Sure, the movie delivers on its long, realistic, mesmerizing race scenes that capture how grueling the 24 hours of Le Mans is, the world’s most important endurance race that takes place on imperfect French country roads, night or day, rain and shine. •J-CAR' FLIPS Miles Killed At Riverside. His birth name is Kenneth Henry Miles. The information from Peter Miles helped Christian Bale to become Ken Miles in Ford v Ferrari in all but one regard. After moving to Hawaii, he told me his wife, Mollie, and son, Peter, became estranged and made off with his money." It’s a perfectly clear, sunny day as it goes in Southern California. International Motorsport Champion-Winner of 1965 24 Hours at Daytona, Winner of the 1966 12 Hours at Sebring and 2nd at the 1966 24 Hours at LeMans. But the clock is ticking. While having a prototype car test at Riverside InternationalRaceway, he was at a top speed of 200- plus mph. He was married to Mollie Miles, and he had a son named Peter Miles. If there was a definite cause of death, it died with Ken, Carroll Shelby, and anyone else at the track that day. It caught on fire, and Ken was immediately ejected and killed. Ken Miles, portrayed by Christian Bale in the upcoming movie 'Le Mans '66', was a rogue figure who drove for Ford during the race. Ken Miles’ mysteriously death will likely remain a mystery. The story in a nutshell: Ferrari is set to be bought by Ford. The World War II veteran's fatal accident is shown at the end of Ford v. Ferrari, in a brief scene. Miles’ death was a large part of the driving force in installing additional safety precautions in vehicles, like steel cages. The Ford J-car was intended to be the successor to the all-conquering Ford GT40 Mk.II and, despite reliability problems, showed potential in the springtime Le Mans trials. How Much of 'The Revenant' Is a True Story? Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images. An unverified source said Mollie Miles was born in 1930; she is probably 90 years old. "Mr. Bale wanted to try to be as faithful as possible to my father's portrait. He was a key person in designing a number of Ford’s top performance cars during the 60’s. More than 130 photographs are included. Ken Miles follows the racer's life from the early days in England to his tragic death at Riverside Raceway in 1966. Ken Miles was born on Friday, November 1, 1918 (age 47 years; at the time of death)in Sutton Coldfield, England. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. And then there was this from a story in Car and Driver in 2003 where they interviewed a retired cop and Cobras and Ford race car collector named Fred Jones who claimed that Ken Miles had survived the crash and was alive in Wisconsin: That was the most Area-51-esque conspiracy theory I came across. Something that many people don’t realize is that Mollie Miles was a driver to. Twitter. Ken Miles’ Son Overview. In August of 1966, Carroll decided to work on the J-car again, and Ken became the primary testing driver. Uncategorized; did mollie miles remarry after ken miles' death. We’ve seen him escape death from a fiery car earlier in the film. Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. “I’d rather die in a racing car than get eaten up by cancer," Ken Miles is quoted as saying in Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans, which tells the same tale as told in the Oscar-nominated film Ford V Ferrari. The movie showed car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) visiting Miles’ widow and son after his death. And with a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Ford V Ferrari has inspired a new interest in this story. These safety precautions saved the life of Mario Andretti at the 1967 Le Mans, as well as countless others since then. The film then jumps ahead a few months, but never actually explains what went wrong that day. British driver Ken Miles was played by Christian Bale in the film, and he was enlisted to drive the Ford GT40 Mk1 by his best friend, automotive designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon). And so as soon as I got out of the theater, I did a little more research. Inducted into … Ken Miles’ son, Peter Miles, made major contributions to the biopic, helping Bale prepare for the role. he was an inspiration and mentor to many he will be greatly missed. Home Uncategorized did mollie miles remarry after ken miles' death. Ken Miles: an appreciation. Share. I also met Caitriona Balfe [who played Mollie Miles], gave her pictures of my mother, described her to her as I remembered.". When he was 15, … How the Race in 'Ford v Ferrari' Really Ended, Does 'Grey's Anatomy's Stefania Spampinato Have a Husband? If Ken Miles’ death at the end of Ford v Ferrarifeels abrupt and almost forced, that’s because it was. 0. Ferrari didn't insult Ford. It is essentially a scrapbook. In that era, drivers acknowledged the risks, but the death of Miles was a real tragedy. This should be something that comes up in Ford v Ferrari as it will play an important part in the relationship between Mollie and Ken. The plan is rebuffed when the big boss Enzo Ferrari finds out that he’ll lose control of his precious racing team. He dies in a tragic crash at the end of the movie—after he’s cheated out of a first place win at Le Mans because of a botched PR plan. He was an amazing person he contributed passionately to his community and country. In 1929, when he was 11 years old, he started riding a “350cc Trials Special Triumph bike.” Once, while riding the bike, he met with an accident and broke his nose and three teeth. Suddenly, the car flipped andcrashed. But, at least, for those two and half hours of James Mangold’s film, he’ll be remembered. The actor didn’t actually do any of the driving in the film. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, William Miles and his brother, William Miles, Jr.. Kenneth's mantra was "A Man for Others" and he exemplified that in everything he did. WhatsApp. Here’s to the underdogs. Keep reading to find out how Ken's death was portrayed in the movie, and to learn where his son, Peter Miles, is today. After successfully racing the Ford GT40 Mk1 in 1966, Ken's next task was to test out the Ford J-car. Carhartt's Iconic Watch Hat Is For Everyone, The 15 Best Winter Boots for Less Than $250. Aug 15, 2020 Kenneth Miles Death | Kenneth Miles Obituary – Kenneth Miles sadly passed away, Kenneth was the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director in charge of our Academic Success Program. by James T. Crow Road & Track magazine, November 1966 reprinted with permission of Road & Track magazine. Ford, thanks to the … And, in the end, that’s how Ken Miles, who’s played by Christian Bale, does end up in that driver’s seat in the sky. The car broke into pieces killing Miles on the spot of the accident. It’s likely that Miles’s death soon after Le Mans contributed to the belief that he deserved to win, since he’d never have another chance to do so. He co-designed the GT40 with Carroll Shelby, and drove it during the epic showdown - … Ken Miles was born on Friday, November 1, 1918 (age 47 years; at the time of death)in Sutton Coldfield, England. When Ford v. Ferrari premiered, Peter spoke with Le Mans about assisting the cast with insight into his father. Ken Miles Born: November 1, 1918 Birthplace: Birmingham, England, UK Death: August 17, 1966, Riverside International Raceway, California, USA (test driving crash) I sort of knew Ken’s story, but did not know much about his death. This is a narrative of space-race, moonshot-like ambition that was pervasive in 1960s America, except with cars. There remains some dispute about the exact manner of his death — including at least one conspiracy theory that he never died — but everyone seems to agree that it couldn’t have been driver error and that a car malfunction or design error led to the deadly crash. Even in his obituary in Road and Track from 1966, there’s this ominous line: “It may not matter now, except for our own satisfaction, but no one who knew Ken’s driving can believe that the accident resulted from a mistake on his part.”, From his obituary in the Desert Sun in 1966: “The car went off the track at the easiest curve to negotiate, a spokesman said, which drew speculation that the accident may have been caused by a mechanical failure.”. The story told in Ford v. Ferrari has become one of the great modern automotive yarns because it’s one of boardroom egos and corporate revenge. The rear portion of the J-car was updated after Ken's accident so it wouldn't easily lift at high speeds. But in the end, the heart of the movie is its reframing of the tale around the person that really made it happen, yet was ungraciously kicked to the side of history: Ken Miles. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Ted Cruz Compares Thanos to Environmentalists, Where to Stream 'Groundhog Day' Right Now, Here's the Lesson of 'My Best Friend's Wedding'. The 2019 film Ford v. Ferrari was filled with drama, suspense, and extreme risk-taking, and it was based on the 1966 race between the two car manufacturers over who could make the better vehicle. The Mustang Shelby Cobra made today is what many ‘stang fans lust for. Long-time friend Carroll Shelby, builder of the car, ordered an immediate investigation beginning today of the high j speed accident which sent the: popular driver to his death … Some conspiracies even say the legendary race car driver survived the crash. In reality, the infamous driver died shortly after the race featured in the film. While driving it at 200 miles per hour the Riverside International Raceway in California, Ken flipped the car over. He now lives in California, and he manages the car collection of billionaire Chip Connor. Ken Miles was coming downhill at the Riverside course when the J car unexpectedly flipped and caught fire, killing Miles instantly. This content is imported from YouTube. "I gave Christian Bale some information on my father, they could come from press clippings, articles in magazines, I also showed personal photographs or shared audio recordings," Peter told the outlet. And, in the end, that’s how Ken Miles, who’s played by Christian Bale, does end up in that driver’s seat in the sky. Currently, Mollie Miles’s whereabouts are still unknown, though some sources said she is still alive. In August of 1966, Carroll decided to work on the J-car again, and Ken became the primary testing driver. Peter Miles was born on September 28, 1950 to Ken Miles and his wife, Mollie Miles. Ken was just 46 years old at the time of his passing, and he is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. and with a special tip-of-the-visor to the Los Angeles chapter of SAAC, who brought this article to our attention in the club’s August 2001 newsletter. In August 1966, two months after the race, Miles died in a fiery crash while testing a new car in Riverside, California. Miles seems happier and healthier than at any other point in the movie when he hops into the driver’s seat. After the death of Walt Hansgen in a J-car Ford while testing at Le Mans in April, the decision was made to shelve the J-car and focus on the proven Mk IIs, and little development was done for the rest of the 1966 World Sports Car Championshipseason. In contrast to the death of Miles, a huge change in vehicles was invented for additional safety precautions. His death took place just two months after the race that served as the subject of the Ford v. Ferrari film. Bale starred as Ken Miles, the motorsports legend who died in a car crash in 1966. His death was only two months removed from his win at the Le Mans. Peter is married to Patricia Montgomery Miles, and the two have a daughter named Jamie together. The book format is somewhat different from others. We will probably never know the true reason behind his fateful crash. They know who Bruce McLaren is—there’s a car company that bears his name. Ken Miles, from Sutton Coldfield, in Birmingham, emigrated to the US in 1951. Next issue >>. As it's shown in Ford v. Ferrari, Miles' son, Peter, who idolizes his dad, is there on August 16, 1966 at the Riverside Raceway along with Carroll Shelby to work on the experimental Ford J Car that is being developed so they can have another go at Le Mans next year. There are certain drivers that I considered so good, they were immortal. Pinterest. Not so much for the circumstances of the crash, but more how it impacted on the people at Shelby American. We may earn a commission from these links. Ken Miles was known as an exceptional race driver who had a successful motorsport career that made him recognized in the US and eventually, worldwide. She Prefers Privacy, The Racing World Is Mourning the Sudden Death of JJ Damato, Here's What Actually Happened to Emma on 'Legacies', Zoey Drops out of College and Links up With These Celebrity Guests on the New Season of 'Grown-Ish', According to the Book, *This* Is What Tully Did to Kate in 'Firefly Lane' [SPOILERS], The Comedians of 'Impractical Jokers' Just Signed a First Look Deal With WarnerMedia. Fact: There really was a company in Italy named Ferrari that made excellent and fast sports … This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. It’s her love of cars and driving that stop her from fearing what could happen to Ken … You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. However, the crash did not stop him, and he soon recovered from his injury … There's still some ambiguity over whether the brakes had something to do with the collision, or if something else led to the accident. Peter was 14 years old when his father died, and he was actually at the Riverside Raceway with his mom when the fatal crash occurred. It caught on fire, and Ken was immediately ejected and killed. Kevin Sintumuang is Esquire's Lifestyle and Culture Director. It feels almost conveniently poetic, but also, disconcertingly, abrupt. Finally, in August 1966, Shelby American resumed testing and development work with Miles ser… Many are from private collections and have never before been published. And then, there’s the most definitive yet still unsatisfying wrap up of Ken’s death from the end of Go Like Hell: If Ken Miles’ death at the end of Ford v Ferrari feels abrupt and almost forced, that’s because it was. In the movie, it seemed odd and almost unbelievable. In addition to having a successful racing career, Ken was married to Mollie Miles, and the two shared a son named Peter together. Many lay people know Carrol Shelby. Extensive research suggests that star race driver Ken Miles might have survived the reported fatal crash at Riverside on August 17, 1966. That doesn’t happen this time. And so Ford, as a corporate F-U to Ferrari, asks Carroll Shelby, played by Matt Damon in the film, the preeminent American race car builder of the time, to develop a car to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. Miles was a busy teenager. Calif. (UPII - Veteran sports car racer Ken Miles, 47. whose precision and gutty driving electrified fans worldwide piloted his last lap Wednesday as his experimental Ford “J-car” flipped at 150 miles per hour. Few details about Ken's death are given in the film, though brake failure is shown to be the source of the accident. Facebook. By - Sep 15, 2020. But there's much more to the real story of Miles' mysterious death than we see in the movie. The True Story of HBO's 'The Investigation'. Sadly, just a few months after Ford defeats Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans (and he misses out on being the individual winner on a technicality), Miles is killed while testing out a new Ford vehicle (the J-car) at the at Riverside International Raceway in southern California. Testing for the vehicle was put on hold when fellow driver Walt Hangsen died while driving one. We will probably never know the true reason behind his … He also set a land speed record at Bonneville in 1956. How did Ken Miles die in real life? In reality, the exact cause of Ken's crash is still the subject of some debate. His legacy will be the hundreds of athletes and mentees he has helped throughout his exemplary career. Ford was going to build a car to beat Ferrari in the world’s most important race, Le Mans—a race Ferrari had won five years in a row. Through Jamie, Peter is a grandfather of two. After his father's death in 1941, Henry Ford II became vice president of Ford Motor Co. and was fast-tracked to run the business by 1943. While driving it at 200 miles per hour the Riverside International Raceway in California, Ken flipped the car over. Ken Miles flips during practice for the 1964 MotorTrend 500 at Riverside. Throughout the film, Ken and Carroll push the limits on the vehicle, leading Ken to have a few serious accidents. He stayed in the family business, and he worked at the Troutman and Barnes car shop for 14 years before taking a job at Precision Performance in 1986. Talking about his family, Ken Miles was born to Eric Miles and Clarice Jarvis. The Heartbreaking True Story of Selena Quintanilla, Ford v Ferrari Looks Like an Early Oscar Contender. Peter has also worked as a fabricator, and he has led racing crews. Ferrari. The official LSU Sports Twitter account released this statement following the death of Miles. And so he needs some help and hires the man he knows can both engineer the hell out of the car and drive the thing: Ken Miles, a brilliant WWII vet with a Brummie accent, who is unbelievable on the track and in the garage, but maybe not a people person. By 1957, Miles had gotten behind the wheel of a Porsche-Cooper combination called the "Pooper” and dominated the track.… A few moments later, we see the car go up in flames in the distance. RIVERSIDE. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. During 1966, Ford’s GT40 program experienced the loss of two key drivers, Walt Hansgen and Ken Miles. 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