# Jeep History - 1940 WILLYS QUAD

**By Titan Engines** · 2026-07-28

**THE FIRST JEEP BRAND 4x4**

In June 1940, with the US on the verge of entering World War II, the US Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a 1/4 ton "light reconnaissance vehicle" tailored to Army specifications. Only three companies responded — Bantam, Willys, and Ford — but, within a year's time they collectively produced the template for the vehicle known worldwide as the "jeep".  
  
Willys-Overland delivered the prototype "Quad" (named for the 4x4 system it featured), to the U.S. Army on Armistice Day (Veteran's Day), November of 1940. The design was completed in a remarkable 75 days.  
  
Only two prototypes were made.

**Tags:** Jeep Facts, Jeep History

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> Source: [Titan Engines](https://titanengines.com/blogs/titan-blog/jeep-history-1940-willys-quad)