The author rides the iconically liveried Mirage up onto the curb while negotiating a left-hander at Silverstone. Photo: Pete Austin
The Mirage story is, in some ways, a rather complex one, in that the Mirage was a rare example of a well-known racing car that had not been developed consistently year by year, as had been the case with Ferrari, Matra and Alfa Romeo in the late 1960s and early to mid-1970s. The Mirage was born from Ford and necessity, and it took some time to establish itself as a marque in its own right. Like Ferrari, Matra and Alfa Romeo, it managed to do that, and became a front runner in the World Sports Car Championship, with notable victories and exciting performances from exceptional drivers.
The large rear wing is a later development as ever more downforce became necessary, but still blends integrally with the slippery bodywork. Photo: Pete Austin
The Mirage was largely the product of the work of two men who had a lasting impact on motor racing. One was rather better known than the other, but the second had a much longer connection with the racing Mirages than the former. We are very fortunate that both wrote comprehensively about their racing careers, so much of the Mirage history is accessible
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