I’ve never visited Lodi, California, but it has at least two things going for it. The first is Creedence Clearwater Revival’s excellent song “Lodi,” which has long been one of my favorites in their catalog (even if the lyric “stuck in Lodi again” isn’t in itself a glowing recommendation). The second is that it’s the home of this rust free ’63 Rambler Classic, brought to us by one of our most reliable Barn Finders, Tony Primo. It’s a craigslist find that doesn’t run, but at least it’s a V8 car with a reasonable $5,500 price tag.
It was a great year for the Rambler in 1963, as the Classic won the Motor Trend “Car of the Year” award on the merits of its complete restyling, sensible size, and decent economy. Although Rambler was probably best-known for its economical inline sixes, this one has a first-generation AMC V8, the 287-cubic-inch, 198-horsepower job in the case of this example. The bad news? The engine “cranks over but doesn’t start,” despite its rebuilt Holley two barrel. The good news that might be bad news? The wagon will come with a spare 287 short block. Why is there a spare short block, you might ask—the owner doesn’t say. Expect the worst, but hope for the best.
There unfortunately aren’t any pictures of the engine compartment in the advertisement, but there are several of the interior, and it needs a very thorough cleaning. The upholstery isn’t exactly inviting, but it might clean up all right; at the very least, it’s a talking point because it appears to have corduroy inserts, which were most assuredly not original.
This picture of the speedometer shows how much work your detailer (which might be you, your spouse, or you and your spouse) is in for. This image shows an odometer reading of 54,000 miles, but there are no claims regarding its originality. You can also see that this Cross Country has the optional three-speed “Flash-O-Matic” automatic transmission, which was a Borg-Warner unit.
The ’63 Classic must be considered one of the best-looking American Motors products of all time. With its “electric shaver” grille and taut, crisp lines, it’s more mainstream than earlier Nashes and Ramblers, but it also has just enough AMC identity that you know what it is you’re looking at. The seller says that the paint on this handsome wagon is original (“Frost White” with a “Valencia Ivory” roof?), and the car will come with a NOS grille (the grille on the car does look a little dinged up) and some “extra original parts.” It’s always best to start on a project without significant rust, so let’s hope that this Rambler isn’t “stuck in Lodi” for too much longer.
Stuck in Lodi Again is a great song!!! As for this Rambler. More pictures would be nice. But looking at what you can see, it seems solid. If it is, and theres no rust issues I’d clean it up get it running, maybe some seat covers, and just enjoy it.
Lodi is a neat little town, spent a LOT of time there when building the new Courthouse in Stockton a few years back. Became friends with the owners of a fantastic little cigar bar. They treated me well. Good memories!
Great write-up and a promising car but the Lodi in the Creedence song was not referring to the one in California or any of the other 12 really. Fogerty just liked the name and he’d never even been to Lodi before he wrote the song. Lodi California is a great place these days and has a great car show that takes over all of the restored old town. It “coulda been” the Lodi in New Jersey but that Lodi is already famous for the “Satin Dolls” go-go bar used as the filming location for the fictional Bada Bing bar in HBO show, the Sopranos.
Lodi is also the home of A & W Root Beer and the restaurants.
I had the same car in high school in the late 70’s. Was great for camping. My brother inherited the car from me and lost his two front teeth hitting the steering wheel when he totaled it hitting a tree.
Some interesting things about the car: It used a lot of oil!
The car was tastefully hand painted with a brush by a neighbors wife before we owned the car.
Lots of good memories!
I’ve always had a tough time deciphering lyrics, especially CCR, singing in the truck, I’d mumble the words I didn’t understand. Like I always thought it was there’s a bathroom on the right, for there’s a bad moon on the rise, or that Lodi song, I thought was , Oh Lord, stuck in low gear again blues,,or Oh Lord, looks like the old die young again,,the computer changed all that. By the way, there’s a Lodi, Wis. too, hauled a lot of veggies out of that place,,,now closed.
You’d think the Car of the Year award, a prestigious award then, would have propelled Rambler into 3rd place,leaving Studebaker in the dust,,,t’wasn’t so. In fact, I remember very little fanfare and it did little for sales. I still say ol’ Roy had a favor coming from MT, but that’s me. We still duked it out with Studebaker for 4th place. People had predetermined views about Ramblers, that not even the CotY award could squelch. Their loss, Ramblers were great cars. Most of these were sold in the Midwest, and very few out west. It’s the only way you’ll find one. This is a wonderful find, and yes, automatic, however,,,,,,,,,,,so sorry, they have to be nicer than this, like turn key and enjoy as just a quirky old car. I just don’t think anyone is motivated enough or that Rambler loyal to restore these types of cars today.
“Alright Ramblers, let’s get ramblin”. Favorite line from Resevoir Dogs. :) I’m a wagon guy, love this car!
There’s a Lodi in southwest Virginia, and John, you wouldn’t want to be stuck there either.
My brother used to live in Lodi, WI. It’s a quaint little town. The annual rubber duck race is awesome!
beautiful country around there ,,wanted to take a fall cruise but wifew wasn’t ready so maybe next yr,,in mt Studebaker!
neat wagon. probably needs a set of points. i would fix it and just drive it. screw the v8 why bother
Points? What the heck are those?? :)