Ken Miles was known as “Mr. MG” for his MG specials in the early days of racing in California. The quintessential British underdog, Miles’ most successful MG special was the ‘The Flying Shingle’, nicknamed thanks to its swooping body and low ride-height. Together they would go on to win a plethora of races in California against more exotic and established rivals, before ultimately winning the Palm Springs Road Race in 1955.
Success in the US meant Miles found himself as part of the MG team entered into the 1955 Le Mans, competing in EX182. Miles and teammate John Lockett would pilot the MG to 12th place, making it the highest placed MG.
Photos of Ken Miles: Jim Sitz
An American Love Affair
World War II saw thousands of American servicemen head to Great Britain and Europe as part of the war effort – during their time in the UK they came across the MG T Type sports cars and many took them home to America. Britain’s export drive saw huge numbers and the USA became MG’s most important export market.
Arguably one of the most beautiful cars to wear the MG octagon, the MGA arrived in 1955. Originally powered by a 1500cc engine, this was increased to 1600cc in 1959. Alongside these cars MG also produced a twin cam model, producing 106bhp. Over 100,000 MGAs were produced, with almost 95,000 of these exported from the UK.
An American Love Affair
World War II saw thousands of American servicemen head to Great Britain and Europe as part of the war effort – during their time in the UK they came across the MG T Type sports cars and many took them home to America. Britain’s export drive saw huge numbers and the USA became MG’s most important export market.
Arguably one of the most beautiful cars to wear the MG octagon, the MGA arrived in 1955. Originally powered by a 1500cc engine, this was increased to 1600cc in 1959. Alongside these cars MG also produced a twin cam model, producing 106bhp. Over 100,000 MGAs were produced, with almost 95,000 of these exported from the UK.
