This 1955 Chevrolet 210 Delray 2-door is a mildly modified example. The seller’s father bought it in Arizona and built the car as his second ’55 build. He has previously won his class with other cars at the Grand National Roadster Show. The factory 265 was replaced with a period style 283 with dual quads. The original three on the tree was replaced in 2015 with a 700R4 overdrive automatic, but the manual is included in the sale. At that time the seller also added power steering and power disc brakes, but the body and the frame are original. The seller says is often told that it’s refreshing to see something different than your typical ’55 Bel Air, and the car drives smooth and easy.
The seller’s father bought the car from a wealthy collector located in Arizona. He was told at the time that it came from a local family and that it was an original Arizona car. It still had the stock 265c.i. V8 motor and 3-speed manual on the column. The interior was original, but the car had been repainted the original Gypsy Red. Named after Delray Beach Florida, the Delray debuted in 1954 as an optional trim level on two-door models of Chevrolet mid-range 210 series. For 1955 the Delray was essentially an interior option package for the plain 210 sedan. It featured an upgraded vinyl upholstery with “waffle-like” pleating, color-keyed to the exterior, along with carpeting and other minor upgrades.
His dad modified the suspension and did the engine conversion in the style that he and his friends tinkered on when they were growing up. He replaced the stock engine with a rebuilt 283c.i. V8 with dual 4 barrel carbs out of any early Corvette. During the rebuild on the engine, he installed a Dontov hydraulic cam. It is not a big horsepower producer, but it sounds great, runs smoothly and has good power according to the seller. He used the original Corvette valve covers and the carbs were adjusted by a guy in Orange County and are said to be perfectly in sync.
A new interior was added to replicate the original Delray look. Prior to installing the interior, an extensive amount of sound deadening was added throughout the cabin. This gives the car a solid feel with minimal rattles according to the seller. The paint buffed out and a few areas were touched up and re-sprayed including the engine compartment. All work was done by Tim Beard Hot Rod Restorations in Hemet, California.
When the seller bought it from his father in 2013, he had a Parrot Bluetooth radio and speakers installed by Wave Auto Sound in Costa Mesa, California. He made sure not to alter the body or interior when adding the stereo system, so it can easily be taken back out if desired. He also kept the original radio and it’s in working condition with the stock single speaker.
At that time, he also changed the look of the car by removing the American Racing wheels and put on replicas of the stock steel Delray wheel and hub cap combination with white wall tires. The wheels were painted to match the car. All this work was again done by Tim Beard Hot Rod Restorations in Hemet, CA.
The suspension features drop spindles up front and air shocks in the rear. There is a small oil leak towards the back of the motor. The paint has a few chips and there was some touch up underneath the driver’s side tail light.
Also included in the sale are:
- Original Manual Transmission and Installation Parts
- American Racing wheels and BFG black walls
- California Car Cover
- Original Owner’s Manual
More from the seller: “It tracks straight and with the new brakes stops well. It has a smooth ride and will cruise on the freeway at 75 without breaking a sweat. Even in stop and go traffic, the engine temp always stays cool. It’s awesome to hear the dual carbs suck air when you give it some throttle. I keep the car on a battery tender and it always starts right up.”
