As a completely private venture, Willys entered the US Government’s competition to find a standardized 1/4 ton 4x4 military utility vehicle by entering their Quad Reconnaissance Car. Two (2) prototype vehicles were built for test trials, one of which consisted of four-wheel steering. Although performing well during the feasibility testing, it was evident to Willys that improvements/changes would need to be made to the Quad if they hoped to secure the contract against the other prototype vehicles: the Bantam Mark 2 and Ford Pygmy recon cars.  Changes were quickly made to one of the Quad vehicles including an uprated/improved engine and most importantly, lightening the entire vehicle.  The rebuilt vehicle can be easily identified by its two-pane windscreen, which is similar to the Pygmy.  The rebuilt vehicle reportedly provided better performance, but the Quad design was at the end of the line. In fact, even before testing was completed, Willys had already started work on what would become its successor, the Willys MA Utility Vehicle.