Although the first experimental four wheel drive car was built in 1906 (by Otto Zachow and William Besserdich of Clintonville, Wisconsin), the layout was considered overly complex and unnecessary for the times. Bugatti created a four wheel drive racer, the Type 53, in 1932, but the car was legendary for having poor handling. It was not until "go-anywhere" vehicles were needed for the military that four wheel drive found its place. The Jeep, developed by American Bantam, became the best-known four wheel drive vehicle in the world during World War II. Willys (owner of the Jeep name) introduced the CJ-2A in 1945 as the first full-production four wheel drive passenger vehicle.
Seems You may not be completely correct. Jeep Bantam is recognized as the first production 4 wheel drive produced. No prototypes. If you are referring to first ever it aint a toy either.
