Some people use the term “barn find” loosely for any car that has been sitting untouched for an extended period of time. This 1954 Chevrolet Delray (as you can see from the picture above) appears to be a documented real barn find. You can find it for sale here on Craigslist in Montgomery, Texas for the asking price of $5,000. We posted about this car previously here when it was on eBay, but apparently it didn’t sell (or someone is flipping it), and it’s nice enough to feature again. Keep scrolling to check out the amazing pictures of this car after it was cleaned up!
How’s that for a transformation? While it certainly lacks the glossy shine of modern clear-coated paint, the original paint looks truly outstanding! The left rear quarter panel looks like it’s suffered a brush with something unforgiving, but other than that, this car is a great survivor. I would be proud to drive this car as it sits. The ad does say that the engine was apart when found. Apparently, the original owner has a mechanical issue with the car and partly disassembled the engine in an effort to repair it. The engine work was abandoned and the car sat from then on. The seller does state the engine needs a complete rebuild.
Aside from the nasty headliner, the interior is very good. There’s obviously rust on the steering column and other damage due to it sitting so long, but the car is certainly drivable as-is. The seat upholstery looks nearly new with the back seat looking just as good as the front. Some of the trim is dinged up, but these cars are prevalent enough it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to find some replacements.
Check out the killer patina on the roof! You can’t paint a car with a faux-tina paint job and get it to look nearly that good. It will be a shame if the new owner opts for a repaint, but if they do, they will have a great base to start with. This seems like a pretty good deal for $5,000. Even with a rebuild on the engine due, this will be a really fun driver once it’s up and running. Wish I was in the market for a car like this!
Another “flip”? It’s too bad it’s not a year newer. Seller could ask twice as much…
I think this was listed on BF a couple of weeks ago. I still like it!
Very nice. Besides the engine, most of the needed work seems to be cosmetic. Replace the headliner, get the engine running, and check the brakes, running gear and go have fun.
Drop an LS in it
I think this exact car was just featured on your site only a month ago?
Nessy, we noted that in the first paragraph :-)
I know that. I read the write up before responding.. Someone else made the same comment too. With so many fresh and new cars to feature, you guys have done this before. Who knows why but I will zip up about it next time. No big deal, I should not have brought it up.
Nessy, no offence taken, and please don’t worry about “zipping up”! Usually when it happens, the sales method has changed (as it did in this case) or there’s something else, like we just plain missed it! All the writers try our best to read each others’ posts, but especially with some new folks that have just joined the staff that might be a bit difficult. And please comment — even if it’s something we don’t want to hear, it keeps us on our toes! :-)
The door panel design indicate that it’s not a 210 Del Ray. It’s the regular 210 2-door.
To the best of my knowledge, there was no such thing as a ‘Del Ray’ model until 1958 models. In 1954 there was a Bel Aire, 210 and 150. For 1958 it was Impala, Bel Aire, Biscayne and Del Ray
Delrays came out in 1954 as a sub model in the 210 series. Prior to ’54 it was called a club coupe. My first car was a baby blue and white ’55 Delray. From ’54-’57 Delrays had an upscale interior with 2 tone vinyl upholstery, a vinyl headliner and carpet ( instead of the 210’s rubber floor mat). In ’55 you had a choice of blue and beige, green and beige or black and ivory interiors. Most Delrays also had 2 tone exteriors.
Love the ’54. I made a quasi-210 out of my 150 by adding a passenger sunvisor and arm rest. However, it didn’t come with a radio, but it did have the tissue box holder! Although it was great original I did not want to keep it original. I made a restoROD by adding a mustang II front end, granada rear end, power brakes/steering, AC, running a 350/350 combo and lots of other goodies. Lots of parts are available for these little jewels. I have left over parts and trim from a donor Bel Aire if anyone is interested….
My mom had a yellow ’53 and dad a baby blue ’54 his got totaled hit the rear end mom’s lasted until she got a one owner like new ’60 two door Impala white in 1963 or ’64 all were great cars
I honestly wouldn’t mind resurrecting this one, but with frame damage and a locked-up engine I’m not a player at $5K.
Patina… another word I cringe at like rat rod