Chevrolet Delray

Chevrolet Delray

Manufacturer	Chevrolet
Production	1954-1958
Successor	Chevrolet Impala
Class	Full-size
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	1958: 348 cu in (5.7 L) 4-bbl. 250 hp (186 kW) V8 1958-59: 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8
Wheelbase	117.5 in (2,985 mm) (1958)
Length	209.1 in (5,311 mm) (1958)

Chevrolet Del Ray sedan

1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-door Sedan

The Chevrolet Delray debuted in 1954 as an optional trim level on the mid-range 210 series of Chevrolet's full-size car. It later became a distinct series of its own.

Model history

1954–1957

The Delray was a two-door club coupe featuring an upgraded vinyl upholstery with "waffle-like" pleating, color-keyed to the exterior, along with carpeting and other minor upgrades. The standard equipment was otherwise essentially similar to the regular 210 models. The Delray was offered until 1957, and proved reasonably popular.

1958

In 1958, the Delray became a distinct series of its own, taking the place of the 150. The Delray was Chevrolet's price-leading, no-frills model, with the more expensive models being the Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala (the last being a sub-model of the Bel Air). It now had GM's X-frame. It came in a utility coupe, a two-door coupe, and a four-door sedan.

Befitting its bottom-end status, the Delray had minimal interior and exterior trim and limited options. As such, this model was popular with fleet buyers such as police departments and businesses. However, private customers could also buy a Delray if low price, economy and basic all-around transportation with the convenience of a full-size automobile were the primary goals. Also, buyers could order any engine and transmission choice, including the 348 V8 and the fuel-injected 283 V8 engines.

Further reading

• Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946–1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3. 
• Biel, John (2005), "A Glass Half Full: The Story of the 1958 Chevrolet", Collectible Automobile 21 (6): 8–23, http://auto.consumerguide.com/product/collectible/index.cfm .