The streets of Cuba are a time machine for the automotive industry. When the US enacted the embargo against Cuba, it cut off all exports to the island and cars were the first thing to go. Over time, newer cars have been imported, but the 1950′s American-era hotrods still roam the streets. You won’t find a 69 Ford Mustang or a 72 Chevy Camaro, because of the embargo, but if you want to see 50′s-era American muscle… then Havana, Cuba is the place to be.
Some are used for taxis, others for personal transport. A few have been tricked-out and restored but for the most part, a lot of them just have a nice finish with little restoration done on the interior. Spending a week in Cuba was like going to a car show everyday. My only question is how the hell do they keep them running and where do they get the parts?
Question: Do you think the US embargo should be lifted on Cuba? If so, or not, why?
Those are some awesome cars! I love how they made the embargo situation work for them. Who needs to keep buying boring new cars when you have such beautiful cars already? I'm trying to figure out what kind of car that red one is. It'll probably bug me all day now. Great photos, thanks!
Shawn, Not sure what it was either. I know it's a Chevy but not sure what year it was… maybe a 55???
Those are awesome photos. I really want to get over there!
Stay tuned. T-roy has written up a few more posts about backpacking in Cuba.
Very awesome post! I wish cars were still stylish like that now… too bad the American car industry has completely sh*t the bed over the years…. think about it. Would you rather drive one of the cars pictures above, or a PT Cruiser?? Nuff said.
LOVE this post! Traveling to Cuba was one of the most extraordinary and life-changing trips I've ever made. The cars were fantastic!!! I got some pretty cool shots too, but yours are really impressive. I feel so grateful that I was able to visit the country before Fidel stepped down.
Thank you and glad you liked the pictures! Yes we want to see your pictures as well though. Send us a comment back with a link so we can check them out. If you want to see my others posts about Cuba you can find them here: http://www.foggodyssey.com/category/cuba/
Also I want to read anything you wrote about it as well! :)
Thanks for the link–can't wait to check it out. Here is a link to my blog entries on Cuba: http://blog.mybeautifuladventures.com/categorie.... I looked at your photos again and they are just simply amazing!!! Hope you have a couple framed?
LOVE this post! Traveling to Cuba was one of the most extraordinary and life-changing trips I've ever made. The cars were fantastic!!! I got some pretty cool shots too, but yours are really impressive. I feel so grateful that I was able to visit the country before Fidel stepped down.
Thank you and glad you liked the pictures! Yes we want to see your pictures as well though. Send us a comment back with a link so we can check them out. If you want to see my others posts about Cuba you can find them here: http://www.foggodyssey.com/category/cuba/
Also I want to read anything you wrote about it as well! :)
Thanks for the link–can't wait to check it out. Here is a link to my blog entries on Cuba: http://blog.mybeautifuladventures.com/categorie.... I looked at your photos again and they are just simply amazing!!! Hope you have a couple framed?