When Chevrolet redesigned its cars for 1955, three series would emerge, the 150, 210, and Bel Air. This was from low to high in terms of the level of trim provided. Oddly, in the mid-level 210 series, a Club Coupe was also offered called the Delray, named after a neighborhood in Detroit. We’re not sure why that bridge between the 210 and Bel Air was needed, and it was only available as a 2-door sedan. The ’same party has owned this ‘55 Delray for 30 years and we’re told it only has 22,000 miles to its credit. Located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, this would-be survivor is available here on craigslist for $35,500 (or the closest “reasonable offer”). Another neat tip from T.J.
The Delray wasn’t limited to just the ‘Tri-Fives” of 1955-57. In 1958, it became a distinct series at the bottom of Chevrolet’s lineup, replacing the discontinued 150. When that happened, the body style assortment was expanded with a 4-door sedan and sedan delivery, but the nameplate was gone when the 1959 models were unveiled. But it was popular enough in 1955, with 116,400 copies produced, including the seller’s car.
We assume the white over blue paint combination is an original color scheme on this car, although the inside of the trunk (where a little rust resides) appears to be finished in green (perhaps it’s the lighting). This Delray was expected to go faster than the rest of its Chevrolet contemporaries as it’s equipped with a 265 cubic inch V8, new in 1955, but it has the 4-barrel carburetor which added a meager 15 extra horsepower. The seller says the auto is “factory all stock” so perhaps everything including the Powerglide automatic is the same as the day the Delray was built.
You’d like to think that a car which has only accumulated 22,000 miles would be in a little better condition. The blue paint doesn’t match all over and what’s there has seen better days. The white paint on the roof is starting to thin, and we see what might be more blue under the white. Was the roof color changed later? Given the asking price for this automobile, we assume it runs and drives a little better than it looks.
A reasonable offer is $3,550.
I would pay 9500.00 that’s it, way over priced!
Did someone type an extra zero at the end? Truly not worth the asking price in that condition.
No 210 Post car is worth 35K unless it is some high end restomod. A belair HT is not worth 35K in this condition. Somebody is dream land.
35 grand? Nah, there’s much better out there. Not to mention the fact that it doesn’t even have the add on oil filter canister on top of the manifold like most 55s do.
Yeah bob,I had a 55belair one owner in 1962,had oil filter on intake! Also some one need to bring this guy back k down to earth! The price is way out of hand.i know a guy in Texas that has 8 try5’s, 5 are Belair hard tops.says give him 35.000 and drive one of his away!
your posts are correct and its showing the way the old car hobby is going. Everybody thinks they have gold. Its a Great 55 but the BJ or mecum syndrome has this guy drinking the kool aid.
Cheers
GPC
I wasn’t going to comment, but changed my mind. They state it has 22,000 miles. Really? weathered paint would indicate it hasn’t been stored indoors much. What’s up with the wheel openings on the rocker panels.
That said, I own a rust free 56 210 that has been restomodded, and you certainly couldn’t get that away from me for 35K. (and it’s not even a Bel Air hardtop)
Waaaayyyy overpriced. 10k tops
Is the asking price excessive? Yes.
But c’mon folks, it’s 2023 and this us a much sought after vintage car.
Regardless of mileage (and even condition based on where you reside) unmodified cars are getting more rare by the day. And the comments regarding it not looking like it should with only a reported 22k miles in my opinion is simply looking at the past thru rose colored glasses. Im sure the vast number of Model T’s when found had less than 30k on them.
Being an old Michigan car yes odds are it spent years outside because the working man who bought this base ride probably had a one car garage filled with family stuff and the last thing on his mind was whether it would pass the smell test 68 years later.
Finally, someone who gets it. I am so sick of all of these people with their idiotic claims of why it certainly could NEVER be actual miles. Zero common sense.
You, sir, are proof that not everyone here is a carless wonder that isn’t too bright.
Crazy price, prices are dropping on these cars. Especially without the modern resto mod treatment. Nope.
Sorry, but $35K for this…. is this guy smoking some weird stuff?
Sure, it’s overpriced, but the days when this was a $3,500 car are long gone. You can hardly find a complete and rusted out parts car for that. Perhaps it’s more wishful thinking, but suggesting its only worth that only sounds bitter, and is not going to make those days and prices come back.
Not so sure it’s original engine no oil filter on top. Would like to see bottom of engine picture.
Add my voice to the chorus: WAY over priced! Odometer must have turned over at least once…unless seller can document his 22K miles claim. Then it MIGHT be worth $10K.
If this were a 55 Chevy Convertible then yes it would be worth $35K. Other than that no.
Had a ‘55 210 4 door. These cars had boiler-plate steel sheet metal. Car was hit and rolled over on a freeway. Landed on it’s roof and four of us crawled out with only scratches. Today’s cars would fold-up!
I agree that it is rare to find an original 55 Chevy because most were rodded and ratted out. However, a post two door with paint issues and who knows what the frame and chassis are like being a rust belt car… I would hope that someone does a good inspection before shelling out even 15k for this car.
The car’s description did not mention WHAT made the Del Ray, a Del Ray. From 54-57, the Del Ray was a ‘special’ 210 coupe. ‘Special’ due to its interior. Rather than the all-cloth interiors of 54/55 210s, or the cloth/vinyl combos of the 56/57s, the Del Ray had a bespoke all-vinyl interior which was much more upscale than most other Chevys, including the Bel-Air. It would probably be more comparable to the BA convert in both materials and design. THAT is what made a Del Ray a ‘special’ model.
Guys! I had 3 55 Chevy now now 78yrs.young
This is a police special
Hense the power brakes
Spot lite,the doors repainted to sand off police badge on the door! Rusted every place you look! This speedo may been over and back to 22000!
Low 20s assuming it runs well.
Ed is close. $15-20k if underside looks acceptable, this children is 2022, $3k will get the you a roached civic for the kids to drive to school.
Could make a great drag racer or street version of one.
Replaced drivers door, looks like a repaint many years ago. 600.00 Dollar car at most. 22K on a 265 without add on canister oil filter is about max mileage. And if prior owners added STP to stop rear main rope seal from leaking I would hate to look under valve covers.I am also surprised the eyebrows are still intact, probably has concrete in them for body filler. And if you look at the spark plugs it looks like oil foulers are on a few. Broken vent window,
35K what a bargain…..
$ 600 ? Really ? This isnt 1960, a running early small block alone is worth 600 bucks , and a two door 55 is worth way more than that in any condition !
I’m positive the 265s lasted more than 22k , that’s around 3 to 4 years worth of driving. If that was the case there would be far fewer of these cars around.