Help- trying to find out what Columbia model this is

[Car&bikeguy555]

Hey all, I've picked up a Columbia a few weeks ago and began refreshing it. The frame number shows that it is a 1963 model year. There arent any leads to what model it is though. I've seen it listed online as a Thunderbolt, a torpedo, a special. Is there any way to tell? There is no seat post decal.

 

[rustjunkie]

u could start searching for period adverts via google and ebay

 

[rustjunkie]

this is also available

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335809022&icep_item=303093645460

 

[Car&bikeguy555]

Thanks for the lead, I'll have to do some more digging then

 

[MrColumbia]

You wont find an exact match in any Columbia catalog. The factory did this all the time, making a bike with parts from more than one model. Basically it is a Rambler with a chain guard from the more deluxe bikes and a tank from the Columbia Special. They kept these bikes a generic as possible (no model name) so no need to make new decals. It was a great way to use up parts left over from discontinued models.

 

[Car&bikeguy555]

You wont find an exact match in any Columbia catalog. The factory did this all the time, making a bike with parts from more than one model. Basically it is a Rambler with a chain guard from the more deluxe bikes and a tank from the Columbia Special. They kept these bikes a generic as possible (no model name) so no need to make new decals. It was a great way to use up parts left over from discontinued models.

Hey, thanks for the info! That explains why I couldnt just see it in an advert as a "special" and be like, yeah that's it, but it doesnt have the silver seat it has the red/white mesinger from a torpedo. That sheds some light on the confusing search.

What does that do for value of this bike though? It's a no name mut and not a flashy named deluxe model.

 

[MrColumbia]

Values will of course be higher the more deluxe model it is. The Rambler is at the lower end of the spectrum. Being a mutt with some better parts may bring it up a notch from a regular Rambler but still below a Torpedo or Fire Arrow. That being said, the vaues of a Special, Rambler and Torpedo are pretty close, all being less than $300 in my opinion. It's all about condition, which yours has and the right buyer if you are trying to sell it.