Henri Ford’s Assembly Line – André Citroën’s Inspiration

In 1917, Henry Ford’s Model T plant in Highland Park, Michigan was one of the great wonders of the world.

Ford’s assembly line production is what what inspired André Citroën. On April 22, 1923, the New York Times reported; “André Citroën, French automobile manufacturer, who has just returned to New York after visiting most of the great automobile plants throughout the country, said yesterday that he was impressed most by his visit to Henry Ford.”

Put yourself in the mind of André Citroën. The scope of the Rouge River Ford plant near Detroit is yours to explore in this beautiful vintage postcard set.

Check out the precarious perch for the “movie man” with nothing to hang onto except the tripod. No barriers or restraints to get in the way of the shot. And the on-site hospital facilities for belt and other injuries that could be quickly treated.

(Scroll through the postcards.)