Image: CAR Magazine
Image: CAR Magazine
Image: CAR Magazine
Image: CAR Magazine
Although Cape Town is dominated by euro cars and the occasional Italian supercar, it’s a breath of fresh air to see a pure-blooded American muscle car. Home to one iconic 80’s American muscle car is the Firebird cafe in Observatory.
Image: CAR Magazine
By way of an invitation that was forwarded to me in the early hours of one sweltering Saturday morning, I would end up coming across one of the most captivating automotive gems hidden in Cape Town. Depicting a meet-up of bold V8 totting American classics complimented by muscle-bound arm wrestlers, the Firebird cafe was said to be the staging ground for some sweaty spectacles.
Image: CAR Magazine
Tucked away in the recesses of a back street in Observatory hides a building with the words “The Firebird cafe” embroidered onto the black concrete surface. On this particular day, the building’s main resident, a 350hp 5,3-Litre V8-powered 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, could be seen squatting in front of the biker bar cafe.
Image: CAR Magazine
“What came first? The Firebird or the cafe?” Well, it was the Firebird, but the cafe had previously been serving as a storage space. During the Covid pandemic, however, the people renting the building had pulled out and that’s when the owner decided to convert the space into what is now known as The Firebird cafe. The owner of the car and the cafe, Toby, has owned the brutish icon for over seven years and has stated that he has no intention of letting it go anytime soon.
“I am married to it as I overspent on it for the last 7 years. I’ve always wanted a Trans Am since I was a kid.”
Image: CAR Magazine
Today, The Firebird cafe serves as a meeting ground and hangout for petrolheads and other octane-loving enthusiasts with the odd event here and there. As for the star attraction, it’s far from stock. Having received an LS 5,3-Litre conversion as well as a hot cam and electronic gearbox conversion, this sultry muscle car has some undeniable oomph and appeal.
Keyword: Stumbling across The Firebird Cafe. A cafe built around a 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am