Reviving a Legend:Kurt Kannemeyer’s Tribute to the Chevy Can-Am
There’s something about a genuine Chevy Can-Am that commands respect. With only around thirty of the original 100 homologation units left in existence, it’s no surprise that the Chevy Firenza, one of South Africa’s classic cult cars, often ends up cloned into its racing twin. These replicas get so close to the real deal that unless you’re diving deep into VIN numbers, you’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart.
Kurt Kannemeyer’s story is one many enthusiasts can relate to. About nine months ago, Kurt picked up his 1972 Chevy Firenza 2.5 GT from a seller in Port Elizabeth. Having already tinkered with another 2.5 GT by shoehorning a 350 and a four-speed manual into it, he was no stranger to a Chevy project. But this particular Firenza – with its potential to channel the Can-Am – was different. For Kurt, this wasn’t just a car; it was a throwback to his teenage years, when two Portuguese brothers in his neighborhood ran Can-Ams and fueled his lifelong love for Chevy muscle.
To seal the deal, Kurt and a buddy took the long trek to Port Elizabeth. They faced a foggy, 12-hour crawl back, squinting through the Firenza’s barely-there headlights. Once home, Kurt dug into the project, outfitting it with a Chevy Caprice front and rear suspension and a trusty 350 small block cooled by a dual-fan radiator. Paired with a 350 Turbo transmission, this Firenza was shaping up as a true street beast. Drag racing legend Willie Nel even stepped in to install a Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter, adding just the right edge.
While not technically a Can-Am, Kurt’s Firenza proudly wears the hallmarks of a close relative. With Street Fire ignition, MSD distributor, and MSD Blaster 3 coil, the setup is topped off with an Edelbrock Performer intake and carb. Mickey Thompson tappet covers – straight from Kurt’s old engine project – add that old-school flash. A Caprice-sourced diff handles the rear, while Caprice brakes and steering parts keep everything under control. American Racing wheels wrapped in Sonar 225/50R15 tires complete the look, with a Cowley Exhausts stainless steel system growling from beneath.
In Kurt’s words, it’s a Sunday car. But let’s be real: every day is Sunday when you’re behind the wheel of a machine like this. And judging by the attention it attracts, others can’t help but agree. During the shoot, a guy in a V8 bakkie pulled up and, like clockwork, gave his engine a few proud revs. But in the world of Chevys, there’s a saying – you don’t out-rev a Chevy.
Kurt’s Firenza is more than just a build; it’s a tribute to a dream he’s chased since he was fifteen. When he’s away working as a commercial diver, you can bet he’s counting the days till he’s back, cruising his own piece of Can-Am history. Whether it’s parked in his garage or tearing up the tarmac, this Chevy has a spirit all its own – a Sunday car that turns every day into a special drive.
To seal the deal, Kurt and a buddy took the long trek to Port Elizabeth. They faced a foggy, 12-hour crawl back, squinting through the Firenza’s barely-there headlights. Once home, Kurt dug into the project, outfitting it with a Chevy Caprice front and rear suspension and a trusty 350 small block cooled by a dual-fan radiator. Paired with a 350 Turbo transmission, this Firenza was shaping up as a true street beast. Drag racing legend Willie Nel even stepped in to install a Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter, adding just the right edge.
While not technically a Can-Am, Kurt’s Firenza proudly wears the hallmarks of a close relative. With Street Fire ignition, MSD distributor, and MSD Blaster 3 coil, the setup is topped off with an Edelbrock Performer intake and carb. Mickey Thompson tappet covers – straight from Kurt’s old engine project – add that old-school flash. A Caprice-sourced diff handles the rear, while Caprice brakes and steering parts keep everything under control. American Racing wheels wrapped in Sonar 225/50R15 tires complete the look, with a Cowley Exhausts stainless steel system growling from beneath.
In Kurt’s words, it’s a Sunday car. But let’s be real: every day is Sunday when you’re behind the wheel of a machine like this. And judging by the attention it attracts, others can’t help but agree. During the shoot, a guy in a V8 bakkie pulled up and, like clockwork, gave his engine a few proud revs. But in the world of Chevys, there’s a saying – you don’t out-rev a Chevy.
Kurt’s Firenza is more than just a build; it’s a tribute to a dream he’s chased since he was fifteen. When he’s away working as a commercial diver, you can bet he’s counting the days till he’s back, cruising his own piece of Can-Am history. Whether it’s parked in his garage or tearing up the tarmac, this Chevy has a spirit all its own – a Sunday car that turns every day into a special drive.
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