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In 1940, the U.S. Army requested bids from automakers to develop what was to become the Jeep, what was called a "light reconnaissance vehicle" made to Army specifications in the event the U.S. was pulled into World War II. Three of the 135 U.S. automakers solicited responded - American Bantam, Ford, and Willys-Overland. The three actually worked together to create the first Jeep design, and Willys delivered a prototype in November 1940. It was called the Quad because of its 4x4 system.

The Willys MA (for "Military," model "A") was the next prototype delivered, and the few models…