1958 Chevrolet Del Ray Series

The 1958 Chevrolet line-up became longer, wider, and lower with all-new Sculpturamic styling and a sharp departure from the preceding Tri-Five paradigm. Among the 17-model 1958 Chevrolet lineup was the economical Delray, named after Delray Beach, Florida. It had previously been a trim package but was now its own series that brought the low price and high style together.

Along with the new Safety Girder chassis for 1958, the DelRay received a new front end with dual headlamps, updates to the side trim treatments, and a gullwing rear fender. Body styles included a 2- and 4-door sedan and station wagons.

The standard engine was an overhead valve six-cylinder unit displacing 235.5 cubic inches and delivering 145 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. It had hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester two-barrel carburetor, and four main bearings. The optional overhead-valve V8 had a 283 CID displacement, hydraulic valve lifters, a two-barrel Rochester carburetor, five main bearings, and produced 185 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. Depending on the configuration, the 283 CID V8 produced 230, 250, and 280 horsepower. A fuel-injected version was also available, along with Overdrive, Powerglide, and Turbo-Glide transmission. Body styles included a two- and four-door sedan, a two-door Utility sedan, a Deluxe sedan, and a two- and four-door station wagon. Prices ranged from $2,100 to $2,470 for the six-cylinder versions and $2,200 to $2,520 for the eight.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2018