make of automobile (beating Ford, which held the title in 1957). The value of a drag coefficient for 1958 Chevy wagons as estimated by a-c, is 0.6. Befitting its bottom-end status, the Delray had minimal interior and exterior trim and limited options. As such, this model was popular with fleet buyers such as police departments and businesses. However, private customers could also buy a Delray if low price, economy and basic all-around transportation with the convenience of a full-size automobile were the primary goals. All transmissions were controlled by a lever on the steering column. The Powerglide automatic adopted the safer "PRNDL" shift pattern, instead of the previous "PNDLR" pattern. Engines Buyers could order any engine and transmission choice, including the new 348 V8 (1958 was the first year for Chevrolet's "big block" V8) and the fuel-injected 283 V8 engines. Blue Flame straight-six to Turbo Fire small block V8 to W-series Turbo Thrust big block V8 Safety Like the rest of Chevrolet's 1958 full size car line up, the Yeoman featured Chevrolet's new "Safety-Girder" cruciform frame. Similar in layout to the frame adopted for the 1957 Cadillac, it featured box-section side rails and a boxed front cross member that bowed under the engine, these "x-frames" were used on other 1958 to 1964 Chevys, as well as Cadillac. The rear was tied together by a channel-section cross member. This design was later criticized as providing less protection in the event of a side impact collision, but would persevere until 1965. Notes Further reading . Biel, John, "Dressed for Chores or Children: The 1954-57 Chevrolet Delray", Collectible Automobile, Publications International, LTD., August 2013, Volume 30, Number 2, Page 22. Delray Full-size vehicles Rear-wheel-drive vehicles 1950s cars Coupés Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States