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Ken Miles, the British-born racing driver, is a name forever etched in motorsport history, particularly for his pivotal role in Ford’s victory over Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, while Miles’ contribution to the world of racing has been lauded in numerous books, films, and articles, there is still much to explore about his life, career, and the true story of the events at Le Mans that would define his legacy. In this article, we will delve into various facets of Ken Miles’ life, from his real-world achievements to the misconceptions about his death, and how he helped secure Ford's improbable win over Ferrari in one of the most dramatic and controversial finishes in racing history.
Ken Miles: The Man Who Took on Ferrari
Before we get to the heart of the Le Mans story, it’s important to understand who Ken Miles was as a person and as a driver. Born in England on October 1, 1918, Kenneth Henry Miles was no stranger to the world of engineering and motorsports. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who rose to fame through sheer racing talent, Miles was also a gifted mechanic and engineer. His technical skills played a huge role in the development of many racing cars throughout his career, notably the Ford GT40, the car that would become the centerpiece of Ford’s efforts to dethrone Ferrari at Le Mans.
Ken Miles began his racing career in the mid-1950s, racing in various disciplines including sports cars, touring cars, and motorcycles. He quickly gained a reputation as a determined and highly skilled driver, with a particular flair for endurance racing. It was this skill that would eventually lead him to work with Carroll Shelby, an American automobile designer and driver, on the development of the Shelby Cobra and later the Ford GT40.
Ken Miles and the Ford GT40: A Triumph of Engineering
In the early 1960s, Ford attempted to purchase Ferrari, aiming to gain a foothold in motorsport and increase the visibility of its brand. When Ferrari rejected the deal, Ford embarked on a mission to build a car that could beat Ferrari at its own game: endurance racing, particularly at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This is where Ken Miles enters the picture. Although he was not initially the first choice to drive the Ford GT40, his extensive mechanical knowledge and driving ability soon earned him a place on the team. Miles was tasked with testing and fine-tuning the GT40, often pushing the car to its limits. His ability to communicate the car’s handling characteristics to engineers made him invaluable during the development process.
Miles became instrumental in shaping the design of the Ford GT40 MkII, which was the version of the car that would ultimately take on Ferrari at Le Mans. His understanding of aerodynamics, suspension, and engine tuning helped make the GT40 one of the most competitive race cars of its time.
The 1966 Le Mans: The Muddled Triumph
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is perhaps one of the most famous races in history, not just for the way it unfolded but also for the drama surrounding the Ford team’s victory. Ford had high hopes of finally besting Ferrari at Le Mans, and they entered three Ford GT40 MkIIs, including one driven by Ken Miles and his co-driver Denny Hulme.
The race itself was a grueling test of endurance, speed, and strategy. Ford was up against Ferrari’s proven dominance at Le Mans, having won the event in several consecutive years. However, the American team’s strategy to develop a car that was both fast and durable paid off in the form of the GT40 MkII. By the race’s final lap, Miles and his teammates were in a commanding position.
In a controversial moment that has been discussed extensively in racing circles, Ford decided to stage a dramatic photo finish. The three GT40s were instructed to cross the finish line together, creating the illusion of a closer race than it was. Miles, who had been leading the race for the majority of the event, was ordered to slow down to allow his teammates, Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, to cross the line ahead of him. This decision was made in the interest of a more marketable narrative—Ford wanted to show that its cars finished in a dramatic fashion, even though Miles had actually crossed the line first.
In a bitter twist, this manipulation of the finish cost Miles the victory he had rightfully earned. The official result placed McLaren and Amon first, with Miles being relegated to second. Although Ford claimed victory, the muddled nature of the finish left a sour taste in the mouths of many, including Miles himself.
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