Vehicle Description
For a vintage car that you can get in and drive cross-country any
time, it's hard to beat a '50s Chevy with a nice-running small
block under the hood. This 1958 Chevrolet Delray 2-door is an
excellent example of Chevy's 1-year-wonder, fully restored and
ready to cruise for years to come.
We'll resist the obvious "American Graffiti" references, but this
is still one cool full-sized cruiser with lots of performance. Of
course, the Chevrolet Red-Orange paint job adds to the '50s cool
factor, and it was professionally rendered using modern paint
technology when it was repainted 10 years ago, so the shine is
impressive. The sheetmetal is in great shape and quite straight,
emphasizing the intricate contours of the rear quarters. Gaps are
good all around the doors close with a reassuring solidity that
only comes from good base stock, and a post car always feels more
substantial. We like the limited brightwork on the Delray model,
which lets the sheetmetal and slick monochrome paint speak for
itself, a look that almost looks customized and turns heads when
it's out in the wild. However, it's important to note that all the
trim was replaced or restored during the restoration, including the
dramatic polished stainless on top of the rear quarters, the
enormous bumpers fore and aft that look better than new, that
intricate grille with integrated running lights, along with all the
smaller details like the mirrors, door handles, and those cool dual
spot lights that are mounted on the cowl. We have hundreds of cars
in the showroom, but somehow this flashy red Delray really stands
out and gathers most of the crowds. Nice!
A small fortune was spent inside on the handsome Dove Gray velour
interior, which has a vintage look that seems right at home in this
1958 Chevy. The seats feature supportive foam underneath, making
them all-day comfortable, and plush dark gray carpets add a bit of
contrast to the light interior. Crisply rendered matching door
panels have diagonal pleats for a custom look, and the dash was
painted bright red to match the bodywork and tie everything
together nicely. The original gauges are still in place and are
joined by an A-pillar mounted tachometer and a couple auxiliary
gauges under the dash, and an AAR retro-style Wonderbar AM/FM/AUX
radio was fitted in the original location. A Grant GT steering
wheel sits atop an Ididit tilt column, and the updated shifter
manages the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that lives below.
The cabin shows very little wear (if any) and it's incredibly
comfortable, so crank up the tunes and take this sucker to the
coast. The trunk is impressively clean with neatly laid carpets, a
covered spare, relocated battery box, and enough room for anything
you'd need on a road trip.
A lot of guys claim their cars can be driven anywhere, but this car
actually delivers on the promise. With a strong, well-maintained
350 cubic inch V8 motor featuring an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor,
a Weiand aluminum intake, and a serpentine belt system, it's the
most reliable form of transportation since the horse. Chrome pieces
like the new open-element air cleaner and finned valve covers make
this an engine bay you'll be proud to show, while functional
upgrades like power front disc brakes with a dual master cylinder,
power steering, a full HEI system, and a TH350 3-speed automatic
that spins a refurbished rear end filled with 3.55 gears that make
it a pleasure to drive. Underneath it's solid and very clean thanks
to a recent POR-15 treatment, with upgrades throughout the
suspension including fresh control arms and a Hotchkis sway bar up
front, boxed rear trailing arms out back, and new bushing, ball
joints, Eaton Detroit springs, and KYB adjustable shocks all
around. Recently installed and ceramic-coated FlowTech Ram's Horn
exhaust manifolds feed a dual exhaust system that hugs the X-frame
and uses performance Glasspack-style mufflers for an awesome sound
from the burly small block. Polished Eagle Torque Thrust wheels
finish the period hot rod look, and wear 225/70/15 blackwalls that
really stuff the wheel wells nicely.
Someone spent a ton of money on this car, creating something unique
without going over the top. With excellent workmanship and not a
lot of miles on the build, this Delray is ready to hit the road
right now. Call today!
