughout his career.

Miles was born in Sutton Coldfield, England, in 1918. He began his racing career in the late 1940s, competing in various sports car races. In 1963, he joined Ford Motor Company and was assigned to the GT40 project. Miles played a major role in the development of the car, and he was one of the drivers who tested it extensively.

In 1966, Miles and his co-driver Bruce McLaren won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Ford GT40. This was a major victory for Ford, as it was the first time that an American car had won the race. Miles and McLaren also won the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Miles finished second in 1968.

Miles was killed in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in 1966. He was 47 years old. Miles is considered one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and he is remembered for his skill, determination, and passion for the sport.

Personal Details of Ken Miles

Importance and Benefits of Ken Miles

• Ken Miles was a key figure in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969.
• Miles was a talented driver, winning numerous races throughout his career.
• Miles is considered one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and he is remembered for his skill, determination, and passion for the sport.

Historical Context of Ken Miles

Ken Miles was a pioneer in the world of motor racing. He was one of the first drivers to use data and engineering to improve his performance on the track. Miles also played a major role in the development of the Ford GT40, which was one of the most successful racing cars of all time.

Miles' career was cut short by his untimely death in 1966. However, his legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers around the world. Miles is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Ken Miles

Ken Miles was a British racing driver and engineer who is best known for his work with Ford Motor Company in the 1960s. He was a key figure in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. Miles was also a talented driver, winning numerous races throughout his career.

• Racing Driver
• Engineer
• Ford GT40
• 24 Hours of Le Mans
• Carroll Shelby
• Bruce McLaren
• Tragic Death

Ken Miles was a true pioneer in the world of motor racing. He was one of the first drivers to use data and engineering to improve his performance on the track. Miles also played a major role in the development of the Ford GT40, which was one of the most successful racing cars of all time. Sadly, Miles' career was cut short by his untimely death in 1966. However, his legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers around the world.

1. Racing Driver

Ken Miles was a racing driver. He began his racing career in the late 1940s, competing in various sports car races. In 1963, he joined Ford Motor Company and was assigned to the GT40 project. Miles played a major role in the development of the car, and he was one of the drivers who tested it extensively.

Miles was a talented driver, winning numerous races throughout his career. He was known for his skill, determination, and passion for the sport. Miles was also a pioneer in the use of data and engineering to improve his performance on the track.

The connection between "racing driver" and "Ken Miles" is significant because Miles was one of the most successful racing drivers of his era. He played a key role in the development of the Ford GT40, which was one of the most successful racing cars of all time. Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers around the world.

2. Engineer

Ken Miles was an engineer. He began his career as a mechanic, but he eventually became one of the most respected engineers in the world of motor racing. Miles was known for his innovative ideas and his ability to solve problems. He played a major role in the development of the Ford GT40, which was one of the most successful racing cars of all time.

Miles' engineering skills were essential to the success of the Ford GT40. He was responsible for designing and developing many of the car's key components, including the chassis, suspension, and engine. Miles also played a major role in testing and developing the car. He was known for his ability to push the car to its limits and to identify and solve any problems that arose.

The connection between "engineer" and "Ken Miles" is significant because Miles was one of the most successful engineers in the history of motor racing. His engineering skills were essential to the development of the Ford GT40, which was one of the most successful racing cars of all time. Miles' legacy continues to inspire engineers around the world.

3. Ford GT40

The Ford GT40 is a racing car designed and built by Ford Motor Company. It was developed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an endurance race held annually in France. The GT40 was designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, and it was powered by a powerful V8 engine. The car was named after its overall height of 40 inches (102 cm).

Ken Miles was a racing driver and engineer who played a major role in the development of the Ford GT40. He was hired by Ford in 1963 to help develop the car, and he quickly became one of the team's most valuable members. Miles was known for his skill as a driver and his ability to solve problems. He was also a pioneer in the use of data and engineering to improve his performance on the track.

The connection between the Ford GT40 and Ken Miles is significant because Miles played a key role in the development of the car. He was responsible for designing and developing many of the car's key components, and he was also one of the drivers who tested and developed the car. Miles' skills as a driver and engineer were essential to the success of the Ford GT40, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the car.

4. 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance race held annually in Le Mans, France. It is one of the most prestigious races in the world, and it is considered to be the ultimate test of a driver's skill and endurance. The race is held on a circuit that is just over 8 miles long, and it consists of 24 hours of non-stop racing.

Ken Miles was a racing driver who competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on four occasions. He finished second in 1965, and he won the race in 1966. Miles was known for his skill as a driver and his ability to push himself to the limit. He was also a pioneer in the use of data and engineering to improve his performance on the track.

The connection between the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Ken Miles is significant because Miles was one of the most successful drivers in the history of the race. He won the race in 1966, and he finished on the podium on two other occasions. Miles' success at Le Mans is a testament to his skill as a driver and his ability to work as part of a team.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a challenging race, and it requires drivers to be at the top of their game. Ken Miles was one of the best drivers in the world, and he was able to win the race in 1966. Miles' victory at Le Mans is a testament to his skill as a driver and his ability to work as part of a team.

5. Carroll Shelby

Carroll Shelby was an American automotive designer, racing driver, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his work with Ford Motor Company in the 1960s, where he played a key role in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. Shelby also founded Shelby American, which produced high-performance versions of Ford Mustangs and other vehicles.

• Partnership in the Ford GT40 Program
  

  Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles were both key figures in the Ford GT40 program. Shelby was hired by Ford to lead the development of the car, while Miles was one of the drivers who tested and developed the car. Shelby and Miles worked closely together to develop the GT40 into a winning car.

• Shared Passion for Racing
  

  Shelby and Miles shared a passion for racing. Shelby was a successful racing driver in his own right, and he was always looking for ways to improve the performance of his cars. Miles was also a talented driver, and he was known for his ability to push himself to the limit. Shelby and Miles' shared passion for racing helped them to develop a strong working relationship.

• Mutual Respect
  

  Shelby and Miles had a great deal of respect for each other. Shelby respected Miles' driving skills and his ability to provide valuable feedback on the development of the GT40. Miles respected Shelby's knowledge of racing and his ability to build fast cars. Shelby and Miles' mutual respect helped them to work together effectively.

• Tragic Loss
  

  Miles was killed in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in 1966. Shelby was devastated by Miles' death. He said that Miles was "the best driver I ever knew." Shelby never forgot Miles, and he always spoke highly of him.

Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles were two of the most important figures in the history of the Ford GT40 program. Their partnership was essential to the development of the car, and their shared passion for racing helped them to achieve great success. Miles' tragic death was a great loss to the racing world, but his legacy lives on through the Ford GT40.

6. Bruce McLaren

Bruce McLaren was a New Zealand racing driver and engineer who founded the McLaren Formula One team. He was one of the most successful drivers of his era, winning the Formula One World Championship in 1967. McLaren was also a talented engineer, and he designed and built some of the most successful racing cars of all time.

• Partnership in the Ford GT40 Program
  

  Bruce McLaren and Ken Miles were both key figures in the Ford GT40 program. McLaren was hired by Ford to drive the car, while Miles was one of the drivers who tested and developed the car. McLaren and Miles worked closely together to develop the GT40 into a winning car.

• Shared Passion for Racing
  

  McLaren and Miles shared a passion for racing. McLaren was a successful racing driver in his own right, and he was always looking for ways to improve the performance of his cars. Miles was also a talented driver, and he was known for his ability to push himself to the limit. McLaren and Miles' shared passion for racing helped them to develop a strong working relationship.

• Mutual Respect
  

  McLaren and Miles had a great deal of respect for each other. McLaren respected Miles' driving skills and his ability to provide valuable feedback on the development of the GT40. Miles respected McLaren's knowledge of racing and his ability to build fast cars. McLaren and Miles' mutual respect helped them to work together effectively.

• Tragic Loss
  

  Miles was killed in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in 1966. McLaren was devastated by Miles' death. He said that Miles was "the best driver I ever knew." McLaren never forgot Miles, and he always spoke highly of him.

Bruce McLaren and Ken Miles were two of the most important figures in the history of the Ford GT40 program. Their partnership was essential to the development of the car, and their shared passion for racing helped them to achieve great success. Miles' tragic death was a great loss to the racing world, but his legacy lives on through the Ford GT40.

7. Tragic Death

Ken Miles was a talented racing driver and engineer who played a key role in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. However, Miles' career was cut short by his tragic death in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in 1966.

• Circumstances of the Accident
  

  Miles was testing the Ford J-Car when it went off the track and crashed. He was killed instantly. The cause of the accident was never fully determined, but it is believed that a suspension failure may have been a factor.

• Impact on the Racing Community
  

  Miles' death was a huge loss to the racing community. He was one of the most talented and respected drivers of his era. His death also had a significant impact on the Ford GT40 program. Miles was scheduled to drive the car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, but his death forced Ford to find a replacement driver.

• Legacy
  

  Despite his untimely death, Miles' legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. His contributions to the Ford GT40 program helped to make the car a legend. Miles' story is also a reminder of the dangers of racing and the importance of safety.

Ken Miles' tragic death was a major loss to the racing community. However, his legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. His contributions to the Ford GT40 program helped to make the car a legend. Miles' story is also a reminder of the dangers of racing and the importance of safety.

FAQs about Ken Miles

Ken Miles was a British racing driver and engineer who is best known for his work with Ford Motor Company in the 1960s. He was a key figure in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. Miles was also a talented driver, winning numerous races throughout his career.

Question 1: What was Ken Miles' greatest achievement?

Answer: Ken Miles' greatest achievement was winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. He was also a key figure in the development of the Ford GT40, which won the race four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969.

Question 2: How did Ken Miles die?

Answer: Ken Miles died in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in 1966. He was 47 years old.

Question 3: What was Ken Miles' role in the Ford GT40 program?

Answer: Ken Miles was a key figure in the development of the Ford GT40. He was one of the drivers who tested and developed the car, and he also played a role in its design.

Question 4: What was Ken Miles' relationship with Carroll Shelby?

Answer: Ken Miles had a close relationship with Carroll Shelby, who was the leader of the Ford GT40 program. Shelby respected Miles' driving skills and his ability to provide valuable feedback on the development of the car.

Question 5: What is Ken Miles' legacy?

Answer: Ken Miles is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. His contributions to the Ford GT40 program helped to make the car a legend. Miles' story is also a reminder of the dangers of racing and the importance of safety.

Summary

Ken Miles was a talented racing driver and engineer who made significant contributions to the Ford GT40 program. He was a key figure in the development of the car, and he also played a role in its success on the track. Miles' tragic death in 1966 was a great loss to the racing world, but his legacy continues to live on.

Transition

For more information on Ken Miles, please see the following resources:

• Ken Miles Wikipedia Page
• Ken Miles IMDb Page
• Ken Miles Museum

Conclusion

Ken Miles was a talented racing driver and engineer who made significant contributions to the Ford GT40 program. He was a key figure in the development of the car, and he also played a role in its success on the track. Miles' tragic death in 1966 was a great loss to the racing world, but his legacy continues to live on.

Miles was a pioneer in the use of data and engineering to improve his performance on the track. He was also a gifted driver, winning numerous races throughout his career. Miles' contributions to the Ford GT40 program helped to make the car a legend. He is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.

The story of Ken Miles is a reminder of the dangers of racing and the importance of safety. It is also a story of innovation, determination, and passion. Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers around the world.