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KEN MILES REMEMBERED Ken Miles was one of the most colorful and controversial figures of fifties and sixties era sports car racing. Ken Miles, a biography by Art Evans, recalls much of the excitement and adventure of the time. This is the one and only book available about this famous personality. Evans has created a unique work, a biographical scrapbook. Interspersed with the author's own writing are period magazine and newspaper articles plus remembrances written by some of those who knew Miles well, including his employer and close friend, Carroll Shelby. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about Ken Miles and his importance to my Cobra project. Art, you have written a truly memorable book and one that needed to be written. I really appreciate your contribution." — Carroll Shelby During the last year of his life, Ken Miles came close to winning what was then called "The Triple Crown of Sports Car Racing." With co-driver, Lloyd Ruby, he won the 24-Hours of Daytona, the 12-Hours of Sebring and, but for rather extraordinary circumstances, would have won the 24-Hours of Le Mans. The book goes a long way towards clarifying the controversy surrounding this event.
Ken Mile's first MG Special. Photo by Dean Batchelor from the Ron Kellogg collection. In the early fifties, Ken was known as "Mr. MG." In an MG Special he designed and constructed himself, he won every single event he entered in 1954 including its first outing at Pebble Beach. That car was followed by another famous MG Special, "The Flying Shingle." Subsequently, Miles campaigned various Porsche Spyders for a number of different sponsors. With this marque, he achieved 38 first-place finishes and almost always stood on the podium. |
The book is illustrated with more than 130 period photographs, many from private collections and most have never before been published.
This photo of Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby, by Shelby American Official Photographer Dave Friedman, was taken on March 21, 1964 in the Shelby American paddock during the 12-Hours of Sebring. Often at odds with sponsors and employers, Ken Miles finally found a home with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American team. The early Cobras didn't do particularly well at the race track until Miles came on board. Shelby credits Miles with much of the subsequent success including the development of the Daytona Coupe, which won the World Manufacturer's Championship. "You didn't have to know Ken Miles personally to be aware of his presence. He had passionate conviction, created dissension, controversy and finally progress. Miles was a maverick; 'damn the torpedoes' could have been his mantra. Art has created an utterly engrossing book. He has captured the essence of an independent mover and shaker who raced—not marched—to a different drummer." — John Fitch GET COPIES PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED BY ART EVANS. Send a check for $34.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling to Art at 800 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Please include a note regarding what inscription you would like Art to write. For unautographed copies go on line to enthusiastbooks.com or call 800-289-3504.
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