In his task Probst was assisted by Bantam executives-Crist,Roy.S.Evans,rancis.H.Fenn and C.H Payne.The concept was then submitted to the Army and on July 25 th,1940 Bantam received an order for 70 pre production vehicles which included8 with four-wheel steering.
Under the bonnet of what was to be the Jeep prototype was a 45 bhp four cylinder Continental engine mated to a Warner gearbox,the all important transfer gears being made by Spicer.The axles were Studebaker Champion units also made and modified by Spicer,with the same differential being used front and back.The track was 47.5 inches and the length 79 inches,just within the 80 inch requirement.There were some components borrowed from the Bantam such as the instrument panel.Inevitably the unrealistic 1300lb weight limit was breached,the finished product turning the scales at 2030lb which was 730lb more than the prescribed limit.The army therefore raised the weight ceiling to 2160lb to accomoodate Bantam.A four seater doorless body was designed which would soon be famous the world over.
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