In 1939, the army needed a replacement for the aging motorcycle and sidecar
from World War l, not to mention the vehicles already in use, like the modified
Model T Ford. A list of priorities was dispatched to American carmakers to
design and build a prototype for an all-new fast, lightweight, all-terrain
command and reconnaissance vehicle. The army requested a working prototype
meeting the following guidelines be delivered in 49 days.
· load capacity of 600 pounds
· wheelbase under 75 inches
· height under 36 inches
· rectangular shaped body
· three-bucket seats
· blackout and driving lights
· capable of running smoothly up to fifty miles
per hour
· two speed transfer case with four-wheel drive
· fold down windshield
· gross vehicle
weight under 1200 pounds