We’ve recently seen a few promising project candidates cross our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1956 Chevrolet Delray continues that theme. It is a rock-solid dry-climate survivor with a rebuilt V8 under the hood. It would be ideal for someone considering a first restoration, although it could effectively serve as the foundation for a custom approach. If you have been searching for a Bow-Tie classic upon which to make your mark, your quest might be over. The Delray is listed here on Craigslist in Littleton, Colorado. The seller set their price at $22,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this beauty.
This Delray has spent its life in Colorado, which is good news for potential buyers. The seller confirms a small penetrating rust hole in the driver’s side rocker. However, any further rust is limited to easily treatable surface corrosion. That makes the car ideal for someone considering a hands-on build. The panels wear the Code 717 combination of Laurel Green and Crocus yellow, which is pretty baked. Some readers may find the idea of a cosmetic refresh irresistible, although the car’s overall solid nature makes preservation as a survivor viable. I can’t spot any significant dings or dents in the supplied photos, which is another box ticked with this classic. The Delray’s trim looks surprisingly good for its age, and the tinted glass appears flawless.
Chevrolet offered 1956 Delray buyers the choice of four engines to power their new toy. This car’s first owner selected the iconic 265ci V8, producing 170hp and 257 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed this with a two-speed Powerglide, and while it isn’t the most potent package on the planet, the bulletproof mechanical components should guarantee years of reliable service. The news of significant recent work heightens that impression. The engine, transmission, and brakes are freshly rebuilt, with the Chev also receiving a new fuel tank, dual exhaust, and Coker whitewalls. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well, with the seller including additional parts to sweeten the deal.
Interior trim differentiates the Delray from other vehicles within the 210 Series range. Buyers received two-tone “waffle” vinyl on the seats and door trims, and this car retains most of the factory trim in Black and White. The front seat has a replacement cover on its base, and the back seat looks tired. However, it is tidy and serviceable. Those enthusiasts considering a high-end build might decide a retrim is in order. Kits are easy to find, with prices starting from around $2,000. Otherwise, the paint is spotless, the bright trim is excellent, and the car retains its factory (but non-functioning) AM radio.
This 1956 Chevrolet 210 Delray is a promising project, especially for an enthusiast considering the hands-on approach. One attraction is that none of its needs are urgent, allowing the new owner to tackle them as time and finances allow. There is no doubt it would turn heads if returned to its former glory with a spotless interior. It has been on the market for three weeks, and there might be a good reason. The seller’s price is at the market’s top end for a car in this condition. However, its excellent mechanical health and lack of rust are contributing factors to that figure. If you are searching for a project where you can take a relaxed approach, it might be worth spending a few extra dollars to park this one in your garage. Do you agree?
Excellent write-up, Birthday Boy! Although Laurel Green and Crocus Yellow is my favorite two-tone paint scheme on a ’56 Chevy, I’d be tempted to leave it’s factory original paint as is. It’s also refreshing to see a trim level other than a Bel Air being offered for sale.
Is there a difference between a “penetrating” rust hole , and a plain ol’ rust hole ? LOL
Depends what you penetrate that hole with Karl
@Karl…Yes the difference is if you are selling or buying.
Who would ever think of putting these two colors together on a car?certainly not me!
That was a lot more popular color combination than the Dove Grey and India Ivory on my 56 210.
That was a lot more popular color combination than the Dove Grey and India Ivory on my 56 210.
Fix the rust repaint same color an it will look great. That’s the way you won’t be parked beside 10 look alike same color.
leave it alone. it is a survivor and a Delray to boot. you never see these today. Nice car.
Second that (the never see these today). Members of my family have owned several tri-five Chevy’s over the years. Bel Airs and 210’s for the most part. I am in the somewhat uncomfortable position of having to admit that I had never heard of a Delray.
Leaving the Rust is the same as leaving Skin Cancer, the outcomes of either and not good.
Maybe a 265 is bullet-proof but not projectile free. As a teenager I over-revved my 56 and dropped a valve through a piston. Limped home and after shutting it off, tried to restart it. Crankcase filled with gas fumes and on ignition blew the breather cap off, narrowly missing my dad’s head and denting the hood.
In 1956, a pal’s mom let him drive one like this. We were thrilled that it would burn rubber, even with the powerglide transmission.
Hey GlennH. Would’ve liked to have been a fly on the wall for that one. Probably make funniest home videos today. Glad no one was hurt but I’ll bet looking back makes you chuckle. About the car. Since the motor has already been removed I would put some power in it and some old school power adders like maybe three deuces, headers and dress up parts. Definitely leave the body alone. Personally I like the color combination but because I’m me, I would put a set of Cragars just because the tri fives look good like that. Nice car.
I totally agree spend a little more for a nice car like this and you will make it up in the long run. Had I seen this car a few months ago I am sure it would be in my garage now. I just visited a supplier her in Phoenix with a friend, he was getting interior for tri- five Chevy. These kit are assume would be perfect addition for this car.
I had a mostly survivor 57 from 1975 up until a few years ago that I reupholstered using a kit from Danchuk in about 1976. In about 1995 the interior still looked great but the OEM foam rubber had passed away from the passage of time. I would plan on replacing the foam back a cushions!
My first running car was a 56 210 hardtop.It had a 265 v8 with a powerglide.After owning for a little while I bought a 300 horse 327 to put in it.Had it changed over to a 3 speed stick to Start with with then a 4 speed.After that I sold it and bought a L79 67 Malibu with a 4 speed. Great days!!
I changed the powerglide to a 3-speed manual in my 56. Bought the flywheel bell housing, clutch, pressure plate, clutch pedal assembly linkage, bell crank and transmission for $35 from a salvage yard. That price should tell you how long ago that was!
Should be gone at that price or offer…..looks well taken care of and with the work done it’s priced right about where it should be.