As is traditional for the Woodward Dream Cruise, the best cruising is already happening, days early. Now is when all the good stuff comes out of barns and garages for a run through the cool evening air, avoiding the choking crowds and coolant-boiling traffic of the Saturday cruise. Last night we stumbled onto this rare gem of a vintage station wagon at 13 Mile road and Woodward Ave — a Nash Rambler Cross Country Custom. What makes these ulta-rare is they were basically the last gasp for Hudson, which existed in name only after the marque merged with Nash in '54 to form AMC.

It goes without saying this one is magical not only for its quirky peachy color, but also the rad textured vinyl on the bench seats, the pristine roof rack carrying a surf board (natch), and oh yeah, the vinyl woody applique. Totally awesome. What a great way to kick off our car coverage for the Dream Cruise.

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