Charlie Palumbo’s 1957 Chevy

Story by Jerrette Kamaka
Photos by
February 16, 2007

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Ask any moderate or profound car enthusiast, and most of them will tell you that they were in elementary school when they first laid eyes on their dream car. In Charlie Palumbo’s case, he was 10 years old when he saw his dream car drive past him in Kaimuki.

“There was this car called the Chrome Angel that was cruising around,” says Palumbo."It was a blue metal flake ‘57 Chevy. And the whole interior of the car was all chrome. It was this amazing shiny thing, and was the most unreal car I’ve ever seen. It was like a boy’s jewelry box. The last time I saw that car was in 1977 and it was up for sale on a used car lot. And for a long time in the back of my mind I’ve always wanted to get a ‘57.”

Of course, finding a ‘57 Chevy that’s up for sale is not the hard part of getting the car - convincing your wife is. But Palumbo sat back and took a look at his accomplishments: He sent his wife to college, provided for his two daughters and bought a home in Hawaii Kai for his family. These are common feats for many fathers and husbands, but Palumbo also knew that things have been looking up for him for the next few years.

So what man would not want to get himself a little something after years of hard work and dedication?

“I’ve been married for 13 or 14 years, and there is never a good time to ask for a toy, especially one like this,” he says. “So six months ago I started asking her if I could get this car, and after a lot of negotiating, she finally said, ‘OK, go get your car.’ Most guys have to wait until their kids grow up and finish college and move out before they can get their dream car, or some have to retire and then get their car. I have a new saying,’Life is short, drive your dream.’”

What Palumbo almost forgot to mention was that he had to buy his wife a 2007 Toyota Camry in order to get his ‘57.

ENGINE

383 Stroker GM Crate Engine with aluminum heads, Holley carburated and dyno’ed at 425 HP

DRIVETRAIN

ATI 700R Automatic Transmission with a Currie 9-inch Ford Rear end

EXTERIOR

Black and white Glasurit paint, restored chrome and stainless steel, new glass and crossed flag badges on rear like original Black Widow.

SUSPENSION

KYB Adjustable shocks, 2-inch drop spindles, discs up front, oversized drum brakes in rear.

WHEELS

15-inch American Racing Torque D wheels with BF Goodrich rubber.

ELECTRONICS

Besides electronic ignition and a few digital guages, all other electrical redone during restoration.

INTERIOR

Black-and-white custom interior from Mitch’s Stitches in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

STEREO

Original radio rebuilt by Bob’s Radios in California. It has the old school look and modern electronics, AM/FM with iPod input, new speakers all around. The best solution for classic car stereo.

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