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!
|