Though Cape City is dominated by euro vehicles and the occasional Italian supercar, it’s a breath of contemporary air to see a pure-blooded American muscle automobile. Dwelling to 1 iconic 80’s American muscle automobile is the Firebird cafe in Observatory.
By means of an invite that was forwarded to me within the early hours of 1 sweltering Saturday morning, I’d find yourself coming throughout some of the charming automotive gems hidden in Cape City. Depicting a meet-up of daring V8 totting American classics complimented by muscle-bound arm wrestlers, the Firebird cafe was stated to be the staging floor for some sweaty spectacles.
Tucked away within the recesses of a again road in Observatory hides a constructing with the phrases “The Firebird cafe” embroidered onto the black concrete floor. On this specific day, the constructing’s fundamental resident, a 350hp 5,3-Litre V8-powered 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, could possibly be seen squatting in entrance of the biker bar cafe.
“What got here first? The Firebird or the cafe?” Properly, it was the Firebird, however the cafe had beforehand been serving as a cupboard space. Throughout the Covid pandemic, nonetheless, the individuals renting the constructing had pulled out and that’s when the proprietor determined to transform the area into what’s now often known as The Firebird cafe. The proprietor of the automobile and the cafe, Toby, has owned the brutish icon for over seven years and has acknowledged that he has no intention of letting it go anytime quickly.
“I’m married to it as I overspent on it for the final 7 years. I’ve all the time needed a Trans Am since I used to be a child.”
Right now, The Firebird cafe serves as a gathering floor and hangout for petrolheads and different octane-loving fans with the odd occasion right here and there. As for the star attraction, it’s removed from inventory. Having acquired an LS 5,3-Litre conversion in addition to a sizzling cam and digital gearbox conversion, this sultry muscle automobile has some undeniable oomph and appeal.
