Machine Mad - Charlies Custom Paint

I’m Charlie — car nut, paint slinger, burger lover, and proud owner of two rides that stir the soul and shake the streets:

The Evo 5 – Turbocharged Therapy

She’s a 1998 Mitsubishi Evo 5 in factory white (because there’s only one colour that matters).

Built for the street with a 2.0L turbo pushing 430hp thanks to a Steve Merch turbo, Link ECU, and enough HKS hardware to make Tokyo jealous.

It rides on 18” evo 10 wheels and BC Gold coilovers — raw, fast, loud, and guaranteed to make your heart skip when banging through gears.

Picked up in Wellington, drove her back to Auckland.

Wife asleep, JDM drivers awake… let’s just say the “low boost” setting didn’t get much use. 😏

This is my mental health car. Zero silence. All violence.

The ’62 Impala – OG Lowrider Royalty

My long-time love — a 1962 Chevy Impala I’ve had since I was 19.

Imported from the U.S., still rocking the OG paint, OG interior, and a buttery-smooth 283ci small block with a 2-speed Powerglide.

She lays frame on Slam Specialties air ride, cruises on 14x7.5 Supremes, and brings that classic LA lowrider vibe to every car meet.

This car isn’t just about cruising — it’s about culture, soul, and history. The Alpine sound system keeps the vibes rolling, but really, it’s all about soaking up the scene and watching jaws drop when she lays frame.

I was raised on hot rods, grew up painting, and modifying anything with wheels, and now I run my dream shop Charles Custom Paint, turning metal into art, one candy or flame job at a time.

Life’s better with boost, bags and burgers,

And when I’m not laying paint or laying frame — you’ll find me at BurgerFuel, smashing back my favourite bacon backfire with added pineapple 🔥.