During the test program with the already ultra fast small block GT 40, Ford decided to build, as a second generation GT 40, two 7 litre prototypes which would go even faster.The order to build this cars, GT 106 and GT 107, with the 427 CID engines was given to Kar Kraft, a company belonging to Ford. Work started in July 1964 on GT 106 and was completed by May 1965. GT 106 and GT 107 where 2 out of the 4 prototype chassis build out of thinner sheet metal -22 gauges instead of 24-gauges in an attempt to reduce weight.They featured a long nose section designed by Roy Lunn. These second generation MK II GT 40 were basically completely different cars. To cope with all the extra power of the big engine, a new 4- speed manual transmission including differential got developed by Kar Kraft, many chassis alterations had to be made to allow the big engine. Hence the submark MKII.
After extensive testing with GT 106 by Tom Payne and Ken Miles on Ford’s Romeo proving ground, reaching more then 210 Miles and further test’s on the Riverside track, the car returned to Kar Kraft. The car was completely stripped, rebuilt and prepared to be send to Le Mans for the 1965 24 hour Race together with GT 107 and several other 289 GT 40`s. The decision to take the 7 litre cars to Le Mans, which was only 4 weeks away, was taken after this impressive tests and the Le Mans Race would be the ultimate test. For the cars the time for preparation was so short that the cars where airlifted for all transports.
In Le Mans, the GT40- 106 was driven by Bruce Mc Laren and Ken Miles. The car made the fastest lap in the race with a top speed of 342 kmh, was leading the race until the first fuel stop, regained the lead until it fell out after 4 hours with gear box problems. The sister car GT 107 driven by Phil Hill and Cris Amon; they were out after seven hours with gear box problems as well.
Nevertheless the overvelming speed convinced the Ford management that the 7 litre car would be the future and so the MK II was born. This car was used for further development and testing.
In 2012 new, current FIA papers where issued, the car, after an accident, had a new complete overhaul, including engine, gearbox, brakes, suspenions, new FIA requested rubber tanks. With the assistance of Brian Wingfield GT 106 was raced in many historic races all over the world. There are questions about the originality of this chassis; probably a fake (sic Ronnie Spain)
This car, as the sister 106 chassis prepared by Kar Kraft, arrived in Le Mans without any testing. Driven by Phil Hill and Chris Amon, the car recorded pole-position and the the fastest lap during the race:3.37.5 (222,803 km/h). At the start, Amon was first away, but at the end of lap one he had been deposed by team-mate McLaren. Already at the first pitstop, there was trouble with the gearbox. They lost time, but Phil Hill drove the car and set fastest lap times until the retirement in the 7th hour.
GT 107 subsequently returned to the US where it served as a test and development mule. It continued this role until March 1967 at which point it was crash tested following the deaths of Walt Hansgen and Ken Miles.
