Chevrolet Delray

1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-Door 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 automobile. It later became a distinct series of its own.

Model history

1954-1957

The Delray was a two-door sedan 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 unpopular.

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).

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 cu in (5.7 L) V8 and the fuel-injected 283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 engines.

For the 1959 model year, Chevrolet made the Impala its top line series, at which time the Delray was dropped, and the Biscayne, formerly the second-lowest trim level, took over the entry-level position.

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>.