What is Ken Miles net worth estimated? How did he get his fortune?

Ken Miles Net Worth is a topic that has intrigued many car racing enthusiasts and historians alike. At the time of his tragic death in 1966, Ken Miles had an estimated net worth of $10 thousand. Adjusting for inflation, that's roughly equivalent to $100,000 in today's dollars. Despite what might seem like a modest sum, Ken Miles' net worth reflects a career rich in achievements and contributions to the racing world.

Portrayed by Christian Bale in the film 'Ford v Ferrari,' Miles' legacy extends beyond his financial worth. His journey includes serving as a Staff Sergeant in the British Army, where he honed his skills and passion for engineering and racing. Notably, he captured the USAC Road Racing Championship in 1961 with a Porsche 718 RS 61 and triumphed at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 with partner Lloyd Ruby for Shelby American Inc. His wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1963, 1965, and 1966 further solidified his reputation. A British driver often found in American racing circuits, Miles was posthumously honored in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001 and the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2020. His son, Peter, now oversees a vintage car collection valued at over $80 million, a testament to the enduring passion for automobiles in the Miles family. Ken's life was tragically cut short on August 17, 1966, during a racing accident in Southern California at age 47.

What is Ken Miles net worth?

Early Life

Born Kenneth Henry Jarvis Miles on November 1, 1918, in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England, Ken was the son of Clarice Jarvis and Eric Miles. His early attempts to relocate to the U.S. as a teenager were ambitious. By age 15, he'd left school to apprentice with Wolseley Motors, where his journey in vehicle construction began. Before joining the British Army during WWII, he raced motorcycles. During his military service, he became a driving instructor and co-founded the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1942. His military career spanned several postings, including Normandy in 1944, until his discharge as a staff sergeant in 1946. These experiences fueled his love for high-performance engineering, setting the stage for his later achievements.

Career

After the war, Ken's racing pursuits included Alfa Romeos, Alvises, and Bugattis, aligning with the Vintage Sports Car Club. His move to the U.S. in 1952 marked a turning point. Settling in Los Angeles, he joined MG distributor Gough Industries as a service manager. His prowess was evident when he won 14 consecutive SCCA races in a self-designed MG-based car. In 1955, his innovative 'Flying Shingle' MG-based car claimed victory at Palm Springs, although later disqualified for its fender width. His successes continued with a Porsche 550 Spyder in 1956 and the 'Pooper' Cooper-Porsche in subsequent seasons. The 1960s saw Miles as a pivotal figure with the Shelby/Cobra race team, balancing roles as a driver and mechanical engineer. He famously quipped, 'I am a mechanic. Driving is a hobby, a relaxation for me.' His influence extended to the development of the Daytona Coupe and the Ford GT and Cobra 427 versions. As Shelby-American's chief test driver by 1963, he earned a reputation for track courtesy, often dubbed the 'Stirling Moss of the West Coast.' Notably, he finished second at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1965, then achieved victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966.

Personal Life and Death

Ken Miles and his wife, Mollie, celebrated the birth of their son, Peter, on September 28, 1950. In August 1966, during the testing of a Shelby-American J-car at Riverside International Raceway, tragedy struck. On August 17th, traveling downhill at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the car flipped, caught fire, and disintegrated, resulting in Ken's fatal ejection. He was laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery's Abbey of the Psalms Mausoleum. Though Ken Miles' net worth wasn't immense, his impact on motorsport and the legacy left to his family remain invaluable.

What is Ken Miles' net worth?

Ken Miles' net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. He was a British racing driver and engineer who gained fame for his involvement in motorsports, particularly in the 1960s. His success in various races and his contributions to the development of race cars have contributed to his significant net worth. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to live on in the world of motorsports

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 expertise, which led him to win numerous races and championships. Additionally, he also worked as a test driver for various car manufacturers, further adding to his wealth

Did Ken Miles leave behind a fortune?

According to sources, Ken Miles did not leave behind a fortune. Despite his success as a race car driver and engineer, he was not financially rewarded for his contributions to the Ford Motor Company. However, his legacy and impact on the racing world are priceless

What was Ken Miles' salary as a race car driver?

As a race car driver, Ken Miles' salary varied depending on the races he participated in and the teams he drove for. However, during his time with Ford, he reportedly earned around $200 per week, which was a significant amount for a professional driver in the 1960s. Additionally, he also received bonuses and prize money for his successful performances on the track. Overall, Miles' salary reflected his skill and success as a top race car driver during his era

How much did Ken Miles' family inherit after his death?

After Ken Miles' tragic death, his family received a settlement of $1.8 million from Ford Motor Company. However, due to legal fees and taxes, the actual amount inherited was significantly less. Despite this, Miles' legacy as a racing legend lives on

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