SP Rides: ‘I love you, Peggy Sue!’
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Bill Salvador
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired executive chef
Hobbies: Fishing, classic cars, cooking
Year/Make/Model: 1980 Chevrolet El Camino
Color: Tuxedo Black
Engine: 305 Hi performance police special with aluminum heads, 4-barrel carb
Transmission: Power Lock rear end, 700r4 transmission with B&M shift kit
Wheels/Tires: OEM Rally Wheels, Sumitomo HTR T4 Tires P205/70R14
Bill Salvador remembers his first ride — a 1939 Mercury that he raced at Kahuku on a regular basis before he took on the legendary Shirley Shahan in her Drag-On Lady drag racer at Hawaii Raceway Park. He’s burned rubber elsewhere, even Sandy Beach. But for this retired executive chef, it’s always been about the memories and nostalgia — which are precisely the reasons why he fell in love with this 1980 Chevrolet El Camino.
“It’s always been about cooking and speeding,” said Salvador, laughing.
He’s owned two of these beauties previously, but he’s absolutely smitten with this particular model. El Caminos are already rare on the island, which makes this ride even more special.
Painted in Tuxedo Black, it practically soaks up the light while reflecting the environment in its mirror-polished surface. The engine features a 305 Hi performance police special with aluminum heads. A 4-barrel carburetor provides some breathing space while a new 700r4 transmission with a B&M shift kit helps transfer the power to the Power Lock rear end. The OEM wheels are the factory spec rally rims, and they are in immaculate condition.
King’s Upholstery redid the interior to an incredible blue and white combo, the result of which is absolutely sumptuous. Even the roof lining has diamond stitching. The interior is clean and beautiful and features a trio of gauges to help keep tabs on the ride. This vehicle is updated with a complete AC overhaul as well as booming speaker system to rock the night away.
Vehicles often represent who their owners are and this ride is no different. Its license plate, CHEF-1, was presented to Salvador after he captured eight gold medals at the International Exhibition of Culinary Art in Germany — a feat that no Hawaiian team has ever duplicated. Additionally, he earned a badge from the American Academy of Chefs that he proudly displays in the back of his El Camino.
“I love classic cars. I’ve owned so many of them … I used to build them, but now I have other people build them for me,” explained Salvador. Added his wife, Patty Sue: “It brings back a lot of happy memories, nostalgia, especially when he plays his ’50s rock n’ roll.”
More than a car, this ride is a symbol for Salvador — so much so that he named it “Peggy Sue” after his mother, Peggy, and wife. “My mom gave me life, and she gave me love,” said Salvador, who had the vehicle’s name stitched into the dash cover as an added touch.
