Ken Miles Net Worth is a topic that often intrigues motorsport enthusiasts and historians alike. At the time of his untimely death in 1966, Ken Miles, the renowned British sports car racing engineer and driver, had a net worth of approximately $10,000. When adjusted for inflation, this amount is roughly equivalent to $100,000 in today’s currency.
In the 2019 film ‘Ford v Ferrari,’ Ken Miles was brought to life on screen by Christian Bale, showcasing the pivotal moments of his career. Miles, a former Staff Sergeant in the British Army, achieved significant accolades, such as winning the USAC Road Racing Championship in 1961 with a Porsche 718 RS 61. He also triumphed at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 alongside Lloyd Ruby for Shelby American Inc. Ken’s reputation was further solidified with victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1963, 1965, and again in 1966. His legacy in the racing world was cemented by his induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001 and the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2020. His son, Peter, manages a vintage car collection worth over $80 million. Tragically, Ken Miles passed away on August 17, 1966, in a race car accident in Southern California at the age of 47.
What is Ken Miles net worth?
| Name | Ken Miles |
|---|---|
| Category: | Richest Athletes โบ Race Car Drivers |
| Net Worth: | $100 Thousand |
| Birthdate: | Nov 1, 1918 – Aug 17, 1966 (47 years old) |
| Birthplace: | Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England |
| Nationality: | British |
Early Life
Born as Kenneth Henry Jarvis Miles on November 1, 1918, in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England, Ken Miles was the son of Clarice Jarvis and Eric Miles. His early life was marked by a desire for adventure, as evidenced by his teenage attempt to flee to the U.S. At 15, Ken left school to apprentice at Wolseley Motors, which led him to technical school to learn about vehicle construction. Before enlisting in the British Army for World War II, he was already racing motorcycles. His military service included roles as a driving instructor and a co-founder of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). In June 1944, he landed in Normandy as part of the 15th/19th King’s Royal Hussars and served until the war’s end. His experiences during the war fueled his passion for high-performance engineering, a passion that persisted even after his discharge in 1946.
Career
After the war, Ken Miles began racing Alfa Romeos, Alvises, and Bugattis before transitioning to a Ford V8 Frazer-Nash. His journey took him to the U.S. in 1952, where he settled in Los Angeles and worked with MG distributor Gough Industries. In the following years, Ken achieved immense success with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), notably winning 14 consecutive races in an MG-based car of his own design. His innovative spirit led to the construction of the ‘Flying Shingle,’ although a technicality cost him a victory at Palm Springs in 1955. Throughout the late 1950s, he raced models like the Porsche 550 Spyder and ‘the Pooper,’ a 1956 Cooper with Porsche components. His contributions to the Shelby/Cobra race team in the 1960s as both a driver and mechanical engineer were significant. Known for his humor and distinctive accent, his racing crew affectionately called him ‘Teddy Teabag’ and ‘Sidebite.’ Miles played a crucial role in developing race variants of the Shelby Cobra 289 and the Ford GT, including the Daytona Coupe. By 1963, he was Shelby-American’s chief test driver, earning a reputation for on-track courtesy, often likened to ‘Stirling Moss of the West Coast.โ In 1966, he won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, cementing his legacy in motorsport history.
Personal Life and Death
Ken Miles married Mollie, and together they had a son, Peter, born on September 28, 1950. In August 1966, during a test drive of a J-car for Shelby-American, Ken Miles was involved in a fatal accident at Riverside International Raceway. His car flipped and disintegrated at over 200 miles per hour, resulting in his death. Ken Miles was laid to rest at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where his contributions to motorsport continue to be remembered.
What is Ken Miles’ net worth?
Ken Miles’ net worth is estimated to be around $100,000 at the time of his death in 1966. However, his legacy as a legendary race car driver and engineer continues to live on, making him a priceless figure in the world of motorsports. His contributions to the automotive industry and his achievements on the track have solidified his place in history and continue to inspire future generations
How did Ken Miles earn his wealth?
Ken Miles earned his wealth through his successful career as a race car driver and mechanic. He was known for his exceptional driving skills and technical knowledge, which led him to win numerous races and championships. Additionally, he also worked as a test driver for various car manufacturers, earning a reputation for his expertise in vehicle development and performance. His passion and dedication to the sport ultimately brought him financial success
What was Ken Miles’ salary as a race car driver?
As a race car driver in the 1960s, Ken Miles earned an average salary of $50,000 per year. However, his earnings were often supplemented by bonuses and sponsorships, making his total income difficult to determine. Despite this, Miles’ talent and success on the track made him one of the highest-paid drivers of his time
Did Ken Miles have any other sources of income besides racing?
Yes, Ken Miles had other sources of income besides racing. He worked as a mechanic and test driver for Carroll Shelby’s racing team, and also ran his own performance shop. This allowed him to support his family while pursuing his passion for racing
How much money did Ken Miles leave behind after his death?
After his tragic death in a car accident, Ken Miles left behind a legacy that continues to inspire motorsports enthusiasts. While the exact amount of money he left behind is unknown, his contributions to the racing world and his impact on those who knew him are priceless. His passion and determination will always be remembered as a true testament to his character and talent
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