Plymouth: The First Decade

March 31, 2001 -- Model T Ford Tour to the Indian Motorcycle Factory

The Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club met in south San Jose and toured via back roads to Gilroy. While Gilroy is famous for garlic, in this case the destination of the tour was the Indian Motorcycle factory.

No, I don't have a Model T. But they are a tolerant group and seem to be happy to have a modern (at least compared to the Model T) 1933 car of different manufacture tag along.

The Indian company lead us in small groups along the entire assembly line and through the machining, welding and powder coat areas. A very interesting tour. Is it time to get a motorcycle and hit the open road wearing black leather?

	We met at the usual place: The Shell station at Almaden and Blossom Hill.
	Another view at the start. Along with the Model T Fords was a Model A, a 1924 Lincoln phaeton, a 1924 Dodge commercial wagon and the newest, my 1933 Plymouth.
	On the road.
	At the Indian factory in Gilroy. A 1941 Nash joined us here. Is is amazing how low, sleek and modern the 1933 Plymouth looks compared to even the later Model Ts.
	Another view of the cars on the tour.
	Another view of the cars on the tour.
	Near the start of the line. Only a frame and wheels at this point. As the bike moves down the line more and more parts are added until the finished product is rolled off the table.
	The engines are received from the vendor as parts and are assembled in the Indian factory in another area on the shop floor.
	As the bike moves down the line, it begins to resemble a finished product.
	Unlike Ford's famous "any color as long as it is black", a number of colors are available.
	Near the end of the line, just about ready to hit the open road.