1941 Indian Dispatch Tow

1941 Indian Dispatch-Tow
Indian’s venture into three-wheeled territory began in the late 1920s with so-called “traffic cars”, ommercial three-wheelers that over the ensuing years produced several variants. Supposedly the Dispatch-Tow was invented in 1939 when Indian and a local Springfield, assachusetts, ackard dealership teamed up to find a way for one person instead of two to retrieve a car in need of servicing.
The driver could attach his Indian to the automobile in question via a yoke-type towing device, limb into the car and drive both vehicles back to the dealership. Once work on the car was complete, he Indian was attached once more and the driver could return the car, nhook his three-wheeler and return on the Indian. Adding to its luster, he Dispatch-Tow was often spotlighted in automotive journals with luxurious Pierce-Arrow cars. One could even purchase a very snappy chauffeur’s outfit to be worn by the Tow operator. Ad copy of the day touted: “The Only Means of Getting the Hurry-up Job…The Cheapest Means of Getting Any Job…Cuts Expense of One Man…Is an Effective Advertising Medium…Builds up Good Will.” The manpower problem faced by car dealerships was solved with some 400 units sold around the country in 1932, ts first year of production.
a 45 cubic inch motor, ts forward section was basically a Sport Scout with an automotive-style rear end with a fully enclosed differential, eefy enough to tow cars. One had a choice of a standard or larger capacity cargo box to stow tools, ear, nd whatever else one was hauling. Earning a reputation as very reliable and requiring minimal maintenance, he Indian Sport Scout three-legged workhorse was also popular with police departments and served a variety of commercial applications. It even had its moment in the Hollywood spotlight when Cary Grant and Irene Dunne appeared on one in the 1939 comedy film The Awful Truth.

However, ew Dispatch-Tows survived the effects of time and the elements as the bodies were fashioned from wood and enclosed in tin. The demands of World War II brought an end to the Dispatch-Tow in 1942.

This very rare, atching number; full fender-skirted 1941 example was restored to factory specifications and is in excellent condition throughout. A wonderfully unusual product from Indian, t would make for a curious and utilitarian addition to any eclectic collection. Fully operational when stored for static display in our collection.Please enjoy the many photos. https://www.flickr.com/gp/113611455@N07/Hu8Mj1/