So many times I have marveled at the seeming multitudes of vintage American cars in the country of Cuba. There’s never been a lot of press on these cars but now that some of the barriers are down, I’m hoping there is a lot to learn about the car culture that as grown our of necessity. I’m not expecting to see a vintage Buick with the original V8 and perfect body and interior. I am hoping to see is what has been done to these cars. Some purists would might not be able stomach what has been accomplished but it is truly a unique sub-culture that has flourished on its own without all the trapping we have surrounding our beloved hobby.
The article below is from CarGurus blog via Throttel Response.
Cuban Car Culture
The cars of Cuba are somewhat legendary in the United States, because the vehicles that roamed the roads there in the 1950s are the same ones being driven today. Since we’re not allowed to go there, very few of us have seen them in person, yet we know they exist.
Does that mean American collectors should start salivating over the prospect of virtually untouched classics if Cuba and the U.S. become friends again?
Probably not. The 1959 Cuban revolution essentially put an end to imports of American cars, so Cubans have had to make do for the last 55 years with what they had, or buy Soviet-era imports. That means no new parts, no new cars and lots of Chevrolets and Buicks running with Soviet-made engines.
With over a half-century of neglect and little real maintenance, it’s a miracle that somewhere around 60,000 of these classics are still being driven. If the U.S. and Cuba do rekindle their old flame, it won’t be the Americans who benefit.
Read the rest at 60,000 Classic American Cars, and Three Good Ones.
I believe I have a few readers that may have first hand knowledge of the Cuban car culture. I’m always looking for more information. Have any images? Contact me via this blog and we’ll make a deal.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
