The Chevrolet Delray, named after the Delray neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, debuted in 1954 as an optional trim level on two-door models of Chevrolet's mid-range 210 series of cars. In 1958, it became a distinct series of its own at the bottom of Chevrolet's lineup (replacing the discontinued 150), and added a four-door sedan, and sedan delivery, but it only remained in production for that model year.
First generation (1954)
The first year for Delray was the final year for the 1949-1954 style Chevrolets. For 1954 the 210 series was shortened considerably, losing its hardtop coupe and convertible but adding the Delray club coupe.
1954
The chassis and mechanical parts were common with the rest of the passenger car range, and the overall appearance was the same as the rest of the range. Front suspension was independent, named "knee-action".<br />3-speed overdrive manual<br />2-speed Powerglide automatic<br />3-speed Turboglide automatic
| engine = I6<br /> Blue Flame I6<br /> V8<br /> V8 (1957)
| wheelbase =
| length =
| body_style = 2-door sedan
| class = Full-size
| layout = FR layout
| platform = GM A body
| related = Chevrolet 210<br />Chevrolet 150<br />Chevrolet Nomad
| assembly = Flint, Michigan (Flint Assembly)<br />Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Assembly)<br />Janesville, Wisconsin (Janesville Assembly)<br />Lakewood Heights, Atlanta, Georgia (Lakewood Assembly)<br />Leeds Assembly, Leeds, Kansas City, Missouri<br />Norwood, Ohio (Norwood Assembly)<br />Oakland, California (Oakland Assembly)<br>St. Louis Assembly, St. Louis, Missouri<br>North Tarrytown Assembly, North Tarrytown, New York<br />Van Nuys, California (Van Nuys Assembly)<br />Canada: Oshawa, Ontario<br />Venezuela: Caracas
For the Tri-Five years the Delray was essentially an interior option package for the plain 210 two door sedan. It featured an upgraded vinyl upholstery with "waffle-like" pleating, color-keyed to the exterior, along with carpeting and other minor upgrades.
1955
The 1955 model year marked the introduction of a new chassis and the debut of the Chevrolet's well-received small block V8. The center door frame was strengthened for more safety. Brakes were drums. A 210 buyer was free to choose any Chevrolet powertrain option. The ammeter and oil pressure gauges were changed to warning lights.
Engines
- 235 in³ "Blue Flame" I6 rated at (manual transmission)
- 235 in³ "Blue Flame I6 rated at (automatic transmission)
- 265 in³ "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at or (optional)
1956
Engine choices remained the same except for higher hp ratings. The 265³ V8 could now be had in three different configurations. The I6 had a new unified build no matter the transmission.
Engines
- 235 in³ "Blue Flame" I6 rated at
- 265 in³ "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at
- 265 in³ "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with quad-barrel carburetor rated at
- 265 in³ "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual quad-barrel carburetors rated at
1957
New for 1957 was the 283 in³ small-block V8. Even the fuel injected version was available to 210 buyers. The 210, including the Delray, shared the wedge-shaped side trim with the Bel Air, but unlike the Bel Air (which had the wedge filled with an aluminum trim panel) the 210's wedge was painted either body color, or top color with the optional two-tone paint package. "Chevrolet" in script was mounted inside the wedge.
Engines
- 235 in³ "Blue Flame" I6 rated at
- 265 in³ "Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at
- 283 in³ "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 rated at
- 283 in³ "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at
- 283 in³ "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors rated at
- 283 in³ "Super Turbo-Fire" OHV V8 with Rochester Ram-Jet fuel injection rated at