Which quarter-ton reconnaissance vehicle prototype did Willys-Overland build for the U.S. government in 1940?

The correct answer is the Quad, which was the prototype developed by Willys-Overland for the U.S. government in 1940. The Willys Quad was one of the first designs that led to the creation of the military jeep, ultimately influencing the models that would become iconic during World War II.

This prototype was a response to the military's need for a light, versatile vehicle capable of cross-country mobility for reconnaissance and other support roles. The Quad's design featured key characteristics that would be associated with the jeep, such as a compact size, four-wheel drive capability, and a robust chassis that allowed for high adaptability in various terrains.

Other options refer to later models or vehicles produced by different manufacturers. The MB is actually the designation for the Willys-built jeep that entered mass production after the prototype phase. The Ford GP was Ford's version of the military jeep, developed after the Quad, and the GPW was Ford's production model based on the design of the MB. These vehicles came after the initial prototypes and were part of the larger production effort that standardized the military jeep. This context highlights the importance of the Quad as a foundational vehicle leading up to these later models.