The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most iconic races in motorsport history, forever etched in the annals of Ford's legendary victory over Ferrari. Central to this triumph was the Ford GT40, a machine built with relentless determination and cutting-edge engineering. However, the story is just as much about the drivers who pushed these incredible machines to their limits. One name stands out above the rest: Ken Miles. This article delves into the saga of the Ford GT40 at Le Mans in 1966 and the pivotal role Ken Miles played, a story filled with speed, controversy, and enduring legacy.

The Rise of the Ford GT40

In the early 1960s, Ford, under the leadership of Henry Ford II, sought to acquire Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari initially agreed to the deal, but at the last moment, he backed out, reportedly due to disagreements over control of the racing division. Insulted and determined to exact revenge on the track, Henry Ford II embarked on a mission to beat Ferrari at their own game: endurance racing, specifically the 24 Hours of Le Mans. To achieve this ambitious goal, Ford invested heavily in developing a world-class racing program. They partnered with Eric Broadley of Lola Cars, and later Carroll Shelby, to create a machine capable of challenging Ferrari's dominance.

The Ford GT40 was the result. Its name, GT (Grand Touring) and 40 (inches, representing its height), signified its purpose-built design for high-speed endurance racing. The early versions of the GT40 faced teething problems, but continuous development and refinement led to significant improvements. By 1966, the GT40 was a formidable contender, packing a powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine and benefiting from advanced aerodynamics and engineering. The Ford team knew that to beat Ferrari, they needed not only a superior car but also a team of exceptionally skilled drivers. This is where Ken Miles enters the picture. His contributions were so significant that his role remains one of the most discussed aspects of the entire Ford v Ferrari saga. Ken Miles was known for his exceptional car control and relentless dedication to racing, making him an invaluable asset to the Ford racing program. He provided critical feedback on the GT40's handling and performance, helping the team to fine-tune the car to its full potential. His experience and technical expertise were instrumental in the GT40's development, playing a crucial role in turning it into a race-winning machine. It was these qualities, combined with the brute force of the GT40, that set the stage for the showdown at Le Mans in 1966.

Ken Miles: The Driver

Ken Miles was a British racing driver and engineer known for his exceptional car control and technical skills. He was not just a driver but also a development driver, capable of providing crucial feedback to engineers, making him invaluable in refining racing cars. Miles's experience spanned various racing disciplines, from sports cars to open-wheel racing, and he had a reputation for being brutally honest and uncompromising. Carroll Shelby recognized Miles's talent and brought him on board to help develop and race the Ford GT40. Despite his gruff exterior, Miles was deeply passionate about racing and dedicated to his craft. His technical acumen allowed him to communicate effectively with engineers, identifying problems and suggesting solutions that improved the car's performance. This collaboration between driver and engineer was essential to the GT40's development, and Miles's contributions were instrumental in turning it into a race-winning machine. He possessed an innate understanding of vehicle dynamics, which he used to push the GT40 to its limits while providing invaluable feedback to the team. The partnership between Miles and Shelby proved to be highly successful, as they worked together to transform the GT40 from a challenging project into a world-beating race car. His dedication to his craft and his unique ability to blend driving skill with technical expertise made him an indispensable part of the Ford racing program. Without Miles's contributions, the Ford GT40 might not have achieved the same level of success at Le Mans in 1966. His legacy as a driver and engineer continues to inspire racing enthusiasts and professionals alike, cementing his place in motorsport history.

The 1966 Le Mans Race

The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans was a race of immense significance, not just for Ford but for the entire motorsport world. Ford entered several GT40s, aiming for a definitive victory over Ferrari. The race started with the Ford GT40s setting a blistering pace, challenging Ferrari's established dominance. Throughout the grueling 24 hours, the Ford GT40s battled fiercely with the Ferraris, demonstrating superior speed and reliability. Ken Miles, driving with Denny Hulme, led for a significant portion of the race, showcasing the GT40's capabilities and his own driving prowess. However, the race was not without its challenges. Mechanical issues and fierce competition from Ferrari kept the pressure high. As the race entered its final hours, it became clear that Ford had a strong chance of securing a 1-2-3 finish, a monumental achievement that would cement their victory over Ferrari. The atmosphere in the Ford pits was electric, with anticipation building as the GT40s closed in on the finish line. The team strategists were faced with a difficult decision: how to ensure the 1-2-3 finish while also satisfying the desires of the Ford executives. This decision would ultimately lead to one of the most controversial moments in Le Mans history, forever altering the narrative of Ken Miles's race.

The Controversial Finish

As the race drew to a close, three Ford GT40s, including the one driven by Ken Miles, were running in formation, poised to take the top three positions. Ford's management, eager to secure a publicity coup, decided they wanted a photo finish, with all three cars crossing the line together. This decision was conveyed to the team, and the drivers were instructed to slow down to allow for the synchronized finish. However, this decision had unintended consequences. The organizers of the race, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), determined that because Miles's car had started further back on the grid, even though the cars crossed the line together, the win would be awarded to Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, who were in second place. Miles was understandably disappointed. He had led the race for a significant portion of the 24 hours and believed he had earned the victory. The decision to orchestrate a photo finish not only robbed Miles of his rightful win but also overshadowed his exceptional performance throughout the race. The controversy surrounding the finish continues to be debated among racing enthusiasts. Some argue that Ford's decision was a brilliant marketing strategy, while others believe it was an unfair and unjust outcome for Ken Miles. Regardless of one's perspective, the 1966 Le Mans finish remains one of the most talked-about moments in motorsport history, and the story of Ken Miles and the Ford GT40 is forever intertwined with its legacy.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The controversial finish at Le Mans in 1966 had a profound impact on Ken Miles. While he publicly accepted the decision, those close to him knew he was deeply disappointed. Just months later, in August 1966, Miles tragically died while testing a new Ford race car at Riverside International Raceway. His death was a great loss to the racing world, and it further cemented his legendary status. Ken Miles's legacy extends beyond the controversial finish at Le Mans. He is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile drivers of his era, a true racer who combined exceptional driving skills with technical expertise. His contributions to the development of the Ford GT40 were invaluable, and his passion for racing inspired countless others. In recent years, Miles's story has been brought to a wider audience through books and films, ensuring that his achievements and contributions to motorsport are not forgotten. The movie "Ford v Ferrari" (released as "Le Mans '66" in some regions) brought his story to life, portraying his dedication, skill, and the challenges he faced during his racing career. The film has helped to introduce a new generation to the story of Ken Miles and the Ford GT40, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.

Conclusion

The story of the Ford GT40 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is a testament to the power of ambition, engineering, and driving skill. Ken Miles, as a driver and engineer, played a crucial role in Ford's victory, even though the win was ultimately denied to him. His contributions to the GT40's development and his performance during the race cemented his place in motorsport history. The controversy surrounding the finish only adds to the drama and intrigue of this iconic event. The legacy of Ken Miles and the Ford GT40 continues to inspire racing enthusiasts around the world, reminding us of the passion, dedication, and sacrifice that define the sport. The echoes of the Ford GT40's roar and the memory of Ken Miles's unwavering determination will forever resonate in the hearts of those who appreciate the thrill of racing.